By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is headed south to Bentonville, Arkansas for the Top Gun Synergy Showcase. This event closes out the summer season for Top Gun Events. There will be 20 teams across the 16u and 18u divisions from six different states.

The Synergy Showcase will have two pools in both age divisions. The first round of games will start at 3 PM on Friday. Pool play will resume on Saturday at 9 AM and run until 7 PM. Bracket play will begin at 8 AM on Sunday for both age divisions.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Take a look at a few of the teams joining us below!

16u

Legends Fastpitch National Teters

Coaching Staff: Shawn Teters and Linnie Malkin

Team Social Media Handles: Legends National 2026 (Facebook) & @LegendsNatl2026 (X)

2024 Spring Successes: Top 32 in the Open Division at Sparkler, 2^nd place in the top bracket of the MS Bombers Invite

Key Players: Kennedy Smith – hitting .473 with 5 HRs and 23 RBIs, Macie Ramsey – hitting .533 with 5 HRs and 33 RBIs, Hope Konkler – hitting .466 with .551 OBP, Ava Stimis – hitting .426 with 13 doubles and 5 HRs. Alyssa Lovell, Hope Konkler, Bryley Bratcher – going into the Sparkler, they had a combined 3.01 ERA and 1.0 WHIP

Expectations for 2024 Summer Season: To put our girls in position to accomplish their athletic and academic goals while continuing to set the standard for development of talent.

18u

G2 Heat Fastpitch Academy VanZant

Coaching Staff: Ryan VanZant, MacKenzie Lutz, Giselle Graciano, Anthony Gonzalez

Team Social Media Handles: G2 Heat VanZant (Facebook), @G2HeatVZ (X)

2024 Spring Successes: 1^st Place Memorial Day Stars and Stripes 18u Open Wichita, 1^st place Platinum USA Preps Stars and Stripes Las Vegas, undefeated 2&C summer showcase before rain

Key Players: Uncommitted – Hailey Ediger (‘25/P), Brook Koenigsman (‘25/OF)

Expectations for 2024 Summer Season: Finish out playing strong, quality softball.

Legends Fastpitch 18u APE

Coaching Staff: Chris Lamson (HC), Kyleigh Wheaton (Assistant), Steve Carter

Team Social Media Handles: @18U_Legends_APE

2024 Spring Successes: Top 3 Perfect Game West Coast Regional, Top 10 USAES World Series, 3-0 Memorial Day PGF prior to weather cancellation

Key Players: All of them! 3 2025’s that are uncommitted: Dahana Tuomala (CF/SS), Khyleigh Kelly (OF/2^nd), Josie Samarin (P)

Good luck to all of the teams playing this weekend!

By: Trey Donovan

Going alongside the Tulsa Elite Summer Invite, the Heartland College Showcase is running this weekend from June 7 through June 10. The event will be played at the Blue Valley Recreation Complex and Adair Park in Lee’s Summit. The tournament is run through an open division and an invite division with around 136 teams signed up across both divisions. The event will have 14u, 16u, and 18u teams from Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas.

 Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): Free

Teens & Adults (13-64): $12.00

Senior (65+): $6.00

Military: Free

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

14u Invite

Kansas Renegades Enfield

Coaching Staff: Leeza Enfield and Robert Thomas

Team Social Media: Kansas Renegades Enfield (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: In summer 2023 as a first year 14’s team we placed 5th in the Kansas-Missouri USSSA State Championship, and we went 18-11-1 for the season. In fall 2023 we had two 1st place finishes and three 3rd place finishes. In spring 2024 we won 1st in the Mother’s Day Play for Rings and 2nd in the Wichita 7 Game Showdown.

Key Players: Emerson Hiebert pitcher and infielder who brings morale to this team every chance she can play hard and does whatever she can for the team.

Lexie Brasser is an outfielder and middle infielder with a great attitude and great addition to the team. She also brings a strong bat to this team.

Jaycie Thomas all around utility player who can play anywhere on the field the team needs her to play and brings a strong bat to the team.

Kylie Matthews pitcher who continues to improve her pitching abilities.

Expectations for 2024 Season: We expect to continue to play many exceptional teams this summer. In doing so we will be challenging ourselves so that we can improve our game and be the best version of our team. We will instill the love of the game by cheering each other on that way we can succeed on and off the field.

TBSA Wahoos ’09 Smithers

Coaching Staff: Bob Smithers, Chris Jones, and Josh Warren

Team Social Media: @tbsa_wahoos_09 (Twitter/X), TBSA Wahoos ’09 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 9/8: PG College Showcase Louisville Slugger (Peoria, Il) 3 -2 losing twice to same pitcher, shut out first game and put up 8 next. (Schlader 2027 twice) –  9/22: LP4U Queen of the Hill 3-2  (Peoria, Il) – 10/14: Top 100 Showcase (Grand Park, IN)  2-3 with 3 one run games losses – 10/22: PG Top 100 Showcase 5-0 (Chesterfield, MO),  10/28: LP4U Showcase 3-1 (Peoria, Il).

Key players: Addi Jones ’27, C/CF, #40: incredible leadoff hitter with slap and power, L/L, blocking, framing, and picking are off the charts.  One of the fastest players you will see on the field, constantly pushing the envelope making plays happen. Her secondary position is CF and is a D1 talent there as well.  Addi is currently in the final 4 of the Illinois State Finals as the leadoff hitter, currently hitting over .400, OPB .580, leading the conference in runs scored.  She is also playing 3B and well, as a lefty, an amazing athlete!

Khloe Kearns ’28, P, #16: spin rates are off the charts.  5 pitch arsenal with Fastball (60), Screw Ball (58), Rise (58-60), Curve Ball (56) and Change (dies midway in, 42-45).  Has pitched in the national spotlight on ESPN a year ago and dominated.  Khloe pitches with an edge and calmness that is hard to find a balance in.  The power and movement mixed with incredible changeup she gets a lot of swing and miss, and soft contact.

Elle Smithers ’27, SS/3B #1:  Left-handed power bat (L/R), runs the bases well, will be one of the better defenders on the left side of the infield at any tournament.  Strong arm, very fast feet and always in the game assessing the game, communicating with her teammates.  She has been a leader that this team has leaned on, whether it be a moment that we need picked up or just to calm the team in a big moment.  Was named 1 of 4 varsity captains this year, as a freshman. Finished freshman season with a .980 OPS (15 singles, 9 doubles, 4 triples, 3HR), a true leader with D1 talent.

I could keep going, they are all very disciplined at the plate and defensively.

Expectations for 2024 Season:  Showcase in front of as many schools on all levels as possible this year, staying focused on the Midwest where all the players will attend college in some capacity.  We are unique to most teams we compete with; we have a very close-knit group.  All have played against or with each other competing since 8U.  We have continued to add talent throughout central Illinois but have a core of 6 that have pushed each other for the last 5 years.    We have an indoor facility that allows us to work year-round, keeping up with the national programs.  My expectations this year are to make several “grocery lists” as we can heading into 16U.

ROI Fastpitch Kessler

Coaching Staff: Brad Kessler.

Team Social Media: @R.O.I Fastpitch (Twitter/X), R.O.I Fastpitch (Facebook), R.O.I Fastpitch (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Summer record: 75-15-3, Fall record: 19-2.

Key Players: Gabriyella Kessler #77-Shortstop, Raegan Brandt #7/Pitcher, Maisey McCarty #55/Pitcher/1^st, Courtney Bandy #16/Pitcher.

Expectations for 2024 Season: To continue to develop and compete at the highest level against the best teams.

16u Invite

St Louis Chaos Roth

Coaching Staff: Jeff Roth and John Kiene.

Team Social Media: @chaos08Roth (Twitter/X), St Louis Chaos National 16u Roth (Facebook), @STLCHAOS08ROTH (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 3rd place finish at USSSA Nationals and 2nd place finish at PG Midwest Iowa Nationals.

Key Players: 2025 Sophia Otten – 3B, 1B, RHP

2025 Jalaya Ries – OF

2026 Coley Hunt – Catcher, Utility

2026 Summer Branch – RHP, 3rd

2026 Aidan Dintelman – RHP, 1B

2026 Ameila Raziq – 3rd, 1st, Catcher

Expectations for 2024 Season: Build a strong team foundation, promote the girls and finish strong in the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series.

Nebraska National Taylor 16u

Coaching Staff: Brett Taylor & Kirsten Dargy

Team Social Media: @NENational08 (Twitter)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-42-29-3 playing an elite level schedule last season

-1^st Place at Top Gun NE National Tourney

-2^nd Place at Top Gun Thunder/NE Gold Tourney

-2^nd Place at USSSA 16) Swing into Spring

-3^rd Place at Top Gun Swing into Spring Tourney

-4^th Place at USSSA SEC National Championship

-7 Top 4 finishes out of 10 tournaments (not including rain shortened/canceled tournaments)

-14U PGF Nationals at large bid (Platinum Division)

Key Players:

-Maizey Carpenter

-Toria Rother

-Lauren Schneider

-Elli Ridgley

-Alexa Taylor

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are an improved team over last year. We have a great group of girls and parents. Our goal as coaches is to continue to develop our players to help them reach their potential.

18u Invite

South Dakota Renegades McDougall

Coaching Staff: Kara McDougall and Ashley Mickschl. Kara – 2019 National Champion at Augustana University as a player, 2021 National Champion at West Texas A&M as a graduate assistant. All NSIC and All NSIC Academic, NFCA Scholar Athlete

Ashley – 2019 National Champion at Augustana. D2 National Championships Tournament MVP. 4X NFCA All American. Won 114 games in her career at Augie.

Team Social Media: @south_04 (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: South Dakota State Champions 16u, 18u Top Gun Elite Champions, Boulder IDT participant.

Key Players: Paxton Dekkers – Uncommitted 2025 1B/3B/DP who is just tapping into her power potential. In 22 games this high school spring season Paxton hit .491 with 28 hits, 6 doubles and 8 home runs. had an OPS of 1.636.

Madison Evans – dominant pitcher that misses barrels. Elite two-way player that often hits from the lead-off spot as well. Led her high school to an undefeated season and state championship in the spring of 2024. Committed to University of South Dakota

Amanda Vacanti – Game changing power. 17 doubles and 19 home runs in summer 2023. Committed to South Dakota State University.

Norah Christiansen – Energy leader with a lot of power in the middle of the lineup. Plays to win and can play anywhere on the field with elite arm strength. Committed to Augustana University (SD).

Claire Wynja – An absolute gamer and leader on the field. Has great range, great speed and can hit for both power and average from the top of the lineup. Committed to South Dakota State University.

Tierney Schramm – breakout season in summer of 2024 with 19 doubles and 5 home runs moving back and forth from middle infield to the outfield. Walked 39 times from the left side. Committed to Augustana University (SD).

Expectations for 2024 Season: This team has been in the works for many years. Watching these players develop into the elite players they are, has been a joy. They work hard, stay focused while having fun and enjoy the process behind everything. We expect them to compete and play against the best across the nation this summer in preparation for many to go off to great colleges and universities this fall or to come back for their senior year. They have a grueling 8-week schedule against some amazing competition, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to push them to get them ready for their collegiate careers.

Nebraska Gold Jarzboski

Coaching Staff: Edward Jarzobski (9^th year coaching competitive softball), Maurice Anderson (10^th year coaching competitive softball, NE Gold coach Team Anderson and Softball President MUS) & Dave Hobza (7^th year coaching competitive softball)

Team Social Media: @negold18u (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 6 seniors went on to play in college (1 D1, 1 D2, 1 D3, 3 NAIA), All 12 of our current seniors are committed to play in college (2 D1, 4 D2, 6 NAIA)

Key Players: Mackenzie Groniga, Emi Waldow, Katelyn Jarzobski, Addy Hobza, Kriestyn Linn

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Goal is to finish top 4 Top Gun Viper and top 10 in Top Gun Championship

St Louis Chaos 18u Mazzola

Coaching Staff: Steve Mazzola, Randy Viefhaus, Katlyn Thomas, and Skeeter Gentile.

Team Social Media: @stlchaos04 (Twitter/X), St Louis Chaos 18u-Mazzola (Facebook), Stllouischaos04 (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 was a fun year with lots of girls committing to schools and playing in some of the best tournaments in the country. Probably one of the most memorable tourneys of ‘23 was the Alliance National Championship in California. After we got our girls back in the fall from Missouri High School Softball, we competed in 3 exposure tournaments before headed into December.

Key Players: Sophi Mazzola-University of Washington

Emma Gipson-Southern Illinois U-Carbondale

Hailey Nuener-Harvard University

AJ Jones-Loyola University

Lauren Nichols-Southern Illinois U-Edwardsville

Carle Bachman-Southern Illinois U-Edwardsville

Lauren Rowland-Missouri State University

Jay Brister- Northern Illinois University

Trinity Brandhorst-University of Illinois-Chicago

Tyra Haffer-Southwest Baptist University

Kylie Witthaus-Southern Indiana University

Expectations for 2024 Season: Have fun and make it a memorable one for our seniors. To prepare all of these kids for the next level and win some ballgames! The goal is to make it to Super Regionals in the Alliance National Championship and see what happens.

18u Texas Glory Agnew

Coaching Staff: Taylor Agnew, Ryan Zamudio, and Molly Huffman.

Team Social Media: @TXGloryCO (Twitter/X), Texas Glory, CO – Agnew (Facebook), tx_glory_co (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finished fall season 8-1; Finished 5-0 @ Don Battles On, outscoring opponents 54-16. Fall season- scored 80 runs, allowed 25. No 2023 summer season.

Key Players: Hadley Hudson, 2024 RHP, Southwestern Oregon CC commit. Reagan Diamond, 2024 C, Carnegie Mellon commit. Kaylee McDonald, 2024 3B, Ohio University commit. Marisol Miranda, OF, uncommitted. Avery Salisbury, 2025 SS, uncommitted. Reagan Agnew, 2024 2B, Hutchinson CC commit. Natalynn Lundeen, 2024 C, Hamline commit. Lia Martinez, 2025 3B, uncommitted.

Expectations for 2024 Season:  Our expectation is to be competitive in every game we play. Win or lose, we compete on every pitch of every inning. Of course, we also want to win and look to finish at the top of each tournament. Through all this, we want our players heading to college in the Fall to be as prepared as they can be to step foot on campus.

14u Open

Synergy Gold Clurman 14u

Coaching Staff: Cam Clurman (head coach), Willie Dean (assistant coach) & Jeremiah Feurt (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: Synergy Softball Organization (Facebook), & synergysoftballorg (Instagram & TikTok)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: 2^nd place at Road to the Beach 12A Nationals in Destin, FL

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Competing in Top Gun Events, PGF Stars and Stripes, 13A Nationals in Nashville, TN.

KC Rebels Lickel

Coaching Staff: Dan Lickel (head coach), Megan Arnott (assistant coach), Bob Waddel (assistant coach) & Mitch Hughes (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: KC Rebels 14A Lickel (Facebook) & @KCRebelsLickel (X)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: 1^st Place Swing for the Rings

Key Players: All of ‘em.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Top Gun Ranger, USA Memorial Day, Top Gun Discovery Showcase, Top Gun Heartland Showcase, PG Recruit Revolution Showcase, USSSA Dust & Diamonds, USA Heartland World Series

16u Open

Tenacity Hagardt

Coaching Staff: Sarah Hagardt, Jeff McCoy, and Kenny Clinton.

Team Social Media: @tfhagardt (Twitter/X), Tenacity Fastpitch – Hagardt (Facebook), @tfhagardt (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We, as a team, strive to push our ladies to a higher level while maintaining the love of the game.  We played a tough schedule, placing the ladies in events that were above their skill level at the time, to show them the levels that can be achieved with hard work and determination.  They succeeded in so many ways and learned valuable lessons along the way.  We ended strong with a nice showing in a national tournament, finishing in 3rd place.  It’s not about the wins and losses, as it is about teamwork, commitment, and playing for each other.  Success can be found in many ways, and to measure that in our year, we were very successful.  It allowed several of our players to break out and get awarded in their high school level endeavors.

Key Players: We are big believers in win as a team and learn as a team.  Each player has a place, and this can’t be done with just one player.  We do have some successful players in their respective high school teams that make it a key to our success.  Without these players to push us along, we would be a much different team.  They are our engine and our leaders.

Kendall McCoy- #0- P/OF

Brie Chilton- #23- P/1B

Taryn Hagardt-#1 SS

Rylee Harper- #19- OF

Kara Goeke-#42 P/1B

Harlow Hawkins- #21 C

Mylee Harper- #14 OF

Expectations for 2024 Season: We will continue to build on the past successes, while pushing to new levels.  Continue to build new skill sets and instill confidence at whatever level they play.  Allow them to have fun and be who they are yet showing them how to be first class pillars in their schools and communities. We challenge them to be better every day.

KC Bombers Adkins

Coaching Staff: James Adkins, Aaron Kaden, Makena Adkins & Cody Winburn

Team Social Media: Bombers KC Fastpitch (Facebook) & @KCBombersAdkins (X)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: As a young 15U squad, we saw a lot of development amongst our players and finished with an overall 31-31-4 record against strong competition from across the Midwest.

Key Players: Pitchers Addison Cole & Trinity Krause and hitters Madison Dudok, Joselyn Gartner & Hannah Winburn

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are playing a Top Gun heavy schedule, also with trips to Nebraska and to the Southeast Bombers Invitational in Mississippi with the goal of playing competitive winning softball and providing our players an opportunity to play in front of college coaches from across the country.

18u Open

KC Rebels National Ingle

Coaching Staff: Mark Ingle, Buddy Letts, and Ivana Taylor.

Team Social Media: @KCRebels_Ingle (Twitter/X), KC Rebels National Ingle (Facebook).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 6/7 – 6/9 Top Gun Heartland College Showcase
6/13 – 6/16 AFA National Championship (St. George, Utah)
6/21 – 6/23 KC Metro A Championship
7/1 – 7/7 IDT Colorado (Louisville, CO)
7/11 – 7/14 Top Gun Events Elite Championship
7/19 – 7/28  PGF National Championship (Huntington Beach, CA)

Key Players: MaKenzie Yoder, 2024, SS/OF

Salah Williams, 2025, OF/UT

Emma Reeves, 2025, MIF/OF

Addison Arbo, 2026, RHP/1B

Kaylee Wood, 2027, CIF, OF

Primetime Koozer

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Todd Koozer & Assistant Coaches Kelsey Koozer and Alyssa Grewcock

Team Social Media: @Primetime_Kooz (Twitter) & primetimesoftball06.com

Key Players:

-2024 Kaidence Dumas – Quincy University commit, powerful hitter who will pitch, play 3B and 1B

-2025 Makala Koozer – Uncommitted, great speed, slapper/power slapper, OF

-2024 Avery Gossett – Fort Hays State commit, great athlete, really good power at the plate, OF

-2024 Morgan Stock – College of St. Mary’s commit, very fast, versatile hitter, OF

-2025 Sydney Atkins – Uncommitted, pitcher & has become a good hitter

-2024 Joslyn Policky – Southeastern CC commit, catcher, SS, 3B

Expectations for the 2024 Spring Season: As a team, we have always prided ourselves on developing kids and getting them prepared for the next level by using a team first mentality and competing against high level competition. This team was created with the purpose of having fun, while still being able to accomplish those high goals and expectations.

By: Trey Donovan

The Tulsa Elite Summer Invite kicks off this weekend on June 7 and finishes on June 10 in Broken Arrow, OK at Arrowhead Park and at Bentley Park in Bixby, OK. The three-day event will have teams from Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. The event will have 12u, 14u, 16u, and 18u teams. The 16u and 18u teams will play at Arrowhead Park while the 14u and 12u teams will play at Bentley Park.

Tournament Pass Fees:

Adults aged 18-64: $20.00

Seniors: $10.00

Children aged 10-17: $10.00

Children under 9: Free

Check out some of the teams joining the tournament below!

12u

Texas Elite Premier

Coaching staff: Bryan Simmons and David Churchill.

Team Social Media: @TEP2k11 (Twitter/X), Texas Elite Premier 12u (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: For fall and summer seasons we have finished top 5 in tournaments 5 times, top 3 two times, and top 2 one time.

Key players: Jana Anderson, Ashlyn Childress, and Samantha Blalock

Expectations for 2024 season: Finish ranked top 5 in the state of Texas again

Legends Fastpitch 2011 Select

Coaching Staff: Alayna Farris, Kory Bible, and Mele Lone

Team Social Media: Legends Fastpitch 2011 Select (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We are coming off two great seasons that have built on each other. The summer of 2023 ended with a top 8 out of 43 finish in the gold bracket at the Midwest National Championship in Des Moines, IA. During the fall of 2023, the highlight was finishing in the top 4 at the PGF Midwest Shootout in Broken Arrow, OK! A tournament loaded with the top 2011 teams! We don’t shy away from competition!

Key Players: Rylee Stark- pitching, our Ace can hit a spot at any given time, Kyndal Clark- pitching, she brings the needed speed to vary up our pitching, Zoey Farris- catcher/outfield- she is a force behind the plate and covers so much ground in the outfield. Zoey is also clutch when needed and has had many walk offs last season and this season, Bree Shoemake- 1st/outfield- the lefty can swing the bat and drive in runs.

Expectations for 2024 Season: I expect this team to continue competing with the best competition out there. We have shown time and again that we can compete at any level, whether it’s our own 12u age group or playing up in 14u. I anticipate another year of success as we capitalize on our growth this season, both physically and mentally.

14u

Select Fastpitch Waters

Coaching Staff: Diane Waters, Susan Kuzmic, and Fred Frantz

Team Social Media: @SelectWaters (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Fall record 26-9-1. Many first place and top three finishes.

Key Players: Gabby Frantz, Logan Waters, Liz Peery, Emma Hadley.

Expectations for 2024 Season: Continue to develop and take softball IQ to the next level.

OK Bombers King

Coaching Staff: Casey King (head coach) & Cody Warner (assistant coach)
Team Social Media Handles: @OkBombersX09 (X), OkBombersX09 (Instagram) & Oklahoma Bombers X09 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Runner up at USSSA Gulf Coast National Championship

Key Players: Kylie King (RHP/1B), Abigail Rainey (SS), Kynlee DiLibero (C/UTL), Landen Warner (OF/1B), Kenzie Howard (C) & Jaziah Pierce (UTL)

Expectations for 2024 Season: For 2024, our expectations have been set high, and we look to have success in the most competitive tournaments in the area. We are excited about competing in lots of great events, where we will get to compete against lots of quality teams! We have been, and continue to, put in lots of hard work and feel like we can compete with any team we play. We are excited about attending the Sparkler tournament in Colorado and look to earn a berth in the Alliance Championship in California. Focus on improving every time out, we have been playing at a pretty high level and look to keep that trajectory going upwards and getting consistently better!

16u

Legends 16u National Team

Coaching Staff: Lance Nations, Kyle Jordan and Taylor Crowell.

Team Social Media: Legends Fastpitch 16u National (Facebook), @LegendsFastpit2 (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Summer of 2023, we played 14U A ball with a record of 47-20-1. Key wins over Midwest Speed, Nebraska Quakes, Epic Fastpitch, Texas Glory Naudin, Athletics Mercado 2026, American Freedom, Impact Gold, Vison 2026, Aces and Select FP to name a few, as well as tied Hotshots Premier. Earned our ticket to the Alliance Championship, Won the 2023 USSSA 14A National Championship. Fall of 2023 we moved to 16u A. with a 20-7 record and Key Wins over Aces, Top Gun, Vision, Apex National, Tulsa Elite, Illinois Force and Iowa Slammers to name a few. Finished 1st in several events as well the CBC Showcase in Central Arkansas.

Key Players: 2027 – Catcher Olivia Nations lead the team with a .377 BA followed by 2027 Tayla Vance with a .360 and only had 3 k’s in over 27 games played. Nations also led the team with 20 hits. 2027 Rylin Stringfellow lead the team in OBP with a .444 followed by 2026 Iris Still with a .431. 2027 Ella LaBounty led the team in SLG % with .818 and 4 HRs 9 doubles and 3 triples and lead with 23 RBIs. Followed by Stringfellow with a .774 and 3 HR. Vance stole 15 bases followed by 2027 Regan Crusinbery with 13.

Pitching staff: 2027 Rylin Stringfellow, Callie Jordan, Ella LaBounty, and 2025 Kylee Walters combined for 161 strikeouts. Stringfellow led the rotation with 45 strikeouts and a combined ERA of 3.92. LaBounty posted an ERA of 2.05 and they had a combined opponents batting average of .274.

Expectations for 2024 Season: Our expectations for the 2024 season is to compete against some of the best competition our area has to offer and get our girls in front of as many college coaches as possible. We are young but making a impact on the game and really turning some heads. Our main focus is competing and getting our kids seen.

Colorado Stars Kapelke

Coaching Staff: Jeremy Kapelke, James Sandoval, Javier Saenz, and Ryan Wheaton.

Team Social Media: @Cstarskapelke (Twitter/X), Colorado Stars Kapelke (Facebook), CO_Stars07 (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Tied for ninth in the IDT and the TC World Series.

Key Players: Pitcher Jenna McGinnis (2027), middle infielder Kiley Wheaton (2026), pitcher Brynn Trujillo (2025), catcher Neila Lucero (2025).

Expectations for 2024 Season: Six tournament wins so far this season with five of them being at the 18u level. Continue to build on that.

Pryme 16u Premier – Ray

Coaching Staff: Jeff Ray, Katie Ehrlich.

Team Social Media: @prymefastpitch (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Semi-finalist at Ringneck International Invite. Finished as Sunday Qualifier at the Texas Glory Shootout (final 8 out of 70+ teams). 5-2 record at the Heartland Showcase. Perfect Game Play4Jay 18u Champs. TCS City of Lights Fall Showcase, 5-0 record. Runner up at Perfect Game Scouting Combine Championship.

Key Players: Paiton Hedges, C/1B (2025), Brookyln Ray, C/IF (2025), Riley Westmoreland, OF/MIF (2025), Adisyn Peetoom, RHP (2025), Abbi Godfrey, MIF/UT/RHP (2025), Isabell Daniels, SS/3B (2025).

Expectations for 2024 Season: 24-9 so far in 2024. PG OKC Challenge and PG Play4Jay 18u Champs. Expectations are to compete deep in every tournament we enter and find the best recruiting fit for our 2025’s by the end of the summer season.

Prime 16u National

Coaching Staff: Doug Steritt, Jason Miller, Ellie Johnson.

Team Social Media: @ar_prime_sb (Twitter/X), Prime Softball Academy (Facebook), ar_prime_sb (Instagram) @prime_sb5 (TikTok).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: This is a new team.

Key Players: Skylar Steritt, MIF/OF, being recruited by Arkansas, Baylor, and Kansas. One of the best athletes – male or female – in Arkansas (2026). Sadie Steritt, MIF/OF, best bat to ball skills in the organization as a 2028 (2028). Mady Hokams, C/3B, 70 mph arm and 1.68 pop time (2027). Addison Fulbright, OF/C, plus athlete with several college offers (2025). Kaydee Brown, RHP, rising star in the organization and on multiple college radars (2026). Kend’ra Terry, LHP, 60+ mph arm with massive natural movement (2027).

Expectations for 2024 Season: We love this team and have high expectations for them when they get their legs underneath them. Skylar is truly one of the top players in America that very few know about yet. She’s an 11-time state champion in Arkansas as a sophomore in softball and track. Mady Hokams is as good of a catcher defensively as you’re ever going to find and she’s a 9th grader. The arms have big upside, and we think that this group’s overall athleticism will translate to big success going forward.

18u

Top Gun Gammons

Coaching Staff: Greg Gammons, Kaityln Gammons, and Justin Jeter.

Team Social Media: @TGF_17_National

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 7-3 record as a new team in the fall. Second place at the Space Coast Invitational.

Key Players: Emma Jane Ogle (2024, William Jewel College), Curstin Todd (2024, Northwest Missouri State), Erza Medrano (2025), Marissa Riggle (2025), Cayden VonSande (2025), Elly Robbins (2025).

Expectations for 2024 Season: Looking forward to a great spring helping our seniors prepare for the next level and wrapping up our 2025 recruiting.

Prime 18u National

Coaching staff: Jay Lupo, Lucien Loyd, James Lyle, Bill Camplain.

Team Social Media: @ar_prime_sb (Twitter/X), Prime Softball Academy (Facebook), ar_prime_sb (Instagram) @prime_sb5 (TikTok).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Made it to the quarterfinals of the Tulsa Elite Fall Invite. Top five finish at the World Fastpitch Championship in KC. Third place at the HFL Fall National Championship.

Key Players: Emory Bowlin, RHP, one of Arkansas’ top pitchers (UCA, 2025). Alaina Lyle, LHP/1B, one of the top two-way players in Arkansas (Ouachita Baptist, 2025). Abby Lowery, OF, elite athlete that doubles as a track star (Arkansas Tech, 2025). Ally Mendoza, OF, wizard with the leather (National Park CC, 2024). Sara Camplain, OF, high-ceiling power-slapping LHH (National Park CC, 2024). 10 of the 12 players on the roster are committed to schools at the next level.

Expectations for 2024 Season: We expect this group to continue their ascension on the national scene. They’ve gotten better and better every year, and we expect that to continue this summer. We think this is the best version yet. Our goal is to come to events like the TE Invite and win them.

Nebraska Gold National Singleton

Coaching Staff: Beth Singleton, Craig Boyer, and Brock Anderson.

Team Social Media: @NebGold18s (Twitter/X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Tulsa Elite Invite 18u Champions, third place at Easton Rawlings Invite, and third place at Top Club Nationals.

Key Players: RHP Mila Fiordalisi (Cornell), C Kiara Bellido (Syracuse), SS Skarlett Jones (Nebraska), SS Kaylie Whidden (Wisconsin), RHP Elysa Hydock (Northern Colorado), UTL Kiley Kindelspire (Drake).

Expectations for 2024 Season: Neb Gold looks to have another solid summer with the goal of top finishes at some of the big National events. The experience and leadership of Whidden will be counted on to anchor a young core of versatile athletes.

18u Impact Gold Bryant

Coaching Staff: Misty Bryant and Candain Callahan.

Team Social Media: @IGDFW_Bryant (Twitter/X), 18u Impact Gold Bryant (Facebook).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finished top six in Tier 1 at Team 1 Invite. Finished second at TFL Fall Championship.

Key Players: C Maggie Castaneda (2025), SS Payton Alexander (2025), CF Nevaeh Carter (2025), pitcher Alexis Taylor (2024).

Expectations for 2024 Season: My expectation for this season is to get my 2025’s committed and for the girls to enjoy one last summer with our eight seniors.

Vision Gold 18u

Coaching Staff: Erica Derryberry, Larry Tinkler, Kenzie Derryberry (member of Missouri State Softball team).

Team Social Media: @FastpitchVision (Twitter/X), VisionFastpitch (Facebook), vision_gold_18u (Instagram).

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 18U Vision Gold had a great 2023 season, winning the Top Gun Prospect Series Tournament and the Perfect Game Elite 8 Invite. We also finished 5th in the Perfect Game Fall Elite Showcase, and 3rd in the upper flight of the Tulsa Elite Fall Invite. We also had very good showings last summer at the Tulsa Elite Invite, Top Gun Invite (Maverick Division), Scenic City Showcase, and World Fastpitch Championships.

Key Players: Alexis Franklin has been a big-time performer for us, leading us last season in both hitting and pitching.  She set multiple Arkansas High School State records this year and will be attending Pitt State in the fall to attend school and play softball. Amber Turner has been a force at the plate for us. She just finished helping her Bentonville High School team to, yet another state championship hit .800 for us in our first weekend out this summer.  She will be attending Tulsa University in the fall to attend school and play softball. Kadence Janney has helped us a ton both on the mound and at the plate. She is a true 3-way player who will be attending Missouri Southern in the fall to go to school and play softball. Keeley Elsea is an absolute force at the plate. She hit .395 for us last fall and dominated her high school season as well.  She will be attending Southwest Baptist University in the fall to go to school and play softball.

We currently have 4 uncommitted players:

Talyn Jackson (2025 C) – Talyn started behind the plate every game this spring for her Rogers High School team and can absolutely smash the ball at the plate.

Cindy Barger (2025 UTL) – Cindy is a strong defensive player for us, no matter where we ask her to play.  She also is one of our top hitters on the squad.  Last fall she had our 2nd highest batting avg at .472.  Cindy is a clutch hitter, who consistently comes up with big hits in big situations!

Madi Schoonover (2026 1B/3B/C) – Madi is a young player who can SMASH!  She hits the ball with tremendous velocity and can put the ball out of the park at any moment!

Joclyn Strickland (2026 RHP/1B) – Joclyn just recently joined our team, but she was the starting pitcher for her Rogers Heritage High School team and batted in the middle of the lineup for them all season.  She has excellent power at the plate and great command of her pitches.  She is going to be a huge part of our team this summer.

Expectations for 2024 Season: We have very high expectations for this summer.  We came off a great summer and a tremendous fall season (22-5-1) last year.  This is the most experienced team we’ve had in a long time, with 9 seniors currently on the squad.  The team chemistry we have is unmatched, and this group has the ability to compete with anyone we step on the field with!

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Discovery Showcase kicked off today at Mid-America West Sports Complex in Shawnee, KS. The three-day event features fifty-four teams from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. This event will have 14u, 16u, and 18u teams.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

14u

KC Rebels Lickel

Vision Fastpitch Merryman

Coaching Staff: Head coach Anthony Merryman and assistant coaches Bryan Wyman, Niles Thomas & Addy Ward

Team Social Media: @visiongold09 (X), Vision Gold 09 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Overall record 104-22-6, Back-to-back 2022 & 2023 14O Space Coast World Series National Champions. 2023 USSSA SEC Future Stars 14A National Champions, 2023 PG Fall Elite Showcase 14A Tournament Champions, Woo Pig Series I 14O Tournament Champions 2023 HFL Woo Pig Series III 14O Tournament Champions, 2023 SA Six in Spring 14A Tournament Champions, 2023 USSSA Road to the Show 14A Tournament Finalist, 2023 Club Fall Invite 14A Tournament Finalist, 2023 USSSA CBC Fall Bash 16A Tournament Finalist 2023, Fall Championships 14A 3^rd place finish, 2023 TFL Spring Slam 14A 3^rd place finish, 2023 Top 10 Finish (41 teams total) of Top Club Super 32 14A Cash Tournament

Key Players: Alexis Lorennij (C), Daylyn Osborne (P), Kylee Wyman (SS)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Compete with the best-of-the-best competition, continue to grow and develop as softball players, athletes, and good human beings, and showcase our passion for the game to college coaches, fans, and peers.

16u

KC Phoenix Bock

Coaching Staff: Jen Bock, Russ Endsor, Mike Koontz

Team Social Media: @KCPhoenix_JB (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: UTrip Memorial Day 18a Champions (as a 14u team). A couple of 2^nd place HS divisions. We started competing in bigger events and were able to compete. We were 4-1-1 in the big Team 1 event and rolling in bracket play but the event was rained out. Top 12 of the WFC in KC.

Key Players: Enslie Dreyer (RHP) – throws up 58 to low 60s in games with LONG stride, Shelby Callahan (SS) – switch hitter, Mandia Bock (RHP) – throws 68-62, Gracie Cox (C) – cannon behind the dish

Expectations for Spring 2024: We have turned up the intensity and are focused primarily on TG, Gold, and Invitational tourneys, plus the Sparkler. Still very much in a growth mindset for the year. None of these kids have hit their ceiling and will continue to grow. They’re great teammates and LOVE to play softball. Every single one of these girls plays multiple sports successfully.

Millard Fury Gold Westley

Coaching Staff: Head coach Brad Westley and assistant coaches April Epley, Chad Mattox & Katie Wageman

Team Social Media: @2007FuryGold (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: ’23 was a challenge with injuries, but the core finished second in a showcase in Beatrice, NE to end the season. After only one practice in the fall, the team played well losing our first bracket game to the eventual tournament winner in a 1-0 contest.

Key Players: Pitching staff: Lauryn Mattox, Ava Fessler, Karli Farritor.  Catchers: Alexa Epley, Kaycie Dai, Mady Wall. Corners: Emma Renner, Karleigh Rowley, Kaycie Dai, Lauryn Mattox, Alexa Epley.  Middle Infield: Brooke Westley, Madi Eich, Mady Wall. Outfield: Hannah Wageman, Kameryn Lawson, Karlie Farritor, Brooke Westley, Emma Renner, Mady Wall, Madi Eich

Expectations for Spring 2024: Our expectations are for the girls to continue to not only grow their softball skills but mentally be able to handle the grind and challenges we know they will face this summer. We want to compete in every game and challenge teams we face.

Missouri Chiefs Turner

Coaching Staff: Chelsea Turner, Shane Pierce & Darrin Henderson

Team Social Media: @GoMoChiefs (IG & Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 29-19 last summer. Runner up at the STL USA Showcase. FASA Nationals Runner Up.

Key Players: Raelyn Henderson (OF), Ellie Shevey (C/UT), Allison Scott (P), Piper Dishman (P) Katie Vaughan (SS/UT)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Competitive tournament schedule for 2024 and intend to finish top 5 in most.

Nebraska Gold Gillis

Coaching Staff: Ryan Gillis, Lorelle Mueting, Kevin Pokorny, and Kailey Wilson

Team Social Media: X: @NEGold09_Gillis; Instagram: negold09_gillis

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2nd Place – Top Gun Memorial Day Tournament, Top 4 Finish NE State 14U 2024

Key Players: Jadyn Pokorny, Cameron Debuse, Ollie Lynch, Dilynn Meade, Callen Ahrens, Taylor Brumbaugh, Regan Gillis

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our expectations are to continue to grow as a team and compete at the highest level. We will challenge ourselves and battle to the end of every game, but after all is said and done we will enjoy our teammates and the sport we love.

Nebraska Quakes Gilpin

Coaching Staff: Don Gilpin (Head Coach), Steve Asher (Assistant Coach) & Rob Novak (Assistant Coach)
Team Social Media: @NEQuakesGilpin (X) & NE Quakes Gold 15U Gilpin (SportsRecruits)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 51-23-5 record in 2023, in 14A/HS class. 1^st place USSSA Battle for the Bling 14A NIT, 2^nd place Bennington Spring Bash HS, 2^nd place Quakes Classic, 1^st place KS/MO 14A State Tournament, 3^rd place Ringneck 14A

Key Players: A strong core group of players that has grown together for several years. Each player on this roster has a high set of expectations and will contribute greatly to our successes in 2024.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a young 15U team returning our entire roster from 2023, we will be looking to continue challenging our players and building upon previous successes, as we prepare them to compete at the next level. A serious pitching staff, backed up by solid defense, and a dangerous batting lineup sets the bar high for this young group of outstanding athletes.

Team Kansas Denning

Coaching Staff: Nick Denning & Patti Hays
Team Social Media: @TeamKansas16A (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Qualified for PG nationals with a third place finish at the PG KC Fall Showcase

Key Players: Ava Yokley (P, 2026), Abby O’Connor (IF, 2026), Lindsay Ruder (UTL/2026)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Have fun!!

Top Gun Hooper

Coaching Staff: Head coach Dave Hooper and assistant coaches Dwight Mayhugh & Chad Cushing
Team Social Media: @TopGun0809KS (X) & Top Gun 16u KS (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Chosen for the supplemental Power Pool in summer 2023 for the CO Sparkler. Played up in 16u as a 14u in the Heartland WS and were a final 4 team when the tournament was cancelled for weather. Turned over a number of roster spots in the fall of 2023 to form a much more softball centric team.

Key Players: Reagan Ball, Emily Stipsits, McKenna Cushing

Expectations for Spring 2024: We have a very competitive schedule for 2024 and are looking to improve over the 2023 season extending into more late runs on bracket day. We are playing in a number of tournament and college showcases and are looking to demonstrate the talent of our team in front of colleges over the summer season. As our girls start to enter the recruiting phase, many of our players are participating in a number of different camps. Although the wins are great, we will continue to develop our players so that they possess the skills needed to take the next step into the college game.

18u

Kansas Fusion Sweat

Coaching Staff: Head coach Mikey Rusk, manager Ryan Sweat & assistant coach Jeff Ellis
Team Social Media: @FusionKansas (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We won some smaller tournaments and finished 2^nd in USSSA National Championship

Key Players: All players are key!

Expectations for Spring 2024: Have fun and be seen by college coaches

KC Bombers 18u Gold Fansher

Coaching Staff: Megan Fansher and Makena Adams

Team Social Media Handles: Twitter-@BombersKC18 and Instagram-@KCBombers18

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: This is a practically a brand new team! We look forward to seeing this team grow this summer!

Key Players: Reghan Loges, Hannah Sheer, Reese Evenson, Anna Fairchild

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: My athletes are looking to play at the next level. With our Bombers organization, our job is to prepare them for this next journey! We currently have 5 signed players and looking to add more this season!

KC Rebels Soldner

Coaching Staff: Brian Soldner, Kurt Dearing & Craig Minton
Team Social Media: @KCRebelsSoldner (X)

Key Players: Adelyn Thom (C/3B, 2025), Akyra Traver (OF, 2026), Ava Minton (OF, 2025), Cadence Dearing (OF/C, 2026), Danica Salisbury (P/1B, 2026), Tyjha Henderson (MIF/OF, 2025)

Expectations for Spring 2024: To play in top tournaments and get my girls some offers

Nebraska Gold Jarzobski

Coaching Staff: Edward Jarzobski (9^th year coaching competitive softball), Maurice Anderson (10^th year coaching competitive softball, NE Gold coach Team Anderson and Softball President MUS) & Dave Hobza (7^th year coaching competitive softball)

Team Social Media: @negold18u (Twitter)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 6 seniors went on to play in college (1 D1, 1 D2, 1 D3, 3 NAIA), All 12 of our current seniors are committed to play in college (2 D1, 4 D2, 6 NAIA)

Key Players: Mackenzie Groniga, Emi Waldow, Katelyn Jarzobski, Addy Hobza, Kriestyn Linn

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Goal is to finish top 4 Top Gun Viper and top 10 in Top Gun Championship

Nebraska WAVE Shepherd

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Luke Shepherd & Assistant Coaches Cory Claussen & Peyton Glatter
Team Social Media: @NEWaveFastpitch (X) & thewaveathletics.com

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: USSSA State Runner Up Class A 18u, Went 3-0-1 in KCKCC Tournament

Key Players: Hannah Allen (Midland University commit), Alexis Shepherd (Midland University commit), Alexis Adams (Doane College commit), Kloey Johnson (Southeast CC commit), Jill Johnson (1B/OF, Uncommitted), Brooklyn Stutzman (P/1B, Uncommitted), Jerzey Wiechman (P, Uncommitted)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Will be traveling throughout the Mid-West playing in several Top Gun Showcases/Invites