Event Preview: Tulsa Elite Summer Invite

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!

Event Spotlight: Tulsa Elite Summer Invite

By: Trey Donovan

The next iteration of the Tulsa Elite Summer Invite is coming up on June 7. The tournament has been held since 2011 and has become a key tournament for many softball teams throughout the states to travel to. It has also garnered a ton of attention from the collegiate scene as the tournament is a good showcase for college recruiters to look for new players.

Before the tournament became a key element of the summer season, Tulsa Elite Sports has hosted tournaments since 2007. The tournament has seen a lot of teams compete over the past 13 years and has seen many players get recruited to schools.

The tournament has become a national phenomenon in the softball world and many of the sport’s current stars have played in it – Rylie Boone, Megan Grant, Kayla Beavers, NjJaree Canaday, Jayda Coleman, and Lexi McDonald to name a few. All of these players are playing in the Women’s College World Series this week.

With stars coming from all around the states, the tournament has become a spot for college coaches to recruit. Tulsa Elite Sports built the tournament to be a showcase opportunity for the 18u and 16u teams to be recruited. The tournament has seen more and more players recruited in recent years due to the growth of the event over the years.

The tournament is split between two parks, separated by age groups, at Arrowhead Park in Broken Arrow, OK and Bentley Park in Bixby, OK. The 18u and 16u teams play at Arrowhead Park while the 14u and 12u teams play at Bentley Park. Initially, that wasn’t the setup for the tournament.

“The first year [of the tournament] was in Bixby, Oklahoma with only four fields, 16 teams, and around 15 college coaches,” founder of Tulsa Elite Sports Jeff Filali said. “The intention was always to build a strong recruiting event that catered to recruiting. In 2013 we moved [16u and 18u] to Arrowhead Park after we expanded to 96 teams.”

The motto of Tulsa Elite Sports running events has been “Quality over Quantity,” and the Tulsa Elite Summer Invite is no different. Their goal is to maximize college exposure, cater to college coaches and travel teams, all while not growing out of control and “lose their value.” Since Tulsa Elite Sports started hosting tournaments, they have focused on getting the top competitors in one spot giving them opportunities to play and showcase their talents to college recruiters.

“While coaching Tulsa Elite starting in 2007 and as a former college coach at Butler CC, I traveled nationwide to almost every event out there. Many of them started growing so big that they had to use more and more complexes to fit all the teams,” Filali said. “This spreads all the teams out, but most of the college coaches only go to the main few parks where the best teams are playing. All the teams are paying the same entry fee, but those playing at complexes further away from the main complexes do not see many college coaches or scouts, if any.”

The plan, according to Filali, is to always stay in one complex for the tournament to give every team and athlete a chance to get scouted. That is what he means by “Quality over Quantity” when running the tournament.

In the fourteenth iteration of the tournament don’t expect anything to change as the best of the best will be there alongside college recruiters. The tournament is a melting pot of talent and opportunity for everyone involved and it will be a competitive fight for the top spot in all age groups, just as Tulsa Elite Sports intended from the start.

Event Preview: Top Gun Discovery Showcase

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 3rd place finish, 2023 TFL Spring Slam 14A 3rd 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 2nd 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. 1st place USSSA Battle for the Bling 14A NIT, 2nd place Bennington Spring Bash HS, 2nd place Quakes Classic, 1st place KS/MO 14A State Tournament, 3rd 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 2nd 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 (9th year coaching competitive softball), Maurice Anderson (10th year coaching competitive softball, NE Gold coach Team Anderson and Softball President MUS) & Dave Hobza (7th 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

2024 Travel Team Preview: Beverly Bandits 15u

By: Trey Donovan

2024 Travel Team Preview: Beverly Bandits 15u

The team hasn’t started their summer season yet, due to the high school softball season playoffs, but the Beverly Bandits 15u team is ready to get started. Their first event of the summer season is the Top Gun Invitational on June 13 through June 16.

Head Coach Kyle Hardin is excited about this team’s potential as his team has done well in their respective high school seasons, but also because last fall they had a good season.

“Our team is currently in their high school seasons where they are all playing well as they are about to begin the playoffs,” Hardin said. “In our fall season as a first year 16u team, we went 32-8 against the best in the country.”

Hardin discussed with us about the upcoming season and his goal for the team.

Can you give us some background on your coaching staff or style?

The team has three coaches with Kyle Hardin being the head coach and alongside him are Taylor Messer and Cassidy Brzozowski as assistant coaches.

“I have been coaching the Bandits for four years and have been with this current team for three now,” Hardin said. “I have truly loved seeing the development and success this team has shown over these three years.”

Both Messer and Brzozowski are first year coaches with the team but have a ton of experience in softball coming off their college careers at Western Illinois and Coastal Carolina. Even with newer coaches, Hardin describes all their coaching styles to be very similar.

“We try to show our athletes how fun the game is if you play it right. We are laid back but strive to get the best versions of our athletes both on and off the field,” Hardin said. “The majority of our team has been playing together for over three years, so our athletes understand the expectation and put in the work without needing a lot of direction. We don’t expect perfection, and all we ask is that you’re always giving 110% in everything they do.”

Can you give us some perspective on the roster?

“Our team is well-rounded. We have speed, we hit for power, we play good defense, and we have good pitching. It’s hard to highlight just a few players because we have so much talent and depth this year,” Hardin said. “We are going to be looking to bring a ton of energy this summer and leave it all on the field.”

The lineup for the team starts with Mia Taylor and Scarlette Tegtman who provide the speed and contact at the top of the order. Reese Rourke and Emma Bruggenschmidt provide the power and are the shortstops on the team. To go along with the power bats, Mackenzie Bacha, Ryleigh Keil and Bobbi Snook hold down the outfield with good fielding and power. Kaitlyn Streiler, Zoey Whittaker, and Ashlyn Kita also bring some pop and play the corner outfield spots. Rylie Van Aken is the team’s middle infielder and Grace King is the catcher who provides some more power and great defense.

The pitching staff consists of Neveah Rangel, Soleil Tate and Lucy George who “compliment each other really well and we are excited for their continued success,” Hardin explained.

With the team being a 15u squad, a lot of the players will begin the recruitment process. Hardin explained that 13 of the 16 players on the roster are going to be 2026 graduates and that after the summer season the recruitment process starts up for college.

What are your expectations or goals for the team?

“Our main goal of the team for the summer is to simply compete. When we are competing at the standard, we have set we have a good chance to beat any team in the country,” Hardin said. “We’d love to win some tournaments this summer and we are striving to get our players a lot of attention from college coaches but if we keep it simple and just compete everything else will fall into place.”

With the late start to their summer season, Hardin is looking to build the resumes of the players while keeping the motivation simple. Hardin is looking forward to the summer season and explains the team’s morale heading into the Top Gun Invitational as it is their first summer tournament.

“This team loves being together and taking the field together, so everyone is just really looking forward to getting the summer season started,” Hardin said. “We can’t wait to get going.”

2024 Travel Team Preview: Wasco Diamonds 13u

By: Trey Donovan

2024 Travel Team Preview: Wasco Diamonds 13u

The Wasco Diamonds 14u team is coming off a 2023 season that saw some exciting moments and the team becoming a finalist at the NAFA Mom’s Day Rock tournament. The team is coached by Jason Edwards, and he looks to continue the team’s resiliency in matches to always play tough.

While winning games is always a goal, Edwards main focus is developing a culture for his team and helping the team learn and grow both as players and people.

“Success is measured not only by wins and losses but by the growth and development of each player,” Edwards said. “Players are encouraged the push beyond their limits, embrace challenges, and strive for continuous improvement.”

With the 2024 season underway, we chatted with Edwards on his thoughts on the season.

Can you give some background information on your coaching staff and philosophies?

“With a background in sports management and a strong passion for youth development, I feel as if I step into this role as Head Coach for the team with a wealth of expertise,” Edwards said. “My coaching philosophy is centered on growth, character-building, and fostering the holistic development of young athletes.”

Edwards alongside assistant coach Kristyn Crawford have undertaken the role as educators for the team.

“Crawford brings a unique blend of expertise as both an educator and a coach. With a background in education and a passion for coaching, Kristyn has been an integral part of the coaching staff, dedicating herself to the development and success of the athletes since their 11u journey,” Edwards said. “Kristyn’s experience as a respected high school teacher translates seamlessly to the diamond, where she imparts valuable life lessons and fosters a culture of growth and excellence among the players.

What were some highlights from last season?

“In a hard-fought semi-final match at the NAFA Mom’s Day Rock tournament, the Wasco Diamonds faced off against the formidable Johnsons Creek Yellow Jackets. Through strategic gameplay, unwavering determination, and standout performances, the team secured a 1-0 win, advancing to the finals,” Edwards said. “Luci Campise’s well-placed bunt, executed with precision timing, emerged as the game-winning play that propelled the team to victory. Supported by the impeccable pitching of Addison Coulter and strong defensive prowess, the team shut down the Yellow Jackets’ offensive threats.”

Being a tough team to out was the name of the Wasco Diamonds game as they played another game that entered an international tiebreaker. A hit from Sienna Woodmancy drove in Aaliya Davis set the stage for the offense to score two more runs to win the game.

Can you discuss your team’s composition?

Offense:

“Every player on our roster possesses the ability to excel in multiple positions, showcasing a level of skill and adaptability that sets us apart from the competition,” Edwards said.

That versatility is shown throughout the offensive lineup as they have three “sparkplug” players in Luciana Campise, Lillyana Crawford, and Sienna Woodmancy who are known for being clutch, get on-base, and are strategic on the basepaths.

Following them is the power of Addison Coulter and Taylor Zawadski, who hit towering shots but are adaptable at the plate. Rounding out the lineup is Elin Ludvigson and Alaina Will who are timely hitters that have played roles in winning moments more often than not.

Defense:

“At the forefront of our pitching arsenal stands Addison Coulter, a dominant force on the mound known for her confidence and composure,” Edwards said.

Following Coulter in the rotation is Sky Ferrante, who relies more on finesse rather than power. Keeping hitters on their toes and inducing weak contact is the name of her game. Sophie Rothlisberger rounds out the rotation with her selflessness and dedication to the team while delivering clutch performances.

The rotation is caught by two anchors at catcher in Lillyana Crawford and Aayliah Davis who both have strong throwing arms and high work ethics. The infield is comprised of “defensive titans” in Taylor Zawadzki at third base, Luciana Campise at shortstop, and Sienna Woodmancy at second base.

The outfield of Elin Ludvigson, Alaina Will, and Madison Trent covers ground quickly and have anticipation and consistency on defense.

The team looks to be a tough out for any opponent in the 2024 season while focusing on developing on and off the field. Coach Edwards sees sport as a great teaching ground for many different things in life.

“I am dedicated to instilling values such as teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship in every player under his guidance, recognizing the invaluable opportunities for personal development that sports provide,” Edwards said.

Event Recap: Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events travelled to Nebraska this weekend to host the Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring Powered by Top Gun Events. This three-day event in La Vista, Nebraska featured 54 teams.

In the 12u age group, Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u finished atop Pool A with a 3-0-0 record. Nebraska Quakes Pearson had the best record in Pool B, going 2-1-0. Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u started the tournament with an impressive 11-4 victory over Nebraska Thunder Wilcox. Nebraska Quakes Pearson began their pool play with a 9-5 win over Prime Beach 11u.

Most of the games in the 12u age group were close, but there were a couple of dominating victories. Nebraska Gold Naughton beat Nebraska Quakes Borgeson 12-0 and also defeated Nebraska Thunder Wilcox 10-5.

There were four pools in the 14u age group. NE Storm Prime Bachman 13u and Nebraska Gold Gillis won their pool with 3-0-0 records. Nebraska Gold Michaelis won their pool with a 4-0-0 record. Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson and Millard Fury Gold Vance both finished with a 2-0-1 record in their pool.

Nebraska Gold Michaelis defeated Fury Gold Ethen 11-0 and High Plains Diamonds Hallberg 14u 14-0. Nebraska Gold Gillis beat Nebraska Quakes Chonis 13-0 and Millard Fury Gold Sullivan 8-0. Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson beat Nebraska Gold Zach 18-3.

The 16u age group also had four pools. Nebraska National Taylor 16u, Nebraska Gold Groebli, Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose, Nebraska Gold Waller, and Nebraska Gold deMontel all finished pool play 3-0-0.

There were several dominant victories in the 16u age group. Nebraska Gold deMontel beat Nebraska Thunder Gass 14-0. Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose beat Primetime Weis 10-0. Stinger O’Hara beat Nebraska Thunder Johnson 12-0. Nebraska Thunder Hansen beat Nebraska Thunder Gass 13-0.

The 18u age group had two pools. Nebraska Gold National Perkins won their pool with a 3-0-0 record. Primetime Select Eadus 16u and Nebraska Gold Swift both finished 2-0-1 in their pool.

The 18u age group had several large victories. Nebraska Gold Swift defeated Nebraska Thunder Fox 11-0 to open the tournament. Nebraska Gold National Perkins beat Nebraska Gold Zach 8-0. Nebraska Quakes Bowen beat Nebraska Gold Closner 10-0.

Bracket play began on Sunday, but was, unfortunately, cut short due to weather issues.

The 12u age group was able to make it all the way through bracket play. Nebraska Quakes Byrd was crowned the champion. The team defeated Nebraska Quakes Borgeson 10-5 and Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u 3-1 to make it to the finals. The team beat Nebraska Quakes Pearson 8-0 to win the tournament.

The final four teams in the 14u age group were Nebraska Thunder Piatt, Millard Fury Gold Sullivan, Nebraska Gold Gillis, and Nebraska Thunder Bennett. The 16u final four teams were Nebraska National Taylor 16u, Millard Fury Gold Westley, Nebraska Gold deMontel, and Nebraska Gold Butler/Jarose. The 18u age group had three teams remaining – Nebraska National Hoelscher, who made it to the final, Nebraska Gold Perkins, and Nebraska Gold Swift.

Thank you to all of the teams who participated this weekend!

Event Recap: Top Gun Ranger

By: Madison Feldhahn

Over the weekend, the Top Gun Ranger took place at Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, Kansas. The three-day event featured 30 teams across three age divisions – 12u, 14u and a high school division.

The 12u age group was made up of just one pool. Select Fastpitch Gamet 11u finished pool play 4-0-0. The team started off with a bang, being Team Kansas Brown/Hays 10-2 to open their pool play. Louisville Lady Sluggers Fyrberger. This team scored 27 runs and allowed just 8 runs against during pool play. Their largest margin of victory was in an 11-7 game against Epic Fastpitch – Bond.

There were several other dominant victories in the 12u pool play. Nebraska Quakes Evans defeated KSA Klutch – Robertson 8-1. Nebraska Quakes Evans also defeated Epic Fastpitch – Bond 7-0.

In the 14u age group, there were two pools. RP Storm 2010 came out on top of Pool A, going 3-0-1. Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u finished atop Pool B with a 4-0-0 record. After tying Select Fastpitch Heinrich 12u 8-8 in their Friday evening game, RP Storm 2010 went on to defeat KC Pride Flavell 8-0, KC Rebels Lickel 13-0, and Originals Campbell 7-2. Three teams finished pool play with a 3-1-0 record – Mac N Seitz Ellsworth, Aces Fastpitch 14u Black, and Select Fastpitch Zagozda 13u.

Several teams had dominant victories throughout the weekend, including a 12-0 Synergy Fastpitch 13u win over KC Rebels Regional Olsen 14u. Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u won 13-0 over Nebraska Quakes Dailey and Select Fastpitch Zagozda 13u beat KC Rebels Regional Olsen 14u 15-0.

In the high school division, there was one pool. Both Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady and Firecrackers Wildey finished pool play with a 3-0-1 record. Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady started pool play with an 11-1 win over KC Phoenix Miller and 12-0 win over Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 16u. Firecrackers Wildey started their pool play with a 6-5 win over Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 18u.

There were plenty of impressive wins in the high school division. AC Fury Miller had a dominant 11-2 win over Top Gun Hooper. KC Bombers Adkins defeated Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 16u 14-1, while Top Gun Hooper topped KC Phoenix Miller 12-2.

Bracket play took place on Sunday. This was a single elimination bracket.

Select Fastpitch Gamet 11u came out on top of the 12u bracket. The team defeated Sass Fastpitch Hart 5-2 to secure their spot in the final. The team beat Nebraska Quakes Evans 4-2 to win their championship game.

The 14u champion was Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u. Their closest game in bracket play was a 7-3 win over Synergy Fastpitch 13u. The team defeated Mac N Seitz Ellsworth 9-0 to make it to the final. To secure their championship, Select Fastpitch Reliford 13u defeated Aces Fastpitch 14u Black 7-0.

Firecrackers Wildey was the champion of the high school division. The team defeated AC Fury Miller 8-2 in their first bracket game. This was followed up with a close 7-6 victory over Louisville Lady Sluggers. In the championship game, Firecrackers Wildey defeated Louisville Lady Sluggers Lovelady 5-0.

Thank you to all of the teams who joined us this weekend!

Event Preview: Nebraska Thunder Swing into Spring powered by TGE

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events has partnered with Nebraska Thunder to host the Thunder Swing into Spring Powered by Top Gun Events this weekend in La Vista, Nebraska. The event features 54 teams across 12u, 14u, 16u and 18u.

The 12u pool play will begin on Saturday at 8:00 AM. The last game will start at 3:55 PM. The pool play for 14u, 16u, and 18u all begin Friday at 5:45 PM with the last games starting at 8:55 PM. The 14u, 16u, and 18u pool play will resume Saturday at 8:00 AM. The last pool play game for all three age groups is 5:30 PM.

Bracket play begins on Sunday. 12u, 14u, and 16u will begin at 8:00 AM. The 18u bracket play will start at 9:35 AM. The 12u championship game is at 2:20 PM. The championship games for 14u, 16u, and 18u start at 5:45 PM.

The entire schedule can be found here: Thunder Swing into Spring Schedule.

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

12u

Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson

Coaching Staff: Rich Borgeson (head coach), Ben Grojean (assistant/hitting), Mark Stroud (assistant/fielding) & Andy Larson (assistant/pitching)

Team Social Media: Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Halloween Freight Fest Champs, KS for Cancer Champs

Key Players:  Raelee Tackitt (SS), McKinley Grojean (C), Josilyn Pieper (P/MIF), Teagan Stroud (UTL)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Looking to build confidence in all our players and compete in every game we play.

Nebraska Thunder Wilcox

Coaching Staff: HC Ryan Wilcox, AC Jared Holub & AC Ashley Wilds

Team Social Media: @NEThunder2011s (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We thought the girls transitioned well into the 12u age group last season in 2023. Turned a slow start into a good summer of development as the girls adjusted and competed well all summer long.

Key Players:  Aliza Holub – has been a workhorse in the circle for us while also being a big contributor at the top of the line up. Lauren Schmidt – has taken over the leadoff spot for us and continues t make hard contact with nearly every swing she takes. Emery Jacobs – very productive hitter that will always put the ball in play, can play multiple positions for us on defense.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We will always look to compete against the best this area has to over and continue to develop as a team.

Nebraska WAVE Gold Kroll 11u

Coaching Staff: J Kroll (head coach), Jason Meents, Shelly Custor, Zac Venema & Jess Roberts (assistants)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2024 Boo Bash Champions gold bracket, 2023 Battle in the Burbs Gold bracket champion

Key Players: Tatum Buckley, Millie Krueger, Bryn Meents

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Lots of travel tourneys out of state (KC, Des Moines, Sioux Falls, OKC)

14u

Millard Fury Gold Rivera ‘09

Coaching Staff: Head coach Rick Rivera, assistant coaches Ann Naidas & Nick Rivera

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: First year 14u team that finished 2nd in several tournaments including Odd State. Finished in the top bracket at the 13u Nationals. Combined summer/fall record of 41-20-3.

Key Players: We have a well balanced team with hard working players who all contribute offensively and defensively. So far in 2024 our record is 12-5-1 and we have finished 2nd in both tournaments we entered. Megan Kelly leads in batting avg & slugging percentage. Olivia Rivera leads in hits, runs scored & stolen bases. Violet Hanlon leads in doubles. Adele Thompsett leads RBIs. Yessenia Cuevas has the lowest ERA London Garcia leads in strikeouts & innings pitched. Addie Hruska has given up only 4 walks in 21 innings.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: The primary objective continues to be player development in a positive environment where we inspire each player to develop a growth mindset and love of the game.

Millard Fury Gold Vance

Coaching Staff: Mark Vance, Ryan Boozikee & Charles Starkovich

Team Social Media Handles: @FuryGoldVance (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finished the year 56-25. NE Class B USSSA State Champions, USSSA Midwest Nationals Open Silver Bracket National Champions. Finished the year off winning the 14U Boo Bash in Lincoln, NE

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: For 2023-24, we have changed organizations to provide better exposure for our players and enable us as coaches to assist those that want to play college softball. We are playing a very tough schedule at A and Open level and, with the move to the new organization, we are getting opportunities to play against better competition to help our team grow. We have very big goals for the year and it might not show at the end of the year in our record. But we, as coaches, wanted to challenge our girls and we have seen them step up already through winter workouts. We have never had a more cohesive team and such a great group of girls from attitude to effort across the board.

Nebraska Quakes Chonis

Coaching Staff: Don Chonis (Head Coach) & Assistants Karlie Chonis, Casie Volkmar & Bryan Nielsen

Team Social Media Handles: @NEQuakesGold13U (X), nequakesgold_13u (Instagram) & Nebraska Quakes Gold Chonis (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: New Team

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To compete at the Class A/Gold level & get ready for the jump to high school

Nebraska Quakes Gold Carson

Coaching Staff: Jen Carson (Head Coach) & Assistants Lynn Griffis, Susan Stagid & Sarah Gutschow

Team Social Media Handles: @NEQuakesCarson

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Tied for 9th in the USSSA Midwest Championship, 1st Place at Under Armour Championship in KC, 1st Place in York in 16U Division, 3rd Place in USSSA Super 48 Invitational in KC, 1st Place in Blair Invite, 2nd Place at Heroes Classic in Hastings, 7th Place at USSSA 16U State

Key Players: Paityn Spencer, Alex Finley, Lexi Skradski, Hope Stadig, Liv Wenz

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking to challenge ourselves each time we step foot on the field. We want to compete with the best teams locally and out of state. Win or lose, we seek to get better each game and practice to develop as a team, as individual players, and as humans.

Nebraska Thunder Bennett

Coaching Staff: Jenny Bennett, Kurt Pohlmann & Jake Bergren

Team Social Media Handles: @NThunderBennett (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 1st Place in the Jayhawk Slugfest, 2nd Place in the Kansas City Memorial Tournament, 2nd in the Nebraska State Tournament

Key Players: Kaylee Huffman, Addalynne Bergren, Allie Bergman, Aurelia Gramd

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking for our girls to compete with confidence, have fun and continue to love the game.

16u

Hastings HEAT

Coaching Staff: Matt Rossow (14 years competitive softball & baseball coach with the Hastings HEAT), Sean Kratzer (11 years youth softball coach), Kayla Koenen (8 years’ experience assistant coach) & Billy Hudson (pitching instructor)

Team Social Media: @08_heat (X), Hastings Heat (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Runner-up 2023 Ringneck, Champions of Heroes Classic, Top 8 finish in 2023 TGE Discovery, competed in several regional tournaments

Key Players: Adrienne Waller (2026 P), Audrey Rossow (2026 P), Paisley Mangers (2026 C), Emily Krazter (2027 IF), Alexa Jacobsen (2026 OF), Emily Drackley (2026 C/OF/3B), Lainey Murphy (2026 SS/2B)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We have a young team and a lot of new faces in 2024. We are committed to playing a tough schedule, working hard to improve daily, and have fun along the way.

Millard Fury Gold Cannon/Tatreau

Coaching Staff: Sean Cannon (co-head coach, 5 years of coaching experience), Mike Tatreau (co-head coach, 9 years of coaching experience), Bob Cannon (assistant, 15 years of select & 10 years at a collegiate level) & Brian Stuhr (assistant, 6 years of coaching experience)

Team Social Media: @FuryGold15u (X), furygold.15 (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 7 tournaments played at 16A & HSO with 3 second place finishes & 2 third place finishes

Key Players: Cota Barmore (#13, SS/C), Isabell Stuhr (#38, P/SS), Shea Tatreau (#12, P/OF/2B), Kellyn Underwood (#27, 2B), Taylor Cannon (#23, P/1B), Dylan Chessareck (#44, OF/1B)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Continue to play in showcase and HSO tournaments, challenging our younger girls to play at top 18A levels and compete at the highest level. Showcase individual talent for coaches at the next level.

Nebraska Gold Bulter/Jarose

Coaching Staff: Nicole Butler (head coach), Katie Heard (assistant coach), Justin Jarose (assistant coach) & Larry Swift (NE Gold recruiting director)

Team Social Media: @negolds15 (X) & ne_gold_15u_national (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 45-20-4 last summer as a 14u team playing a highly competitive tournament schedule at both the 14U & 16/18U levels

Key Players: Our team is made up of 14 talent young women who all have and will continue to contribute to the success of our team. Everyone has a role to play (which can change game to game or tournament to tournament) to help us build towards being the team we want/need to be to achieve our goals.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We will be playing in some of the very best tournaments in the Midwest this spring/summer and our goals/expectations are to compete on every pitch, play the game the right way, and represent our team and organization the way others in NE Gold have before us. We understand this is a big summer for our group in terms of exposure and opportunities and are focused on ensuring that we put ourselves in positions to succeed both on and off the field.

Nebraska Gold Waller

Coaching Staff: Kelli Waller (Head Coach), Steve Hinrichs (Assistant Coach) & Chad Villwok (Assistant Coach)

Team Social Media: @NEGold08_Waller (Twitter) & nebraskagold08s_Waller (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 3rd place finish PG National Qualifier KC, 2nd place HS Division Spring Fling, 8th place Top Gun Spring Invite, 6th place USA SB Invite, 3rd place Top Gun Swing into Spring, 3rd place Top Gun Thunder/Gold Invite

Key Players: Lots of great athletes who will be key players this season. Covering multiple positions, we will be challenging our players to get comfortable playing uncomfortable roles.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: A young 15U team looking to compete against some of the best teams in the HS divisions. All players EW coming off very successful fall HS seasons and are ready to get back on the dirt this spring. We will be playing a very challenging schedule of Top Gun Events, USA Invites, and Triple Crown. This team thrives off competition and being the best teammates, and we are looking forward to this translating to game time.

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. 1st Place at Top Gun NE National Tourney, 2nd Place at Top Gun Thunder/NE Gold Tourney, 2nd Place at USSSA 16) Swing into Spring, 3rd Place at Top Gun Swing into Spring Tourney, 4th 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.

Nebraska Thunder Dillon

Coaching Staff: Head coach Jesse Dillion and assistant coaches Jon Ruyle & Amanda Caradori

Team Social Media: @nethunderdillon (X), ne.thunder.gold.dillon (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 was a bit of a rollercoaster due to several injuries to many of our key players. However, our team battled through the adversity and was able to still compete at the highest level. Finished 1st place in both the CIS Gauntlet and the CIS Spooktacular.

Key Players: We have an amazing group of ladies that continue to contribute to our success and continue to grow each and every day both on and off the field.

Raegan Ruyle (OF/RHP), Taylor Schommer (RHP/ULT), Nevaeh Afaisen (OF), Ellery Dillion (1B), Gwyneth Revis (C/3B), Addilyn Foley (C), Avery Green (SS), Hailey Rasmussen (RHP), Hayden Byrne (OF)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are extremely excited for what our team is going to show this year. We have an explosive offensive, a solid pitching staff, and a strong defense so we expect to compete at a high level. Our goal for 2024 is that every time we step on the field, our girls continue their growth, both individually and as a team.

Nebraska Thunder Johnson

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Bruce Johnson & Assistant Coaches Alana Crollard & Antonio Torrez
Team Social Media: @nethunder22 (X) & @nebraskathundergoldjohnson (IG)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Top Gun NE Memorial Day Classic Champions in Omaha, USSSA Big Opener Runner-ups in Minnesota, USSSA Angels for Autism for Runner-up (HS Division) in Omaha, USSSA Easter Egg Strikeout Champions (HS Division) in Omaha, USSSA Season Opener GG 3rd place overall finish in Overland Park, USSSA Stand UP to Cancer 3rd place overall in Kansas City

Key Players: Ada Jantzen, Kendall Johnson, Kinnley Wehrle, Peyton Johnson, Ava Crollard

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We expect to compete for championships at all of our tournaments and start to make a name for ourselves nationally.

Primetime Weis

Coaching Staff: Kaitlyn Weis, Ron Weis, Chris Barton & Dan Gudenrath
Team Social Media: @primetimeweis (X)

Key Players: Audrey Kohl – Pitcher from Missouri Valley. Emerson Anderson – Catcher/3B/Utility from Missouri Valley. Amanda Weis – SS/Catcher/Utility from Gretna East HS. Rylan Anderson – OF from Gretna East HS. Kenadie Barton – OF from Gretna HS. Cindy Xiong – Pitcher/Utility from Millard South HS

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Compete with the best and grow individually and as a team

18u

Nebraska Thunder Fox

Coaching Staff: William Fox (returning to the head coach position after 3 years as an assistant) & Brent Wonder (10 years of head coaching experience in both baseball and softball)

Team Social Media: NeThunder Fastpitch (Facebook), @nebraskathunder18u2024 (IG), @Nethunderf (Twitter) & 18U Thunder Gold (Fox) (SportsRecruits)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Our 4 graduating seniors committed and continued their athletic careers at the collegiate level (Barton College, Chadron State, Northwestern College and Highland CC). Fall resulted in 2 additional commitments (Concordia & Central CC)

Key Players: Ayla Mathney – committed to Calumet College of St. Joseph, a leader in the circle. Joslyn Sargent – junior at Ashland High School, new to our roster, she looks to make a statement at SS and in our lineup. Kaylee Tanuis – senior from Papillion-LaVista Class A State Champions, she is a vital and diverse player on our roster. Macey West – multi-sport athlete expanding her abilities and strengths as a UTL

Expectations for the 2024 Spring Season: With 3 returning players, we are looking for a season of growth and development. Develop a new team culture, drive athletes to become competitors, teammates, and family, achieve player goals on and off field, and continue the tradition of collegiate commitments

Nebraska National 18u Bahl

​​Coaching Staff: Head Coach Hayden Bahl & Assistant Coaches Emma Walbert & Jordy Bahl
Team Social Media: @NENational18u (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Champions of the 18u Quakes Classic, Runner-up in the 16u Nebraska Thunder Fundraiser tournament, 16u Perfect Game OKC Challenge. Team record of 33-16-5.

Key Players: We are very excited about what each player on our team is capable of, as we have seen amazing growth from so many of them!

Addison Burdorf (P/2B), Macie Wyman (3B/1B), Maycie Grant (SS/2B), Alivia Courter (C/2B), Lauren Frihauf (CF/LF)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are very excited about what we have seen from the team this offseason, and we love how this team has grown on the physical and mental sides of the game. The expectation for our team is that each time we step on the field, we play hard, smart, and together. While we will be one of the youngest teams in each tournament we play, we know that this team will be ready to show up and compete at a high level.

Primetime Select Eadus 16u

Coaching Staff: Mike Leapley
Team Social Media: @primetimenesb

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Winter Warmup Champions, Eggstravaganza Champions, 2nd Place USA Memorial Day Weekend KC, Pink Out Champions

Key Players: Hannah Miller, Hadley Hansen, Jaycee Woodard, Mace Cruse, Kennedy Drummond

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Play at a high level and compete

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun Ranger

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is hosting the Top Gun Ranger this weekend at Blue Valley Recreation Complex in Overland Park, KS. The event, which is in its second year of existence, is designed for up-and-coming teams who are looking to get introduced to Top Gun Events and high level tournaments. We have 30 teams joining us from Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

The 12u age group has one pool and will begin pool play Saturday at 8:00 Am. Games will run until 6:30 PM. The 14u age group has two pools. Their pool play will begin Friday at 6:30 PM. The last game will start at 8:15 PM. It will resume Saturday morning at 8:00 AM and will run until 6:30 PM. The 16u and 18u age groups have been combined into a high school division for this event. There will be Friday pool play games at 6:30 PM and 8:15 PM. On Saturday, pool play will begin again at 8:00 AM and run until 6:30 PM.

Bracket play will begin Sunday. The 12u age group will start at 8:00 AM and the championship game will start at 1:15 PM. The 14u age group will begin at 8:00 AM. Their final game will begin at 3:00 PM. Bracket play for the high school division will begin at 9:45 AM and the championship game will kick off at 3:00 PM.

Gate Fees:

Children (6-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Take a look at some of the teams playing this weekend below!

14u

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: 1st 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

MN Moose 13u National

Coaching Staff: Led by former MLB player Dan Johnson of the Tampa Bay Rays. Assisted by Brandon Aman & Andy Wallschlaeger

Team Social Media: mn_moose_national (IG), @MNNational13u (X) & MNMoose-National (Facebook)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: New roster as of Fall 2023. 2nd at Minnesota Fall State, 1st at Winter Bash Dome Tournament (MN)

Key Players: Excited for the addition of new players signed this fall with the existing core group from summer. Key positions: Pitching staff – Mackenzie Brooks & Reagan Wallschlaeger; catchers – Marin Aman & Kayce Jude; infielders – Ellie Johnson, Avery Crittenden, Brookyln Autrey, Katelyn Peterson & Avery Blais; outfielders – Peyton Haley, Mattie Drugg, Brooke Molitor & Amiya Polzin

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We have a heavy schedule that includes the PG Ranger, PG Super Series, S&C Showcase, and USSSA National Championships. Expectations are to play and perform at our highest-level whole representing the Minnesota Moose National Program. Have fun, be good people, and continue to love the game.

Originals Campbell

Coaching Staff: Head coach Tory Campbell & assistants Michaela Arnzen & Scott Beard

Team Social Media: @originalskc_campbell (IG & X), originals_campbell (TikTok) & Originals-Campbell (Facebook)

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: We are a brand new team that was established in the fall of 2023. Our successes have simply been actually winning games and learning how trust each other.

Key Players: We are still meshing as a team. All 11 of our girls have been key at some point or another. Our home run hitters have been Leah Morgan, Carly Beard, and Jersey Rogers. Defensively, we rely a lot on Addy Dillon on the mound. Our outfield is super face (Kortney Johnson, Tania Thomas, Jaeda Wilson), third base has a great glove (Jersey Rogers), and our face first baseman (Chloe Ring).

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are looking to keep getting better every tournament. Our goal is to be playing some great softball as a team by the end of the summer to lead into our 2nd year in 14u. These girls are amazing individually, so our biggest challenge is learning to trust a brand new group of teammates and coaches to achieve our bigger team goals (not just their individual ones).

Synergy Fastpitch 13u

Coaching Staff: Cam Clurman, Willie Dean, Jeremiah Feurt

2023 Fall & Summer Successes: 2nd place Road to the Beach, 12A National Championships

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Compete in 14A during the regular season, compete in the 13A Nationals in Music City, TN

High School Division

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.

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!