The Dynamics of the NCAA Transfer Portal

By: Madison Feldhahn

In 2018, the NCAA launched the transfer portal, enabling student-athletes to explore their transfer options and communicate with other college coaches. The portal has created a central database for college coaches to find players. It has also changed the way high school athletes and college coaches approach recruiting.

“You can’t look at the depth charts anymore and project two, three, four years down the road. It changes every year based on needs and who’s delivering, who’s not,” Brentt Eads told Top Gun Events Media. “Recruiting is changing every year. It starts all over every year. Now, you’re not just competing with kids in your class, but you’re competing with kids two or three classes older than you.”

The recruiting world isn’t as cut and dry as it used to be. College rosters have the ability to drastically change year to year now. In 2022, over 1,400 softball players entered the transfer portal.

High school athletes need to be wary of having tunnel vision with one specific school. Even if a university offers a spot to an athlete, it is important for the athlete to consider whether they align with the program’s needs. College coaches might be looking to the transfer portal rather than high school recruits to fill positional needs.

“You can’t just be myopic,” Eads said about high school athletes. “You’ve got to be looking laterally, horizontally. You have to have your head on a swivel. In terms of being a high school athlete, you just have to be aware of everything.”

When asked how the transfer portal impacts the competition within collegiate softball, Eads says it’s too early to tell for sure. There’s the potential for the top Power 5 teams to continue to run away from the pack, but it can also help spread talent down to Division 2 and 3.

“It might level the field in the sense that an SEC school loses three kids, but they go to Kent State or Ohio University and those schools are going to get better. It can make it better for the sport. There are more chances for upsets. It’s not the haves and the have nots,” Eads said. “I think it’ll be interesting to watch over a decade.”

It’s okay if you are having second thoughts about the school that you are at. It’s important for the college to be a good athletic, academic, and social fit. If you’re unhappy where you are at, sit down with your college coaches and explain your feelings to them. Talk to other trusted people in your life, including your high school and travel softball coaches.

“If it gets to the point where it’s impacting your happiness, then you have to explore your options. That’s when you have to talk to your college coaches and travel ball coaches and high school coaches and anybody that can help,” said Eads. “The travel coaches are very, very dialed in and are talking to these [college] coaches every day. You might need to lean on your travel coach more and say, ‘Here’s what I’m looking for. What are you hearing and what do you see, coach?’”

Check out a short Q&A about the transfer portal below:

How do I enter the transfer portal?

When a player decides to enter the transfer portal, they have to notify a school administrator in writing. Because the NCAA transfer portal is not publicly available, athletes are not able to submit their names into it themselves. The school must submit the athlete’s information to the portal within two business days. This information includes the athlete’s name, NCAA ID number, email, phone number and sport.

What happens when I’m in the transfer portal?

As soon as an athlete enters the portal, colleges can contact them. However, the athlete can choose to not allow college coaches to contact them. The athlete can also contact schools themselves. If an athlete is on scholarship, they will retain that scholarship for the current academic term. However, this scholarship is not necessarily guaranteed if the athlete decides to stay at their current college.

What if I change my mind about transferring?

An athlete can withdraw their name from the transfer portal and try to return to their original school. However, the original school does not have to allow them back. The athlete’s original scholarship does not have to honored either.

When can I transfer?

Softball has two transfer windows. The first one, the winter window, is open from December 1st to 15th. The second window opens the day after the NCAA tournament selections and remains open for 45 days. The second window is the more common time for transfers.

Am I limited to transferring just once?

An athlete can transfer more than one time. However, there is a one-year penalty for transferring more than once. The athlete can apply for a waiver for this penalty for three reasons:

  • their physical or mental health,
  • circumstances outside the player’s control, or
  • issues that impact a player’s ability to peruse their education.

2024 Travel Team Preview: Epic 18u National (Smith)

By Jeff Strange

2023 was a very rewarding season for Oklahoma City based Epic 18u National (Smith). Head coach Scotty Smith and his staff have thrived off an extremely high-energy approach with their program, with even higher goals set in front of themselves to work hard to achieve.

With an emphasis on coaching fundamentals and teaching the game, while also constantly learning for themselves, Coach Smith and his staff continue to emphasize evolving in the game with continued intentions to provide as much knowledge and information as possible to their athletes.

The fruits of their labor have set in nicely, as highlights for the 2023 season included:

  • Bringing home championships at both the Top Club Spring and Fall invites
  • A 2nd place at Hustle City Invite
  • A 5-0 showing at the 2023 Top Gun Summer Invite before being shut down due to rain
  • An 8th place finish at 2023 Alliance Championship
  • Winning 3 of the 4 Fall events that were played

Now looking ahead to 2024, we caught up with Coach Smith on his thoughts for the upcoming season:

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

“Myself – Head Coach Scotty Smith has been coaching competitive softball for 17+ years. Starting with beginning levels and working up through each level. It all started with my daughters Jaiden and Mikayla.

We have been fortunate that to have some of the best assistant coaches that a coach could ask for over the past few years – Tony Smith, Jimmy Conley, and Matt George.

This year, our staff will included assistant coaches Michael Freeman, Ryan Dill and Dantae Mitchell. This looks to be an exciting staff filled with knowledge, energy, and ready to push the girls in all the right directions.

As a coaching staff we are all on the same page with this team on where they are at, and where they are going and what needs to happen along the way.”

Does your team face any challenges with schedules? If yes, how do you manage that?

“There are always obstacles to face when you have a larger National team with athletes from all over the place, but our girls are very driven and work hard to accomplish their goals.

I keep in constant contact with each athlete, regardless of whether they are from Oklahoma or out of state. I make sure they are not just doing what they need to be doing as far as softball goes, but check on the academics, and other things happening in their lives. I make myself available at all times if they need.

Typically, we do not have too much trouble filling a high-level roster as we graduate athletes every year. We have been blessed building a younger-aged culture to help step into the roles of our graduates. Being a newer program (the EPIC Fastpitch organization is starting in its 4th year), we have had a large amount of players join from outside of our organization. I believe moving forward we will have a larger pull from within the organization as we constantly are building our younger athletes up to be the absolute best they can be. This will be our testimony to our true growth.

One thing Epic takes pride in is building athletes up, guiding them, training them, and teaching them from a young age and up.”

What are your primary goals and objectives for your team?

“With this team being an older team made up of mostly older high school-aged players, I would say that our goal is to continue to get better in our craft, have fun and win! We also want to create a competitive atmosphere while preparing for college. We have a roster of 22 girls and out of those 22 girls, 18 have already signed with colleges for next year.

I also want to teach them what to expect in the years to come – what does college ball look like, what to expect from academics and athletics in college and what will be expected from them on and off the fields. My goal is for them to go in as prepared as they possibly can be for nothing short of complete success.”

In your opinion, what traits make your organization unique?

“Our family atmosphere – with most everyone involved – truly cares for our young athletes. Not just what they are doing right now, but where they are headed during their college years and even adult years after that.

We also take a lot of pride in the training that our athletes receive and where they get it. We make sure all of the training staff available are the best of the best, with years of knowledge and experience. We strive to make sure that the training facilities that are available to them are the best they can be.

Additionally, we are constantly looking for new events to attend, or programs to get the athletes involved with.”

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“This is tough because I have so many very talented young athletes! We are a team and it takes contribution from all of our athletes pulling on the same rope in the same direction. That’s how we will be successful – through hard work and a true team-based atmosphere; energy brings positive vibes and a great culture.”

What are your short-term goals for your team?

“Our short term goals for this year would be to continue to help the few still uncommitted athletes to find a great home for college so they can continue to pursue their dreams.”

What are your long-term goals for your team?

“Our long term goals are to continue to be successful and help prepare my athletes for college and life after college. I don’t just want to see them succeed while I have them, but want to continue to watch their success for years to come.”

2024 College Preview: Washburn University

By: Madison Feldhahn

Let’s dance.

That’s the theme of the 2024 season for Brenda Holaday and Washburn University.

“You want to get to the dance – postseason – but also let’s find reasons every day to dance, to celebrate what we’re doing. One of the things we do after every practice is the kids get to pick who they thought had an outstanding practice. Then they get in a circle and do their little dance move. Some days it’s one kid and some days it’s two or three kids,” Holaday told Top Gun Events. “We do something at the end of every game – who’s dancing, who’s dancing? The kids have just taken it on their own and it’s created a togetherness of them.”

The Ichabods have a lot to dance for after starting their season 7-2, including a win over #12 Southern Arkansas University in nine innings. Their only losses have come in a 1-3 game against Wingate University and a 0-1 game against #8 UT-Tyler.

“We fared well against top 15 teams in the nation right out of the gate, which I think is always a good sign. We’re playing as tough a schedule as we’ve played since I’ve been here. I feel like that’s what we need to do to build ourselves for an opportunity for the postseason,” said Holaday.

Building their résumé for postseason is a priority for Holaday after the heartbreaking end to the 2023 season. The Ichabods finished fifth in the MIAAA regular season and finished 1-2 in the MIAA Championship Tournament with losses to the University of Central Missouri and Missouri Southern. Holaday and her Ichabods were looking forward to the NCAA Tournament, but after an upset in the Great American Conference, the team was not selected.

“I would say it ended kind of disappointing and sad for us because I felt like we were a team that could compete at that level. At the same time, we also had some pretty significant injuries to some really important players in our lineup,” said Holaday. “All in all, it was a great season. Our kids battled, but we sure would’ve liked to be a little healthier at the end and been able to get into the postseason.”

Another focus for Washburn this year was to create more depth on their roster. The Icahbods carry a roster of 22 this season, featuring six freshman and four transfers.

“I think one of the weaknesses in our squad that last couple years is we’ve always carried a small roster, 17 or 18 kids. So, when we got to the end of the season, if we had some injuries, if kids are tired and worn down, we didn’t have the depth that we needed to finish strong. I feel like we really have that this year, and we definitely started that way,” Holaday said.

Her seasoned team includes 12 juniors and seniors. Three of her seniors – Marrit Mead, Auty Schreiner and Jaycee Ginter – have played all four years for her. Altogether, the four seniors have played a combined 537 games for Washburn.

“When you have those three kids [Mead, Schreiner and Ginter] at the center of what you’re trying to do and they’ve been on the field for us since they were freshmen, it’s a really good core group to build around,” said Holaday.

Of course, the Ichabods’ ultimate goal is to make the NCAA tournament, but Holaday wants her team to enjoy the journey. She’s made changes in her coaching style to make sure she does the same. After spending her entire coaching career coaching third base, she’s now in the dugout and in tune with her athlete’s emotions. It’s helping Holaday and her team to find reasons to dance every day.

“Our kids have their eyes on the goal. But I think we’re in a little better place emotionally with that. We’re not driven by that every day,” Holaday said. “We’re driven by giving our best, encouraging each other, supporting each other. We’re not really spending so much time talking about an ultimate prize. Let’s make each day count and enjoy each day and trust that that process will get us where we want to go.”

The Ichabods return home to Topeka for the Washburn Invite from February 23 to 25. MIAA conference play will begin on March 8 with a doubleheader at the University of Central Oklahoma. Their regular season concludes on April 27. The MIAA Championship Tournament starts May 1.

2024 Travel Team Preview: Originals 26/27

By: Jeff Strange

Coming off a highly successful 2023 campaign that featured an overall record of 63-20, the Originals 26/27 put together an impressive list of accomplishments to punctuate their season. Highlights included:

  • A 1st place championship showing at the Top Gun Heritage Championship in Bixby, OK
  • A 7-0 showing to capture the title at the Top Gun Ranger in KC
  • Tied for 5th out of 58 teams at the World Fastpitch Championships, going 7-3 overall

The success of those performances provided many proud moments for this Originals squad. However, assistant coach Sara Hollister believes that it was this groups’ showing at the Top Gun Invitational that provided the key point of their successful season.

“The highlight of our 2023 season took place at the Top Gun Invitational at Blue Valley in KC. We were tied for 1st in the Maverick Division. We went 5-1 that weekend facing insane talent from across the US. We picked up big wins over the MI Firecrackers-Renne 3-2, SO Cal Athletics Marinakis 14u National 11-2 and the TX Athletics Mercado-Bonola 4-2.”

Top Gun Events Media caught up with assistant coach Hollister to get her feedback on several key elements for the Originals 26/27 squad’s 2024 season and beyond:

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

“Head Coach Jason Moss has 30 plus years of competitive coaching experience. He favors a strategic and motivational coaching style.

Assistant Coach Tony Austin has 20 plus years of collegiate and competitive coaching experience. He is very strategic in game planning and coaching each player to their strengths.

Assistant Coach Matt Johnson has 23 years of collegiate and competitive coaching experience. He brings a transformational and developmental coaching style.

Myself – Assistant Coach Sara Hollister has 20 plus years of competitive coaching experience. I primarily focus on player IQ and the mental side of the game.”

Does your team face any challenges with schedules? If yes, how do you manage that?

“The challenges we face as a team mostly pertains to our roster coming from about a 4-hour radius for practices. The girls and their families are dedicated in making sure they get to all the workouts they can. There are many zoom meetings to cover other things outside of the physical practice portion of our workouts.”

What are your primary goals and objectives for your team?

“Our primary goals and objectives are to keep the girls hungry and motivated. This allows them to strive to continue competing with themselves and each other to prepare them for play at the next level.”

In your opinion, what traits make your organization unique?

“We are family oriented. Earl Turnure founded the Originals organization in 1983. We are old school in our approach of developing players and Stacey Moore, who is the head of our organization, preaches that the Originals stand on the principle that there are more options for college than the D-1 or bust mentality.”

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“We are entering our “down” year as a first year 16 u team with three 2027’s. We are playing an elite schedule, so we will have our hands full every weekend, which is exactly what the girls need to continue to grow. We are traveling more than half of our schedule, which is taxing on our players and their parents. We have added 3 girls to our 2024 roster from the Select Organization who have a season of 16s under their belt; they will provide excellent guidance to our team.

  • Kennedi Casey/OF (’26 Kearney High School)
    • Defense: Plus first step and angles to the ball. Average arm that has shown improvements in arm strength. CF footwork/corner OF arm.
    • Offense: Gap hitter with flashes of power to all fields from the left side. Keeps hands inside the ball well and above average strike zone awareness. Handles the bat well in hitting situations.
  • Jesenia Solis/UT (’26 Lees Summit High School)
    • Defense: corner defender with quick first step. Quick hand and release. Average to above average arm strength.
    • Offense: left handed hitter with good bat control and strike zone awareness. Keeps hands inside ball well and good barrel control.
  • Jazmyn Brown/P/OF (’26 Holden High School)
    • Defense: Plus speed in the OF that can develop into a strong CF. Above average arm.
    • Offense: Slap hitter with plus bat control. Strong bunter with plus speed on the bases.
    • Pitcher: Above average velocity with command of four pitches that can be thrown in any count. Developing stamina for later innings. Athletic on the mound.
  • Jacie Gentry/OF (’27 Lathrop High School)
    • Defense: CF with polished angles to the ball and range. Plus arm with quick release and carry.
    • Offense: Power bat with a big swing. Pull side swing that is developing opposite field power. Improving strike zone awareness.
  • Kyndall Hay/C/OF (’27 Blue Springs South High School)
    • Defense: Developing catcher with strong arm. Needing improvement on glove handling but showing growth.
    • Offense: Pull-side power hitter, free swinger. Plus foot speed.
  • Brynlee Johnson/C (’26 Park Hill High School)
    • Defense: Plus softball IQ and a field general. Above average arm behind the plate with quick feet and hands. Plus framing and feel behind the plate.
    • Offense: Gap hitter that has developed the ability to drive the ball out of the park. Plus strike zone awareness with high contact and hands inside the ball from the left side.
  • Haylee Wait/3B/P (’26 Fort Osage High School)
    • Defense: Quick hands and reaction at 3B with developing quicker release. Average arm velocity.
    • Offense: Contact hitter that puts ball in play to opposite field. Handles the bat well on bunts and situational hitting.
    • Pitching: Strong 3 pitch mix with plus control. Average velo with plus spin rate.
  • Lucia Trevino/P/UT (’26 Blue Springs High School)
    • Defense: OF with good range and above average arm.
    • Offense: Plus speed from the left side. Gap power and developing increased contact.
    • Pitching: 3 plus pitches that command the zone well. Ability to control the inside part of the plate. Above average to plus velo.
  • Katie Stephenson/UT/P (’26 Belton High School)
    • Defense: Plus arm, great lateral foot speed, can play middle but better suited on corners. Quick release.
    • Offense: Combination of power and contact. Puts ball in play, work power and plus strike zone awareness.
    • Pitching: Average to above average velo. Command of two pitches with 3rd right behind. Competitor in the circle with plus athleticism.
  • Riley Hollister/MI (’27 Blue Springs South High School)
    • Defense: Plus softball IQ, ability to play both middle positions. Above average arm, quick hands and release.
    • Offense: Gap hitter that has started to develop power. Handles the bat well and keeps hands inside the ball and on plane from the left side.
  • Tayah Garringer/UT (’26 El Dorado Springs High School)
    • Defense: Corner IF and OF with above average arm and quick first step at both positions. Her ability to be versatile allows her to be in the lineup at all times.
    • Offense: Gap power swing that has the ability to hit the ball out of the park. Quick hands that stay inside the ball well and drives the ball to opposite field with power.

What are your short-term goals for your team?

“We preach to the girls that our goal this season is to compete against the best of the best and use those games to keep getting better. Our team goal this season is to qualify for the 2024 Alliance Fastpitch National Championship.”

What are your long-term goals for your team?

“We want to continue developing our girls to prepare them for college. Travel ball is expensive – we want to build them up, get them the exposure they need and help them acquire as much scholarship money as possible…a little thank you to mom and dad!”

2024 Travel Team Preview: Louisville Lady Sluggers 16u – VB

By: Jeff Strange

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins Championships.” It’s a quote that coach Ashley VanBoxmeer of the Louisville Lady Sluggers 16u – VB holds in high regards for her nationally ranked squad.

For VanBoxmeer’s squad, 2023 featured many key highlights, including:

  • Runner-up at Top Club Invite – Oklahoma
  • 3rd place at Triple Crown Nationals – Dalton, GA
  • 17th in the Colorado Sparkler POWER POOL Division – Colorado
  • Top 25 at the Alliance Nationals in the Tier 1 Division – California

Coach VanBoxmeer attributed much of her team’s success in 2023 to their persistent approach to compete at the highest levels.

“One thing about championship teams like this one is that they’re resilient,” said VanBoxmeer. “No matter what is thrown at them, no matter how deep the hole, they find a way to bounce back and overcome adversity. We play the toughest schedule week in and week out from the end of May to the end of July in the biggest events, on the best fields, against the best of competition. As a first year 16u team, this group earned the respect they deserved and are currently nationally ranked as #14 in the country.”

Now looking ahead into 2024, Coach VanBoxmeer and her Louisville Lady Sluggers 16u – VB squad are eyeing another season of challenges and success. Top Gun Events Media caught up with Coach VanBoxmeer to get her feedback on several key elements for her team’s 2024 season:

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

“Andy Paalhar is one of the very best coaches in the Kansas City area. He handles all of the outfield and scouting and also assists in the offensive strategy. He is always investing in his knowledge of the game, to not only benefit himself but also the players. Andy gives 110% to each of the girls and is either staying after or coming early to get the girls extra reps. The amount of time and energy he spends on this team is a huge reason why we are so successful.

I have played and competed at the highest level, under the best coaches and trainers in the world. I have been coaching for almost 10 years now and am a full time coach/instructor. I have been there and done that, which is a huge benefit to my players as both a mentor and coach.

To me coaching is taking a player where she can’t take herself. You have to have a sense of confidence about what you are building. You have to get your players, particularly your leaders, to believe in what you are trying to accomplish on and off the field. I view the softball field as a character-building arena. I consider building the character of the person just as important as developing the skills of the player. I teach my players through my words and actions the values of respect, resilience, empathy, teamwork and sportsmanship that will benefit them long after their playing days are over.”

Does your team face any challenges with schedules (drawing athletes from multiple states, perhaps)? If yes, how do you manage that?

“No, we don’t have any challenges with out of state players. Players from all over the country see what we are doing, how we are doing it and want to be a part of it. However, not just anyone can make it on this team. We look for a very specific type of athlete and family. Yes, a certain skill level is required to compete at this level, but mostly we look at the knowledge, work ethic and personality of the athlete. Finding the passion, commitment and love for the game is something you can’t teach and is what matters the most to us.”

What are your primary goals and objectives for your team?

“Our team always has one goal – “Hustle, Compete, WIN.” We focus on our purpose and process, which then leads to the results. Individual success comes from the success of the team. Especially during the recruiting process, which can add a lot of stress, we stay focused on our #1 goal and each player’s responsibility to contribute to that goal. The rest takes care of itself.”

In your opinion, what traits make your organization unique?

“I think the finished product that we put out into the world is what makes us unique. We don’t define our organization’s success by the amount of players we have put into college, or the individual achievements our athletes’ produce. Is this exciting, expected and valuable? Absolutely, but it is not what makes us unique. We produce amazing young women who are not only prepared to compete as freshmen on the softball field and in the classroom, but young ladies who are organized, respectful, smart, disciplined & confident. They are great leaders and teammates who make anyone around them better and will do the same when their playing days are over and as they enter their next chapter of life.”

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“We have added some big time talent to our already talented team! We are very well rounded in all areas of our game and we feel like we do not have any areas of weakness. Our goal is still the same – Hustle, Compete, WIN!”

What are your short-term goals for your team?

“To stay consistent on our developmental path and focused on the task at hand, both as a team and as individuals.”

What are your long-term goals for your team?

“To help them achieve greatness, continue to grow and evolve as young ladies, and prepare them for the next level and challenges life brings.”

Bill Conroy Goes Beyond the Field, Empowering Girls for Life

By: Madison Feldhahn

Even with twenty-seven years of experience coaching softball, Bill Conroy realized his impact on softball players’ lives was limited. So, seven years ago, he created Empowering Girls for Life.

“I thought that doing something, such as Empowering Girls for Life, would end up bringing more than just the athletic aspect of being the best version of yourself to life,” Conroy told Top Gun Events. “It teaches these young ladies to try to find ways to overcome obstacles as opposed to making excuses.”

Empowering Girls for Life offers young women the opportunity to meet, learn from, and talk with high profile women who have broken barriers in their respective fields. These speakers include current coaches, former players, and more. Conroy aims to find successful speakers who inspire the participants to strive for goals both on and off the field.

“Softball is great. It’s a way to help supplement a lot of your financial costs in college. But there’s forty years after the four years that you really have to look at. Ultimately, you want to end up getting your degree and have a career that you’re happy with and can do great things with,” Conroy said.

When asked about how speakers are selected, Conroy stated that he wants someone who is successful in their given field. Previous speakers have included softball coaches like Carol Hutchins, Kate Drohan, and Patty Gasso, as well as athletes like Alycia Baumgardner, Katherine Switzer, and Sydney Supple. The participants have also heard from women who were successful in other careers, such as rocket scientist Olympia LePoint, former Miss America Nina Davuluri, and astrobiologist Alyssa Carson.

In measuring the success of Empowering Girls for Life, Conroy said, “I have noticed I have a number of athletes that are focused on being engineers and doctors and nurses and are wanting a STEM career. We have a greater percentage of that now. I’m hoping that at least some of what we are trying to convey has made some sense to them.”

Conroy hopes the event is meaningful to the participants and makes a difference in their lives. He wants them to understand that they can overcome anything and not use difficult times as an excuse to quit.

“I don’t know if you could end up ever singling out a single event and saying, ‘This changed this person’s life.’ I see that it may change a person’s mindset and their thinking. It may make them more confident that they can overcome any obstacle as opposed to make it an excuse,” said Conroy. “I think that a lot of the stories are focused on that. There have been some road bumps for all these young ladies and women that speak, but you have to find a way to pull yourself through that and become the best version of yourself.”

The 2024 event will take place on August 10th at The Westin Center in Lombard, Illinois. This year’s participants will hear from Karen Weekly, Nijaree Canady, Ellie Cooper, and Jordy Bahl. Sydney Supple will be returning to the event as an emcee.

For more information about Empowering Girls for Life, please visit empoweringgirlsforlife.com.

College 2024 Preview: University of Saint Mary Spires Gear Up for 2024 with Renewed Energy and Focus; Eyes Growth for the Future of Program

By: Jeff Strange

2023 Overall Record: 24-25

Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Record: 7-17

Coming off a 24-25 season, the University of Saint Mary brought in new head coach Kayleigh Behymer-Swan this past fall to lead the Spires softball program. The Spires are returning two Second Team All-Conference selections in Junior Outfielder, Alexis McDaniel, and Senior Outfielder, Sadie McWilliams. Additionally, KCAC Honorable Mention selections Natalie Bruce (Jr./3B), Briana Solis (So./UTL), Allyson Dias (Gr./C), and Allie Cox (Jr./RHP) return as well for the Spires, as they open up their 2024 campaign on February 9 in Mesquite, Tex. Saint Mary will be tested right out of the gate against perennial NAIA powerhouse and preseason top-10 team Oklahoma City at 12:15pm this Friday afternoon.

With excitement looming as the spring season approaches for the Spires, Top Gun Events caught up with head coach Behymer-Swan to get her thoughts on the upcoming season:

This is your first season at the helm with St. Mary…how would you describe your experience taking over the program?

“Coming in this past fall, I could see that this team had a great deal of talent. The skillsets of our athletes has honestly impressed me since day one. Each of our athletes have very big personalities, which has been fun to get to know. However, with that has come a need to teach them that there are expectations of high standards and accountability needed. The girls have begun to buy into this approach and it’s beginning to show at practices; they’re starting to do the little things right and they’re taking pride in executing the small aspects of the game that can lead to big results. We have largely made it a point to break the game back down to the fundamentals and emphasizing the importance of understanding that everyone has a job on the field and everyone can play a role into the outcome of the game.

In the fall, we stressed to the girls to test their limits and to not settle – we want them to want more! We also broke them down to the very basics; not only with the mechanics but also with their knowledge of the game. We’ve also tested them from a mental standpoint; there’s a workout that has kind of become a bit of a tradition amongst KC area coaches that we call 26 minutes. It’s a grueling conditioning and mental workout that has tested the girls to push themselves past their comfort zones. Early on, the girls struggled keeping up with it but now they own it! It’s been fun to watch their overall growth and buy into what we’ve implemented into the program and I’m very excited to see where we’re headed.”

Can you give some background information on your coaching and playing experience?

“I played collegiately at Avila University, graduating in 2019. After I graduated in 2019, I went to Wingate University as a Graduate Assistant for a year. In 2020, I was a Graduate Assistant at Baker University, finishing my Master’s Degree. I stuck at Baker after I completed my degree as an assistant coach until 2023. I took over at U. of Saint Mary in the fall of 2023; this is my first season as a head coach.”

Can you give some background information on your coaching staff?

“Up until mid-November of 2023, I was running the program on my own. However, we were very fortunate to bring on Elsa Skeie at that point and she has brought a wealth of knowledge and excitement that has been huge for our program. Elsa has been all-in since the beginning and very passionate towards her role. She has done a great job working with our infielders (she was an infielder at Luther College in Decorah, IA).

I primarily work with the pitchers and catchers. Coach Skeie and I both work with our hitters and outfielders.”

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“I believe that we have a true mix on offense. We have speed on the bases and in the field. There was an offensive approach that was pushed in the past here; we have brought on a different approach, retraining our hitters as we move forward. We are pushing line drives and hitting the ball hard as opposed to trying to lift everything. We’re trying to utilize our athleticism as a useful tool as well. Depending on the situation, who we are playing, etc. we may look to bunt, or we may look to drive the ball hard; ultimately, we are aiming to utilize our athleticism so that we are dangerous in any situation.

In the circle, we’ve got six arms – five that are active and one that is returning from an injury. Each girl is different in her approach and what they bring to the field; this is a great luxury to have as a coach.

We have a freshman that throws with good speed and movement. We have a sophomore lefty that has excellent spin and nasty movement. We have another sophomore that throws hard and has a unique motion, which is another tough look for hitters. We have another freshman that creates great spin along with a very good change up. My rotation is rounded out by a junior that is very consistent, throws a great drop ball and displays a bulldog demeanor in the circle. It’s going to be fun working with each girl this spring and employing each, based on matchups and situations.

At catcher, we have Allyson Dias who has a great arm and bat. Her best attribute is that she is an exceptional leader. We also have three freshmen catchers that bring some exciting qualities to our roster.

My outfield is very fast with great range. Lexi McDaniels is my centerfielder and is a special athlete. She has incredible speed while also leading the team in home runs last season. She’s also very intelligent; she’s second in her class as a nursing major and loves life, has a great sense of humor but also understands how to dial it in and put in hard work.

Sadie McWilliams also patrols the outfield and was actually recruited by myself while I was at Wingate University. After spending a year at Wingate, she decided to come play closer to home (she’s from Basehor, KS). Sadie is in her senior year and I’m very happy to have her with us here at Saint Mary. She has so much power at the plate, is always trying to learn more and is a great leader for our team. She’s a great student with a bright future ahead of her and I’m proud that I’ve been able to coach her.

On the infield, we have a great amount of experience with three seniors and one junior. Their chemistry and pull for each other is full of contagious energy.”

What are your short-term goals for the program?

“My hope is to finish with an over .500 winning percentage this season. We have the talent there to achieve this; it’s up to us to execute. However, I don’t want to simply settle for that; we’re driving the competitive edge out of these girls. Myself and Coach Skeie are making it a point to change the mentality of this program, having these girls understand that they are all very capable athletes and that we have the talent to succeed. Let’s compete in conference, let’s compete with the powerhouse programs and let’s translate our athleticism into success. If we can collectively buy into this mentality, we can compete with the best programs.”

What are your long-term goals for the program?

“I’ve mapped out an ideal game plan for how I’d like to construct our roster and program so that we can compete at the highest level possible over the next several seasons. If we can recruit effectively, I’m hoping to find our program competing for a national title in the upcoming seasons.

We have a very good facility; our field is turf and we have access to several different weight rooms that we are able to utilize. U. of Saint Mary has a very nice campus, with beautiful architecture displayed throughout the premises. The staff has a great feel for their students; the professors are going to know their students’ names and are there to help our students succeed. The academic departments work well with the athletic departments. Overall, there’s a lot that we can offer as recruiting elements that I’m excited to utilize as we aim to grow our program.”

Recruiting? Obviously camps being one avenue…But can you share other approaches that your program takes? Do you attend showcase events to scout athletes? Large-scale national tournaments? Or are you more focused on regional events? Does your program have a geographic barometer that it generally covers? Any particular events that you’ve covered in the past that you anticipate continuing to cover in the future?

“We have plans to initiate camps this upcoming summer; dates will be determined as we get closer to then. We’ll plan to host additional camps next fall and winter as well.

We get emails very frequently from recruiting platforms, which is great. I personally like to see athletes send me their info with videos (or links to videos) that have taken the time to research our university and program as well.

Establishing relationships with travel ball coaches has been a huge asset. Getting input and feedback from reliable sources helps initiate contact with prospective student athletes as well.

We largely spend the bulk of our time in the Midwest when going to watch prospective athletes; however, we don’t want to limit ourselves to one geographic location. We have to plan properly when it comes to traveling to see talent but again the relationships that we’ve built with organizations and coaching staffs helps tremendously in aiding with finding talent to help our program.”

2024 Travel Team Preview: Nebraska Gold ’09 National builds upon challenges and development, eyeing successful 2024 season

By: Jeff Strange

June 16, 2023. The Nebraska Gold ’09 National team was gearing up for a high-profile contest while playing in the prestigious Top Gun Invite in Kansas City. They had drawn a power-packed Texas Riptide 14u squad. According to Larry Swift, the current coach of the NE Gold ’09 National team, the Riptide’s roster was loaded with eye-catching athletes.

“Everyone on that team, including their starting pitcher, looked the part,” said Swift. “They could swing it and they could throw it.”

The anticipation caught the attention of the ballpark as well. With roughly 200-300 people in the crowd watching – from parents and friends to entire teams in the facility – the expectation of a highly entertaining game was alive and well as the venue was buzzing with excitement.

The game started with a weak ground ball by Nebraska Gold, securing the first out for the Riptide and driving the eager and enthusiastic Texas fans into a frenzy. However, despite a 2-1 disadvantage at the end of the 1st inning, Nebraska Gold ’09 National kept plugging along, picking up a run in every inning. NE Gold’s starting pitcher, Taelyn Rupiper settled in the circle and scattered three runs over 6 innings. NE Gold won 9-3 and drew the attention of seemingly everyone as they left the facility.

It was games like these that helped the athletes and team grow together. As a first year 14u team last summer, this skilled squad was often pitted against older competition, challenging them to test their talents.

July1, 2023. Nebraska Gold ’09 National suffered a “less than flattering 12-3 defeat” to the 16u Finesse Frank team at the Top Gun Patriot in Peoria, Illinois. However, they came back on Sunday and outscored two 16u teams 19-5 through a series of balls hit in the gaps and well-placed bunts put down the line. The NE Gold coaching staff believes that their athletes were at their best at that point and ready to compete with anyone, until the rains came and washed out the event.

Carrying that momentum into their last weekend of the summer, Nebraska Gold ’09 National played up in an 18u tourney in Nebraska (as a 13u team). They went 8-1 on the weekend, winning the event. In the process of taking home the hardwire, NE Gold pulled off 6 consecutive wins on Sunday with 15 over the fence home runs. All toll, they concluded their championship run near midnight on Sunday.

Now, looking into 2024 Coach Larry Swift and his Nebraska Gold ’09 National squad are eyeing another season of challenges and success. Top Gun Events Media caught up with Coach Swift to get his feedback on several key elements for his team’s 2024 season:

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

“Each of our coaches brings a unique perspective to the Nebraska Gold ‘09 National team. Mitch Kampbell and Nick Beard have five players on this squad they have coached since the girls were 7 years old. Day-to-day work and focus are their best-selling points. This is Jeff Kurrus’ third year with the program, with team culture and everyday enjoyment of the process being his forte. Joining the staff this year, Lexi Swift offers something the other coaches can’t – a female’s perspective as both a coach and a former college player. And program director Larry Swift’s role is multifaceted. He has been a coach in the dugout when his Nebraska Gold teams have won at the highest possible level as 18-year-olds, which allows him to bring that perspective to this 14-year-old group and show them what it will take for them to get to that level.”

Does your team face any challenges with schedules (drawing athletes from multiple states, perhaps)? If yes, how do you manage that?

“Each of our players are from the Omaha or Lincoln areas, except for one that travels from Grand Island, Nebraska – nearly two hours away. So, our practice and game scheduling runs relatively smoothly, besides the times when we have an injury or family event that prevents a particular player from participating. When this occurs, we reach out to a select group of players from Nebraska and surrounding states who we have formed bonds with, and they play with us that particular weekend. For example, our girls love when their South Dakota or Missouri friends play with them as a substitute for a tournament. This also provides them more exposure to kids they’ll get to know later in high school and even into college, making those transitions easier for them.”

What are your primary goals and objectives for your team?

“We have a multitude of goals for this team. First, we want to continue to prepare these athletes for their transitions through or into high school ball for their respective schools. For example, we had 9 girls who were freshmen this past fall, at 6 different high schools. All 9 made significant contributions to their high school varsity teams, with three of them receiving All-State accolades and 6 making the state Tournament semi-finals or finals. We want the same results for our other 3 incoming freshmen this year. Second, we want to prepare them for the college game. In addition, their individual work and team work is accomplished by their interactions and workouts with NE Gold players already in college. For example, recently several current college playing alumni, including Ruby Meylan, who was a University of Washington’s starting pitcher in last season’s College World Series, pitched to our players and took at-bats vs our pitchers. Once our girls see someone of their skill levels, they are ready for anything. Third, on the field as a team the girls have set a goal to be in the Final Four for every tournament they play this year. With this goal, they will always have the mindset to win every tournament. Fourth, our hitters want to compete in every at bat, so they’re working to have a QAB rate of 70%. It takes out batting averages and on-base percentages to create a more defined role at the plate – how well did you compete.”

In your opinion, what traits make your organization unique?

“First and foremost, we pride ourselves on our Gold DNA pillars. The pillars are: Toughness, Discipline, Workers Always Win, Masters of Appreciation and Not About You. These pillars are followed by all the coaches and players in the organization. We have weekly sessions with both players and coaches reviewing these and understanding how we make the organization much better. It is the open-door policy of players working with players of all ages. It is not uncommon before a practice to get a phone call from a girl from another Gold team who wants to work out with your team that day. Or to walk into one of our indoor facilities or outdoor complexes and see a very accomplished player from one of our older groups working with a younger player.

Second, the Gold program is always striving to find the right fit for a kid. If a particular kid’s current skill level dictates that she needs to be on another team, then steps are made to create this proper fit for all parties.

Lastly, Nebraska Gold’s desire to bring in kids outside of our program who contact them allows the program to share its purpose for its individual players and teams. This open-door policy once again allows Nebraska Gold to focus on fit for each individual player.”

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“In 2024, the Nebraska Gold 09’ team will be able to compete against any 09’ team in the country. Eight of our 12 players have already left the yard at some point during the 2023 year, and it’s only a matter of time for the others. We boast great team speed and athleticism throughout the line-up. Our pitching staff is led by two girls who throw 60+ and will command the zone. Here’s our crew in a nutshell:

  • Dylan Glatter – the best receiving 09’ catcher we’ve seen. Cat-quick defensively and a combination of power and finesse at the plate.
  • Hayden Peters – slapper/outfielder whose tremendous speed can take over an entire tournament on both sides of the ball.
  • Tenley Kampbell – First baseman/pitcher whose homerun balls, quite often, never get 20 feet off the ground. Amazing power. In the circle, continues to beat some of the best teams we face by relying on control and movement.
  • Taelyn Rupiper – Our Ace in the circle, she throws 60+ MPH whose best pitches are her riseball and change-up. Her ceiling is extremely high, and she continues to get the ball in our biggest games with no fear of failing.
  • Becca Dinkelman – Also tops out in the low 60s in the circle, but Becca’s most impressive attribute is her raw power. Though small in stature, she remains the kid most likely to hit a ball halfway up the light pole.
  • Mallory Closman – She has the entire package. Crazy athlete with speed and power. Mal immediately jumps off the page as soon as you see her warm up between innings.
  • Maddie Kurrus – With only two errors from the 2nd base position the entire 2023 summer, our most reliable fielder. Has also led the team for multiple years in HBPs and BBs with her “by any means necessary” mentality.
  • Abby Beard – Our best all-around hitter. Squares up more balls hard than anyone we have, and can fit anywhere in the lineup she’s needed, from a leave-the-yard send a message leadoff to a run producer in the 4-hole.
  • Kaylin Hinerman – A converted swingaway kid from a slapper, Kay will garner a ton of attention this summer because of her size and strength.
  • Lily Johnson – An absolute athlete. Scarred, bloody, ready for more. This is Lily after a weekend tournament. The ultimate competitor with an absolute cannon for an arm.
  • Brooklyn Phelphes – Another cannon, this time from the centerfield position, this former slapper will also boast a rare combination of speed and power this season. From a defensive standpoint, she covers ground like crazy.
  • Kinley Nixon – A newcomer to our team but will play 8 positions for us. Fearless at the plate and able to bunt and run, Kinley readily fills in every hole this team needs on both sides of the ball.

What are your short-term goals for your team?

“As stated before, the girls want to be competing for championships every weekend, with a Top 4 finish in every tournament, regardless of the competition, is one of their goals.”

What are your long-term goals for your team?

“To have an even larger factor for their high school teams and work toward achieving their own goals in high school and beyond, both inside and outside of softball.”

*Editors Note: Article updated February 7, 2024 to reflect that Larry Swift did not coach the team in 2023*

College 2024 Preview: Eastern Illinois University Looks to Build Upon Successful 2023 Campaign; has high hopes for 2024

By: Jeff Strange

2023 Overall Record: 34-21

Ohio Valley Conference Record: 16-6

Coming off a 34-21 season, the Eastern Illinois University Panthers made headlines in 2023 as they brought home their first Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship in school history, along with making their first appearance in the NCAA Division 1 Regionals in their program’s tenure. Entering the OVC tournament as the number 2 seed, the Panthers and Head Coach Tara Archibald went 3-0 in the event held at Choccolocco Park in Oxford, AL as Junior RHP Olivia Price logged 21 Innings Pitched, while allowing just 1 Earned Run over that frame of work.

Bringing home the title of Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Champions hurled the Eastern Illinois University team into their first NCAA Regional appearance, as they traveled north to Drysdale Field in Evanston, IL. The Panthers drew a powerful Northwestern squad in game one, falling 2-0 in a tight contest. EIU’s 2023 season concluded on May 20, 2023 as they battled tough against Miami (Ohio), ultimately dropping that game 4-0.

Coach Archibald enters her fifth season at the helm for the Panthers softball program, guiding the EIU program to an overall record of 95-80 during her reign as the program’s head coach. The daughter of University of Louisiana Head Coach and Women’s Professional Fastpitch team Smash it Sports Vipers Head Coach Gerry Glasco, Archibald played her collegiate softball at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, helping the Salukis earn their first-ever NCAA tournament win in 2003 and advancing to the school’s first Sweet 16 appearance. Archibald also excelled in the classroom at SIUC as a four-time NCAA Scholar Athlete Award Winner while earning the Missouri Valley Conference Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award in 2003. Along the way to EIU, Coach Archibald spent time as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia as well as an assistant coach at Illinois State University before taking over at Eastern Illinois in 2020.

With the Panthers opening up their season on February 9th at the Mardi Gras Mambo Tournament in Youngsville, LA, Top Gun Events Media caught up with Coach Archibald to get her feedback on several key elements for the Eastern Illinois University Panthers Softball Program:

Entering into your 5th season this year as the head coach for Eastern Illinois University, you orchestrated a 34-21 season in 2023, winning the OVC Tournament and taking EIU to the school’s first ever NCAA regional. Can you hit on some key points/highlights from this past season, leading up to the OVC tournament and the NCAA Regional?

“From a team perspective, it took a little bit to build that momentum. I like to say that the momentum really started a couple of years ago as we slowly built the confidence and belief that contending for the OVC title was something that we could accomplish here at Eastern. Last year, we finally caught that momentum and got some key wins that helped our players believe that we could come out on top. Throughout the regular 2023 season, we were right there with SEMO (Southeast Missouri State University) at the top of the conference standings until the second to last weekend, when we stubbed our toe a little bit against Lindenwood. However, once we went into the OVC tournament, our athletes really displayed a laser-focus that I’ll never forget….just from the time we got off of the bus for the tournament, I felt that their focus and intent was really locked in and the girls were determined not to come home without a great showing at the event. It was definitely fun to watch the program grow from that sense of that we believe that we can do this and now let’s go and get it done.”

Taking home a first-place finish in the OVC tournament last season, can you describe some of your thoughts on the event?

“Oxford did a great job hosting that event. Choccolocco Park is a great softball venue with a gorgeous field. Having the tournament on a neutral site gave all of the teams in the event an opportunity to feel post-season play. It was a long week for our athletes and coaches; we played on Sunday, practiced on Monday morning, then left on Monday afternoon and endured a close to 10-hour bus ride aiming to arrive there by Monday night all so that we could practice on Tuesday before the event began. We had a bye on Wednesday and started play on Thursday vs. a tough Southern Indiana team. Throughout the duration, our team just maintained a locked-in mentality and focus that you could sense was present leading up to the tournament and during the event. Pitcher Olivia Price threw all three games for us that tournament and was absolutely lights out – it was fun to watch! The championship game against SIUE was a very well played game; we got the clutch hit, our defense rose to the occasion and Liv was able to shut them down in the circle. Just great pitching from both teams – SIUE’s pitcher (Syd Baalman) was outstanding as well. Overall a great venue, great crowd, beautiful weather the day of the championship game and a great moment for EIU softball.”

The NCAA Regionals – you battled against a strong Northwestern team, falling to them 2-0…then hung in against Miami (OH) with it being a 1-0 game until Miami put up 3 runs in the 5th inning, giving them a 4-0 lead and ultimately holding on for the win….can you describe some of your thoughts on the event?

“The week itself was kind of a whirlwind; we had done something that the program had never done before by winning the OVC tournament and we were 10 hours away from home. We enjoyed the moment of the OVC tournament win, celebrating on the field in Oxford and enjoying the moment with family and friends, but reality eventually kicked in; we had a long bus ride home. For me as a coach, I really wanted to make sure that throughout the upcoming week our players really took in the moment and understood the gravity of what they had just done for EIU’s program, so I wanted to make sure that we celebrated the selection show the right way.

When we went to regionals, we were really letting them enjoy the moment of being there; certainly, we went there with intentions of winning our ballgames, but at the same time, we wanted to make sure that they had a great experience and understood the gravity of what they had accomplished. We were excited to go to Drysdale Field in Evanston (Illinois); I knew that our fans would be able to travel well there versus the conference tournament. We drew Northwestern in our first game – they are such a good program and well coached. I thought that we would have a shot to play a close ballgame if we could settle in and get comfortable. From the moment we got there, our players didn’t get overwhelmed and knew that they belonged. I was very proud of how we played against Northwestern; we were just one or two swings away from a different outcome and Olivia (Price) just threw an absolute gem against a very good lineup.

We came back the next day against Miami of Ohio and Olivia held her own and kept us in there until late in the game. Again, we had bases loaded and we hit a line drive that their leftfielder made an incredible play on; if that ball gets down, we probably clear the bases and take the lead. We competed very well and we were all very proud of that. I think it completely changed the standard of our program to where now, we’re preparing for how do we get back to regionals and how do we get ourselves to where we can win a regional.”

Moving into 2024, can you give some background information on your coaching staff?

“We’re kind of an all hands on deck program with our coaching staff. When we’re working with hitters, all of the coaches help out. When we are in the bullpen, everyone can jump in and when we’re working defense, everyone can help with defense. We like to have all of the coaches involved in all areas of the game.

Toby Ring joined our staff last year as a volunteer; he’s a former men’s fast pitch player with a ton of experience in the game. He just recently was inducted into the men’s fast pitch Hall of Fame in Central Illinois. Toby was a huge piece with what we accomplished last year and we are excited to have him back this year.

We just added Lisaira Daniels as an assistant this past August. I’ve known Lisaira for a very long time. She played with Georgia and Syracuse has the experience of playing in the College World Series; she’s brought a different mentality throughout the fall, she can relate to the players in that she’s been in postseason play many times throughout her playing career. Her mentality has helped a ton, holding our players to a different standard and continuing to push the growth of our program.

Can you give some analysis/perspective on your team for 2024?

“We have an interesting mix. We are returning the majority of the key pieces from last season. However, we have more newcomers than we have returning athletes. The returning athletes all played huge roles in what we accomplished last year. It’s been fun to watch this team develop it’s own identity versus the team that we had last year. This year’s squad is going to be completely different than last year’s squad in that this is a much faster, much more athletic team. Last year’s team probably had more power. Our offense is going to look a little bit more different from the way we play the game, but we have a great amount of experience.

Most of our infield is all back. The left side – Kendall Grover and Bri Gonzalez both had incredible seasons last year.

Our top two pitchers – Olivia Price and Rachel Kaufman – are back. That’s huge for us in the circle.

Aryn Henke is our only returning outfielder. However, we did pick up Sophie Cerveny who was a starter for Nebraska-Omaha last year and played in a regional as well. She has fit in extremely well with our team from a mindset and goals perspective, bringing excellent leadership skills as well.

We’ve got a couple of spots that during preseason we’ll be working to figure out who fills roles the best, but for the most part I feel that we are an experienced team that knows what to expect and has been battle tested. Ultimately, our goal will be to figure out who we are as this year’s team and how we’re going to go out and win ballgames. Hopefully as we get out of preseason, we’ll have a really good idea of what we have to do to win conference ballgames.”

What are your short-term goals for the program?

“First and foremost, figuring out who we are exactly as a team, what we do best and how we’re going to win ballgames. Ultimately, how are we going to compete best together as team…

We are hoping to put ourselves in a position so that at the end of the year we can hold a high seed entering into the OVC tournament, and then hopefully go on a run and win the OVC tournament so that we can compete in a regional again.

If we can get into a regional again this year, the goal is to not just go there but let’s go in there and try to win it.

However, to be honest we don’t talk about that too much. It’s more about how can we become the best versions of ourselves and what do we need to do today to help ourselves to be the best team that this team can be and then at the end of the year to see where we are at. We’re all very motivated and very excited about this very talented group.”

What are your long-term goals for the program?

“My goal is that we can continue to stay on the path that we are on and continue to grow the program every year. I grew up in Southern Illinois about two hours from here, so for me to be able to put a high quality product on the field – a program that has the opportunity to be in the top third of the conference every year, competing for a chance to win a conference championship every year and providing athletes with an experience to go to regionals – that’s the goal. My hope is that we can put out a product that people in Central Illinois are excited to watch along with developing our athletes to be role models for other young girls in the area. I’m proud of what we’ve done here and excited that this group is really motivated to leave the program better than they found it.”

Recruiting? Obviously camps being one avenue…But can you share other approaches that your program takes? Do you attend showcase events to scout athletes? Large-scale national tournaments? Or are you more focused on regional events? Does your program have a geographic barometer that it generally covers? Any particular events that you’ve covered in the past that you anticipate continuing to cover in the future?

“In the summer, we try to spend as much time in the Midwest as we can. However, we also will venture out beyond our backyard. I typically go out to California at least once a summer. We’re on the circuit and really enjoy getting to get out in the summer and watch the top events in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas City, etc. It’s so exciting for our sport right now how much softball has grown and how many great young players there are in the game.”

Lastly, do you have any information to share for prospective athletes in regards to camp information for 2024?

“I can tell you that there are a lot of players on our team that we wouldn’t have if they hadn’t come to one of our camps. We definitely use camps to help fill our roster. We’ll do a lot of camps in the summer; be on the lookout for in the beginning of June and throughout July as well. We’re possibly looking at adding a team camp during the summer as well. Dates will be announced as we get closer to then.”