Savvy Softball’s Annual Easton Rawlings Elite Fall Championship Proves to be Big Draw for Athletes and Coaches

Savvy Softball’s Annual Easton Rawlings Elite Fall Championship Proves to be Big Draw for Athletes and Coaches

By Jeff Strange

The weather was terrific and the competition was top-notch on the weekend of 10/20-10/22 for the annual Easton Rawlings Elite Fall Showcase hosted by Savvy Softball. A big draw for elite level softball athletes and college coaches looking to evaluate prospective players for their programs, the Easton/Rawlings Elite Fall Showcase has become a staple event for overall exposure. We caught up with Savvy Director Dan Paulson to get his take on the busy weekend of softball, what drives him in this game and the future prospects of his events.

How long has this event been taking place?

Savvy Softball has been running this event since 2020. At the time, it was known as The Demarini. In 2021, we collaborated with Easton Rawlings and began running the event in O’Fallon and Edwardsville, IL. This was the 13th year overall that it has been ran.

How many teams were initially in the event when it became known as the Easton/Rawlings Elite Fall Showcase vs. the turnout for this fall?

We had roughly 80 teams total when we began running it in 2021. This year, we had 140 teams spread out over six complexes in the St. Louis metropolitan area – three parks in Illinois and three parks in Missouri with age groups ranging from 12u-18u.

What format do you use for your showcase games:

At 16u and 18u, its 1 hour and 40 minutes, finish the inning and 2-hour time slots. We feel that is unique – the average number of innings played this fall for those age groups was 6.3 innings. The longer game times allows college coaches to see a student-athlete hit two, three or four times in a game…pitchers get to throw five or six innings as opposed to just two or three innings in a shorter game format. We schedule the games two hours apart; this allows us to stay on schedule and makes it easier for college coaches to plan accordingly. Ultimately, it is all about getting the athletes the best opportunity to showcase what they can do and helping the college coaches know where and when they need to be to look at an athlete that they may be interested in.

Do you know approximately, how many college coaches checked in this fall?

The number of coaches in attendance was over 200; we are still figuring exact numbers, but my estimation is somewhere around 250 this year. I noticed one game last Saturday that had 39 college coaches standing behind the backstop watching. It was a very good turnout – we try to make it as appealing for them as we can by providing them with a printed booklet to go along with the digital booklet for all of the information. We provide food and beverages as well so they generally remain at the parks all day to take it all in.

Was there any difference in how the 16u/18u divisions were ran vs the 12u/14u divisions?

16u and 18u play five showcase games between Saturday and Sunday with their schedules lined out. We had teams from 20 different states and with scheduling their flights and travel; it makes it easier for them to know when they’ll be done on Sunday. For the 12u and 14u, we made it competitive with a cash prize on the line. Each team started in a box-bracket with four teams per bracket. This way they knew exactly when they were going to play their three games on Saturday. Sunday was brackets with cash prizes awarded to the top two teams in each 12u and 14u divisions.

What are your plans for the future?

For our fall event, we’ll most likely continue with a very similar format. We run a summer event that in 2024 will be our third year conducting – the Savvy Softball Elite Summer Shootout. We continue to look for other areas that might have a need for a strong tournament, but really just need to find the right venues and the right dates. We want to make sure that we use top class fields and to make sure that we have the strongest teams that we can attract to any of our events. At the end of the day, in order to maintain the number of teams that want to play in the event and to give everyone – the teams and college coaches – a good schedule that they are happy with, it ultimately takes fields that are of good quality, but are not too spread out for any coaches that may want to travel from park-to-park to see athletes and teams that they want to see.

Missouri High School State Championship Final Four Preview – Class 4 & 5

Missouri High School State Championship Final Four Preview – Class 4

By Jeff Strange

The stage is set for this upcoming weekend’s Missouri High School Softball State Championship. Today, we are breaking down the final four teams in Class 4 that will be facing off at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, MO.

  • 10/26 at 1:00pm – Washington (35-1-1) vs. Parkway West (22-9)
    • Washington is coming off a 13-0 win over Notre Dame of Cape Girardeau last Saturday. Senior RHP Taylor Brown is having a season for the books, boasting an ERA of close to 0.50 while racking up close to 250 strikeouts for the season. Senior Lauren Opfer and Senior Lacy Monzyk have provided exceptional depth in the circle for the Blue Jays. Washington’s offensive attack is stacked, with a team batting average of over .450 for the season. Brown has exhibited huge power and run production all season, along with Junior Grace Molitor who has been a dual threat showing power and speed. Seniors Christine Gerling (hitting over .500), Maddie Guevara and Lacy Monzyk have also been key contributors on offense for the Blue Jays.
    • Parkway West defeated North Point 11-1 in the state quarterfinals on 10/21/23, setting up their semifinal matchup against Washington. The Longhorns feature two dynamic juniors with IF Siena Snyder and OF Alexa Riddel leading the offensive attack. Fellow Junior Lily Bell has put up strong numbers as well with a batting average over .400 and speed to aid in Parkway West’s attack. Senior Mackenzie Brown has been the ace for the Longhorns this season, with an ERA hovering around 1.50. Sophomore hurler Juliet Relihan has provided solid depth in the circle as well.

 

  • 10/26 at 1:00pm – Helias Catholic (21-9) vs. Kearney (26-5)
    • In a rematch of last year’s class 4 state championship, the Helias Crusaders are looking to avenge that loss and bring home a title to the state capitol. Led in the circle by Cambri VanLoo and Karoline Klebba, the Crusaders are coming off a win over Camdenton 4-3 on 10/21/23. Key offensive contributors for Helias this season have been Kendyll Rackers, Alex Wilde and Klebba with all three hitting over .400 for the season and providing speed and run production for the Crusaders.
    • Looking to defend their crown as state champions, the Kearney Bulldogs roll into the class 4 state tournament with a 14-game winning streak. The Bulldogs boast a strong group of arms in the circle, with Alyssa Quick, Kate Landewee and Sela Lowrance all contributing strong seasons. At the plate, Kearney has received strong offensive seasons from Quick, Brooke Paalhar, Macy Morrow and Morgan Pennington.

Missouri High School State Championship Final Four Preview – Class 5

The stage is set for this upcoming weekend’s Missouri High School Softball State Championship. Today, we are breaking down the final four teams in Class 5 that will be facing off at Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, MO.

  • 10/26 at 12:00pm – Francis Howell (25-6) vs. Troy Buchanan (27-6-1)
    • Francis Howell comes in fresh off a 3-1 victory over a strong Jackson, MO squad. Led by Senior RHP Lorin Boutte, the Vikings are a well-balanced team with two strong arms in the circle with Junior RHP Elle Glass combining with Boutte to provide a strong 1-2 punch. Offensively, Boutte provides a strong bat along with Freshman Catcher Adelle Metz. Seniors Macey Nix and Natalie Vines have also contributed run production and speed to aid in Howell’s attack.
    • Troy Buchanan defeated Francis Howell North 8-0 in the state quarterfinals on 10/21/23, setting up a state semifinal game against Howell. Senior LHP Macie Hunolt has been a staple in the rotation for Troy since her freshman season, breaking the school’s career strikeout record earlier this fall and maintaining an ERA under 1.00 to this point of the season. Hunolt also offers a strong bat in the lineup along with fellow Seniors Gracie Johns, Teryn Brown and Mackenzie Williams. Hunolt, Johns and Williams have provided power and run production, while Brown, senior Autumn Trower and junior Ellee Graff have been key contributors on the basepaths.
    • Both teams have met twice this season, with Troy winning 2-0 over Howell on 9/12/23 and Francis Howell defeating Troy 2-0 on 9/28.

 

  • 10/26 at 12:00pm – Blue Springs South (26-2) vs. Raymore-Peculiar (30-2)
    • Blue Springs South has only been dealt defeat by one school – Nebraska powerhouse Gretna handed the Jaguars their only two losses of the season, back in late August and then again in early September. Blue Springs South are riding are 20-game winning streak, most recently eliminating Willard 16-2 on 10/21/23. The Jaguars feature a high-powered offense, led by Senior Madison Hoffman, who is hitting well over .400 and providing speed on the bases. Seniors Abby Wilhem, Mya Bristow and Sophomore Kamryn Waters have mashed at the plate, putting up impressive power numbers throughout the course of the season. In the circle, Hoffman has been a true ace with an ERA hovering around 1.00 and averaging well over a strikeout an inning. Senior Maddy Duvall has been very strong as well, with an ERA just under 2.00 along with great command and also averaging well over a strikeout an inning.
    • Raymore-Peculiar is coming in hot with an impressive 1-0 victory over Liberty on 10/21/23. The Panthers only two losses of the season have come at the hands of Blue Springs South, with the Jaguars defeating the Panthers 5-3 on 9/18/23 and again 3-1 on 10/2/23. Sophomore LHP Kelsie Donaldson has been a menace in the circle and at the plate for the Panthers, providing power at the plate and overpowering opposing hitters all season. Fellow Sophomore Reygan Ackley has proven capable in the circle and at the plate as well. Senior Hayden Kurtz has put up impressive offensive numbers for the season, showing big power throughout the fall. Other key offensive performers for the Panthers have been Junior Bailey Hummel, Sophomore Carmen Boxberger and Freshman Abbi Schuster.

 

Peyton Hardenburger Commits to Tennessee

Peyton Hardenburger Commits to Tennessee

Wamego standout softball player Peyton Hardenburger (2025) is officially a Lady Vol.  The star pitcher announced her commitment to play for Tennessee earlier this month.

Hardenburger has been dominate in the circle for the Red Raiders as well as her club team, Select Fastpitch.  Last year, on her teams run to a state championship, she threw two no-hitters in the state tournament, one in the semi-finals, and then again in the finals.  The right-handed pitcher finished the high school season 11-0 with 182 strikeouts and a 0.18 ERA.

A two-time 1st Team All-State selection and the 4A Kansas Pitcher of the year, said she fell in love with the family atmosphere that Tennessee offered.  Something she knew she wanted from her college experience. 

“Immediately I got to experience the town of Knoxville and fell in love with the place.  I couldn’t ignore how much the coaching staff clicked.  I would tell every college the number one thing I want in a program is family” said Hardenburger.

Not only was it the family atmosphere, but also the coaching staff and amazing facilities Tennessee has the helped sell Peyton.  Tennessee is coached by Karen Weekly.  Her husband Ralph previously worked alongside her as her co-head coach. “Though Ralph doesn’t coach anymore, he and Karen have made a family impression on the program.  You could tell the girls had a connection with each other that I share with my teammates, so I knew I would fit right in” said Hardenburger.  “The cherry on top was sitting in Neyland Stadium and listening to Rocky Top for the first time, instant chills.”

The Lady Volunteers are getting a highly competitive pitcher that is confident in her abilities.  “I’ve always been told I’m a crazy competitor, and my mental game is to thank for that.  It’s always been a natural gift for me to step on any field and know I can dominate anyone” said Hardenburger.  That mental toughness will be tested in a strong SEC conference.  Last year the conference finished with nine teams ranked in the final NFCA Top 25 poll.

Peyton plans to major in Sports Marketing while attending Tennessee.  She loves talking about sports and wants to stay involved with sports once her playing career is over. 

Outside of softball, she enjoys giving lessons to younger girls in her area.  She feels like teaching the game allows her to give back to the sport that she loves.  It also helps her stay more engaged with her body and mind. 

Dynamic Addie Frank Makes Her Mark on the Baseball and Softball Diamond

Dynamic Addie Frank Makes Her Mark on the Baseball and Softball Diamond

By Jeff Strange

For Oakville (MO) High School sophomore and Missouri Bombers ’08 Gold/Arizona Peaches athlete Addie Frank, taking an annual trip to train with the USA Women’s National Baseball team in Vero Beach, FL has become a tradition over the past few years. She will be making her way back to the Jackie Robinson facility again in early November as an official prospect in the invite-only Breakthrough Series event that is conducted on behalf of USA Baseball and Major League Baseball.

Quite a prestigious honor for the left-handed hitting/left-handed throwing Frank, who has developed a reputation as one of the top youth female baseball players in the country.

However, shortly after her trip to Florida in early November for the MLB and USA Baseball backed event, Frank will find her way back to the MLB Jackie Robinson Training Center in Vero Beach to participate in the invite-only USA Softball High Performance Program National Selection Event. Often referred to as “The Pipeline to the Women’s National Team,” the USA Softball High Performance Program aims to identify a group of athletes to train, compete and represent USA Softball through national and international competition.

As an athlete that has been highly recognized for her skills in both sports, Frank has come a long ways since she was an 8-year old baseball player hitting bombs over the fence at nearby Affton Athletic Association.

“I started playing baseball because my two older brothers both played and I always played catch with them and went to their games and loved it,” said Frank. “I didn’t even think about playing softball. I just wanted to play baseball. It started being fun in tee ball when I would hit the ball farther and harder than everyone else at Affton – into the woods – and then especially when I was 8 and started pitching baseball games and everyone would cheer for me.”

As her love for baseball grew, Frank found success through various routines such as hitting in the cages, getting defensive reps in and working on her throwing mechanics almost daily. Often, it was her family members that helped build the foundation for her skillset.

“My dad was always my main hitting coach,” said Frank. “I’ve worked with other hitting instructors throughout the years, mainly to tweak little things I’m working on. My brother would hit the ball as hard as he could at me and I would make the plays. He would always laugh and get excited and try to hit it harder and harder. It was a lot of fun and it made it so that I am not afraid of the ball.”

Frank continued to play club baseball through this past summer, usually hitting in the top or middle of the order and started at 1B. She also has spent significant time on the mound, often finding herself pitching on Sunday. Currently slated to play with the Arizona Peaches all girls baseball team, Frank has hopes to one-day play on the USA Women’s National Baseball team.

Those aspirations prompted an eagerness to get onto the softball diamond a little over a year ago. As a freshman at Oakville (MO) High School, Frank tried out for the team and immediately found success, ending her first season with the following awards:

  • 1st Team All-District
  • 1st Team All-Conference
  • 1st Team All-Region
  • 2nd Team All-State
  • 1st Team All-Metro for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Despite the success with softball in her first season, there were some adjustments in the box and in the field that Frank had to initially implement to find her groove.

“At first I struggled with my timing at the plate, and it was a little weird to get used to the pitching,” said Frank. “The pitchers were so close and I was facing some of the best arms around the country and it was hard to know when to load. But then I got used to it, and the ball started looking like a beach ball to me. Defensively, I learned that everything had to be as fast as possible, and you don’t have as much time. I had to be quick.”

Frank’s approach, work ethic and willingness to adjust has also reaped benefits for her achievements.

“Offensively, I think my mechanics and intent make the difference,” said Frank. “With less than 2 strikes, I treat everything like a 3-1 count, looking for something I can hit as hard as I can. When I get two strikes, I battle. Defensively, I have worked hard on having good fielding mechanics and to have quick hands and feet. I’m always looking to get that next out. I just feel like I really understand the game and love to play it. But, I feel like I really started to become athletic when I started working out four times a week. It’s really made a difference for me. Especially in my confidence on the field.”  

In the midst of a productive sophomore campaign, Frank was slashing with a line of .565/.654/.839/1.493 with 35 hits in 62 ABs, including 3 home runs, 6 doubles, 15 walks and 28 runs scored. Perhaps her most proud stat is that she had only struck out once in 78 plate appearances upon submission of this interview.

“When I get two strikes, I battle,” said Addie. “I hate striking out.”

As the conclusion of her 10th grade softball season approaches, the class of 2026 baseball/softball standout has her eyes on her two upcoming Florida events, in addition to joining her Missouri Bombers ’08 Gold softball team and Arizona Peaches baseball team.

Her goals on the softball diamond mimic those on the baseball diamond. The combination of her work ethic and her reputation as a standout in both sports might just lead to uncharted territories.

“You have to work hard and not expect it to be easy,” said Frank. “It takes time and patience. You may not see improvements from day to day. It takes months and years, but when you finally see it, you know it was all worth it. I want to play D1 softball in college and try to play for Team USA Softball. I want to play on the USA Women’s National Baseball team as well. I think it would be a lot of fun to play both baseball and softball for the women’s national teams.”

Carlie Muhlbach Commits to Nebraska

Carlie Muhlbach Commits to Nebraska

When Carlie Muhlbach (2025) announced her commitment to Nebraska it ended a long process that she had thought about since she was 4-years old.  The Gretna High School junior committed to the Huskers on September 3rd, just two days after college coaches are allowed to contact high school juniors.  “There were various schools that I was interested in, but Nebraska was always at the top of my list”, said Muhlbach.

Nebraska felt like home and Muhlbach loved how that feeling she got when she was on campus.  The Husker facilities and coaches were also a major factor in her commitment.  “The facilities were amazing, the program was great, and the coaches were phenomenal”, said Muhlbach.  “It seemed like I had known them for years when I first talked to them!”.

Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle and the Huskers are getting a competitive teammate that can hit for power.  Muhlbach leads Gretna, the No. 1 ranked team in Nebraska, in home runs (8) and slugging percentage (.980) while primarily playing catcher, but also filling in at various other positions.   

Muhlbach’s love for softball started at a young age.  A 4-years old she started playing T-ball and grew into playing travel or club softball from there.  She played on multiple travel teams before joining the Nebraska Gold 16u National team.  One of her fondest memories was when her Nebraska Gold team won the World’s Fastpitch Champions Tournament in Kansas. 

“The hard work, dedication, and commitment really paid off for everyone in the end! It was a fantastic way to wrap up our season”, said Muhlbach. 

Outside of softball Muhlbach throws the shot put and discus in track.  She also enjoys spending time with her dad watching movies, sports, and traveling.

 

Recruiting 2025 – The Legend of Clubb Grows

Recruiting 2025 – The Legend of Clubb Grows

By Jeff Strange

Way out west of St. Louis, MO – about 50 miles or so – lies a small, semi-rural community of about 4,800 people. Wright City, MO once claimed fame from the large Big Boy Restaurant sign off of Highway 70 and the Elvis is Alive Museum, which delved into the proposition that the King of Rock was still living.

These days, folks around these parts know well about a new hot-topic. Wright City High School Junior softball player Lydia Clubb has gained interest for her academic achievements, genuinely good-natured personality and her extraordinary athletic feats.

But who exactly is this 2025 Infielder/Outfielder starring for Wright City High School and the Missouri Bombers 18u softball team?

“She’s just a dynamic athlete,” said Brian Veselske, head coach of the Missouri Bombers 18u squad. “She’s very humble, she doesn’t boast about herself. But when she steps between the white lines, you just know that you’re going to get 110% from that kid every game.”

That blue-collar work ethic – combined with her elite athleticism – has helped propel this young athlete into local folklore that the residents of her hometown and her club coach speak in awe of.

 

 

Some True or False quizzing about Lydia Clubb:

  • Lydia Clubb once scored from second base on a passed ball?
    • Her elite speed and high-energy motor on the base paths allowed her to cross home plate in a recent High School game while on second base and a pitch getting away from the catcher.
  • A natural right-handed hitter, Lydia Clubb once turned to the left side of the plate and homered.
    • Lydia’s dad Jason taught her how to switch-hit when she was younger and she will still occasionally move to the left side of the batter’s box. She smoked a gap shot home run last fall.
  • Lydia Clubb holds records in track for her school in the 4×400 relay, the 4×200 relay, the 100-meter dash.
    • Lydia has been running track since 8th grade and has gained a reputation as one of the top runners in the state.
  • Lydia Clubb is an accomplished trapshooter.
    • Lydia has shot since around the age of 11, participating in her school’s trapshooting club.
  • Lycia Clubb is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and able to leap over the old Big Boy sign along Highway 70 in her hometown.
    • Ok, Ok…they can’t all be true. But you get the point…this young athlete is making a name for herself. And just when you think that she’s trumped about every accomplishment that can be listed, she manages to amaze everyone in her presence with her talents.

So what drives this young athlete?

 “Ever since I was little, I’ve had a love for softball,” said Clubb. “Anytime I was at practice, I would always try to put forth 110% effort all of the time. Then after practice, I would work by myself at home. I would hit off a tee nonstop, I would just throw a ball up in the air to try to catch it or I would throw a bouncy ball off of a piece of wood. Just anything that I could think of to try to get better.”  

As she has grown as a young athlete, Clubb has learned to pick up on the finer points of the game to help set herself apart.

“She’s got outstanding softball IQ,” said Missouri Bombers 18u coach Brian Veselske. “Her approach at the plate is that she is looking for 60 feet, and always looking for the extra bag. She reads the defense well; she is an exceptional bunter but also has gap-to-gap power. As a leadoff hitter this past summer, she led our team with in home runs. If you were to watch this kid, she gets your attention. You never know what is going to happen because of her athleticism. She reads a defense and will drop a bunt. If it bounces once or twice, forget about it. Her speed is going to put her on the bag.”

With a growing reputation as an athlete that can play all over the field – she is well known for her range and arm at shortstop, but has also seen time in the outfield – and an explosive athlete at the plate and on the bases, Clubb has her sights set on the next levels beyond her high school years.

 “I would love to play college softball,” said Clubb. “My academic goals are to hopefully find a school with an engineering program that I could also have an opportunity to play at.”

Those who know her best believe in her as an athlete, a student and a person.

“She’s a country girl,” said Coach Veselske. “She works hard. When she’s not practicing or playing softball, she works with her dad on construction projects. She’s just gifted with a lot of quality attributes. She’s got exceptional speed, she’s versatile in the field, she’s always shown a great dedication to the sport and she does very well in school. She can play at the next level, there’s no doubt in my mind about it.”

Heartland College Showcase powered by Top Gun Events

Heartland College Showcase powered by Top Gun Events

By: TGE Staff

Heartland College Showcase is getting a makeover!

We are excited to announce the collaboration between USA Softball of Kansas City and Top Gun Events to bring the experience of hosting a next level elite showcase with the history and governance of USA Softball of KC bringing teams an impactful meaningful experience.  This event will have two divisions.  An open division and a division a team can enter by application or by invitation. The Open division will be running June 7th- 9th with an opportunity for those Junior and Seniors who are uncommitted to play in Spotlight Games, Monday the 10th.  The application-based division will run Saturday, June 8th- Monday, June 10th.     

With the collaboration with our two great organizations, we hope to truly give the teams an exceptional experience here in Kansas City. 

R.O.I Midwest Claims Top Gun Events Futures Invite Championship

R.O.I Midwest Claims Top Gun Events Futures Invite Championship

By: Rob Else

The inaugural Top Gun Events Futures Invite was held at Central Bank Sporting Complex over the weekend.  R.O.I Midwest claimed the 14u championship with their 7-2 win over the Aces Fastpitch NWA.  R.O.I, formally the Midwest Firecrackers, won the USSSA Nationals and finished top 3 in all the tournaments they played last spring.

ROI started the Futures Invite with a pair of wins on Friday night.  They beat the Prodigy Decker 9-0 and the Aces Fastpitch NWA 5-3.  Saturday, mother nature tried to ruin the day, but the turf fields at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid-America Sports Complex kept the games on track.  ROI was able to beat the KC Rebels 9-2 before rallying with 6 runs in the last inning, to beat Nebraska Gold 8-4.

Three more quality wins on Sunday sealed the championship victory for ROI.  They beat Ankeny Extreme Black 5-2 before getting back-to-back wins over Aces Fastpitch NWA.

In the circle, ROI was led Maisey McCarty and Raegan Brandt.  McCarty threw 12 innings allowing 6 earned runs with 19 strikeouts.  Brandt allowed 5 earned runs and had 13 strikeouts in her 12 innings of work.

Gabriyella Kessler led ROI at the plate.  She hit .556 for the tournament with seven RBI and five runs scored.  Kessler’s stats included two doubles, a triple, and a home run.

Overall, the Futures Invite was a great tournament with lots of high-quality teams from the Midwest region.  It was a great way for many teams to kick-off their fall season.

Top Gun Futures Event Preview

Top Gun Futures Event Preview

TGE Staff

Team name: Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson

Coach: Rich Borgeson 

Facebook: Nebraska Quakes Gold Borgeson

 

Spring & Summer Successes:

  • Ring Neck champions
  • USSSA State 3rd place
  • Silver bracket national champs 

 

Key players:

  • Teagan Stroud
  • Raelee Tackitt
  • McKinley Grojean
  • Josilyn Pieper 

 

Expectations for Fall: We are looking for lots of progression and mental toughness going into a new age bracket, we will be playing high level tourneys and win or lose we will keep getting better. 

 

Team Name: Nebraska THUNDER 2012

Coach Name: Chad Scebold (asst by Clay Tibke, Jacq Worth)

Twitter Handle: @NEThunder2012

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes:

  • Nebraska Class A State Runner-Up
  • CIS Des Moines Stars & Strikes Champs
  • USSSA MidWest 3X Tournament championships

 

Key Players: Elite pitching staff lead by Jaycey Hargens, Emma Rehmann and September George.  Kennedy Grose & Skylar Fitch behind the dish, making these 5 players a dangerous battery combination.

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season:  Our team is truly focused on players having fun and getter better every day.  

Our players are “all-in” … meaning they and understands that success occurs when our preparation meets opportunities.  That said, our coaching staff expects players to show up, work hard, compete and have FUN every time they step onto the field!

 

Team Name: Nebraska Gold 11u

Coach Name: Kyle Naughton

Twitter Handle: @negold2012s

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: 65-18, won 7/13 tournaments including Quakes Classic, Class A state, IA/IL state, and 6 in the spring (KC); runner-up in PG Elite 20 invite & USSSA Nationals

 

Key Players: ALL 11 players 

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season: play free, play fearless, and have lots of fun!

 

Team Name: Nebraska Quakes Fessler

Coach Name: Nick Fessler

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes:

  • 5th place out of 31 national teams in 12 Open at Road to the Show in OKC.
  • Hastings Hitfest Champions
  • 3rd place Quakes Classic. 

 

Key Players:

  • Kenzi Stoll
  • Cora Fessler
  • Kenna VonFeldt
  • Tessa Berner
  • Gianna Dannelly
  • Adrianna Moore
  • Tesni Lashley

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season:

Our expectations are to seek out the best competition we can find to develop these girls leading up to next summer in preparation for high school softball next year. 

 

Team Name:  Nebraska Wave Kroll 11U

Coach Name: Jeremiah Kroll

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: 

  • 5thplace USSSA Midwest National Championship

 

Key Players:

  • Zaniya Castor
  • Tatum Buckley
  • Millie Krueger
  • Piper Brown

Team Name: Top Gun 2K12 Premier

Coach Name: Jimmy Gallaway

Twitter Handle: 2K12TopGun

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: Newly formed this fall with girls from MO, KS and OK

 

Key Players: Every player is going to be equally important for us

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season: Play an extremely tough fall schedule to get these players familiar with each other ready for the spring season.

 

Team Name: Originals-Campbell

Coach Name: Tory Campbell

Twitter Handle: @OriginalsCB

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: New team

 

Key Players: All players are key as we start to gel as a team

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season: Development & gelling

 

Team Name: R.O.I. Midwest

Head Coach: Brad Kessler

Twitter Handle: @ROIFASTPITCH

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes:

Formerly Midwest Firecrackers, finished top 3 of all tournaments played and won USSSA Nationals and finished 3rd at Alliance Nationals Tier 1.

 

Key Players:

  • CC Mateo-00-Catcher
  • Gabriyella Kessler-#77-Shortstop/Pitcher
  • Raegan Brandt-#7-Pitcher/3rd base
  • Maisey McCarty-#55-Pitcher/1st Base

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season:

To continue to grow as players and a team and to continue to compete with the best in the country. 

 

Team Name: Aces NWA 14U

Coach Name:  Joel Garcia & Brittany Hoskins



Facebook: AcesFastpitchNWA14U

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: 

Finished 5th place in TX Southern Nationals out of 34 Teams

 

Key Players: 

  • Brooke Dixon
  • Aubrey Eiland
  • Harper Jernigan
  • Mallory Harvey
  • Emillie Curry
  • Taryn Stoner

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season:

Continue to improve. Get ready for tough Spring/Summer 2024

Already won Six in September Tournament in Kansas City and the Back to School Bash in Rogers, AR

 

Team Name: Ottawa Raptors 12 Beers 

Coach Name: Jason Beers 

 

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: Quality At Bats 

 

Key Players: All of THEM! 

 

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season: Growth in all aspects of the game. Raise IQ, take extra bases and hit with runners in scoring position. 

 

Team Name: Nebraska Gold 13U Zach       

Coach Name: Matt Zach

Twitter Handle: NeGoldZach13

2023 Spring/Summer Successes: 47-29-1 as a Fury Gold team. We were promoted to a Nebraska Gold team.

Key Players:

  • Brooklynn Rhode
  • Justice Love
  • Peyton Boone
  • Lily Thompson
  • Lillee Zach
  • Teagan Nielsen
  • Addy Smart
  • Jolie Eber
  • Maddie Craig
  • Kristyn Hayduk

Expectations for 2023 Fall Season: As a new team, we need to build a solid foundation with trust, communication, and just to get to know each other