Event Preview: Top Gun KC College Prospect Series

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun KC College Prospect Series is being played this weekend in Overland Park, Kansas at Blue Valley Recreation. This event features 38 teams from six states – Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas – in three age groups.

This unique event allows athletes to experience being coached by college coaches. College coaches will join travel ball coaches in the dugout and on the field. This is a single elimination bracket with a pre-determined bracket.

Gate Fees:

Children – $5

Teens & Adults – $10

Seniors – $5

Military – $5

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

14u

Iowa Aries 14u CE Fire

Coaching Staff: Coach Ashley Blackburn

Team Social Media: x.com/iowa_aries m.facebook.com/100094042287155/

2024 Summer Successes: In Iowa, high school softball is played in the summer.  Our club’s primary season is in the fall (mid Aug- mid Nov).  This team consists of many players that will play for their respective high schools.  Teams and players had tremendous success in club programs prior to joining Iowa Aries for college exposure program.

Key Players: ’29’ Estella Bowman is dominate in the circle throwing with great velocity and excellent spin. The catching platoon will be the best of any 14U team in the event with ’29’s Leah Clark, Averi Bachman, and Brylynn Petek.  High level catchers that are very tough outs. ’29’ pitcher Aurora Widlund is a strike-out style pitcher that will perform well. ’28’ Aubrey Richeal is a talented athlete that is fun to watch.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: This team will play at the highest level for 14u this fall in our program.  It consists of many of the top players and will compete in a number of showcase and exposure events across the Midwest.

16u

Blue Army Gold Wilbur

Coaching Staff: Travis Wilbur Head Coach, Jared Swilley assistant coach

Team Social Media Handles: Blue Army – Wilbur Facebook, @bluearmy_wilbur X

2024 Summer & Successes: Stryker 16O Champions. 22-15 record in Topgun Showcase events

Key Players: Bracyn Landers SS, Whitney Wilbur P, Emily Freeby P, Lauren Swilley C, Kendyl Acker 1B/C, Madilyn Harris 2nd.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: To compete every pitch of every game and showcase the talents of our players for college coaches.

Iowa Aries 16u National:

Coaching Staff: Coach Brian Ohorilko and Kari Price

Team Social Media: x.com/iowa_aries

m.facebook.com/100094042287155/

2024 Summer Successes: In Iowa, high school softball is played in the summer.  Our club’s primary season is in the fall (mid Aug- mid Nov).  This team consists of many players that played varsity as underclassmen for their respective high schools.  Teams and players had tremendous success this high school season with some playing in the high school state tournament and being named to All-Tournament teams.

Key Players: ’28’ Sophia Schlader will highlight the circle.  She may be the top ’28’ recruit in the country. ’27’ Karter Price and ’28’ Peyten Speigel are very talented pitchers who have earned all-tournament honors in events in this fall. ’28’ Ivy Ohorilko and ’27’ Kailee Thamontri are high level catchers and excellent hitters who have earned all-tournament honors in events this fall. ’27’ Alexa Guyer will dominate the outfield with tremendous speed.  She will be a tough out at the plate.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: The Iowa Aries 16U National team has won one event and has two runner-up finishes out of four events this fall playing against older and elite competition around the Midwest.

Select Fastpitch 316 Elite Arion 16u

Coaching Staff: Kaitlyn Arion and Mackenzie Cline

Team Social Media Handles: Twitter: @ArionSFP, Instagram: selectfastpitch.arion

2024 Summer Successes: Our success this past summer was a 21-13-1 season finishing first or second in our pool for every tournament we attended. We finished second in the Perfect Game Regional in Peoria, IL and Emmie Cooper walking away from the tournament named MVP. We completed extremely well and returned 10 of our 12 player roster for this upcoming season.

Key Players: Some of our key players are Lilly Clements, Alexis Butler, and Liv Miller. Lilly is a true utility player and was named team captain last year. she earns that title every second she plays on the field in practice or in a game. She brings energy and fire to the team dynamic. She is an amazing player and an even better person. Alexis is our starting short stop. She has a ton of power! Her knowledge of the game and calm command of the infield is incredible. Liv Miller is a force. She is our starting catcher and a four hole hitter through and through. She is a tough out, a wall behind the plate, and a really big smiler. She impacts the team is such a positive way, it’s hard to believe we could ever lose with her behind the plate.

Expecations for 2024 Fall Season: Our expectations for this fall is to get better and win some ball games! We feel like we are one of the top teams and we will never stop learning and growing as a whole. We want top three finishes for all of our tournaments this fall!

18u

Central Iowa Riptide Elite Glade

Coaching Staff: Douglas Glade 18u, Ethan Hohenadel 18u, Lee Byrd 16u, Matt Keske 16u

Team Social Media: @IowaRiptide X, Central Iowa Riptide Softball Club Facebook, @central_iowa_riptide_softball_. Instagram

2024 Summer Successes: Most girls played school ball this past summer.

Haley Glade 18u, Ava Hohenadel 18u, Addilyn Banks 18u, Karagyn Whelchel 18u, Sydney Goheen 18u, Mallory Byrd 16u, Madison Keske 16u, Haylie Devries 16u, Ila Keuning 16u

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Expectations for 18u is to get all my seniors recruited and continue to get better. I have some younger girls in the team this year that will be their first time playing at this level. Want to see them grow and help them get ready for their high school teams next summer.

Iowa Nationals Gold Lavorato

Coaching Staff: Ryan Gripp, Head Coach / Jody Reed, Assistant Coach / Nick Lavorato, Assistant Coach

Team Social Media Handles: X: Iowa Natonals 18u Gold:  x.com/nicklav2015?s=11

2024 Summer Successes: 51-4 -4 overall record. Multiple championship upper level wins

Key Players: Lauren Hagedorn, Tessa Gripp, Sam Gripp, Kari Rose, Sophie Goerish, Tessa  Jones, Geneieve York, Sophie Reed

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: continue to develop, exposure for the players

Kansas Renegades Gold Paull-Forney

Coaching Staff: Bobbie Paull-Forney Head Coach, Kerry Burns Assistant Coach/GM, Jesse Sandoval Assistant Coach

Team Social Media Handles: X – @KSRenegades_BPF    Facebook – Kansas Renegades Paull-Forney

2024 Summer Successes:  2024 Triple Crown Texas State – Bronze Champions; 2024 Team 1 Summer Invite – Tier 2 Champions

Key Players: Ally Orth (2026 RHP / OF), Liberty Lewis (2026 RHP / OF), Taylin Tabor (2025 MIF), Kiley Thornquist (2026 MIF / OF). Ava Lay (2025 C / 3B), Kyplee Jacobson (2025 C / OF)

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season:  team unity, hard work, compete, college exposure, love the game

Legends Fastpitch National Teters

Coaching Staff: Shawn Teters and Linnie Malkin

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

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

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

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

Team Kansas Denning

Coaching Staff:  Nick Denning (Head Coach); Austin Lago (Assistant Coach); Patti Hays (Assistant Coach)

Team Social Media Handles: @TeamKansas16A

Key Players:  Alannah Hodge (2025; C/UT; Uncommitted); Abby O’Connor (2026; SS/CF; uncommitted); Ava Yokley (2026; P; uncommitted);

Good luck to all the teams this weekend!

Missouri High School Softball Mid-Season Check In

By: Madison Feldhahn

Missouri High School Softball Mid-Season Check In

With the state championships October 31-November 2 at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, Missouri, there’s a little over a month to go in the Missouri fall softball season. Take a look at each of the top rank MHSFCA class softball rankings.

Class 1 – St. Elizabeth

The Class 1 District 2 St. Elizabeth Lady Hornets are 16-2 through their season. The team has been on a five game winning streak with their two losses not coming until mid-September. The Lady Hornets were toppled 8-3 by Fatima on September 17 and 4-1 by New Bloomfield on September 20.

The Lady Hornets’ most dominant win came against Pilot City, defeating them 17-0. The team also has a 16-1 win over Tuscumbia, a 10-0 win over Smith-Cotton, and a 9-0 win over Osage. The team will play against Russellville (10/1) and Jamestown (10/3) before heading to the South Callaway Tournament (10/5).

Class 2 – Carrollton

The Trojans of Carrollton High School sits atop Class 2 with a 15-0 record. They’ve allowed just 3 runs in their last eight games. The team has scored a whopping 115 runs in that same time.

Their September 17th match against Richmond is the team’s largest margin of victory with a score of 21-0. They have a 20-0 victory, two 17-0 victories and a 15-0 victory since then. The Trojans are just one of two teams with a winning record in Class 2 District 8. Fayette High School holds a 9-7 record. The Trojans will play against Knob Noster (10/1) and Richmond (10/3) before playing at the Mid-Buchanan Tournament.

Class 3 – Fatima

The 17-4 Fatima High School leads Class 3. The Comets are coming off an 11-0 victory over Blair Oaks. It’s the third largest margin of victory of the year for the team. Their September 6 16-1 victory over Capital City holds that record.

Other large victories for the Coments include a pair of 13-3 wins over Union and St. Franscis Borgia and a 11-3 win over Capital City. The Comets squad will face North Callway before hosting the Fatima Quad. After that, the team will play four games before the start of the Class 3 District 5 Tournament on October 16.

Class 4 – Kearney

The Bulldogs of Kearney High School lead the Class 4 schools with a 20-4 record. The team, from District 8, recently defeated Nixa 8-3. From September 10 to September 27, the Bulldogs went on a 13-game win streak. Liberty North snapped this streak with an 11-3 game.

Kearney softball’s largest victory came September 26 against Raytown South with a 21-0 game. The team’s second largest victory was a 14-0 game against Locust Grove (OK). The team’s next games are against Excelsior Springs (10/1) and Winnetonka (10/3). The team is done with tournament play until the Class 4 District 8 Tournament starts on October 16.

Class 5 – Grain Valley

The Grain Valley High School Eagles, 26-1, lead Class 5. The Eagles first loss came against Owasso (OK) on September 27. Before that loss, the team was on a 24-game win streak.

The team’s largest win of the year came in a 22-0 route against Ruskin. Their other large wins include a 9-0 win over Odessa and a 15-0 win over Raytown. The team will play Fort Osage and William Chrisman this week. They have just five games between now and the Class 5 District 6 tournament on October 17.

 

Event Results: Top Gun KC Fall Futures Invite

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun KC Fall Futures Invite took place this previous Saturday and Sunday at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid America Sports Complex. This two-day event featured 24 teams across 12u and 14u.

In the 12u division, each of the three pools were led by an undefeated 2-0-0 pool record, including two in Pool C. These teams were Select Fastpitch Adams in Pool A, Nebraska Gold 515 Futures Lincoln in Pool B, and Nebraska Thunder Bails and Iowa Gold Prospects in Pool C.

There were several dominant wins in the 12u division. Some of these victories include an 11-0 win by Louisville Lady Sluggers, 10-0 win by Nebraska Thunder Bails, 15-0 by Select Fastpitch Adams, and a 15-1 victory by Aces Fastpitch National Lowry. The highest scoring game of the day was the 13-12 Louisville Lady Sluggers 12u VanBoxmeer victory over Aces Fastpitch National Lowry.

There were 3 pools in the 14u age division and four of these teams – Aces Fastpitch National Jones, Select Fastpitch Jones/Carr 13u, Select Fastpitch 13u Goldman/Tollie, and Nebraska Quakes National 13 – went undefeated during pool play as well.

The 14u division has a lot of dominant wins, including a 15-0 victory by Select Fastpitch Jones/Carr 13u. Aces Fastpitch National Jones (10-0), Building Champions Peppers/Wallace (15-1), KC Pride Flavell 14u (11-2), and Select Fastpitch Zagozda (14-2) also had large margins of victory this weekend. Vengeance Fastpitch Gilbert 13u defeated Nebraska Quakes National 13u 12-9 in the highest scoring 14u game.

The 12u champion was Select Fastpitch Adams. They defeated Nebraska Gold Naughton 11u 5-2 to take home the win. Their biggest bracket victory was 15-0 against Louisville Lady Sluggers 12u VanBoxmeer. The team also posted a big win against Top Gun Gallaway, 10-2.

The 14u champion was Select Fastpitch Jones/Carr 13u. The championship was secured 3-2 against Aces Fastpitch National Jones. The team had two 12-0 wins in pool play and scored a total of 38 runs in bracket play.Congratulations to our champions and thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun KC Fall Futures Invite

By: Madison Feldhahn

This weekend, Top Gun Events is hosting the Top Gun KC Fall Futures Invite. This is the event’s second year, and it brings in 24 teams from across Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa in the 12u and 14u age divisions. The 12u age division will play at Central Bank Sporting Complex, and the 14u age division will play at Mid America Sports Complex.

Gate Fees:

Children $5

Teens & Adults: $10

Senior: $5

Military: $5

Pool play will begin for both age groups on Saturday at 10 AM. This tournament has a double elimination bracket. Bracket play will begin Saturday at 4:00 PM for both age groups. Bracket play will resume on Sunday at 8:30 AM.

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

12u

Aces Fastpitch National Lowry

Coaching Staff: Curt Lowry & Tiffany Lowry

Team Social Media Handles: Aces 12u National 2012 (FB)

2024 Summer Successes: We are a brand new 2012 National Team looking to build a team that can compete at the highest level and begin to prepare/develop players for college if that is their long-term goal.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We aim to build a team of motivated girls focused on competing at the highest level, developing a strong understanding of the game, and improving each player’s fundamental skill set. We strive for both individual growth and the success of the team as a whole.

Louisville Lady Sluggers 12u VanBoxmeer

Coaching Staff: Ashley VanBoxmeer & Andy Paalhar

Team Social Media Handles: louisvilleladysluggers12u_vb (Instagram)

2024 Summer Successes: We are a new team.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We hope to compete at a high level in all 12u tournaments and qualify for Nationals.

 

Nebraska Gold 515 Futures Lincoln

Coaching Staff: Tad Lincoln (HC), Cory Dawson, Brian Ladehoff & Kyle Johnson

Team Social Media Handles: @NE_Gold_515 (X) & NE Gold 515 2012 (FB)

2024 Summer Successes: Top 2 teams in Iowa based on USSSA points and rank. Top 15 finish at Nationals out of 66 teams.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We feel good about our additions this fall and are excited to see where we stack up against the best competition in the Midwest.

Nebraska Gold Naughton 11u

Coaching Staff: Kyle Naughton (HC), Anthony Muck (AC) & Ben Grojean (AC)

Team Social Media Handles: @NEGold2012s (X), Nebraska Gold 12u (FB) ne_gold_2012s (Instagram)

2024 Summer Successes: USSSA Midwest Nationals 11 open gold bracket runner-up (9-2-1)

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Compete in all phases of the game, physically and mentally. Work harder than everyone else. Build character, develop into better teammates, on and off the field.

Nebraska Thunder Bails

Coaching Staff: Ashley Bails (HC, Iowa State softball alum), Dough Kinsel (AC, Iowa State baseball alum) & Brian Duensing (AC, Nebraska baseball alum)

Team Social Media Handles: @UFAThunder (X)

2024 Summer Successes: 40 win season as a young, first-year team. A few local tournament wins, also competed well in bigger, regional tournaments in KC and Des Moines

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We have everyone back and are excited to compete at a higher level. This is our first Top Gun tournament and want the girls to be challenged as well as gain the confidence that they belong in these bigger tournaments.

Select Fastpitch Adams

Coaching Staff: Brandon Adams, Nate Gamet & Britnee Weber

Team Social Media Handles: @SelectFP09, @316eliteSB, @cnote1616

2024 Summer Successes: 39-12 this summer at 12A as a true 11u roster. Had a 21-game winning streak. Top 4 finish in a Top Gun spring event at the end of April. USSSA KC tourney champs. Undefeated and one seed at Memorial Day PGF prior to tornadoes ending the event. 3rd place finish in the USSSA nationals in Des Moines.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We added some players from 316 Elite Weber who joined Select as well as a couple others. So fall is all about us finding out identity and development. Our main goal as a coaching staff is to help have this team prepared for 14s next year and ready to compete at the highest levels come that time. We have a ton of talented players. We look forward to watching them compete and learn. A couple of our bigger events we plan to play in the Top Gun Futures, PGF in September, and Top Gun Select Invite to finish up in November.

14u

Team Kansas Gaughan

Coaching Staff: Doug Gaughan (HC), Chris Harper (AC), Ryan Hassett (AC) & Adam Hill (AC)

Team Social Media Handles: Team Kansas Gaughan 14u (Facebook)

2024 Summer Successes: 1st place Rawlings Mantra Tour, 3rd place Road to the Show, 3rd place Season Opener, 5th place 16B MoKan Border War

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We added depth to our pitching rotation. We plan to compete at the highest level we can for the girls. We want to challenge the girls by playing good competition like we are going to see in this tournament. We are off to a good start, winning the Silver Bracket at a 14A season opener last weekend.

Team Kansas Hays

Coaching Staff: Patti Hays, Sheena Brown, Willie Nealy & David Kistner

Team Social Media Handles: @TeamKansasHays (X), Team Kansas-Hays 13u (FB)

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Based on a pretty competitive schedule and the amount of hard work these ladies put in, this team should be able to surprise quite a few people and pull off some close games.

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!

 

 

Missouri High School Softball Preview

By: Madison Feldhahn

This past Thursday marked the first day of competition for fall softball in Missouri. August 29 saw nine games to kick off the fall season. There will be over 100 games this Friday and Saturday across the state. In the first National Fastpitch Coaches Association poll, Missouri had five teams in the Top 25 – Washington (2), Francis Howell (20), Blue Springs South (21), Raymore-Peculiar (23), and Helias Catholic (24). Take a further look at these five schools below.

Washington High School (2)

The Class 4 high school from Washington, Mo. is entering this year off a state championship victory over Helias Catholic (24) in 2023. The Blue Jays, of Washington, Mo., have started their season 1-1 with a 3-2 victory over Francis Howell (20) and an 11-13 lost to Class 5 Northwest High School (Cedar Hill, MO). Washington is led by head coach Grant Young and assistant Tim Zumsteg. The program is rounded out by JV assistant coaches Logan Schamerloh and Craig Vonder Haar. This coaching staff was recently named the 2023-24 ATEC/NFCA High School National Coaching Staff of the Year.

The Washington Blue Jays roster features 7 seniors, lead by Grace Molitor. Molitor was named to the 1st Team NFCA All Region Team last season. The team also adds 11 freshmen to their roster. Key games for the Blue Jays this season include Troy Buchanan (Sept. 11) and Park Way West (Sept. 25).

Francis Howell High School (20)

The St. Charles, Mo. Francis Howell High School won the Class 5 2023 fall state championship. The Vikings defeated Blue Springs South (21) 8-0. The Vikings are currently playing in the Francis Howell Invitational against Bartlesville High Schools and Owasso High School (18, Okla.), and Lafayette High School. The program kicks off their conference play on Sept. 3 against Fort Zumwalt West High School.

Lexi Romeril is in charge of the program. She is assisted by Kaylee Burton and Madison Kettler at the varsity level and Todd Mueller and Sue Herweck at the junior varsity level. Romeril took charge of her alma mater in spring 2023 and lead the team to a Class 5 State Championship in her first season.

The Vikings squad has 7 seniors, including Northern Illinois University commit Elle Glass. One of the key games for the Vikings is against Troy Buchanan High School (Sept. 24).

Blue Springs South High School (21)

The Blue Springs South High School Jaguars are coming off a second place finish in the Class 5 State Tournament. The team from Blue Springs, Mo., is led by Kristina Williams. She is assisted by Tracie Black. Darin Wisner and Ryan Messick are the junior varsity and freshman assistant coaches, respectfully.

The Jaguars are playing at the MO West Round Robin tournament and will head to the Papillion-La Vista Invitational before starting conference play at Grain Valley on Sept. 9.

The program has six seniors on their roster, led by Ava Wilmes who is committed to Iowa State University. Other senior commitments include Mikayla Davis to Jacksonville State University, Ava Minton to Southwest Baptist University, Kaylee Norris to Benedictine University, and Briley Tiller to Howard University. The Jaguars will face Raymore-Peculiar (23) on Sept. 19 and Oct. 7.

Raymore-Peculiar High School (23)

Raymore-Peculiar High School finished third in the 2023 Missouri State tournament, behind Francis Howell and Blue Springs South. It was the Panthers first trip to the state tournament since 2019 and just their second winning season in the same timeframe. Ali Jo Locher took over the program in 2023. She is assisted by Shelby Prather. Brandon Ransom is the head JV coach, and he’s assisted by Brett Marr. John Heinemann leads the freshman team with Ashleigh Easton assisting. In May, Locher was honored with the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s Diamond 9 Award for her contributions to softball as a player and coach.

The Panthers roster carries 4 seniors on their team, including Western New Mexico University commit Bailey Hummel. The Raymore-Peculiar team is playing in the William Chrisman Tournament. They’ll head to the 20th Annual Joplin Paige Neal/Christina Freeman Softball Invitational before beginning conference play at Lee’s Summit North on Sept. 16.

Helias Catholic High School (24)

The runner-up in the Class 4 State Tournament, Helias Catholic, takes on Roll Sept. 3 for their first game of the season. The Lady Crusaders hail from Jefferson City, Mo., and are led by Kelly Fick. She is assisted by Barry Delaney, Megan Smith, and Chris Wyrick. Fick has led the softball program since 2020 and took over the baseball team in May 2024. Delany was named a Missouri HS Fastpitch Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year.

There are just two seniors on the Helias Catholic roster, Cambri Van Loo and Abigail Verslues. The Lady Crusaders are looking for their first state championship since 2019. They’ve finished runner-up in the tournament since then.

The 49th MSHSAA Softball Championships will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2024 at the Killian Softball Complex in Springfield, Mo. All tickets must be purchased in advanced on their website and the games will be streamed on MSHSAA.TV.

Event Preview: Top Gun Illinois College Prospect Series

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is headed to Peoria, IL to kick off the fall season with the Top Gun IL College Prospect Series. This unique event features twenty 16u and 18u teams from 4 states. During this event, players will have the opportunity to be coached by college coaches. While in pool play, both college and travel ball coaches will be in the dugout, giving the athletes a firsthand look at being instructed by college coaches.

Gate Fees:

Children – $7 Daily Wristband or $12 Two Day Pass

Adults – $12 Daily Wristband or $20 Two Day Pass

Pool play will start at 9 AM on Saturday for both 16u and 18u. The 16u pool play will wrap up at 5 PM with the 18u’s last game starting at 7 PM. Bracket play is pre-determined and will begin at 9 AM on Sunday.

VIEW SCHEDULE

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

16u

Iowa Aries 14u CE Fire

Coaching Staff: Coach Ashley Blackburn

Team Social Media Handles: @Iowa_Aries (X) & Iowa Aries Fastpitch (Facebook)

2024 Summer Successes: This team consists of many players that will play for their respective high schools. Teams and players had tremendous success in club programs prior to joining Iowa Aries for college exposure program.

Key Players: Dylan Caniglia (’29) is a high-level player that will impress. Pitchers Aurora Widlund (’29) and Kourtney Dowding (’29) are top performers that should be watched. Averi Bachman (’29) is a young catcher with a great arm and lots of talent. Bailey Parton (’29) is a pure hitter that can put on a show.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: This team will play at the highest level for 14u this fall in our program. It consists of many of the top players and will compete in a number of showcase and exposure events across the Midwest.

Iowa Aries 16u CE Fire

Coaching Staff:

Team Social Media Handles: @Iowa_Aries (X) & Iowa Aries Fastpitch (Facebook)

2024 Summer Successes: The team consists of many players that played for their respective high schools. Teams and players had tremendous success this high school season.

Key Players: Leela Appeldorn (’28) has an excellent bad that can hit for power or slap. She is an extremely versatile player that can play multiple positions at a high level. Leah Clark (’29) is a young catcher with a great arm, solid bat, and a ton of potential. The pitching core consists of Lily Black (’27), who is a strike out artist, Estella Bowman (’29), who is a young talent, and left Maddison Zlomke (’27), who spins the ball very well.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: This team consists of many of the top players from central Iowa and will compete in a number of showcase and exposure events across the Midwest.

Iowa Aries National

Coaching Staff: Brian Ohorilko and Kari Price

Team Social Media Handles: @Iowa_Aries (X) & Iowa Aries Fastpitch (Facebook)

2024 Summer Successes: This team consist of many players that played varsity as underclassmen for their respective high schools. Teams and players had tremendous success this high school season with some playing in the high school state tournament and being named to All-Tournament teams.

Key Players: Karter Price (’27) and Riley Miller (’27) will highlight this roster from the circle. Ivy Ohorilko (’28) and Ilsa Hervey (’27) have big bats and are high level catchers. Kaylen Pray (’27) is a true shortstop with great skills and an excellent bat. Alexa Guyer (’27) and Danae Epps (’27) will dominate the outfield with tremendous speed. They will both be a tough out at the plate.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: This team is coming off of a 1st place finish last weekend and will play at the highest level in our program, competing in a number of showcase and exposure events across the Midwest.

18u

GenuWin Reign Slavicek

Coaching Staff: Ken Slavicek & Chris Ignasak
Team Social Media Handles:
@Slavicekken (X) & GenuWin Reign 18u KS (Facebook)

2024 Summer Successes: We have new athletes for the 24/25 season.

Key Players: All athletes are looking for the next level.

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: As a newer team, we are looking to compete at the higher levels in the fall.

Hitting Center Hazard

Coaching Staff: Kevin Hazard, Joe Cascio, Mark Schudel
Team Social Media Handles:
Hitting Center 07 Fastpitch (Facebook) & @HittingCenter07 (X)

2024 Summer Successes: Play 5 showcases in 5 different states: Badger Sumer Showcase, Capital City Showcase, USA STL Summer Showcase, Midwest Firecracker Showcase, North American All Sanctioned World Series. Won the USA STL Summer Showcase. Finished 24-7-1. The majority of this team has been together for 6+ years and this summer they played the best as a team that I have ever seen them play!

Key Players: Summer Clark (2025, RHP/OF), Terilynn Timmerman (2027, SS/3B/OF), Eleanor Schudel (2025, 2B/C), Mollie Cascio (2025, MIF/3B)

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Increase exposure for the remaining 2025 girls who are wanting to play in college. We have some very talented girls and we want to get them as much exposure as possible!

Lady Expos Hefel

Coaching Staff: Ben Roth & Terra Strohmeyer
Team Social Media Handles:
@ExposLady (X)

Key Players: Most players are juniors (all uncommitted) – Julia Roth (P/SS), Ruth Tauber (OF), Mal Tomkins (OF-Slapper), Annie Hefel (1B/OF), Jolee Strohmeyer (3B/P), Ella Simon (1B/2B/3B/P/OF), Lauren Vaske (P), Sadie Schultz (IF/OF). Sophomore Sophia Gratton (IF)

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Play some games; go to some camps

Select Fastpitch Singleton

Coaching Staff: Sydeny Singleton (head coach/recruiting coordinator), Traci Pleckham (assistant coach), Cori Kennedy (assistant coach), Dan Rivera (assistant coach) and Mike Grohar (assistant coach)
Team Social Media Handles:
@SelectFP18u_SS (X) & selectfastpitch18u.ss (Instagram)

2024 Summer Successes: Made it to semi finals of 6/7 summer 2024 tournaments. We had 2 players selected to participate in the Showtime Sports Showcase. We had 2 players (now seniors) commit to a college!

Key Players: Kyli Dunn (2025, RHP/OF), Jessica Pleckham (2025/OF) slapper with speed, Natalie Muellner (2025, OF/3B) power hitter, Kylie Mannis (2026, C/SS) power hitter & Ella Urbasek (2026, OF) amazing speed

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: We expect to compete on every tournament we play from fall through summer. The goal for the fall season is to have the seniors signed by the end of the year!

Southeast Iowa Allstars Gold Miller 18u

Coaching Staff: Merle Miller

2024 Summer Successes: We won all of our games at the Perfect Game Showcase this past weekend in Iowa City. The top five hitters in the entire tournament play on my Southeast IA Allstars 18u Gold Miller team.

Key Players: Kennah Sandovall (3B/SS), Abby Mecklenburg (CF), Pearson Hall (SS/2B), Braylon Conlon (LHP/CF), Katie Pilcher (C/3B)

Texas Glory Steward

Coaching Staff: Brian Steward & Josh Knowles

Team Social Media: @07_texasilred

2024 Summer Successes: 2nd at Top Gun Showcase, T-3rd at Top Gun Patriot

Key Players: Jenna Flessner, Mackenzie Knowles, Ana Kanemaru, Lauren Shuey, Rachel McMullen, Taylor Cuchra, Danni Hovey

Expectations for 2024 Fall Season: Have a highly competitive fall and winter and get the rest of the team committed!

Good luck to all of the teams competing in Peoria this weekend!

Event Preview: Top Gun Synergy Showcase

By: Madison Feldhahn

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

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

VIEW SCHEDULE

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

16u

Legends Fastpitch National Teters

Coaching Staff: Shawn Teters and Linnie Malkin

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

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

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

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

18u

G2 Heat Fastpitch Academy VanZant

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

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

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

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

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

Legends Fastpitch 18u APE

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

Team Social Media Handles: @18U_Legends_APE

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

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

Good luck to all of the teams playing this weekend!

Event Preview: Heartland College Showcase

By: Trey Donovan

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

 Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): Free

Teens & Adults (13-64): $12.00

Senior (65+): $6.00

Military: Free

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

14u Invite

Kansas Renegades Enfield

Coaching Staff: Leeza Enfield and Robert Thomas

Team Social Media: Kansas Renegades Enfield (Facebook)

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

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

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

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

Kylie Matthews pitcher who continues to improve her pitching abilities.

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

TBSA Wahoos ’09 Smithers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ROI Fastpitch Kessler

Coaching Staff: Brad Kessler.

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

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

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

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

16u Invite

St Louis Chaos Roth

Coaching Staff: Jeff Roth and John Kiene.

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

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

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

2025 Jalaya Ries – OF

2026 Coley Hunt – Catcher, Utility

2026 Summer Branch – RHP, 3rd

2026 Aidan Dintelman – RHP, 1B

2026 Ameila Raziq – 3rd, 1st, Catcher

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

Nebraska National Taylor 16u

Coaching Staff: Brett Taylor & Kirsten Dargy

Team Social Media: @NENational08 (Twitter)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

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

-1st Place at Top Gun NE National Tourney

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

-2nd Place at USSSA 16) Swing into Spring

-3rd Place at Top Gun Swing into Spring Tourney

-4th Place at USSSA SEC National Championship

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

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

Key Players:

-Maizey Carpenter

-Toria Rother

-Lauren Schneider

-Elli Ridgley

-Alexa Taylor

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

18u Invite

South Dakota Renegades McDougall

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

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

Team Social Media: @south_04 (Twitter/X)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska Gold Jarzboski

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

Team Social Media: @negold18u (Twitter/X)

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

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

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

St Louis Chaos 18u Mazzola

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

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

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

Key Players: Sophi Mazzola-University of Washington

Emma Gipson-Southern Illinois U-Carbondale

Hailey Nuener-Harvard University

AJ Jones-Loyola University

Lauren Nichols-Southern Illinois U-Edwardsville

Carle Bachman-Southern Illinois U-Edwardsville

Lauren Rowland-Missouri State University

Jay Brister- Northern Illinois University

Trinity Brandhorst-University of Illinois-Chicago

Tyra Haffer-Southwest Baptist University

Kylie Witthaus-Southern Indiana University

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

18u Texas Glory Agnew

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

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

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

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

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

14u Open

Synergy Gold Clurman 14u

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

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

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

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

KC Rebels Lickel

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

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

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

Key Players: All of ‘em.

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

16u Open

Tenacity Hagardt

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

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

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

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

Kendall McCoy- #0- P/OF

Brie Chilton- #23- P/1B

Taryn Hagardt-#1 SS

Rylee Harper- #19- OF

Kara Goeke-#42 P/1B

Harlow Hawkins- #21 C

Mylee Harper- #14 OF

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

KC Bombers Adkins

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

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

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

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

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

18u Open

KC Rebels National Ingle

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

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

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

Key Players: MaKenzie Yoder, 2024, SS/OF

Salah Williams, 2025, OF/UT

Emma Reeves, 2025, MIF/OF

Addison Arbo, 2026, RHP/1B

Kaylee Wood, 2027, CIF, OF

Primetime Koozer

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

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

Key Players:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event Preview: Tulsa Elite Summer Invite

By: Trey Donovan

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

Tournament Pass Fees:

Adults aged 18-64: $20.00

Seniors: $10.00

Children aged 10-17: $10.00

Children under 9: Free

Check out some of the teams joining the tournament below!

12u

Texas Elite Premier

Coaching staff: Bryan Simmons and David Churchill.

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

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

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

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

Legends Fastpitch 2011 Select

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

Team Social Media: Legends Fastpitch 2011 Select (Facebook)

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

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

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

14u

Select Fastpitch Waters

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

Team Social Media: @SelectWaters (Twitter/X)

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

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

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

OK Bombers King

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

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

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

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

16u

Legends 16u National Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorado Stars Kapelke

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

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

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

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

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

Pryme 16u Premier – Ray

Coaching Staff: Jeff Ray, Katie Ehrlich.

Team Social Media: @prymefastpitch (Twitter/X)

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

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

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

Prime 16u National

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

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

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

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

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

18u

Top Gun Gammons

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

Team Social Media: @TGF_17_National

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

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

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

Prime 18u National

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

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

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

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

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

Nebraska Gold National Singleton

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

Team Social Media: @NebGold18s (Twitter/X)

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

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

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

18u Impact Gold Bryant

Coaching Staff: Misty Bryant and Candain Callahan.

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

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

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

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

Vision Gold 18u

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

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

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

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

We currently have 4 uncommitted players:

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

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

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

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

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