Top Gun Indoor Invite Event Recap

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Indoor Invite took place this past weekend at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex in St. Joseph, MO. The 16U and 18U age groups were combined into a high school division with two pools.

Select Fastpitch Reese came out on top of a very competitive Pool A, finishing the weekend 4-1. After losing to Top Gun ’08 2-0 in their first game, Select Fastpitch won the rest of their games. The team tallied 27 runs, including one home run from Lauren Bailey and two from Baylie Roetemeyer. Their most dominate performance came against Nebraska Thunder Fox in an 11-1 rout.

In Pool B, Top Gun National 2027 was dominant, going undefeated through five games. Their victories included a 7-0 win against MN Waves Beech, 16-0 win against Building Champions Peppers Wallace 16u, and a 12-1 win against Nebraska Gold Waller. The team allowed just 5 runs against them, while scoring 41 runs.

Several other teams also showcased impressive performances this weekend:

Louisville Lady Sluggers VanBoxmeer concluded the weekend with a 4-1 record. They battled in close games against Nebraska National Taylor, Nebraska Quakes Macken, and Top Gun National 2027. Their largest margin of victory was 10-3 against Building Champions Peppers Wallace 16u. The Lady Sluggers scored 19 runs and conceded just 8.

Top Gun ’08, NE Echoes Madsen, Originals Moss, and Nebraska National Taylor all finished the weekend with a 3-2 record.

Top Gun ’08 commenced their weekend with a 2-0 win against Select Fastpitch Reese and wrapped up with two more wins against Nebraska Thunder Fox and Originals Moss.

Brad Madsen’s NE Echoes team had three decisive wins. The team started the weekend with a 9-2 win against Primetime Koozer and wrapped up Saturday with a 3-0 win against Nebraska Gold Jarzobski. Their last game was an 8-1 win against Top Gun ’08. The Echoes scored 25 runs, including a home run from Teygan Rasmussen.

Originals Moss secured impressive wins against Nebraska Thunder Fox and Nebraska Gold Jarzobski. The team scored 25 runs across the two days of play and finished with a +14 run differential.

Nebraska National Taylor conceded only 5 runs this past weekend. The team scored 18 runs, one of which was a home run hit by Macy Schneider. Brett Taylor’s team started their weekend with a 2-1 win against MN Waves Beech on Saturday. Their other wins came in a 12-0 rout against Nebraska Quakes Macken and a 3-1 finish against Nebraska Gold Waller.

Thank you and good luck to the teams who participated in the Top Gun Indoor Invite this past weekend!

Top Gun Indoor Invite Event Preview

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Indoor Invite returns to St. Joseph, MO on March 9th and 10th to kick off the Top Gun Events spring season. This highly anticipated event brings together sixteen elite softball teams from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

The round-robin style tournament will take place at the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex. The 16u and 18u divisions have been combined into a high school division. All teams will play five games. Top Gun ’08 vs. Select Fastpitch Reese and NE Echoes Madsen vs. Primetime Koozer will start the tournament at 8:00 AM Saturday. Games will start every eighty minutes with the last games starting at 9:20 PM on Saturday. The tournament will restart at 8:00 AM Sunday and run until 6:40 PM.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

As coaches and players finalize their preparations, let’s take a closer look at some of the teams joining us.

Louisville Lady Sluggers VanBoxmeer

Coaching Staff: Ashley VanBoxmeer & Andy Paalhar

Team Social Media: @louisvilleladysluggers16u_VB (IG) & @Sluggers07VB (Twitter)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-Ranked 14th in the country

-3rd place at Triple Crown Nationals

-17th place at Colorado Sparkler PP

-Alliance Nationals Top 25

-Top Club Invite Runner Up

-Team 1 Spring Invite Champion

Key Players: This isn’t our full team due to spring high school season, but we are excited to break up the practice routine and get some games in.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Continue improving our softball IQ and skill development in preparation for a challenging summer schedule against the best in the country!

MN Waves Beech

Coaching Staff: Daniel Beech (Owner/Director/Trainer/15U National Head Coach)

Team Social Media: MN Waves 15U National (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-Champions of the Lexi Kretsch Invitational

-Champions of the USSSA Great Lakes National Championship

Key Players:

-Harper Chappuis (CF)

-Auden Anderson (P)

-Sydney Klar (P)

-Kaitlyn Trask (3B)

-Evelyn DeRock (LF)

-Molly Walker (P/2B/RF)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are maturing as a club and expect to compete with second-year 16s at a regional level. We have the most challenging schedule we’ve ever had – Top Gun Invitational (MO), S&C Showcase (MN), Top Gun Patriot (IL), Firecracker Showcase (IN), 15U Nationals (IA), and World Fastpitch Championships (SD). Our Waves program was invited to the 18U I.D.T. this summer in Colorado so we will go in 2025.

NE Echoes Madsen

Coaching Staff: Brad Madsen, Brandon Brink, Abigail Brink & Jeff Rasmussen

Team Social Media: @bradm198 (Twitter) & NE Echoes 18U National Madsen (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-52-19-4 in summer

-Runner-up at Memorial Day USA 16U

-6-0 in fall

-CIS Winner

Key Players:

-Teya Speltz

-Charlie Pryor

-Teygan Rasmussen (new addition)

-Brianna Kutschkau (new addition)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a 1st year 18U team, the plan is to keep competing at a high level. Be that team others don’t want to see on their schedule.

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)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-6 seniors went on to play in college (1 D1, 1 D2, 1 D3, 3 NAIA)

-All 12 of our current seniors are committed to play in college (2 D1, 4 D2, 6 NAIA)

Key Players:

-Mackenzie Groniga

-Emi Waldow

-Katelyn Jarzobski

-Addy Hobza

-Kriestyn Linn

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

Nebraska Gold Waller

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

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

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-3rd place finish PG National Qualifier KC

-2nd place HS Division Spring Fling

-8th place Top Gun Spring Invite

-6th place USA SB Invite

-3rd place Top Gun Swing into Spring

-3rd place Top Gun Thunder/Gold Invite

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

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

Nebraska National Taylor

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/cancelled tournaments)

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

Key Players:

-Maizey Carpenter

-Reese Pearson

-Toria Rother

-Lauren Schneider

-Alexa Taylor

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are an improved team over last year. Our goal as coaches is to continue to develop our players to help them reach their potential.

Nebraska Thunder Fox

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

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

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-Our 4 graduating seniors committed and continued their athletic careers at the collegiate level (Barton College, Chadron State, Northwestern College and Highland CC)

-Fall resulted in 2 additional commitments (Concordia & Central CC)

Key Players:

-Ayla Mathney – committed to Calumet College of St. Joseph, a leader in the circle

-Joslyn Sargent – junior at Ashland High School, new to our roster, she looks to make a statement at SS and in our lineup

-Kaylee Tanuis – senior from Papillion-LaVista Class A State Champions, she is a vital and diverse player on our roster

-Macey West – multi-sport athlete expanding her abilities and strengths as a UTL

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

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.

Select Fastpitch Reese

Coaching Staff: Krista Reese (Head Coach) & Jason Bailey (Asst. Coach)

Team Social Media: @StLouisSoftball (Twitter) & Select Fastpitch-16U STL (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

-Finished in top 16 of Power Pools in Scenic City Summer

-Finished 3rd at Savvy Softball Elite Summer Invite

-Finished in top 16 in Alliance Open Nationals

-Finished with a record of 5-2 at Tulsa Elite Summer Invite

Key Players:

-Sarah Rizello (P) led the team in wins with 10, SO with 85, and ERA 2.756.

-Abby Kritete and Elia Cabo anchor the outfield. Kriete led the team in Fielding Percentage at 0.988 and is second on the team in batting avg. with a 357 avg. in the fall and 556 avg. leading into this spring. Cabo is leading the team in avg. leading into the spring with an avg. 0f 750.

-Kaylee Brock (SS) locks down the left side of the infield. She batted 377 last season and her range and exceptional arm strength anchor the infield defense.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Select Fastpitch, formerly St. Louis Softball Club, looks to build on the success they had in 2023 with a qualifying bid to the Alliance Championships in Indianapolis. We expect to have all of our 2025 graduates signed by the end of the season, and we are excited for what the future holds for our 2026 grabs and expect several commitments in the fall.

Top Gun National 2027

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Stephanie Kim & Assistant Coaches Matt Griffin & Amanda Schuster

Team Social Media: @topgun_skim (Twitter), @coachstephkim (TikTok) & Top Gun 2027 NTL (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Last season, as a 13U team, our proudest finish was placing 9th at the IDT. We were champs of Top Gun Discovery, runner up at the Alliance Super Cup this fall in Clear Water, and finished Top 3 in a 16u Perfect Game Showcase and Savvy Summer Shootout. Our team hit 50+ homeruns in spring/summer of 2023 and ranked #45 in US Club Rankings. Four of our players earned 3rd place in Missouri State Championships as freshman. Three of our freshmen earned All-State honors and five earned Academic All-State.

Key Players: We have multiple players already receiving Power 5 interest. Some of our top producers include:

-2027 Bryli Seifert (MIF/OF) – Earned starting SS as a freshman and went on to receive 1st Team All-State honors and Academic All-State. She hit .548 AVG, 1.592 OPS with 5 HR, 4 3B, and 9 2B. On our team last summer, she hit 19 2B, 2 3B and 10 HR. She is one of our top offensive producers and is Top 3 in most categories on our team.

-2027 Bailey Barnett (SS/3B/C) – She led our team this summer in nearly every offensive category: homeruns (16), batting average (.469), hits (83 in 75 games), doubles (19), RBI’s (74), and runs (66). She broke her high school’s home run record as a freshman, earned 2nd Team All-State and Academic All-State, and helped her team secure a 3rd place state finish.

-2027 Holly Munson (LHP/1B) – 5’9 strong pitcher with intense presence on the mount. Top 100 in 2027 Extra Innings. She lead her high school team to a 3rd place finish as a freshman, earned 1st Team All-State honors and Academic All-State, and had 96 K with a .968 ERA. She hit 4 HR. Last summer, she had 160 K and hit .500 with a 1.726 OPS.

-2028 Addison Ellis (LHP) – 5’9 long levers, very spinny, and misses a ton of barrels throwing in the low 60s. In our last tourney this fall (Clearwater Alliance Super Cup), she pitched 15 IP and 25 K with a .457 ERA and only gave up 3 hits.

-2027 Zariya Mabion (OF/UTL) – Z is one of the most athletic players in the 2027 class. She is ranked Top 25 in the 2027 Extra Innings. She tore her ACL in June 2023 and had already hit 16 HR, 6 triples, 11 doubles, drove in 44 runs, scored 65 runs, and stole 29 bases. Finished her season early from injury with a .469 AVG and a 1.569 OPS.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: It’s about exposure and opportunities for these young women. Our expectation is to play and COMPETE against the best competition in the country, As a second year 14u team, we will be playing up in 16u until June. Once June hits…it’s on. Our summer recruiting schedule includes: Hotshots Summer Exposure in TX, Top Gun Invitational-Maverick in KC, and then we head to Colorado for the Patriot Games, Super Cup, and IDT. We come back to KC to play in the Top Gun Elite Championships to prepare for PGF Nationals to finish out our season.

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. 

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

 

Meet the TGE News Desk Writers!

Top Gun Events is excited to bring more awareness and provide recognition to the game we all know and love! In order to do so, we will be providing coverage on the regions top players, teams, coaches, as well as hot topics in our game. To assist in these efforts, we have added some new members to our team!

 

Rob Else

My name is Rob Else and I’m a cybersecurity consultant and softball dad from Omaha, Nebraska.  I first got involved with softball when my oldest daughter started playing on a club team in 2013.  Ever since then I’ve been hooked.

 Prior to my daughters playing softball, I coached 10 years of select baseball for the Omaha Gladiators.  I have also coached various softball teams throughout my daughter’s careers.  Currently my youngest daughter plays on a 13U club team.

 For the past couple of years, I’ve been covering high school softball in Nebraska with the goal of bringing recognition to players and teams.

Jeff Strange

Hailing from St. Louis, I’m a proud Midwesterner. I’ve been blessed to have been married to my wife for 19+ years and we have two amazing daughters – Aroa (16) and Annaliese (13). I’m a loyal St. Louis sports fan, diligently rooting for the STL Cardinals and STL Blues since my youth. However, my biggest passion now is being on the softball field, whether coaching my daughter’s Top Gun 2010 STL team or catching a game from the sidelines. I love the speed and purity of the game, and the passion and energy that these athletes bring is exciting to watch!

In addition to anything sports related, I enjoy music (a good live concert is soothing to the mind, body and soul), movies, cooking, traveling and reading. I’m a huge dog lover, with my German Shepherd Ruthie being a very loyal companion. 

During the day, I am a District Sales Manager for Mission Foods (in other words, a tortilla peddler) managing a network of distributors who deliver our product line of tortillas, chips and other items to your local grocery stores. I’ve been with the company for almost seven years, orchestrating and overseeing the growth of our position within the category. 

I’ve written sports articles in the past for various publications, and my love of talking softball has led me here. My hope and goals are to help provide insight into the softball world, highlighting some of the athletes, teams, coaches and feel-good stories that can help promote this game. Fastpitch viewership is consistently rising and I look forward to assisting in elevating the game!

Adam Howe

My name is Adam Howe and I have been a journalist for the better part of 25 years now.

I began my journalism career in sales. I have also been a Sports Editor, and I am now the Editor-In-Chief for two rural newspapers in midwest Missouri. I am also the host of a weekly high school football coach’s show broadcasted on the internet and do color commentary for our local high school football webcast. 

I began my journey in softball with my oldest daughter (now 19) over 12 years ago. She quickly moved through the ranks, played at the highest competitive level and is now a sophomore playing at the University of Evansville (IN). I also have a 15 year old daughter who is now also playing at the highest level and is embarking on her own recruiting trail to play collegiately soon. My son, who is 13, is a football player who hopes to also take his sport to the next level in the coming years. All three were/are 3-sport athletes.

I have been married to my wife for 20 years. In our “spare” time (when we are not chasing kids to a field or court), we enjoy the lake with friends. 

My hobbies include most all sports, fishing, playing golf, cards and reading other sports articles online. 

Top Gun Ranger

Top Gun Events brings to you this weekend the Top Gun Ranger, for teams of ages 10U through 18U. This event will take place Friday through Sunday (May 19-21) and is located in Overland Park, Kansas at Blue Valley Recreation Sports Complex.

 

The Top Gun Ranger is a first-year event and for many teams, will be their first Top Gun Tournament. These teams are looking forward to taking the next step into elite level softball and Top Gun Events is excited to assist them in doing so.

Teams include:

 

12U

Team Name: Ankeny Xtreme 12u black

Coach Name: Kelli Ott

Twitter Handle: @Ankeny_AGSA

2022 Nationals Results: 16/54 11u open

2022 Fall Successes: 3rd place in 12A State. We have lost in bracket play to a team from Peasant Valley Iowa in our last 2 state tournaments.  Finally earned a hard fought 1-0 win against them earlier this month.

Key Players:

  • Pitcher – Meryl Sandholm – good speed, hitting 53-55mph?  Incredible change. Opponent BA .142
  • SS – Breeze Bentz – Team leader and great athlete.
  • P – Cailey Horner
  • C – Emmy Ott
  • OF – Reagan Hogan
  • IF – Tenley Heidemann
  • OF – Kenlee Faber

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: This team is a “city” team that has played together since 8u.  All these players attend school in Ankeny, Iowa.  Ankeny Girls Softball only has teams through 12u.  Next year will bring changes for these girls, whether they move on to club ball or school ball.  They want to show they can hang with any of the club teams around the Midwest – and got a glimpse of their ability last year at Nationals.  They made the Gold bracket and finished in the top 16, though their goal was top 8.  This year they bring a little more size and have worked hard in the off-season – especially on their hitting.

 

Team Name: Nebraska Storm 12U

Coach Name: Cory Bachman – Assistants: Channon Oseka, Tony Eitzmann, Laura Marsh

Twitter Handle: @NEStorm12U

2022 Nationals Results:  USSSA Midwest Nationals23/53

2022 Fall Successes: We spent the greater part of the fall of 2022 ushering in four new kids and integrating them into our team.  We had two second place finishes in 12U tournaments and competed very well at the 14U age level.  Throughout the fall the girls created a very close relationship, began to understand roles and function as one. Overall, the girls did a phenomenal job of creating some great chemistry which has led us to a successful start to our spring/summer season.

Key Players:

  • Averi Bachman C/Utility
  • Alex Ballard P/SS
  • Skyla Whitten C/1B
  • Kourtney Dowding P/3B

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: As a coach, I would love for them to continue to grow both physically and mentally throughout the game.  When these girls play selfless, fast and aggressive the ceiling is extremely high. The girls have a lot of talent and ability, both of these will only get you so far.  We are working to teach them proper mindset, utilizing every girl’s drive to help them become the best version of themself on and off the field.  As a team, we look to continue playing deep into the weekend, every week pushing to achieve and attain goals set from within.  Most importantly, we truly and wholeheartedly want these kids to create memories and have fun, enjoying the time with one another.

 

Team Name: Synergy 12U Clurman

Coach Name: Cameron Clurman

Twitter Handle: No Twitter (Synergy Softball Organization, LLC for Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok)

2022 Nationals Results: 7th 11A Nationals

2022 Fall Successes: 2nd Place 12A Showcase

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: 100% Focus on Attitude and Effort with an improved record in 12A, Gold Flight Finish in all major events, and a Top 10 finish at 12A Nationals in Florida.

 

14U

Team Name: Athletics Russell 09

Coach Name: Sophia Lopez and Sydney Cure

2022 Fall Successes: 11-10-2 record

Key Players:

USA All American Selections (12u):

  • KP Pierson
  • Hayden Young
  • Tania Thomas

USSSA All American Selections (12u):

  • Addison Coffey
  • Sophie Young

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: Team is building towards making their Colorado Sparkler Debut in June.

 

Team Name: Originals 08

Coach Name: Jason Moss

Twitter Handle: @Original2008

2022 Nationals Results:

  • Top Gun Invite-Maverick- 12th place out of 44 teams. We were the last first year 14U team left before eliminated.
  • Midwest Nationals 9th place out of 51 teams
  • PGF Regionals Championships 5th place

2022 Fall Successes:

  • PGF National Qualifier-5th place
  • Perfect Game November KC Fall Showcase-1st place

Key Players:

  • Pitchers- Lucia Trevino, Maci Ann Cass, Katie Stephenson, Haylee Wait
  • Top Hitters: Katie Stephenson, Jacie Gentry, Maci Ann Cass, Riley Hollister, Brynlee Johnson, Tayah Garringer
  • Top Defense: Riley Hollister, Haylee Wait, Brynlee Johnson, Jacie Gentry, Alesa Kastle
  • Speed: Alesa Kastle, Allie Goble, Kyndall Hay, Lucia Trevino

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season:

  • 14 TG Spring Invite: Record
  • 5-1; 3rd place
  • Easton Ghost Series: Record 6-0; 1st place
  • Top Gun Heritage: Record 5-3; 1st place
  • PG Elite 40 Scouting Showcase-16/18U: Record 5-2; 3rd place

 

Future Tournaments:

TG Ranger

USA Memorial Day Invite

Tulsa Elite Summer Invite

Top Gun Invite

Colorado Sparkler Supplemental Power Pool

World Fastpitch Championship

 

Team Name: Team Kansas Elite 14U – Hays 14U

Coach Name: Patti Hays

Twitter Handle: @TeamKansasHays

 

Team Name: St. Louis Chaos 2010

Coach Name: Rachel Gill

Twitter Handle: @stlchaos2010

2022 Nationals Results: Top 10 USSSA

Key Players:

  • Kaelyn Deckerd P/SS .404 BA 635 SLG
  • Teresa Hutchcraft P/1B
  • Maddie Robinson SS/C .483 BA 672 SLG
  • Natalie House C/3B .417 BA

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: As a second year 12u team we have played all but 1 tournament at 14U thus far. We have won one and placed 2nd in another. This team is full of talent, and it has an incredible pitching staff.

 

16U

Team Name: Defiance Elite 16u Granquist

Coach Name: Kristen Granquist

Twitter Handle: @DefianceElite

2022 Nationals Results: Top 10 Finish, USFA Nationals

 

2022 Fall Successes:

High School Accomplishments (MO)

State Finishes–

Genny Greiwe (2024), 2nd Place MSHSAA Class 5 (Francis Howell HS)

Kenzie Ellison (2026), 2nd Place MSHSAA Class 5 (Francis Howell HS)

Ella Lause (2024), 3rd Place MSHSAA Class 4 (Washington HS)

Kiera Daniel (2025), 4th Place MSHSAA Class 4 (Warrenton HS)

 

RHP Evvie Blankenship (Sullivan HS, 2025)–

#3 in STL in Games Pitched (28)

Top 5 in STL in Complete Games (22)

Top 10 in STL in Shutouts (6)

Top 15 in STL in Strikeouts (156)

Top 25 in STL in ERA (2.47)

Top 25 in STL in Ks/Game (7.57)

 

RHP Emma Dixon (Winfield HS, 2025)–

Top 15 in STL in K/BB ratio (5.86)

Top 20 in STL in WHIP (1.03)

Top 25 in STL in ERA (2.58)

Top 35 in STL in Ks/Game (7.30)

 

INF Izzie May (North Point, 2026)–

Top 50 in STL in Runs Scored (34)

 

Key Players:

Our pitching staff has been one of the major keys to our success this year.

RHP Evvie Blankenship (Sullivan HS, 2025)– ERA: 2.1 // WHIP: 1.31 // K/INN: 0.85 // OBA: .237

RHP Emma Dixon (Winfield HS, 2025)– ERA: 0.86 // WHIP: 1.29 // K/BB: 7.0 // SAVES: 3

RHP Kenzie Ellison (Francis Howell HS, 2026)– W-L: 3-0 // K/INN: 0.98 // OBA: .250

 

Also, we have a great core of 2024’s who are looking to commit to play in college at some point this summer/fall.

INF UTL Ella Lause (Washington HS, 2024)–

State Championship 2021

CF Rachel Ross (Parkway North HS, 2024)–

Home to 1st: 2.85 // AVG: 0.412 // OPS: 1.006 // RBI: 8 (9 games)

INF Raina Ross (Parkway North HS, 2024)–

Home to 1st: 2.84 // SB: 4 (9 games) // AVG w/ RISP: 0.333

OF Genny Greiwe (Francis Howell HS, 2024)–

OPS: 1.700 // SLG: 1.200

Last weekend, Genny hit 2 HR in one game! Check our @DefianceElite TikTok page to see them!

C Brooklynn Kittrell (Pacific HS, 2024)–

OBP: 350 // – // Pop time: 1.84 sec // CS%: 40% // PB (27 inn.): 1

OF Morgan Braun (Sullivan HS, 2024)–

State Championship 2020

 

And the spark plugs of our team are…

INF Izzie May (North Point HS, 2026): AVG: 0.318 // OPS: 0.757 // Contact %: 86.36%

C/INF Lily Delmain (Eureka HS, 2025)– PB (21 inn.): 1 // OBP: 0.409 // OPS: 0.830 // RS (9 games): 7

INF Kiera Daniel (Warrenton HS, 2025)– Home to 1st: 2.84 // FPCT: 1.000 // BABIP: 0.667

OF Kiersten York (Liberty Wentzville HS, 2025)– Home to 1st: 2.69 // FPCT: 1.000 // OF Assists: 2

 

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: Our team is entering its second summer with the majority being returners from last year. Having played 4 tournaments already this spring, 2 getting rained out for Sunday, we’re happy with how we’ve grown up to this point. A few weeks ago, we finished top 3 in an HFL qualifier after earning 1st place in pool play.

This is a team of very competitive, driven players. I can honestly say I’ve never been a part of another team that has each other’s backs more and also holds one another accountable for the standards we have set.

Our team culture words our players chose for this season are Competitive. Relentless. Dedicated. United. And it is clear that they work every day as a team to uphold these traits.

 

Team Name: KC Bombers Gold Adkins (KC Bombers 16u)

Coach Name: Jamie Adkins

Twitter Handle: @KCBombersAdkins

Key Players:

  • Ps: Addison Cole, Trinity Krause
  • OFs: Hannah Winburn, Lindsey Green
  • IFs: Joselyn Gartner, Madison Dudok
  • Cs: Taylor Tessman, MJ Hoosier

Expectations for the 2023 Spring/Summer Season: Continue growing as a team and achieve a winning record in every tournament we attend.

 

Team Name: KC Phoenix 16U – DP

Coach Name: Drew Page

Twitter Handle: @16UPhoenixKC

Nicki G. Classic powered by Top Gun Events

Nicki G. Classic powered by Top Gun Events

Top Gun Events was ecstatic to be chosen as the host company for the Nicki G. Classic for 2023. The Nicki G. Classic honors Nicki Glatter. Glatter passed away December 9, 2014 from cervical cancer. For the past nine years, Ryan Glatter, husband of Nicki, has hosted the Nicki G. Classic on Mother’s Day in her honor and founded the Nicki G. Foundation. In the past nine years, 17 scholarships have been awarded by the Nicki G. Foundation to players competing in the event. Teams participating in the tournament will wear jerseys donning the #19 on the back in honor of Nicki G., teams are also encouraged to wear a color of their choice in representation of a type of cancer that may have impact someone on their team, or someone close to the team.

This year, the Nicki G. Foundation will host the the First Annual Nicki G. Foundation Blood Drive on Sunday, May 14th, from 9:00am-3:00pm at Westchester Fields.

The Nicki G. Classic will host some of the top teams in the region in a 14u division and a combined 16u/18u division (HS), view teams attending.

VIEW TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

16u/18u Top Gun KC Spring Invite Post-Event Write Up

16u/18u Top Gun KC Spring Invite Post-Event Write Up

April 29-30, 2023

Mid America West Sports Complex, Shawnee, KS

The 16u/18u Top Gun KC Spring Invite attracts the top teams from the top clubs year after year, and could be deemed one of our most competitive events on our schedule.

The region’s top clubs: Top Gun Academy, Nebraska Gold, Select Fastpitch and Aces Fastpitch flexed their muscles and showed why they are considered the top clubs in the Midwest Region.

16u Division

Top Gun National – JS went undefeated on the weekend (7-0-1) to finish as the champions of the 16u division. En route to the championship, Top Gun defeated Nebraska Echoes, Marek Fastpitch Academy, Nebraska Gold 15u National and Select Fastpitch – Woelbel.

Select Fastpitch – Woelbel had a dominant run on Sunday, before eventually falling to Top Gun National – JS. Woelbel’s squad scored 23 runs to reach the championship, while allowing only five, including a dominant win in the semi-finals over a solid Louisville Lady Sluggers ’07 VanBoxmeer team.

However, one of the most competitive games of the day came in top half of the bracket during semi-finals where Top Gun National – JS squeaked out a 1-0 victory over Nebraska Gold 15u National. This Nebraska Gold s          quad is a force to be reckoned with and are certainly a team to watch. Their only loss on the weekend was their semi-final loss, coming by a one-run margin, and coming away with an overall weekend record of (4-1-1) after receiving the first round bye in bracket play after going (3-0-1) in a very competitive pool.

18u

Select Fastpitch 18u Chester played a series of close games on Sunday to make it to the championship, and to come out as the champions of the 18u Top Gun KC Spring Invite. On the way to the championship, Select played Athletics Russell, Primetime Regional – Watts, Aces Fastpitch Spring and played Nebraska Gold 18u National in the championship, where they came away with a 1-0 victory in a very competitive game.

Nebraska Gold 18u National outscored opponents by a margin of 22-3 en route to the championship game, while also garnering a +10 run differential in pool play in a very tough pool consisting of Top Gun 18 National, Select Fastpitch, Aces Fastpitch and Originals ’23 Austin.

Top Gun 18 National went 3-1 in pool play to receive the first round bye and then beat Nebraska Quakes National 6-1 in quarter finals before eventually falling to Nebraska Gold 18 National in the semi-finals.

 

Thank you to all teams that participated in the 16u/18u Top Gun KC Spring Invite! We look forward to hosting your team again!