By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Discovery Showcase kicked off today at Mid-America West Sports Complex in Shawnee, KS. The three-day event features fifty-four teams from Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. This event will have 14u, 16u, and 18u teams.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

14u

KC Rebels Lickel

Vision Fastpitch Merryman

Coaching Staff: Head coach Anthony Merryman and assistant coaches Bryan Wyman, Niles Thomas & Addy Ward

Team Social Media: @visiongold09 (X), Vision Gold 09 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Overall record 104-22-6, Back-to-back 2022 & 2023 14O Space Coast World Series National Champions. 2023 USSSA SEC Future Stars 14A National Champions, 2023 PG Fall Elite Showcase 14A Tournament Champions, Woo Pig Series I 14O Tournament Champions 2023 HFL Woo Pig Series III 14O Tournament Champions, 2023 SA Six in Spring 14A Tournament Champions, 2023 USSSA Road to the Show 14A Tournament Finalist, 2023 Club Fall Invite 14A Tournament Finalist, 2023 USSSA CBC Fall Bash 16A Tournament Finalist 2023, Fall Championships 14A 3^rd place finish, 2023 TFL Spring Slam 14A 3^rd place finish, 2023 Top 10 Finish (41 teams total) of Top Club Super 32 14A Cash Tournament

Key Players: Alexis Lorennij (C), Daylyn Osborne (P), Kylee Wyman (SS)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Compete with the best-of-the-best competition, continue to grow and develop as softball players, athletes, and good human beings, and showcase our passion for the game to college coaches, fans, and peers.

16u

KC Phoenix Bock

Coaching Staff: Jen Bock, Russ Endsor, Mike Koontz

Team Social Media: @KCPhoenix_JB (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: UTrip Memorial Day 18a Champions (as a 14u team). A couple of 2^nd place HS divisions. We started competing in bigger events and were able to compete. We were 4-1-1 in the big Team 1 event and rolling in bracket play but the event was rained out. Top 12 of the WFC in KC.

Key Players: Enslie Dreyer (RHP) – throws up 58 to low 60s in games with LONG stride, Shelby Callahan (SS) – switch hitter, Mandia Bock (RHP) – throws 68-62, Gracie Cox (C) – cannon behind the dish

Expectations for Spring 2024: We have turned up the intensity and are focused primarily on TG, Gold, and Invitational tourneys, plus the Sparkler. Still very much in a growth mindset for the year. None of these kids have hit their ceiling and will continue to grow. They’re great teammates and LOVE to play softball. Every single one of these girls plays multiple sports successfully.

Millard Fury Gold Westley

Coaching Staff: Head coach Brad Westley and assistant coaches April Epley, Chad Mattox & Katie Wageman

Team Social Media: @2007FuryGold (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: ’23 was a challenge with injuries, but the core finished second in a showcase in Beatrice, NE to end the season. After only one practice in the fall, the team played well losing our first bracket game to the eventual tournament winner in a 1-0 contest.

Key Players: Pitching staff: Lauryn Mattox, Ava Fessler, Karli Farritor.  Catchers: Alexa Epley, Kaycie Dai, Mady Wall. Corners: Emma Renner, Karleigh Rowley, Kaycie Dai, Lauryn Mattox, Alexa Epley.  Middle Infield: Brooke Westley, Madi Eich, Mady Wall. Outfield: Hannah Wageman, Kameryn Lawson, Karlie Farritor, Brooke Westley, Emma Renner, Mady Wall, Madi Eich

Expectations for Spring 2024: Our expectations are for the girls to continue to not only grow their softball skills but mentally be able to handle the grind and challenges we know they will face this summer. We want to compete in every game and challenge teams we face.

Missouri Chiefs Turner

Coaching Staff: Chelsea Turner, Shane Pierce & Darrin Henderson

Team Social Media: @GoMoChiefs (IG & Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 29-19 last summer. Runner up at the STL USA Showcase. FASA Nationals Runner Up.

Key Players: Raelyn Henderson (OF), Ellie Shevey (C/UT), Allison Scott (P), Piper Dishman (P) Katie Vaughan (SS/UT)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Competitive tournament schedule for 2024 and intend to finish top 5 in most.

Nebraska Gold Gillis

Coaching Staff: Ryan Gillis, Lorelle Mueting, Kevin Pokorny, and Kailey Wilson

Team Social Media: X: @NEGold09_Gillis; Instagram: negold09_gillis

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2nd Place – Top Gun Memorial Day Tournament, Top 4 Finish NE State 14U 2024

Key Players: Jadyn Pokorny, Cameron Debuse, Ollie Lynch, Dilynn Meade, Callen Ahrens, Taylor Brumbaugh, Regan Gillis

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our expectations are to continue to grow as a team and compete at the highest level. We will challenge ourselves and battle to the end of every game, but after all is said and done we will enjoy our teammates and the sport we love.

Nebraska Quakes Gilpin

Coaching Staff: Don Gilpin (Head Coach), Steve Asher (Assistant Coach) & Rob Novak (Assistant Coach)
Team Social Media: @NEQuakesGilpin (X) & NE Quakes Gold 15U Gilpin (SportsRecruits)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 51-23-5 record in 2023, in 14A/HS class. 1^st place USSSA Battle for the Bling 14A NIT, 2^nd place Bennington Spring Bash HS, 2^nd place Quakes Classic, 1^st place KS/MO 14A State Tournament, 3^rd place Ringneck 14A

Key Players: A strong core group of players that has grown together for several years. Each player on this roster has a high set of expectations and will contribute greatly to our successes in 2024.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a young 15U team returning our entire roster from 2023, we will be looking to continue challenging our players and building upon previous successes, as we prepare them to compete at the next level. A serious pitching staff, backed up by solid defense, and a dangerous batting lineup sets the bar high for this young group of outstanding athletes.

Team Kansas Denning

Coaching Staff: Nick Denning & Patti Hays
Team Social Media: @TeamKansas16A (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Qualified for PG nationals with a third place finish at the PG KC Fall Showcase

Key Players: Ava Yokley (P, 2026), Abby O’Connor (IF, 2026), Lindsay Ruder (UTL/2026)

Expectations for Spring 2024: Have fun!!

Top Gun Hooper

Coaching Staff: Head coach Dave Hooper and assistant coaches Dwight Mayhugh & Chad Cushing
Team Social Media: @TopGun0809KS (X) & Top Gun 16u KS (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Chosen for the supplemental Power Pool in summer 2023 for the CO Sparkler. Played up in 16u as a 14u in the Heartland WS and were a final 4 team when the tournament was cancelled for weather. Turned over a number of roster spots in the fall of 2023 to form a much more softball centric team.

Key Players: Reagan Ball, Emily Stipsits, McKenna Cushing

Expectations for Spring 2024: We have a very competitive schedule for 2024 and are looking to improve over the 2023 season extending into more late runs on bracket day. We are playing in a number of tournament and college showcases and are looking to demonstrate the talent of our team in front of colleges over the summer season. As our girls start to enter the recruiting phase, many of our players are participating in a number of different camps. Although the wins are great, we will continue to develop our players so that they possess the skills needed to take the next step into the college game.

18u

Kansas Fusion Sweat

Coaching Staff: Head coach Mikey Rusk, manager Ryan Sweat & assistant coach Jeff Ellis
Team Social Media: @FusionKansas (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We won some smaller tournaments and finished 2^nd in USSSA National Championship

Key Players: All players are key!

Expectations for Spring 2024: Have fun and be seen by college coaches

KC Bombers 18u Gold Fansher

Coaching Staff: Megan Fansher and Makena Adams

Team Social Media Handles: Twitter-@BombersKC18 and Instagram-@KCBombers18

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: This is a practically a brand new team! We look forward to seeing this team grow this summer!

Key Players: Reghan Loges, Hannah Sheer, Reese Evenson, Anna Fairchild

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: My athletes are looking to play at the next level. With our Bombers organization, our job is to prepare them for this next journey! We currently have 5 signed players and looking to add more this season!

KC Rebels Soldner

Coaching Staff: Brian Soldner, Kurt Dearing & Craig Minton
Team Social Media: @KCRebelsSoldner (X)

Key Players: Adelyn Thom (C/3B, 2025), Akyra Traver (OF, 2026), Ava Minton (OF, 2025), Cadence Dearing (OF/C, 2026), Danica Salisbury (P/1B, 2026), Tyjha Henderson (MIF/OF, 2025)

Expectations for Spring 2024: To play in top tournaments and get my girls some offers

Nebraska Gold Jarzobski

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

Team Social Media: @negold18u (Twitter)

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

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

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

Nebraska WAVE Shepherd

Coaching Staff: Head Coach Luke Shepherd & Assistant Coaches Cory Claussen & Peyton Glatter
Team Social Media: @NEWaveFastpitch (X) & thewaveathletics.com

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: USSSA State Runner Up Class A 18u, Went 3-0-1 in KCKCC Tournament

Key Players: Hannah Allen (Midland University commit), Alexis Shepherd (Midland University commit), Alexis Adams (Doane College commit), Kloey Johnson (Southeast CC commit), Jill Johnson (1B/OF, Uncommitted), Brooklyn Stutzman (P/1B, Uncommitted), Jerzey Wiechman (P, Uncommitted)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Will be traveling throughout the Mid-West playing in several Top Gun Showcases/Invites

By: Madison Feldhahn

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

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

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

Gate Fees:

Children (6-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

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

14u

KC Rebels Lickel

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

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

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

Key Players: All of ‘em.

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

MN Moose 13u National

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

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

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

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

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

Originals Campbell

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

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

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

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

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

Synergy Fastpitch 13u

Coaching Staff: Cam Clurman, Willie Dean, Jeremiah Feurt

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

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

High School Division

KC Bombers Adkins

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck to all of the teams competing this weekend!

 

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events went to Bixby, Oklahoma this past week for the Top Gun Heritage. The event was unfortunately cut short due to the weather in the area.

In the 14u age bracket, R.O.I. Midwest Kessler went through pool play 4-0, the only 14u team to do so. The team had dominant wins all weekend with an 8-3 victory, a 6-1 victory and two 7-1 victories. Oklahoma Athletics Madden was the only other unbeaten 14u team with a 3-0-1 pool play record. The team tied 2-2 with Louisville Lady Sluggers Premier VanBoxmeer to start the tournament. Their next three games were all wins with a score of 10-0, 6-0 and 1-0, respectively. Both Tulsa Elite Edmondson 13u and Oklahoma Athletics Geheb went 3-1-0.

Some dominant victories in the 14u age group include 8-0 OK Bombers King victory over Oklahoma Athletics Lampkin and a 9-4 Oklahoma Athletics Lampkin victory over Tulsa Elite Holson.

Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith came out on top of the 16u age group. The team scored 29 runs and allowed just 2 runs against them. Their dominant performance included a 6-0 win, 9-1 win, and 10-0 win. Epic Fastpitch Burnett, Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown, and Oklahoma Athletics Zodrow went undefeated in pool play with 2-0-2 records. Epic Fastpitch Burnett’s most dominant victory came in a 5-0 game against Oklahoma Steel ‘08/’09. Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown had a 6-0 victory to start their tournament play. Oklahoma Athletics Zodrow played in two close games, coming out on top 7-6 against Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh and 6-4 against Epic National Stoner.

Other large victories in the 16us include a 15-0 Midwest Batbusters Brice victory against Pryme Fastpitch Foster, a 10-0 Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith victory over Midwest Batbusters Brice, and a 14-2 Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh victory over IntenCity Gasso.

FFS Hugo was the only undefeated team in the 18u age group with a 3-0-1 record. Their largest margin of victory was 8-1 over Pryme Fastpitch Townsend. Oklahoma Athletics National Madden/Davis had the next best record at 3-1-0. They had a dominant victory over Epic Fastpitch Select Brice 18u with a final score of 12-0.

Oklahoma Athletics Coleman topped Epic Fastpitch Select Brice 18u 13-0 in one of the largest victories this weekend. Epic Fastpitch Vickrey had a dominant 17-3 victory over Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch Melson.

Bracket play for all age groups was canceled due to the inclement weather.

Thank you to all the teams who participated this weekend!

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is headed to Bixby, Oklahoma for the Top Gun Heritage this weekend. Thirty-seven teams will be joining us for this three-day event from Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri.

The 14u age group will have 12 teams split into two pools. Fifteen 16u teams will be in three pools. The 18us will have two pools with five teams each. Pool play will begin Friday with games at 6:45 PM and 8:30 PM. Games will resume at 8:00 AM with the last pool play game starting at 8:15 PM.

Bracket play for the 14u and 16u teams will start at 8:00 AM on Sunday. The 18u age group will begin at 9:45 AM. The 14u championship game takes place at 3:00 PM. Both the 16u and 18u championship games will be at 4:45 PM.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of this weekend’s teams below!

14U

Epic Fastpitch 14u Flynn

Coaching Staff: Travis Flynn (head coach), Brion Hitt (assistant coach) & Nick Dean (assistant coach)

Team Social Media Handles: Epic Premier 2010-Flynn (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2^nd place Silver Bracket 2023 Sparkler, Jr.; fall 2023 – 1^st place CFL OV v TX, 2^nd place PGF Diamond Legacy & 3^rd place in Gold Bracket Top Club National Fall Invitational

Key Players: Our focus is always team first. Brylee Daniels – pitcher and recently developed into our lead-off hitter. Lainey Hughey – locks down the infield at SS. Peyton Johnson – youngest on the team, extremely athletic left fielder that swings a big bat.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a first year 14u team, compete against the best regional and national competition. Continue building our team chemistry with the new players added for the spring. Win the supplemental power pool bracket and advance to the power pool at the Sparkler Jr.

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 Spring 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!

Oklahoma Athletics Geheb

Coaching Staff: Barry Geheb and assistant coaches JJ Nowlin, Alyx Parrot and Cody Ashmore
Team Social Media Handles: Athletics 27/28 Gold Geheb (Facebook)

Key Players: We have 13 players that all play a vital role in our success.

Oklahoma Athletics Madden

Coaching Staff: Mike Madden and assistant coaches James Duehning & Bailey Black
Team Social Media Handles: Ok Athletics 2010 – Madden (Facebook), okathletics2010madden (Instagram) & @OKAs2010Madden (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 Alliance Fastpitch Championships Series – 12u National Champion, 2023 USSSA Oklahoma State Championship – champion, 2023 Team 1 Elite Club Summer Invite – champion

Key Players: Rylee Black (11-0 record; only 10 runs scored against her in 47.1 innings, 87 strikeouts with only 17 walks, 1.331 ERA), Marlee Collier (7-4 pitching record, 62 strikeouts with only 12 walks, 2.608 ERA, .368 batting avg, 15 RBIs & 7 runs scored in 26 games), Kennedy Walker (.426 batting avg, .759 slugging %, 23 hits in 28 games including 2 doubles, 5 triples and 2 HR, 11 RBIs and 20 runs scored), Shylee Orr (.421 batting avg, .560 on base %, 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored in 28 games, 61 innings behind the plate, allowed 3 stolen bases, 1.000 fielding percentage in 97 chances), Kennedy Clemmens (.351 batting avg, .489 on base %, 13 hits including 9 singles, 3 doubles & 1 triple, 13 RBIs) & Teagan Duehning (.327 batting avg, 17 hits in 28 games, 8 RBIs & 20 runs scored, team leading 17 stolen bases, only caught stealing 1 time this year)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To continue to work hard and become the best ball players we can be but also to win another National Championship!!

Pure Fastpitch Green

Coaching Staff: Rusty Bracken and Ryan Green
Team Social Media Handles: Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch 09 Premier (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: The team had 4 top three finishes last spring/summer playing in large, highly competitive tournaments including Top Club, PGF, Top Gun, and several 16 and 18u college showcases.

2023 Top Gun Heritage – 3^rd place, 2024 Tulsa Elite Invitational – 5^th place, SES Summer Showcase – 3^rd place, two tournament wins: USSSA, overall record 33-15

Key Players: Leah Green (2028 RHP/OF), Jayden Berry (2027 C/3B/SS), Sara Mouse (2028 OF)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Every year, the team gets stronger. The girls continue to work hard and push themselves. As coaches, we continue to seek out the best competition to encourage the girls to keep fighting to get bigger, faster, and stronger. We want and expect to see the girls grow in grit and determination.

R.O.I. Midwest Kessler

Coaching Staff: Brad Kessler
Team Social Media Handles: ROI Fastpitch (Facebook), @ROIFastpitch (X), r.o.i.fastpitch_ (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 75-15-3 in summer 2023 & 19-2 in fall 2023

Key Players: Gabriyella Kessler (SS, #77), Courtney Bandy (P, #16), Raegan Brandt (P/IF, #7), Maisey McCarty (P/1B, #55)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To continue to develop and compete at the highest level against the best teams in the country

16u

Epic Fastpitch Burnett

Coaching Staff: Joseph Burnett (head coach), Coleman Clark (assistant) & Scotty Smith (recruiting coordinator)
Team Social Media Handles: @2026Epic (X), Epic National 2026 (Facebook) & epicnational26 (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Oct 2023 USSSA Bevo Bash 18u Champions, Nov 2023 CFL Fall Championship Final 4 Finish, Mar 2024 USSSA Opening NIT 18u Bash 2^nd place, Apr 2024 Top Gun Elite 20 Spring Invite Final 4 Finish

Key Players: Kinsley Hill (uncommitted 2025, RHP), Katie Overstreet (uncommitted 2025, SS), Mikena Wilson (2026, RHP), Emily Gilleland (2026, CF), Emmy Rouse (2026, 2B), Kandance Burnett (2026, C/1B/3B)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Expectations to get our 2025 good commitments. Compete and place in all tournaments while continuing to gel together as a new team.

Epic Fastpitch Chidester

Coaching Staff: Ty Chidester and Jerry Martinez
Team Social Media Handles: Epic Premier 25/26 (Facebook), @epicpremier2526 (X), epicpremier2526 (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 1^st place in 10^th Annual Fall El Gigante, fall record 16-4-1
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Improve skills and strengths while creating a solid cohesive team unit

Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Ashbaugh

Coaching Staff: Jake Ashbaugh & Julie Lofland
Team Social Media Handles: OK Athletics 09 Ashbaugh (Facebook), okathletics09national (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 Top 5 Supplemental Power Pool at the Sparkler, Top 25 Alliance National Championships, Runner up Top Gun Heritage, Qualified for Alliance Cup Championship 2024, playing the Power Pool at The Sparkler 2024

Key Players: Jade Ashbaugh (C), Katie Drummond (C), Weslyn McCorvey (SS/OF), Trinity Rice (P), Cadence Oswald (3B), Madison Smith (SS/2B), Brinlee Anderson (P)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our goal is for our girls to continue to develop and grow in the game of softball and life. Also, we want to win a National Championship.

Oklahoma Athletics Madden/Brown

Coaching Staff: Mickey Brown & Jason Barger
Team Social Media Handles: @OKAthletics (X), Oklahoma Athletics National Madden/Brown 26/27 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 5^th Hustle City Invite, 3^rd Top Club National Championship, tied for 9^th Triple Crown Power Pool, AFCA Nationals 17^th, 2023 final Alliance ranking 14^th, Triple Crown US club rankings 27^th

Key Players: Keegan Baker (2026 P), Kennedy Allen (2026 P), Camden Mack (2027 P), Marcela Attar (2028 SS), Brooklyn Wells (2026 UTL/C/1B)
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Playing Triple Crown Power Pool, Top Club National, P5 Invite Only, Alliance Nationals 

Oklahoma Steel ‘08/’09

Coaching Staff: Jordan Renz, Mike Sofield
Team Social Media Handles: OK Steel Fastpitch Softball (Facebook), oksteelsoftball (Instagram), @oksteelsoftball (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We had a lot of changes in 2023 and were building as a first-year team, including losing a pitcher a few months before nationals. We have continued to build, and we have a gritty team with a great culture.

Key Players: Pitching staff of Coda Taylor, Sarah Chapa, McKenna Yancey, Laci Shomo. Players to watch include pitcher Sienna Renz, catcher Bailey Hartman, utility Rhyan Counts
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are proud of what we have built and now we just need to take it to the competition and see where we stand against some heavy hitters. I have confidence in these girls, and we are planning to make a name for ourselves.

18u

Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch Melson

Coaching Staff: Head coach Afton Meslon (D1 player, OK State), manager Sheila Melson (former player, former USA/ASA Commissioner), pitching coach Robert Melson (20 years of experience, former umpire)
Team Social Media Handles: Okla Pure Fastpitch MELSON

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Top Gun Kansas Invite: runner up champions, Tulsa Elite: runner up. 2023 18u USA Gold National 4^th place, 2022 16u USA Gold Nationals Champions, 2024 Top Club Spring Invitational: runner up champions

Key Players: Pitchers: Brookyln Stohler, Jaiden Coffey; Catchers: Saylor Brown, Dakota Hall; Infielders: Brooklyn Isles, Kaylee Davis, Chenna Davidson, Taylor Clay, Emma Watkins, Nichelle Marshall; Outfielders: Syndee Seat, Reagan Wade, Laraby Jennings
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Participating in competitive tournaments to get college commits prepared for college and to expose the uncommitted players to college coaches.

Pryme Fastpitch Townsend

Coaching Staff: Head coach Chris Townsend and assistant coach Shane Poorboy
Team Social Media Handles: Pryme 18u Townsend-Premier (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 USSSA 18A National Champion, 2023 FASA 18A National Champions, 2023 Woo Pig Champions.

Key Players: Jaliyah Simmons, Kirsten Kay, Callie Rhoades
Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: To compete every game against any competition. Can’t get better if you don’t try

 

 

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Elite 20 Futures Spring Invite took place this weekend, preserving through the severe thunderstorms in the Kansas City area. The 12u and 14u tournament was played at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid-America West Sports Complex.

Games Saturday were cut short due to severe weather in the area.

Select Fastpitch Gamet had the best pool play in the 12u age group, finishing 2-0. Several teams finished pool play 1-0-1, including Select Fastpitch Heinrich, Team Kansas Brown/Hays, Select Fastpitch Carr and Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe.

There were several impressive victories throughout the weekend. Select Fastpitch Gamet defeated KC Rebels 2012 Coppage 12-0. KC Rebels 2012 Coppage beat Select Fastpitch Forsythe 9-0 and Select Fastpitch Jones defeated KC Rebels 2012 Coppage 13-0. Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe won 8-0 against Louisville Lady Sluggers Fryberger.

In 14u pool play, 4 teams went 2-0 – Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko, Louisville Lady Sluggers VanBoxmeer, Select Fastpitch Adams, and Diamond Club TC. Synergy Gold Clurman 14u and Select Fastpitch Zagozda both went 1-0-1 in pool play.

The 14u age group had a few dominant victories. Select Fastpitch Reliford won 10-0 against Kansas Renegades Enfield. ROI Fastpitch Kessler bested Nebraska Gold Michaelis 12-0. Millard Fury Gold Sullivan beat Diamond Club Craig 14-0.

Bracket play started back up on Sunday morning after being delayed Saturday evening.

Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe came out on top in 12u bracket play. The team scored 24 runs in bracket play, while allowing just 8 runs against them. The team kicked off bracket with an 8-0 win against Louisville Lady Sluggers Fryberger. Nebraska Gold 12u Raabe topped Select Fastpitch Jones 3-1 to win their age group.

The 14u champion was Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko. Their closest margin of victory was 5-2 over Kansas Renegades Enfield and their largest victory was 6-0 over Select Fastpitch Adams. The team scored 29 runs and had just 7 runs against them in bracket play. The team beat Select Fastpitch Reliford 7-1 to win the age group.

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

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events will be in Kansas City this week for the Top Gun Elite 20 Futures Spring Invite. The tournament will feature 31 teams across the 12u and 14u age groups from Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Games will be held at Central Bank Sporting Complex and Mid-America West Sports Complex.

Each team will have two pool play games before starting the double elimination bracket. The 12u age group will be split into three pools. The 14u age group will have five pools. Pool play starts on Friday at 6:00 PM. It will resume on Saturday at 8:30 AM.

Bracket play for the 12u teams will start at 12:00 PM, while the 14u bracket will start at 2:30 PM. Games will run until 7:00 PM. The bracket play will resume Sunday at 8:00 AM.

Gate Fees:

Children (1-12): $5.00

Teens & Adults (13-64): $10.00

Senior (65+): $5.00

Military: $5.00

Check out some of the teams joining us below!

12u

R.O.I Fastpitch McMullan

Coaching Staff: Joe McMullan (head coach) & Julio Rodriguez

Team Social Media: ROI Fastpitch (Facebook) & @ROIFastpitch (X)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: 9u Midwest National Champions (Summer 2023), 10 Open – Top 5 finish in PGF-Diamond Legacy Tournament (Fall 2023), 10B – Undefeated (14-0) in USSSA (Fall 2023), 10 Open – USA World Series Runner-Up (Summer 2023), 27-7-1 Summer 2023 record & 19-4 Fall 2023 record

Key Players: Selena Rodriguez – shut down pitcher, 8-3 fall record with 106 strikeouts and 2.64 ERA; Sophia Rodriguez – brick wall catcher & power hitter with .592 batting average & .638 OBP; Autumn McMullan – true utility player, .477 batting average & .567 OBP; Ashlyn Hull – phenomenal base runner with 30 stolen bases

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We would like to play in top level tournaments such as Top Gun & PGF, not only playing in those top level tournaments, but to be able to compete. We want to grow our IQ and situational awareness. We want to mature in the game physically and mentally.

14u

Iowa Aries Elite Ohorilko

Coaching Staff: Brian Ohorilko & Kari Price

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

2023 Summer & Fall Successes:

Fall Champions of:

-Team 1/Alliance FP STL Xposure Fall Invite in St. Louis, MO

-PGF Diamond Legacy Shootout & Showcase in Broken Arrow, OK

-PG Iowa City Scouting Showcase #1 in Iowa City, IA

-PG Elite 16 Illinois Scouting Showcase in Peoria, IL

-PG Elite 16 Minnesota Scouting Showcase in Minneapolis, MN

-USSSA CIS Spooktacular in Des Moines, IA

Key Players:

-Berkley Weiland (SS/OF) – RH/Throw, LH/Hit. Slapper. Amazing speed. Great defensive player.

-Kaylan Pray (SS/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Excellent hitter & defensive player.

-Ivy Ohorilko (C/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Power hitter, excellent defensive player.

-Karter Price (P/UTL) – RH/Throw & Hit. Excellent pitcher.

-Leela Appeldorn (MIF/UTL) – RH/Throw, LH/Hit. Excellent hitter and defensive player.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Iowa Aries encourages our high school players to participate in high school softball this time of year. The program will have a very light tournament and travel schedule this spring and summer supplementing our player’s high school workouts. We cannot wait to get back in full swing in the fall of 2024.

Kansas Renegades Enfield

Coaching Staff: Leeza Enfield (head coach) & Robert Thomas (assistant coach)

Team Social Media: Kansas Renegades Enfield (Facebook)

2024 Summer & Fall Successes: In summer 2023, as a first year 14’s team, we placed 5^th in Kansas-Missouri USSSA State Championship, and we went 18-11-1 for the season. In fall 2023, we had two 1^st place finishes and three 3^rd place finishes.

Key Players: Emerson Hiebert (P & INF) brings morale to this team every chance she can, playing hard and doing whatever she can for the team. Paige Stroot (C) excels at everything she does and puts everything she has into the game and promotes morale during every inning. Her bat brings a lot to this team. Jaycie Thomas (UTL) can play anywhere on the field that her team needs her to play and brings a strong bat to the team. Kylie Matthews (P) continues to improve her pitching abilities.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We expect to continue to play many exceptional teams this spring. 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.

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: 2^nd 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

Wasco Diamonds 14u JE

Coaching Staff: Jason Edwards (head coach) & Kristyn Crawford (assistant coach)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Finalist at the NAFA Mom’s Day Rock tournament, consistently showed determination and resilience in tough games

Key Players: Every player on our roster possesses the ability to excel in multiple positions. Our athletes approach each role with the same level of commitment and dedication, knowing their contributions are vital to the team’s success.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Beyond wins and losses, the primary focus remains on fostering a culture of learning, growth, and personal development, both on and off the field. Players are encouraged to push beyond their limits, embrace challenges, and strive for continuous improvement.

By: Madison Feldhahn

The Top Gun Elite 20 16u/18u Spring Invite took place this past weekend at Blue Valley Recreation in Overland Park, KS. The 16u age group featured four pools and the 18u age group had two.

In the 16u age group, Select Fastpitch Reese finished pool games 4-0-0. Both KC Phoenix Bock and Iowa Premier Fastpitch Paz were 3-0-1 in their pool. Nebraska National Taylor, Epic Fastpitch Burnett, and Nebraska Gold deMontel went 3-1-0 through Friday and Saturday. Select Fastpitch Reese scored 46 runs. Firecrackers Wildey scored the next most runs with 36. Top Gun ’08 and Nebraska National Taylor scored 34 and 30 runs, respectively.

Notable wins for the 16u age group this weekend include a 17-0 victory for Firecrackers Wildey over American Freedom 16u Courson. Select Fastpitch Reese defeated American Freedom 16u Courson 18-0. Oklahoma Blaze Gold 16u topped CO Royals Loya 19-3.

Nebraska Quakes Jonas was the only 18u team to go undefeated through pool play. Select Fastpitch Jones, Top Gun National Turner, Iowa Premier Fastpitch Sandstoe, Select Fastpitch Chester, and Diamond Club National 2025 Page all finished pool play 3-1. Both Nebraska Quakes Jonas and Select Fastpitch Chester scored over 30 runs this past weekend, with Quakes Jonas scoring 35 and Select Chester scoring 31.

In the 18u age group, there were a few large wins. Select Fastpitch Chester defeated Marek Fastpitch Academy Nash-Archdekin 10-0. Nebraska Quakes Jonas beat Diamond Club National 2025 Page 11-0. Marek Fastpitch Academy beat Nebraska Thunder Fox 13-1 and Iowa Premier Fastpitch Sandstoe beat Nebraska Gold Jarzobski 12-1.

Bracket play began on Sunday. This was a single elimination bracket.

Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith was the 16u champion. The team was dominant in bracket play. Their closest win was 6-3. Their largest win margin was a 9-1 against Epic Fastpitch Burnett. Epic Fastpitch National 09 Smith defeated Top Gun 2027 National 6-0 to claim their championship.

In the 18u age group, Select Fastpitch Jones was crowned champion. The team did not allow any runs against them in bracket play. Their closest bracket game was 2-0 against Nebraska Gold National Perkins. In the finals, the team defeated Top Gun National Turner 12-0. This was their largest win of the tournament.

Full Event Results

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

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events collaborated with USA Softball of St. Louis to host the Cardinal Invite this past weekend. The two day event featured age groups 14u, 16u and 18u.

In the 14u age group, 5 teams finished pool play undefeated – Wisconsin Lightning Eichholtz, The Hitting Center Clayton, Top Gun Strange 13u, St. Louis Chaos Premier Gill 14u, and Iowa Elite Force. Both Wisconsin Lightning Eichholtz and St. Louis Premier Gill 14u scored 43 runs this weekend. The Hitting Center Clayton and Top Gun Strange 13u scored 39 runs, and Iowa Elite Force scored 34.

There were several large margins of victory in the 14u age group. Wisconsin Lightning Eichholz beat Top Gun Rains 14u 16-0. St. Louis Chaos Premier Gill 14u beat KC Rebels 2027 National – Olsen 11-0. St. Louis Chaos Premier Gill 14u beat MO Fury 2010 Henkelman 10-0.

The 16u age group had just one pool. Select Fastpitch Alvarado finished pool play undefeated. The team scored 38 runs and allowed just 3 runs against them. Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 16u finished pool play 2-1-1.

In the 16u age group, there were a few dominating victories. Naturals Regional Wigger defeated Midland Bandits 08 Thompson 16-9. Select Fastpitch Alvarado beat Missouri Mariners National 10-3 and beat Midland Bandits 08 Thompson 14-0.

The 18u age group also had just one pool. St. Louis Heat Gold and Louisville Lady Sluggers Arnold finished pool play 3-0-1. St. Louis Chaos 16u National Roth, Defiance Elite Herweck/Romeril, and MO Bombers Veselske were all 3-1-0 through pool play.

Large victories in the 18u age group include a 16-4 win by Defiance Elite Herweck/Romeril over STL Comets Beatty and a 14-6 win by Louisville Lady Sluggers Arnold over St. Louis Heat Stitching.

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

The 14u champion was Wisconsin Lighting Eichholz. They defeated ROI Fastpitch Hull to win their age group. The Lightning started off bracket play with an 11-0 win over MO Fury 2010 Henkelman. They had another impressive victory over Top Gun Strange 13u 8-0.

The 16u champion was Select Fastpitch Alvarado. The team topped Missouri Mariners National 13-3. They defeated Naturals Regional Wigger 10-0 in their first bracket play game.

St. Louis Chaos 16u National Roth defeated St. Louis Heat Gold to become the 18u champion. The team had key victories over Louisville Lady Sluggers Clark 18u, 6-3, and Louisville Lady Sluggers Arnold, 4-1.

Event Results

Thank you to all of the teams who joined us!

By: Madison Feldhahn

Top Gun Events is headed to St. Peters, MO this weekend. TGE is hosting the Top Gun Events Cardinal Invite in collaboration with USA Softball of St. Louis. The event will feature 32 teams from Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

Pool play begins Saturday at 8:00 AM for all three age divisions. 14u and 16u games will run until 8:15 PM. 18u games will run until 6:30 PM. Bracket play will kick off Sunday at 8:00 AM. The championship games for 14u and 18u will start at 3:00 PM. The 16u championship game starts at 1:15 PM.

VIEW SCHEDULE

Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams joining us.

14u

American Freedom Waggoner

Coaching Staff: Head coach Robert Waggoner and assistant coaches Kyle Kohlberg, Jason Harrell & Kris Juelfs

Team Social Media: @AFSTL2K10 (X), American Freedom Stl2k10 (Facebook) & americanfreedomsports.com

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 4 USSSA first place finishes, 5 USSSA top 3 finishes, total record of 46-19-3, ranked #9 in state, ranked #17 nationally

Key Players: Addyson Juelfs (#17, P/SS/OF, 2028), Annie Alsop (#5, P/1B, 2029), Braylee Davis (#23, OF, 2029), Kylie Kohlberg (#16, C/3B, 2029), Molly Sullivan (#25, P/3B/OF, 2029), Khloe Harrell (#3, 2B/OF, 2029)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Continue to develop while learning to compete at a national level

Black Widows 28/29

Coaching Staff: Head coach Alex Kolakowski and assistant coaches Heather Lessman & Josh Weller

Team Social Media: Black Widows Softball Association- ’10 (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2^nd place at 2024 JP Frozen Ropes Frenzy USSSA Bettendorf IA 14u, 5^th of 114 teams at 2023 Road to the Show Oklahoma City, OK USSSA, 1^st place at 2023 Shamrock Shake Burlington, IA Perfect Game, 2^nd place at 2023 Spring Blast STL (12u playing 14u), 5^th of 14 teams at 2023 Missouri East State (12u playing 14u), 1^st place at 2023 Angel on our Field USSSA

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: The goal for this season is to play a competitive schedule, compete and get better along the way. We would like to finish the year above the .500 mark.

Carterville Crush 

Coaching Staff: Head coach Eddy Henriksen and assistant coaches Rich Dyer, Ben Seig & Michael Crickman

Team Social Media: Carterville (IL) Crush (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2022-23 season: 12A – Our team was the 12u A USSSA IL State and Regional Points Champions. Summer 2023: We took 1^st place in 2 USSSA events and 2^nd place in 2 events. Fall 2023: 13A – We played 3 tournaments and got 3^rd place in the Mascoutah Tournament.

Key Players: Our team is full of multi-sport athletes that are capable of playing multiple positions at a high level. Our pitching staff is composed of 4 high-level pitchers who go out and give us an opportunity to win every time we step on the field. We can hit up and down our order, and pride ourselves on being a strong base running team.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our expectations for this season are to compete with the best competition in the area and the country each weekend. We would love to win some tournaments, but our focus is on developing our girls and preparing them to play at the next level. We seek out the best competition and want to be in a competitive game, win or lose.

MO Fury 2010 Henkelman

Coaching Staff: Head coach Brian Henkelman and assistant coaches Mike Manion, Jeffrey Brown & Jimmy Graham

Team Social Media: MOFury2010 (Facebook) & @MOFury2010 (Instagram & TikTok)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We started the Fall off hot, taking 1^st and 2^nd place in our first two tournaments. In our first tournament in March, we played up in a 16u tournament and tied for 3^rd place, which gave our girls some confidence as things heat up in the spring.

Key Players: McKarra Graham, who was coming off a stellar 2023 season in the circle, was off to a strong start this season before being sidelined with an injury. Makenze Harrison and Alyna Price have been a “two-headed monster” and battled for the Fury in McKarra’s absence. This will be McKarra’s first tournament back. Olivia Manion and Lizzy Mound lead the way with OBP and stolen bases. Reese Corwin and Taylor Schultz have produced the power in the middle of the lineup. Harper Brown has played shut down defense in the outfield. Peyton Henkelman and Colsie Lange have impressed with timely 2 strike hitting. Total team effort every weekend.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our expectation for spring is to have these girls challenged and ready to compete every tournament. We would like to win a few tournaments, be above. 500 for the season and have a good showing at Nationals this year. Our focus this year is DEVELOPMENT and making sure these girls are just as strong mentally as they are on the field.

St. Louis Chaos Premier Gill 14u

Coaching Staff: Rachel Gill, Dustin Deckerd & Jason Donnelly

Team Social Media: St. Louis Chaos 2010 (Facebook) & @STLChaos2010 (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: Overall 2023 spring/summer record 57-20-4, overall 2023 14u fall record 20-8, currently ranked #1 in Missouri for USSSA in 13u & #2 in the Midwest. Summer 2023: 3^rd place at Team 1 Show Me State (Columbia, MO), 1^st place at PGF Top Gun Ranger (KC, MO), 1^st place at HuSTLe City Invitational, 17^th out of 80 at PGF Super Select 12u Championship (Columbia, TN), 2^nd place at Team 1 Elite Invitational (KC, MO), 3^rd place at PGF Top Gun Patriot (Peoria, IL) & 4^th place at USSSA National Championship 12u A (Des Moines IA). 2023 14u Fall: PGF Gladiator (Columbia, TN), 1^st place at Strike Out Cancer (O’Fallon, IL), 2^nd place at Strike Out Cancer (O’Fallon, IL), 1^st place at Pitch for the Cure, HFL Fall Championships – Alliance. Spring 2024: Top 10 finish at PGF Bandits Power 80, 1^st place at Easter 1-Day Classic.

Key Players: Kaelyn Deckerd (#31, 2028, P/INF/OF) – pitching speed 62 mph, can throw to both sides of the plate with a curve ball & screw ball along with a rise ball, currently working to master her change up, bat exit velocity 70 mph, fall 2023 BA .373. Maddie Robinson (#10, 2029, C/INF/OF) – pop time 1.77, overhand throwing velocity 64 mph, fall 2023 BA .462, slg .738, 6 2B, 6 triples, 14 stolen bases. Natalie House (#46, 2028, C/INF/OF) – pop time 1.87, fall 2023 BA .442, 6 2B, 12 stolen bases.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: As a first year 14u team, we plan on this year being challenging because we will be playing older girls in our age group and will be playing 16u in some tournaments, which is exactly what we want. This will be a big year for development and growth. Regardless of the opponent, this team competes until the very last pitch!

The Hitting Center Clayton

Coaching Staff: Skip Clayton & Bryan Edmonson

Team Social Media: Hitting Center 2010 (Facebook) & @2010hittingcenter (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: The Hitting Center shows great strides in achieving player development every year. It also continues to improve through every element and aspect of the game. We’ve finished within the Top 10 of the toughest and most competitive tournaments in the country on a consistent basis.

Key Players: Kendall Edmonson (#17), Jaelyn Moritz (#15), Carly Clayton (#12), Jemma Lamb (#11) & Nicole Ekhoff (#5)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We would like to continue to develop confidence in ourselves, our teammates, and our overall success within the game. This Hitting Center has already been a major contributor to us reaching our highest caliber as a team and educated us beyond expectations. There is only room for more growth in the upcoming 2024 season.

Top Gun Graf

Coaching Staff: Head coach Brian Graf & assistant coaches Jason Dennis & Mike Kasper

Team Social Media: @TopGunSTL_Graf (X), Top Gun STL 28/29 (Facebook) & topgunstlmach10 (Instagram)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We went 41-22 last season as a 12A team, playing mostly 14u tourneys. We won 3 tournaments last season, including a 14A tourney. In the fall, we had quite a few girls have successful middle school seasons and went 4-1-1 in our only tourney of the fall at Pitch for the Cure.

Key Players: This group of players have played together since they were 5 years old in tee ball. 9 of the 11 players will play at Troy Buchanan High School. We will be looking for our pitchers to continue to progress with spins and speed and hitters demonstrate more power.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are excited to challenge our players with a higher level of competition as we prepare for most of our girls to enter high school ball this fall. We are looking for our girls to take big steps this season in all areas of the game.

Top Gun Rains 14u

Coaching Staff: Angie & Ryan Rains and Alex Linck

Team Social Media: Top Gun 09 STL (Facebook), topgun09_stl (Instagram) & @topgun09stl (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 2023 summer was focused on challenging ourselves and seeking out the best competition. As a team, we hit .303 with 176 RBIs, 315 total hits, 67 for extra bases, 6 home runs. Fall 2023 was our first fall that a majority of our team playing high school softball, so our schedule looked a bit different only playing 9 games. We added some key additions to our team for the 23/24 season that will be extremely instrumental in our successes for 2024!

Key Players: Rylie Van Cleve & Aubrey Grimm in the circle; Kaylee Daniels plays 1B and hits in the middle of the lineup. She is one of the leaders on our squad on the field, at the plate and in the dugout. Jill Abegg – centerfielder

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We are playing a schedule that will once again challenge our squad. We are looking to compete in every game we play both locally and outside of St. Louis. These girls have worked so incredibly hard in the offseason preparing for this season. They have grown so much both mentally and physically. They are truly willing to do whatever it takes! We have set the expectations for ourselves that we will find ourselves in the top group of every event we play. Go out every game, celebrate the little things, compete and get better every pitch, every at bat, every inning and every time we walk off the field, we are better than when we got on it. That is our overall expectation!

Top Gun Strange 13u

Coaching Staff: Jeff Strange, Dennis Swinford, Scott Dixon & Dave Watson

Team Social Media: Top Gun 2010 STL (Facebook) & @TopGun2010STL (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 3 tournament championships, Top 9 finish at USSSA Midwest 12a Nationals

Key Players: Our roster as a whole has girls capable of contributing in any capacity. We feel confident in our upside and firepower in the circle, at the plate, and in the field,

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Ideally, we want to compete in every event this season at a high level while continuing to develop our fundamentals, instincts, and softball IQ as we move into our advanced age-seasons. We kicked off our season with an impressive undefeated tournament victory, then showed signs of continued growth but ultimately stubbed our toes in our second event. We are looking forward to a nice weekend of weather and some great competition as we start to ramp up our 2024 season.

Wisconsin Lightning Eichholz

Coaching Staff: Head coach Allison Eichholz and assistant coaches David Anderson & Jen Kreil

Team Social Media: Wisconsin Lightning 2010 (Facebook) & @2010Wisconsin (X)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: 12u record – 109-23-4 with 9 championships

Key Players: Every player on our team is valued. They all work endlessly to perfect their skills and provide more for the team. Each player can play more than one position to give us the depth that we need to be successful.

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: Our current record is 51-14-4 for the 13u season with 4 championships. They recently traveled to FL and came home as champions for the PGF Show Me The Money Tournament. I anticipate this team to keep learning and growing at a very elite level. Each and every player brings a full plate to the table. They are all putting the working in at practice and outside of practice. They’re a very special group who really believes in Mudita.

16u

Defiance Elite 16u Granquist

Coaching Staff: Head coach Kristen Granquist

Team Social Media: @defianceelite (X, Facebook, Instagram & TikTok)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: #1 ranked 14u team in USA Softball St. Louis, Finalist at Perfect Game STL Showcase (March ’24)

Key Players: Brookley Ware (2027 Parkway South, SS) – our X-factor, Izzie May (2026 North Point, INF/C) – our consistent contributor, Morgan Murphy (2026 Liberty Wentzville, C/INF) – our long ball threat, Gwen Newton (2027 St. Francis Borgia), Kenzie Ellison (2026 Francis Howell, RHP) – our workhorse

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: We have high expectations for our team this season. We’re compromised of the strong core of our 14u team from last year, plus two of our best performers from last year’s 16u team and three newcomers to the club. Our schedule is packed with numerous HFL events and we look forward to seeing how this team can compete with some of the best competition around.

18u

Illinois Esprit McManus

Coaching Staff: Head coach Mike McManus and assistant coaches Brandon Branon, Ron Donoho & TJ Burge

Team Social Media: @18IllEsprit (X) & Illinois Esprit-18U (Facebook)

2023 Summer & Fall Successes: We lost five college-bound freshman players at the end of summer of 2023. Won our first event of the fall and made the semis of three other events.

Key Players: Mo Hance (2024, CF, Eastern Illinois commit), Ryle Branon (2024 P/UTL, Southwestern Illinois College commit), Lauren Burge (2025, P/UTL, uncommitted), Kaitlyn Drew (2024, P/UTL, Danville Area CC commit) & Sophie Donoho (2024, P, Kaskaskia College commit)

Expectations for 2024 Spring Season: This team consists of three of our full-time players and then we added eight girls who, for various reasons, opt not to play spring school ball. We are young – seven of our girls are 16u eligible. So, we are getting to know them and they us. We like what we have, but we very much are a work in progress. Many of these young women are seeing this level of competition for the first time. We just want to compete and give ourselves a chance to win at the end.