elite travel softball

What to Look For in Travel Softball Teams

Table of Contents

Getting started with travel softball, the difference between travel softball and little league, which is better for my daughter: rec ball or travel ball, competitive travel softball: key considerations when picking a team, top 7 things to look for in a travel softball team, frequently asked questions, picking a travel softball team – final thoughts.

Travel softball can be one of the most stressful aspects of the sport, especially when it comes to choosing the right team. That’s particularly true for parents and players who are just beginning their travel softball journey, because it can be difficult to know how to evaluate a team and coach.

This guide will help you understand what to look for in a traveling softball team, and will answer some of the most common questions parents have about the process, including:

• What are the differences between rec ball and travel ball?
• How do I know which is best for my daughter?
• What is the true cost of travel softball?
• How should we choose which travel team to play for?
• Other frequently asked questions

Joining a traveling softball team can be a great experience, both in terms of enjoyment and player development. But it’s also a major commitment, so it’s important to think carefully about what kind of program is best in your specific situation.

My name is Alexa Peterson. I played four years at the University of Oregon, where I was First Team All-American, played in two Women’s College World Series, and went on to play six years professionally. I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t have made it to the level I did without travel softball.

I made the switch from Little League/rec ball to travel ball when I was ten years old, and from then on I consistently played at the highest levels possible. By the age of thirteen, I knew I wanted to play NCAA softball, and playing against the best competition was crucial in helping me achieve that dream.

Travel softball is expensive and time consuming. But the reality is that if your goal is to play at the college level — and especially if your goal is to play for a Division 1 program — it’s an important part of the process.

During my travel softball career, I played for some amazing coaches that pushed me to be a better person and athlete, as well as some that didn’t believe in me. And while it’s obviously better to find a coaching staff that believes in you and is committed to nurturing your talent, I was able to learn important lessons and grow in both types of environments.

Before diving into the specific specifics of what to look for, it’s important to understand why you should consider playing travel softball (and why it’s not the right choice for every player in every situation).

Related Reading: Alexa Peterson’s College Softball Recruiting Journey

Recreational softball and competitive travel softball teach many of the same life skills, like teamwork and sportsmanship. But when it comes to things like time commitment and competitiveness, they can be as different as night and day.

Rec Softball/Little League: A Low-Key, Low-Cost and Less-Competitive Environment

“Rec ball” is shorthand for Little League Softball and/or your local city league. The regular season typically runs from March to May, with single games twice per week, and one or two practices per week. You’ll usually stay within a 30 minute radius for games and practices.

Little League, which is the most common rec ball organization, is open to girls ages four through sixteen, and everybody makes a team regardless of their skill level. Coaches are typically parents or grandparents, and the umpires are often volunteers.

This is a great place to learn the rules of the game, to see if your daughter enjoys softball, and to just have fun while learning sportsmanship and the very basics of fundamentals. The cost is typically around $100, which includes a uniform top.

Travel Softball: More Games and Better Competition

Back in the day, if you played travel softball, you were a serious player striving to become an elite athlete, and you had the full intention of playing in college.

Today, softball has grown so much that while there are still teams dedicated to providing elite players the absolute best competition to facilitate skill development, there are actually more and more girls playing travel softball primarily for the fun of it — often because they want to play more than the standard 20-game schedule offered by rec ball.

In general, there is no “regular season” with travel softball — it runs all year long, with club practices once or twice per week during the spring and fall season, and a full slate of weekend tournaments during the later spring and summer season.

Travel softball tourneys are typically Friday through Sunday, with teams playing anywhere from 5-10 games each. Fridays and Saturdays are pool play games, meaning you play a small number of the teams in the tournament, and then get “seeded.” On Sunday, you participate in double-elimination bracket play, with winners always taking home something cool like a trophy, medal, plaque or ring.

The cost for a year of travel softball can range from $500 to $5,000 and up, which includes a full uniform, and sometimes includes equipment. We’ll break the costs down in more detail later.

The answer to that question depends on two main things: her love for the game and your wallet!

If she can’t get enough of softball, wants to travel around for more games, and is excited to play throughout the summer, then travel ball is the way to go.

With that, the cost to play increases. Exactly how much depends on the level of competition your daughter is looking for. The most elite tournament teams (especially at the high school level) travel the farthest and play the most. Less competitive teams tend not to travel quite as far or as often.

When It Comes to Choosing the Right Level, Let Your Daughter Lead the Way

You as a parent cannot choose the level your daughter wants to play at. I’ve seen many parents try, and it never ends well.

If you’re a parent who never played a sport competitively, you might not understand her desire to spend every waking hour at the ballpark. But don’t hold her back if she wants to push herself.

On the other hand, don’t force her to join a competitive travel ball team if she just wants to have fun. Speaking from experience, the game, the desire to compete, and the love of always being challenged… those things are either there or they’re not.

It’s also important that you don’t make your child feel guilty if she tries a competitive team for a year and decides it’s not what she wants. She might have all the natural talent in the world, but if she wants to spend her summers going to birthday parties, having sleepovers and just living life, then let her!

And if she has a hard time deciding what she wants? Well, what a great life skills and bonding opportunity. Talk through the process and help her see the pros and cons of each option. Most importantly, let it be her decision, and make sure she knows you’ll support that decision (even if it’s not what you think is best).

With all of that said, here are some things you need to know about competitive travel softball.

Here are a few of the factors you should consider when evaluating your options and picking a team.

With the top-tier of competitive travelling softball teams, the coaches are generally not related to the players. (Sometimes you’ll find an assistant coach who is a parent, but rarely a head coach.) These coaches have years of experience, and often played many years themselves. They understand the intangibles of the game, and can teach a higher level of mechanics that go beyond the fundamentals.

Competitive travel softball players come to the field every day with the intent to compete, push past their limits, and get themselves to the next level. The fundamentals will already be in place, and there’s no question as to whether they will dive head first to catch a ball.

Many programs are run as a tight ship, with the goal of teaching and preparing their athletes for what college ball will be like: fast paced practices and a strong emphasis on execution.

These teams expect you to take the game seriously: 15 minutes early is on time; you walk into a tournament in an orderly fashion; and you recognize that while there’s a time and place to be goofy, you’re there to get better at softball.

Playing Time

Because the goal of this type of program is to prepare the athlete for college athletics, the teams want to win. At the same time, they also want to focus on player development.

So, during pool play, playing time tends to be more evenly distributed in order to give everyone game experience (as well as the opportunity to be noticed by college coaches, when the time comes for that). But come bracket play on Championship Sunday, the goal is to win and the best players will be on the field with the expectation of dominating the competition.

What You Get

Many high-level programs are fully-sponsored by product manufacturers, or at least get discounted rates on things like uniforms and equipment. In those cases, your club fees might include two or three uniforms, matching bat bags, visors and bats (some teams exclusively swing one brand).

A majority of programs at this level also have their own indoor facility for winter workouts and bad-weather training.

See also: How to Pick the Right Softball Bat

Time Commitment (spoiler alert… HUGE)

When I was playing travel softball as a teenager in Oregon, I had a teammate from Montana who flew in once a month for our team practices. While that’s not very common, driving three hours one way for a practice is totally commonplace. If you live in a big city, chances are that a good program is nearby. But if you live in a smaller area, you may end up putting a lot of miles on your car.

I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I accidentally conditioned myself to fall asleep every time I was in a car for more than 45 minutes. My weekend routine typically looked something like this for travel ball:

• Wake up at 5 a.m., get in the car and fall asleep for the whole drive there.
• Play five games
• Get in the car, and sleep for the whole drive home.

In other words, it’s a lot of time on the road. You, as the parent, are going to be doing the driving. Your daughter, as the player, is going to be pooped. It’s “quality time” in a certain way, but probably not in the way you’re envisioning right now.

Also, since most teams only have one practice per week, there’s an expectation that additional work is being done outside of practice. Hitting, pitching and defensive skills should be worked on roughly four days a week.

The majority of players at this level hire an experienced outside hitting or pitching coach. If you don’t put in this extra work, you will quickly fall behind your teammates and ride the pine (plus risk being cut at the end of season).

Games/Tournaments

There are typically four or five tournaments during October and November. Then, another tournament every weekend from late spring through July or August.

Depending on where you live, you could be spending a ton of time in the car, or even on a plane. The biggest softball hubs are Southern California, Texas and Florida. If you’re not in one of those states, expect to be travelling far and often.

Living in Oregon and playing competitively, I traveled multiple times every summer and fall to play in college exposure tournaments in Southern California.

The True Cost of Travel Softball

Some of you may have fainted after mentally calculating the cost of everything in that last section. But let’s recap…

• Driving to and from practice
• Driving or flying to and from games
• 15 to 20 tournaments per year (with tournament fees)
• Facility fees to practice on your own
• Private lessons
• Top-of-the-line equipment
• Rental cars

All of that easily runs anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 a year, making elite travel softball one of the costlier youth sports. Plus, that’s in addition to fees and travel for camps, which many top-tier players also participate in.

Like I said earlier, if you’re in Southern California you might end up paying on the lower end of that range, because your cost for travel will be much lower than someone flying into California every weekend.

Also, keep in mind that many tournament teams have monthly dues of around $200 to play on the team and have access to their training facility. The cost of travel is not included in the monthly dues.

Travel Softball Sometimes Requires Sacrifices

Growing up, I was more on the lower end of the middle class. We always had food on the table, but the effort put in by my parents to facilitate my amateur softball career was exorbitant.

Looking back, I’m so thankful they gave all they did so that I could be successful — it’s something I can never repay them for. I imagine that we could have lived a little more comfortably had I not been playing softball.

For them, it was a matter of priorities. I wanted to play at the highest level I could, and they were willing to sacrifice to make that happen.

If money is a potential concern, you need to consider both your priorities and your daughter’s. Are you prepared and willing to skip “regular” family vacations because your weekends and your travel budget are going into softball?

And does she understand that playing this sport at this level most likely requires trade-offs when it comes to things like friends, clothes, phones, and many of the other things that teens often spend time and money on in high school?

1. Coaching: Are the coaches experienced? How knowledgeable are they, and will they be able to facilitate the proper degree of skill development for their athletes?

Ideally, you don’t want to have parents serving as coaches. If you stumble across a high level program that does, most likely the coach has been around for a long time and is trusted to look after the best interests of the whole roster (not just their own child).

Other important considerations are coaching style, character and overall attitude. Ask former or current players and parents to describe the coaching staff, and see if they would be a good fit for your daughter.

2. Cost : Figure out what your family can afford before you even start looking at options. If team dues seem ridiculously high, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in terms of equipment, facility use, uniforms, etc. Also, some teams have fundraising opportunities that can bring down the cost to participate. If money is a concern, ask about this ahead of time.

3. Communication : It’s important to have all your questions answered. Feel free to ask about financials (what’s included in team fees, fundraising, etc.), playing time and how it’s divided up, and the coaching staff’s goals and priorities. If the coaches seem wishy-washy about these topics, don’t offer straightforward answers, or seem like they just don’t want to be bothered with the questions, that’s a red flag.

4. Competitiveness : Make sure you understand what level of competition you daughter wants. Does she want to be challenged? Does she want to be on a team that beats everyone 10-0? Is playing time important, or would she prefer to surround herself with the best possible teammates (even if that means less time on the field)? And keep in mind, the level of competitiveness usually coincides with how much work is expected outside of practice.

It’s also important for everyone involved to be honest about the player’s skill level. Joining a team where you’re not among the absolute best players can motivate you and build your work ethic, but joining a team where you get virtually no playing time or attention can hinder your development. This is a delicate balance to strike, but it’s something to keep in mind.

5. Chemistry : Consider the overall chemistry of the program, not just the chemistry among the players. Go to a couple of games and see how the team plays together, and ask to watch the team practice before committing. Overall, you want your daughter to have a good experience — on the field and off — with her teammates and coaches.

Watch and listen to how players respond to the coaches. Do they walk away, rolling their eyes? How do players interact with their parents? Your daughter will be around these girls for months at a time, and they say “you become who you surround yourself with.” So, what’s the vibe of the players? Do they look like they’re having fun, while still getting the job done?

6. College Recruiting : This is for those a little older (freshmen and up). If your daughter is interested in playing college softball, you’ll want to be part of an organization that:

• Knows the rules surrounding college recruiting
• Will help educate players and parents about those rules
• Will be advocates for them during the recruiting process
• Has connections with college programs

When I was coaching at a Division II school, there were a handful of travel ball coaches I knew well and could really trust to give me honest feedback on a kid as an athlete and a person. Those were the programs I kept going back to.

7. Character Development : Arguably the most important aspect of a program is the character and personal development that will take place. Yes, we want players to get better at softball. But players should walk away from their travel ball experience not only prepared for college athletics, but also for life in general.

Things like being on time, sportsmanship, work ethic, speaking respectfully, putting the team first, uplifting those around you, and attention to detail; those are all crucial life skills that youth sports can help build. Ask the coaching staff their thoughts on this, and what they do to help foster this type of development.

Here are a few questions that many travel softball players and parents ask when joining or switching teams.

Between $500 and $5,000 per year (with an average of about $2,000), depending on where you live, the level of competition, and the time commitment. On the low end, a $500 budget may be enough to cover your team fees and play in local tournaments with lesser competition. But if you need to travel far to get to competitive or college exposure tournaments (nearly every weekend during the summer plus multiple tournaments in the fall), it’s not unheard of to spend $5,000 per season.

Highly-competitive programs need to have high-level coaches. The majority of those programs cover their coaches’ travel expenses as an incentive. A few coaches who work for franchised organizations will get paid and actually make a small profit for their time.

Levels are separated by age and skill level. Age brackets are 8U (8-years-old and under), 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. Within each age level there are three letters that designate the skill level: “A” is the highest level in a particular age group, followed by “B” (average) and “C” (kids who are playing mostly for fun). It’s also increasingly common for elite travel softball organizations to have two 18U teams, with the highest level designated as “18 Gold.” There are no tournaments for which classification as an “18 Gold” team is mandatory for entry — these teams participate in the same high-level tournaments as A-level teams.

There are multiple organizations that host tournaments around the United States. The main ones are USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association — pronounced U-Triple-S-A), PGF (Premier Girls’s Fastpitch, USA (Formerly ASA), Triple Crown, and NSA (National Softball Association). A majority of these tournaments are qualifiers for the organization’s national tournament, where the top teams from different regions compete in one location.

At tryouts, you should expect to be tested on your home-to-first sprint time, your home-to-home sprint time, and your overhand throwing speed. There’s usually a brief hitting session (front toss), as well as defensive reps and throws based on your position. Catchers usually have 2-3 reps to throw to each base, while pitchers are usually given the opportunity to throw all their pitches and have their speeds checked by radar. Every year, most teams host an open tryout, where anyone interested in joining has an opportunity to be evaluated by the coaching staff. Some teams charge a small fee for this tryout. Often, good organizations will reach out to a player that caught their eye and invite them to come to the open tryout. Travel softball teams will also sometimes have two different dates options for tryouts, so that athletes can attend the one that best fits their schedule.

I enjoyed my time as a travel softball player, but it wasn’t always easy — for me or my family. Still, I wouldn’t trade those times for anything… and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences.

There’s a lot that goes into deciding what travel softball team to play for. I hope that this guide was informative and helped you understand what to look for, so that you can make the best choice for your family and have as rewarding of an experience as I did.

Alexa Peterson

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The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Travel Softball Teams | Everything You Need to Know

March 14, 2023

48 min read

If your young daughter plays fastpitch, at some point you’ll hear the debate around travel softball. 

Certain parents will tell you that your child should start playing travel ball as soon as possible. Others will tell you to avoid it completely. 

The decision to join a club softball team is a big one for your daughter and for the rest of your family, with many factors to consider. 

If you have questions about travel ball, you’ll find answers in this comprehensive guide, which covers:

•  How travel ball differs from recreational softball
• How travel ball works
• The pros and cons of both travel and recreational softball
• What to consider when making the switch
• How to find and tryout for a fastpitch travel team
• How much does travel softball really cost?

# How Does Rec Ball Differ from Travel Softball?

Fastpitch softball competition is split between recreational leagues and travel ball. 

Recreational, commonly referred to as “rec ball” is usually run by Little League Softball or other local organizations. 

The focus of rec ball is on having fun and teaching players the fundamentals of the game. 

The tryouts in rec ball are to ensure that talent is as evenly distributed amongst the league’s teams as possible in the name of fairness – and everyone makes a team if they register for the league. 

The rec season runs in the spring, from March to May, and games take place locally at a predetermined set of fields during the regular season.  

As a parent, you can usually expect a commitment of two games per week and maybe one or two practices. 

Typically, the cost is around $100, and teams are organized around age-based divisions for players ranging from 4 to 16 years old. 

# Travel Softball

Travel softball differs from rec ball in a few important ways. 

A big one is that club teams hold pass-fail tryouts, selecting and organizing players based on skill. Players without the requisite skills will not be offered a spot on the team. 

Such teams usually also travel to other cities or out of state to compete, hence the name “travel ball.” 

Organizations like the USSSA, the American Softball Association (ASA), Triple Crown, and the North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) host tournaments all across the country for travel ball teams year-round. 

While not every team plays all year long, travel ball still lets your child play a lot more softball than they would in rec ball. 

Club softball costs significantly more than rec ball as well, ranging from $500 to $5000 for yearly player fees. 

# How Travel Softball Teams Work

The structure of a travel softball season differs quite a bit from rec ball. 

In rec ball, you play against the same teams throughout the season, at the same local parks, often practice 1-2 days per week, and play a single game on the weekend. 

In addition to being year-round, travel softball includes tournaments, more weekly practices, possible expectations that they’ll procure weekly 1:1 training sessions, along with attending weekend friendlies, scrimmages, or league play. 

Let’s break a few of these things down individually.

# Fastpitch Travel Tournaments

Fastpitch travel teams usually play in tournaments, as many as every weekend in the summer. Some teams play in fall and spring tournaments as well. 

Weekend tournaments guarantee between 5-10 games total, depending on how well your team performs. 

They start either Friday night or Saturday morning with “seed” play or pool play. After 3-4 games of seed play to determine your rank, bracket play starts. 

Most tournaments are double-elimination in bracket play. 

And winners of the tournament usually get a prize like small trophies or medals – but they can also earn teams so-called “berths” to compete in larger national championship tournaments. 

Berths are like special invitation tickets that grant travel softball teams admission to the biggest and most competitive stages in the game. 

That said, instead of weekend affairs, some tournaments are weeklong onslaughts with 1-5 games per day. 

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# Practices and Training Sessions for Travel Softball

Travel softball requires more time both on and off the field. 

Your daughter will play in more games, but she’ll also spend more time at practices and might even be expected to have individual private lessons, group clinics, or training sessions. 

If she’s playing at an elite level, then putting in extra work will feel essential to keep up with her teammates and competition. 

Practices can become fewer during tournament season, but training ramps up in the winter season. 

To be a high-level competitor in travel ball, most parents and coaches these days would lament the reality that there's no real break from the game. 

# Travel ball League Play

Finally, your travel team might sign up for a league. 

Essentially, some large cities host weeknight games or double-headers for club teams in the area to compete in. 

These leagues differ from rec softball because the teams are more competitive. They’re also more common in large urban centers where more teams are likely to be based. 

If your club team is from a small town, then you may not play in one of these leagues. Or you might travel further to play in one. 

To be clear, these league games are usually in addition to the weekend tournaments previously explained. 

# What Are You Committing To with Travel Softball?

One of the biggest differences between rec ball and travel ball is the time commitment. 

You and your daughter should be ready to spend a great deal of your time on softball once you sign up for a travel team. 

As you can see by now, travel ball encompasses more than just some tournaments. When people say it’s a lifestyle, you should take them at their word. 

Not condoning or condemning here – these are just the current realities on the ground. 

And if she’s serious about playing softball and dreams of competing in college ball, these are sacrifices she’ll almost inevitably be expected to make. 

Travel softball teams also bring a financial burden. 

If you’re spending more money on fees, equipment, uniforms, travel, or other softball-related expenses, that’s less you can spend on your daughter’s other activities. 

It might also mean less material things like video games, new smartphones, or new street clothes. 

So unless you are very well-off, both you and your daughter must be willing to accept some trade-offs to play club softball at an elite level. 

Of course, these realities can affect the financial decisions of your entire family. 

Let’s detail the pros and cons of both rec and travel softball, so you can more easily make an informed decision about signing your daughter up for club ball or not.

# The Pros and Cons of Rec Softball

• Emphasis on learning – With Little League/recreational leagues, everyone who signs up gets to play on a team. The focus is on learning the game and developing values like sportsmanship and leadership. Coaches will also let girls play at different positions so they can figure out what they’re good at and what they like best. 
• Stay local – If your daughter plays on a rec team, you won’t have to travel more than 30 miles from your town. Even in small cities, they try to organize leagues so that travel is minimal.  If you’d rather allocate your budget to family vacations than to transportation and hotels for softball, then rec ball may be more suited to your family.
• Less expensive – Rec ball is significantly less expensive than club softball. Although fees vary by region, the average is around $100 for a season, which includes a uniform.  Sometimes, coaches will even provide all the necessary equipment for their players.  In most cases, though, you might have to buy your child the right softball gear, which will increase the yearly spend to between $100-500 – depending on exactly what you decide to buy and how well her equipment held up the year before.
• Lower competition – Since anyone that wants to is allowed to play, there’s no filter for competition. Coaches and umpires are usually volunteers, who may have little experience within the game. Many players who want to improve and hone their softball skills to an elite level won’t be able to do so if they continue playing rec ball into high school.
• Less organization – Although not the case for all recreational leagues, some tend to be poorly organized. The entire league might be run by volunteers or city employees with no background administering youth sports. Poor organization can lead to fewer opportunities for your daughter to play, like if games get double-booked or canceled unexpectedly.
• Fewer games – You play fewer games in a season of rec softball than with a club team. The total is about 20 games, not counting weather cancellations. Fewer games mean less exposure and slower rates of skill development. If your kid loves softball and wants to play as much as possible, it might be time to move up to the more involved club teams. 

# The Pros and Cons of Travel Softball

• Better competition – For players who want to improve to an elite level, challenge themselves, and be part of a hard-working team, travel ball may be the way to go. With travel ball, kids learn the importance of bettering oneself for the sake of greater team success. They also face other elite players, making them more prepared to play at the collegiate level.
• More games – If your child can’t get enough of softball, then travel ball might be perfect for her. Travel softball affords many more opportunities to play and develop, even if you have to sit on the bench sometimes. And for the amount of money you invest in club softball, you can expect a decent number of games.
• Opportunity to travel – Some might view the travel aspect as a hindrance, but it can also be an opportunity. For some kids, the chance to venture outside their city or state could be a great way for them to become inspired. 
• Costly – We’ll get into the details of these costs below, but after reading this.  Suffice it to say, you will want to make sure that both you and your daughter clearly understand the commitment you’re making to playing travel softball.
• Missing out – In addition to costing money, travel will cost you valuable time. Your kid could miss out on social or school events. You, too, could miss out on work or extended family events by spending all your free time driving your daughter to tournaments and practices.  Many of the parents who can cover the financial curveballs that travel softball hurls at them, will be tempted to breeze past this warning. But it is worth serious consideration. 
• Difficulty level – Although your child might want to play travel ball, you should be realistic about her current skill level.  Travel softball teams are full of elite, competitive players who are often targeting college softball and its scholarships.  If your kid doesn’t have the same abilities but ends up on a highly competitive team, she may quickly fall behind, see less playing time, and become discouraged with the sport.  But the good news is that within travel ball, there is an entire spectrum of teams with varying levels of skill and expectations.  So part of the team or organizational selection on your end is being realistic as to where your daughter is now, while creating a plan and setting goals to help get her where she wants to be in a year, 2 years, or 5 years from now.  

# A Middle Ground Between Rec Ball and Elite Travel Ball

It’s worth mentioning that travel softball teams are split up into categories based on both age and skill level. 

For age brackets, there’s 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. 

Additionally, there are often “A,” “B,” and “C” levels for each age group. The “A” teams are the most competitive, the “C” teams are playing more for fun, and “B” teams fall somewhere in the middle.

So it’s possible for your daughter to play travel ball without facing steep levels of competition. Many “B” and “C” teams form to give kids a chance to play more softball than they would with a rec league. 

These teams focus less on college recruiting outreach and chasing softball scholarships and more on building character. 

Teams like these might play only in summer tournaments instead of year-round. And since they play fewer games, they require less time commitment, and there are fewer associated fees. 

Although these lower-tier teams are still considered “travel” softball teams, they might only or mostly play in local tournaments. 

Less serious club teams are a great middle-ground for girls who want more competition and playing time than rec ball offers, but who don’t want to commit to continuing to play in college softball. 

They’re also ideal for parents who’d rather invest less time and money in their child’s softball – so your daughter and your family can focus on other meaningful endeavors – but want more organized structure than rec ball.

# Should You Switch from Rec Ball to Travel Ball?

Whether or not you switch from rec ball to travel ball is up to you and your daughter. 

It’s truly an entire family decision. No blanket solution exists to suit everyone. And there’s also no particular best age for switching. 

The smartest thing you can do is continue on the path of research that led you to this article. 

Reading other parents’ experiences with travel ball versus rec ball on message boards and forums can be particularly enlightening. Their impressions might give you an insight into the sport you hadn’t thought of. 

Another great way to research travel softball is by word-of-mouth. 

Are there teams in your area? Can you get in contact with that team’s parents and ask them for advice? 

Sometimes the decision to try out for a club team is based on availability. 

If there are no travel teams in your area, you could join one out of town. This practice is actually much more common than you might think. 

For example, many elite, Hawaii-residing softball players will fly in and play for travel teams in places like California or Texas during tournament season. But, for most, doing so means driving or flying long distances for both practices and tournaments. 

Indeed, many softball parents will tell you that their decision about travel ball is based on circumstances. The location, budget, and presence of teams will all be factors in this decision-calculus. 

The most important factor, however, is your daughter’s interest in playing travel ball. 

If she’s willing to set aside other parts of her life for softball and wants a challenging environment to improve her game, then she should play some form of travel ball. 

Make sure both you and your daughter understand the time and effort that go into travel softball. Go over the pros and cons of club ball together, so you’re both informed. 

Once you and your child are clear about what you want, then you can make an informed decision.

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# how to find a fastpitch softball travel team.

Say you’ve weighed your options and discussed it with your child. You’ve both decided she should play travel ball. 

Now how do you go about finding a team? 

And what things should you look for in a travel softball team?

# Where to Look for Travel Softball Organizations

As mentioned, word-of-mouth is a great way to start your search for teams. Ask parents you know about travel teams in your area. 

If you live somewhere with a high concentration of softball clubs, like southern California, personal recommendations can come especially in handy. 

If you don’t know anyone involved in travel softball, then you can look online. Big organizations in your area will likely come up in a search engine, and this is a great way to find teams. 

But not every team has a website – or one that’s really optimized for search – so many won’t show up in search results. 

However, all teams that play in USSSA, ASA, Triple Crown, and NAFA must register with the organization. As a result, these websites might have directories of teams in your area. 

USSSA is a particularly great resource for this. You can use these online searches as a jumping-off point for finding a team, especially if there are a lot of them in your area. 

For cities and towns less inundated with travel teams, joining Facebook groups dedicated to travel softball is a great way to find recommendations. 

You could also search for a given team or travel organization’s Facebook page or Instagram profile, as nearly all will have these updated regularly even if they don’t have an official website. 

And social media posts from such accounts will often have the most accurate and real-time information about tryouts and team openings – such as, “Looking for a 2025 catcher”.

A final resource worth checking out is HeyBucket . There you will find tryout postings for most of the travel softball organizations around the country, along with a robust forum filled with parents and coaches discussing all things travel ball.

# Travel Softball Team Tryouts

If you want to join a travel softball team, you can expect to go through tryouts first. For teams that want to play in summer tournaments, tryouts can be held as early as the preceding August. 

At this time of the year, players are still fresh from their summer season, so ideally, they’ll perform their best at tryouts. Fall tryouts also give teams a chance to work out over the winter and coordinate fundraising efforts. 

# What Can You Expect at Travel Softball Tryouts

At tryouts, you can expect a 2-4 hour session similar to a practice. The coaches will introduce themselves and ask your daughter to do so as well. 

Travel coaches do this partly because they want to gauge your daughter’s confidence and maturity levels. 

This is especially important for teams focused on college recruiting, because these experienced coaches know that these same traits can make a player more or less attractive to college scouts. 

And their job as competitive travel coaches, aside from guiding her performance development, is convincing such scouts – who will eventually interact with your daughter – that she’s a great fit for their program.  

After introductions, the athletes will go through static stretches, movement-prep drills, and throw. 

Next, they’ll either start with offensive or defensive drills or live situations. 

Coaches will also want to assess your daughter’s baserunning. If she’s a pitcher or catcher, she will be asked to showcase these skills. 

Typically, tryouts are structured as stations, with girls moving from one station to the another. 

Encourage your daughter to always do her best at tryouts and hustle continuously without pause. 

Coaches at these tryouts are evaluating her attitude and work ethic as much as her softball abilities. If she makes a mistake, tell her – beforehand, not during – to just shrug it off and move on to the next rep.

# Warning to Parents During Fastpitch Travel Tryouts

You might have caught that less-than-subtle recommendation not to call out to your daughter in any way during a travel ball tryout. 

That’s because the truth is that for competitive travel ball teams, you as parents are also trying out in a way. Again, this is most true for college recruitment-age teams.

Coaches are always on the lookout for red flags from parents. 

Professional coaches also notice if your daughter looks to you in the stands directly after making a mistake during a tryout.

To them, this bad habit hints at both a lack of confidence on her part and a potentially toxic sports parent relationship, where she’s only doing this to please you and not because she herself loves the sport. 

For many travel ball coaches, such observed behaviors can lead to your daughter not making the team. 

In the interest of blunt honesty, if your daughter truly has top-percentile talent, such parent red flags may be willfully ignored at the younger levels of travel ball play. 

However, no matter how much potential your daughter possesses, these issues will become more of a problem at the older, recruitable 14U-18U ages, for reasons alluded to earlier. 

After asking about your daughter’s Rapsodo analytics metrics, GPA, SAT, and attitude tendencies, the very next question that all college coaches will ask your travel coach is “How are the parents?”

The travel ball coach has to tell the whole truth at this moment or risk losing their trusted reputation earned by years of hard work and relationship-building. 

Travel coaches know the truth will come out eventually – college coaches are often even more conscious, observant, and disqualifying in response to the red flags we listed – and not many travel coaches are going to be willing to lose face by lying.  

If your daughter is still within that 8U to 12U age range, this section is still worth heeding early. Stop bad habits on both your parts before they start. 

# How to Choose the Right Travel Softball Team for Your Daughter

There are eight major things you should keep in mind during your travel ball team selection:

# 1. Coaching style

How does the coach relate to the players and parents? Does the coach have experience playing or coaching softball, and at what level?

Do the coaches emphasize instruction, winning, or a combination of both?

The coaching style will have a big impact on your daughter’s experience with a travel ball team, so choose wisely.

As we’ve already discussed, cost is an unignorable factor in travel softball. Ask about a breakdown of fees up front.

Coaches should know how much everything on their side will cost before the season starts, so you’ll have a good idea of what you’re paying.

Look at what you get for your money – are uniforms and equipment or additional training opportunities included? Are tournament fees extra?

Keep in mind also that you’ll have to pay your own travel expenses in addition to whatever fees the team requires.

# 3. Structure

How is their season structured? Does the team play tournaments year-round or only in the summer? Which tournaments will the team play in?

At younger ages, staying closer to home for tournaments is ideal – your daughter can still learn and compete and you can save your money for when she’s more serious about softball, closer to college-age.

Traveling long distances to the most elite travel ball tournaments in the country will eventually be necessary if she’s interested in playing D1, though.

When thinking about the organization of the team you should also look into their practice schedule and winter workouts.

Off-season training sessions are when your daughter will build upon her skills the most, so these practices are vital for her improvement.

# 4. Skill level

How good is the team? Do they finish each tournament by losing their first two bracket games in a row?

Competing, improving, and having fun can be more important than winning. But losing badly every weekend also isn’t much fun and it doesn’t facilitate skill improvement or confidence.

# 5. Playing time

When it comes to younger teams, players should be moving around positions and getting as much experience on the field as possible.

During tournament pool play, everyone should have about equal playing time. Once bracket play starts, though, the emphasis is often on competing at the highest level possible.

As players get older, their positions will become more fixed, and playing time should be based on performance.

Most elite travel ball coaches won’t give you a straight guarantee on your daughter’s playing time. Their priority will be putting together the best team that can compete at the level they’re playing at.

# 6. College

You shouldn’t worry too much about college recruiting until your daughter’s freshman year of high school.

But second-year 14U team coaches and up should know the rules around recruiting and work to educate you and your player on those rules.

They should also have contacts in college programs and be a proponent for your daughter in these programs.

# 7. Personal development

You should look for teams that foster character building in your kid. Improvement in the sport and college ball preparation is important, but you and their coaches should keep an eye on the bigger picture.

What kinds of values does this team instill in its players? Do they encourage a strong work ethic, respect for teammates, and good sportsmanship?

These are the types of skills players should learn in youth sports because they translate to adult and professional life.

Above all, the experience should be fun. Your daughter should enjoy playing on this club team and everything it involves. If it’s clear the other girls on the team aren’t having any fun, that’s a bad sign.

Travel ball players and coaches are a serious bunch, but they shouldn’t be so tightly wound that they make the experience miserable for everyone else.

# Wrapping Up on What You Need to Know

Deciding to join a travel softball team is, as you can see, a big decision. 

You and your daughter have many factors to consider which will significantly impact her experience playing softball. 

You want your child to do activities she finds rewarding and enjoyable, which promote her personal development. 

Travel softball can achieve all of these things for her. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. 

We did our best to not make this about how things should, could, or used to be in our game. This wasn’t an opinion piece. 

Instead, we sought to make a super practical and unfiltered guide for moms, dads, and up-and-coming athletes trying to make a major life choice today – in the current year.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you have the information you need about travel softball to make the right decision for you and your daughter.

# Bonus Material: How Much Does Travel Softball Really Cost?

Below are some rough approximations of expenses. 

We do not recommend focusing too hard on the numbers listed.

And not just because we don’t want you to have a heart attack.

It’s mainly because this is mostly an exercise to inform you more about the different types of costs incurred in a given year of travel softball. 

This is by no means exhaustive, but it does give you a good place to start when considering this decision from a financial perspective. 

So, without further ado. 

# Gate Fees and Concessions for Travelball

Most complexes that host travel tournaments charge parents and other adult supporters, like your relatives or friends, who want to attend the games a gate fee. 

This gate fee is usually between $5-10 per person per day though some charge by the weekend or week. 

Also, you and your family will get hungry and thirsty, and most athletic complexes do not allow outside food on the premises. 

Gate Cost: $300-800 yearly

# Travel Expenses for Club Softball

At the younger ages of 8U-12U, there is less distance traveled, as teams mostly compete within their local state or even county. 

However, they usually play more tournaments in total, as there is no so-called “dark period” for these younger athletes. 

The dark period is the time that high school-aged softball players cannot play travel ball because it is high school season, and the regulations do not allow them to play both at the same time. This period is enforced in almost every US state. 

Besides the travel to actual games, you must consider the travel to practices, which occur 2-4 times per week – depending on the team and organization. 

And for all this travel you and your family will need to get some food and drinks, at least some of the time. 

Moreover, there is the wear and tear on your vehicle and its maintenance to consider. 

Lastly, you or your significant other may need unpaid time off in order to attend various games and tournaments throughout the year.

Travel Cost for younger ages: $700-3,000 yearly

At the older ages, 14U to 18U, the travel cost varies greatly. 

It depends on the competitiveness of the team and whether they are focused at the regional level or if they are chasing D1 scholarships at the national level. 

Travel Cost for older ages: $2,000-10,000

# Gear and Travel Team Events

You’ll also need to at least consider purchasing your daughter’s bats, cleats, batting gloves, extra uniforms, extra socks, athletic tape, eye-black, hair accessories, and sliding shorts. 

Some of these items may be included in your monthly or yearly dues to the travel organization or team that your daughter plays under. 

And you will be expected to contribute financially – usually in the form of bringing snacks or drinks or buying tickets – and time-wise to various team fundraisers and bonding events throughout the year. 

Gear and Special Event Costs: $500-1,500 yearly

# Additional Expenses for Elite Softball

Most travel softball players get private lessons or participate in group clinics for hitting, pitching, catching, or fielding. 

Some travel softball athletes also get additional training or help keep them optimized physically from strength and conditioning coaches, PT’s, and/or chiropractors. 

Additional Training Cost: $500-4,000

Once athletes are recruiting age – technically 8th grade to 12th grade, but here we mean high school – they may want to attend college softball clinics and camps to get additional exposure to particular college coaches, and help their chances of getting recruited. 

College Camps/Clinics Cost: $500-2,000 yearly

# Travelball Expense Totals

So, the approximate price range, depending on a ton of different variables – which is why the price gap is so massive – for participating in travel softball each year is between:

 $2,000* and $23,300.

To be honest, both of these numbers represent extremes on the low and the high sides of the spectrum. 

But we included this expense exercise to help parents like yourself begin to think about how serious a financial investment travel softball is. 

The only way to make decisions that are best for your daughter and for the rest of your family is to be informed about what such decisions might entail. 

Finally, it should be mentioned that the majority of softball athletes begin travel ball at the 10U or 12U level – between 9 and 12 years old. 

If your daughter competes in travel all the way until the 18U level at 17 to 18 years old, you can now get a rough idea, from these yearly approximations above, toward what an entire competitive career in travel softball might cost.

We’ll let you do that career-length extrapolation on your own though – this no-nonsense guide has likely stressed you out enough by this point. 

That said, hopefully this guide was a tiny brick on you and your daughter’s long road through this wonderful game that we call softball.  

*On the lower number, we did not include the “Additional Expenses” categories, because they might not be needed depending on the age and competitiveness-level.

About the Author

Courtney Withrow

Professional Writer

Originally from the U.S., Courtney is a Brussels-based freelance writer with a Master’s degree in International Relations. She grew up playing softball and still loves the game.

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Virginia Thunderbolts 2026

Head Coach: Jessica Cassedy

We are the Virginia franchise of the Birmingham Thunderbolts.

Learn more about our travel softball organization, our goals, and what it takes to be a Thunderbolt!

About Virginia Thunderbolts 2026

In 2022, Coach Jessica Cassedy reached a franchise club agreement with the national powerhouse organization, the Birmingham Thunderbolts. 

Our team is comprised of 2026 and 2027 graduation year student athletes who not only play the game, but know the game. We teach the fundamentals of softball, accountability, teamwork, and the importance of good work ethic. These skills are essential for success on and off the field. Our philosophy is to develop both the skill and character of our players as we prepare them for their future success in softball. 

After several successful seasons, from 2019-2021, under the Virginia Stars baseball organization, this core group of student athletes will help bring in a new era of softball to the Northern Virginia and DC Metro region.

Since 2005, Richard Shea and his organizational team have put together a fantastic, like-minded, and softball focused organization which has produced numerous national championships and college commitments. As a measure of the organization's success, no less than 39 players competing at the 2021 NCAA D1 College World Series were program alum. 

Our partnership provides unmatched national recruiting support, premium placement in events and showcases, softball focused organizational leadership, and the ability of our athletes to play with and be developed by the best.

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From Frederick to Fredericksburg and Winchester to Waldorf, Bolts practice may be closer than you think. Our practice facilities are centrally located in the Northern Virginia and DC Metro area.

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We are proud to partner with SixFour3 for our indoor and winter training. SF3 is a premier, members-only, self-service training facility with anytime access... designed exclusively for girls fastpitch softball.

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Located on the Prince William campus of George Mason University, Freedom Center provides our team weekly private instruction focusing on sport specific strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. Freedom Center is a 110,000 square foot athletic training facility featuring two pools; whirlpool; locker rooms; a full gym; cardio, aerobic and strength studios.

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Iowa Gold Fastpitch is an Elite travel softball program designed to bring in top level players to compete in top level events and against top level competition. While being an Elite program our mission is to not only provide high level instruction and competition, but also continue to provide a positive experience for all players. Extensive travel can be expected, and our teams will play year round at all age levels. We do offer a Fall Only Iowa Gold HS team for those high-level HS players who choose to play for their HS teams during the summer travel season. All other Iowa Gold Fastpitch teams will play, Spring, Summer and Fall. 

Our coaches will have extensive knowledge and experience, provide detailed fundamental training, and help our players with the recruiting process. Players are expected to attend most if not all practices and events. Exceptions can be made with approval from the coaching staff. Rosters may range between 12 and 16 players and playing time is earned. The goal for these teams is to be very competitive at the highest levels. We are looking for high level athletes with solid positive character traits and who have a strong mental capacity to play winning softball. 

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Welcome to the heart of Wildcats Fastpitch, where passion meets prowess across our 16 dynamic teams. Explore each team's unique journey, discover player profiles, and witness the commitment to excellence that defines our elite travel softball organization in Southern California and the vibrant Chicagoland area.

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Granite State Elite Softball is a  competitive

fast-pitch travel softball program, focused on developing players capable of competing at the highest levels with the demonstrated skills necessary to play collegiately.

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814 elite mission statement.

814 Elite is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth travel fastpitch organization. We will separate ourselves from others, by providing the necessary fastpitch opportunities for each individual player's goal and skillset. This will be accomplished by having a constant advancement/relegation model based on continual evaluation of skillset of each player. A deep player pool allows for this model to adapt to the ever-changing goals and commitments, at the youth sports level. 814 Elite will have a coaching development program to properly develop all coaches, ensuring all are up to date on the current best processes for the development of the youth fastpitch athlete, based on age. We will continually do this at the most affordable cost possible by utilizing our 501(c)(3), fundraising, and continual evaluation of costs to find the most affordable way to operate.  

Why 814 Elite Was Created

Brian Sanders, Maureen Wolfe, and Angie Mumford had been talking for months about what is wrong with the local travel softball organizations, including our own. Why is there a lack of coach development? Why do some elite softball players leave the area to play? Why do organizations not have a development plan in place for the ever-changing goals and interests of every player? Why do teams have to skip tournaments when “other sports” interfere or vacations/injuries occur? Why do we consistently see teams going to same tournaments every year and not challenge themselves? Why are teams with players that hope to play in college not taking those teams to tournaments where coaches are present? How can we create a deeper player pool that allows us to address many of the issues? How do we bring together the best, most experienced coaches in the area together for coaching, player, and team development? How do we create internal competition for the athletes to ensure they are never comfortable in their position and know they must keep working hard to not lose their spot to another player?

 Merging Erie Frost and Cambridge Crush to create 814 Elite was the answer to all these questions. After many months of drawing this out, talking with many of the top coaches in and out of the area, discussing it with College Coaches, etc., we felt confident this was going to change local travel softball and create great opportunities for all players and coaches. Once the board came together and we started putting everything down, it was a no brainer. 

814 Elite will change travel softball in the NW PA/WNY/NE OH market.

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We are the future of fast-pitch softball for DC

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PLAYER OPEN PLAYER TRYOUT INVITE 14 U/16U/18U  special player open winter indoor workout tryouts during team Winter Workouts

 Sundays 2:00 pm and Friday  7:30pm @ Washington Nationals Youth Academy 3675 Ely Place SE WDC enter from parking lot

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DC Elite Softball / DC Elite National RBI players are provided skills clinics and training by professional and

college coaches in our year round program with college identification support through Sports Recruits. We

will also have game changer video and Blast Motion training and play in elite showcase tournaments and

events for college exposure.

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We are headed to MLB World Series in two weeks to represent the Mid Atlantic Region. This is the first time a Team from Washington DC has represented the Region for Softball after beating Harrisburg PA who had represented the Region almost at every MLB World Series.

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14 ● 16U-18U Fast-Pitch Softball

3 games $400.00 per team

There will be a skills assessment and High School Readiness College Skills Clinic featuring HBCU and Local College Coaches for players and parents 6pm to 9pm 90.00 per player .

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Tryout registration link 2024

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For 2024 

14u 16u 18u Year Old Teams for DC Elite Softball Teams 

We partner with DC Elite National RBI, Nats Hustle, Mamie Johnson Little League & Washington Nationals youth Academy

DC Elite National Nike RBI 18u Schedule 2024

Spring/Summer 2024, we will have a Thursday Sunday scrimmage league.

May 25th - 26th USSSA MEMORIAL DAY PLAY 2 REMEMBER CEDAR LANE PARK COLUMBIA, MARYLAND

June 1st - 2nd 12u 16u 182024 Alliance ACFL Summer Starter- 18u Glen Allen, VA • Henrico,

June 8th - 9th 18u 2024 USA Softball GOLD National Championship Qualifier Loudoun

***June 15th 14u 16u 18-DC RBI Juneteenth HBCU college showcase tournament

June 20 - 23rd USA ATLANTIC COAST ELITE SHOWCASEVirgina Beach

June 27th July 2nd Elite Development Invitational. The date for EDI Camp and will take place at Jackie Robinson complex Vero Beach Fla. 5 -10 players selected

*June 29th - 30th 14u 16u 18u USA CHERRY BOMB Loudoun County, VA

• July 6th-7th Softball Nation Queen of The Hill Richmond, VA

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July 12th to 16th Jenny Finch Tournament MLB All Star Game Arlington Texas

July 18th 20th RBI Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament Carey NC TDB July 23rd - 28th 2024 Alliance Fastpitch Open NationalsChattanooga, Tenn.

July 26th - 28th USA GRAND SLAM MID-ATLANTIC CUP Wilmington, DE TBD August 2-4 14u 16u 18-MUBL 33RD ANNUAL INNER CITY CLASSIC Richmond VA

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TBD 8/9 - 8/11 SOFTBALL FACTORY WORLD SERIES PIGEON FORGE, TN

August 12th -17th RBI World Series Dodgertown: Vero Beach, FL Host: MLB RBI

August 24th or 31st Pink Rocki Kick ball tournament

**September 14th HBCU Local College showcase Tournament Saturday September 9th @ Nationals Academy

September 28 - 29, 2024 Softball Factory Showcase EASTERN CLASSIC

Location: Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy

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Indoor Training December - March 40+ Hours of Indoor Practice Time *Nationals Youth Academy and Various indoor training facilities Check out DC Elite 2021 AJ Andrews  Clinic https://youtu.be/RgDXUd4o-VIDC Elite Softball  

1. Uniforms  Players will need 4 sets of uniforms to include 4 jerseys, 4 pair of pants.  Socks, belt and helmet are considered part of the uniform. Rip-It Ringor Team sponsorship package will be Wilson EVo Demarini Lousville Slugger Rip-It Ringor  Bat bag and Bat sponsorship deal Separate discount pricing

2. Franchise Fee for summer tournaments $375.00 plus any travel cost for tournaments outside RBI sponsored events.

3. All skills players Pitchers Catcher must invest and commit to development training

4. All players are expected to follow individual conditioning and hitting team program

5. Sports Recruit web recruiting service included in player fee  https://sportsrecruits.com/

6. Blast Sensor (Team Pricing)

 Prepare mentally and physically and we will succeed! Stay Positive !  Stay Focused ! Stay Pumped !  

Our Mission The DC Elite travel softball program is committed to teaching players the skills needed both on and off the field in order to succeed at the next level. We partner with the DC Elite National RBI program which is part of the MLB RBI program that our players are identified to play in RBI tournaments, World Series Elite development camp and Break through series camps with USA softball at no cost. Focus is placed on teaching fundamental skills while teaching players to be a student of the game. Heavy emphasis will be placed on defining what a championship culture look like and acts on and off the field. The DC Elite program is a 12 month programs beginning at the end of August and continuing through the end of July. Each team will play in 6-8 tournaments. We will practice 2-3 days per week having access to In The Nationals  Youth Academy Jackie Robinson outdoor fields, indoor batting cages, turf  fields and equipment. All team members receive access to the Washington Nationals  Academy based on DC Elite and DC Elie National RBI Partnership  that allow players  facility use. Players will have the opportunity to be coached by 6-8 professionals. Players will also have opportunities to participate at Headfirst top academic showcase camps and local college partnership camps.

DC Elite Discount Program

 Team Program Our Players receive 40 to 60 % discount on Products Wilson Sports Demarini Louisville Slugger Team

SPECIAL PRICING• TOP PRODUCTS• DISCOUNTED BATS

Shopping for our  teams  is EASIER and more AFFORDABLE than ever. HLTElite development Rip-It Ringor  & Wilson Sports have joined together to outfit our teams head to toe with the best stock and CUSTOM equipment, apparel, and uniforms. DC Elite will have our own personalized online team store and Preferred Team Pricing — and a rebate toward products with discounts on all purchases.

Professional Instruction Teams will receive professional instruction during Winter Indoor Training, in hitting, pitching, fielding, and catchers.

Outdoor Practices All outdoor practices are held at The Academy and Jackie Robinson outdoor fields. Teams are scheduled for RBI league and 1 or 2 practices per with RBI league game per week from May - July.

Tournaments Teams will play a minimum of 2  tournaments at The Academy  plus  several out of town or travel tournaments.

Apparel Players receive practices jerseys to be worn at practices

For More Information Contact Coach Harry! [email protected]

Register @ https://dcelitenational.leagueapps.com/

Summer 2024

Monday & Wednesday skills Development workouts, Wednesday RBI league Night/ Thursday or Fridays College summer RBI league. 

We hold walk on try outs at our Monday & Wednesday  pm work outs for Pitchers and Catchers who play other positions and utility players. Guest pitchers welcome

email Coach Tommy 

[email protected]

DC Elite Nationals RBI  (All Ages ) https://dcelitenational.leagueapps.com/

Elite Nationals Development 16u [email protected]

DC ELITE SOFTBALL COLLEGE SHOWCASE 18 U We are the future of fast-pitch softball  in Washington, D.C.

WE ARE DC ELITE SHOWCASE SOFTBALL

We will conduct player walk on tryouts at our Monday & Wednesday workouts weekly. We are looking for Pitchers and Catchers who play multiple positions and Utility players to add depth to our roster.

email Coach Tommy @ [email protected]

Rip-It Ringor Team Program

Our Players receive 40% Discount on Products

Dc Elite Clinics Camps Tournaments

Our players represent dc in mlb rbi events, dc elite nationals rbi championships top finishes, softball nation 2021 national champions, softball nation 2018 nitty gritty champions.

16u All Tournament Team: Raven Jackson: DC Elite Kristen White: DC Elite Allanna Yancey: DC Elite Ellie Langley: DC Elite Ayanna Forteenberry  DC Elite Yasmine Burrell DC ELite 

https://www.sportsnation.org/21fpnationals

DC Elite Senators (18u Champions) June 30/Jul 1 The Nitty Gritty 18/16U PLLAYOFFS: CHAMPIONS: DC SENATORS WENT UNDEFEATED 6-0  18/16u Playoff Scores:  VA Chaos 12 VA Intensity 0  HR VIpers 5 OC Pressure 3  DC Senators 9 Spotsy Vipers 1  Sluggers 9 Cville Hurricanes 0  VA Chaos 12 HR Vipers 2  DC Senators 4 Sluggers 3  Championship:  DC Senators 11 Va Chaos 7   (Results are Posted)   https://www.sportsnation.org/fastpitch

DC Elite Showcase Fall 2022

Dc senators fall 2019, dc grays rbi 2021 2022.

Fall Tournament 2019 Showcase Champs

RBI Regional team runner ups

DC Elite 2020

Delaware College Showcase champs

DC RBI Regional and Jenny Finch Runner up 2018

DC Grays RBI players were MLB All Star tournament and Mid Atlantic runner up

Jenny Finch MLB National Champions 2022

DC Elite Grays RBI players where members of the Jenny Finch MLB All Star 2022 Championship team

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mlb.com%2Fnews%2Fall-star-commissioner-s-cup-jennie-finch-classic-championships%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0XUO3_N5-EXo9wNfgkHWxIrIZZyaGG5ibM1700fHKjuFYodkVabtph_Lw&h=AT0LnEq9r7tCsWegr0BmnOqZNCIS6K-DpgBm3M5cv2VY2EaJYBZvkDtN4g-ner5XZm9eFSRSl192mqaTCeHYW1M3PhKy1lqmjKFGXqeTAEsMw58DcAq05aQsvnONdo1HSYOaNN8UnKNjHBYEgQ0

Softball Nation Turkeybowl Champions 2022

DC Elite Gold Grays RBI 18u Saturday Nov 19th Softball Nations champions Turkey Bowl tournament, record 4-0 runs scored 32 runs allowed 0. Defense wins championships and sets the tone these ladies played great defense allowed no runs scored for the entire tournament with stellar pitching. Schedule

K White, #42  27 strike outs, 

L Mouzon, #12 3 Strike outs

L Pollock, #15 2 Strike outs

Taking players to the next level

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJclQsCL9vY&feature=youtu.be

In our world, adversity is just another word for opportunity. We challenge educators, students athletes, and community partners each and every day to push past their limits in the community, classroom, on the field, and in life, because we know they can - and they will achieve to their highest potential when pushed to achieving with the right tools. 

Through our participation in DC Elite Nike National RBI program we identified players who have the talent and dedication to the game of softball with the goal of playing in college and develop and showcase players. 

DC Elite Gold College Showcase 18U  email: [email protected]

DC Elite National  Nike RBI

Elite Nationals Development 12u

Player commitment

Our Players strive to be the most competitive team representing the Washington DC area on our DC Elite Gold 16/18u  College Showcase Team. Our program supports our players endeavors to play at the next level. The team goal is to play in select events that showcase our girls who want to compete in college, committed to a college, or playing College athletics.  All our girls strive to maintain a 3.5 GPA or better and work as volunteer mentors for other aspiring youth student athletes.

Showcase and Development Teams

College development grow the game.

College development and Grow the Game program which promote USA Softball/Baseball, DC Elite National Nike RBI, and the Washington Nationals Youth Academy. With our partners we provide value to school programs, partner programs, sponsored teams and events.

The intended outcome is to build USA Softball base and RBI programs while helping to grow the game at every social and economic level. 

DC Elite National Nike RBI Development

In partnership with the DC Elite National Nike RBI program and the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy we prepare softball players for the Elite Development programs and camps selection process and programs like the Elite Development Invitational. The Elite Development Invitational is a joint effort on the part of Major League Baseball (MLB) and USA Softball to promote the development and exposure of the youth in the game of softball. The event is designed to provide athletes the opportunity to hone their talents and knowledge in a competitive atmosphere with the help of former United States National Team players and coaches.

Marucci Demo Night

https://youtu.be/EIAFNx_D0X4

DC Elite Softball 12/16/ 18 U

We identify players after seeing them play or through participation in DC Elite Nationals RBI identified scouting events. We register as a USA softball team and our goal is to be the most competitive team representing the Washington DC area and our program supports the  endeavors of players to play at the next level. The team goal is to play in select events that showcase our girls who want to compete in college, are committed to a college, or playing College athletics.  All our girls strive to maintain a 3.5 GPA or better and work as volunteer mentors for other aspiring youth student athletes. We select 12-14 players to showcase at Camps and showcase events and will be covering cost through fund raising and sponsorship.To secure a roster spot on this team, please email us to inquire about roster spot opportunities. We are extremely excited for the future of DC Elite Gold Showcase 16/18 U softball and we hope that you are too! 16/18U DC Elite Nationals Coaching Staff [email protected]

We Are DC Elite softball

Check out this great video with camps clinics and events

DC Elite Aleshia Ocasio Clinics

DC Elite  in partnership with DC  RBI host Aleshia Ocasio during Friday Night Camps at Washington Nationals youth Academy for pitching clinics for a four-week instructional pitching clinic.

Aleshia Ocasio •    Coach, Howard University Softball •    Member, Chicago Bandits Professional Softball •    Member, Puerto Rican National Team •     2 x NCAA All-American .     Demarini  Sponsored

Aleshia Ocasio Clinic Review Promo

https://youtu.be/OABtyuNkRjc

Lauren Chamberlain Blast Hitting And DC Resolution

Blast Clinic for Hitting performance DC RBI Elite Free Bat Demo (Softball & Baseball) Wilson Demarini, Louisville Slugger Bats  Hosted by the DC Grays RBI and DC Elite Senators Tournament Teams DC City Council Ceremonial Resolution was presented at our recruiting seminar by two members of the DC City council Councilmember Bonds and McDuffie, for DC Elite players representing DC in the MLB RBI tournaments 

USA Softball Michelle Moultrie

DC  RBI Slapping hitting base running clinic with USA Softball's Michelle Moultrie

We Are Growing The Game

Community service, indoor clinic partnership.

Our players provide community service and tor at The Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy

http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/was/youth-baseball-academy/

College Showcase

Rip-it ringor team deals.

We are proud to have our players participate in the Headfirst  Honor roll camps

Headfirst Honor Roll Camps

https://www.headfirsthonorroll.com/

The top college baseball & softball showcase camps for academic high school prospects with coaches from the nation's best colleges and universities.

OUTFIT YOUR TEAM NOW

We are proud to offer Rip-it Ringor Apparel Shoes and Uniform deals for all sports. We are launching the partnership for 2023 season for shoe purchases  cleats, turf shoes, uniforms and team apparel.  The full catalog link is below and can be seen at the New Balance team website. http://www.newbalanceteam.com Let us partner and set up a discounted team program for you and save up to 25% on New Balance products, for more information email [email protected]

We Promote DC

Dc elite senators 2023.

We promote DC when we travel.

  DC voters overwhelmingly APPROVE advisory referendum in support of statehood! 244,134 DC residents, making up 86% of voters, voted in favor of statehood. Thanks to the many statehood supporters and volunteers and to the voters for this incredible result!

https://statehood.dc.gov

Head Coach 

Harry Thomas      [email protected]

Assistant Coaches  

Clark White 

Sheerice  Myers

Kevin Burrell

DC Elite 16/18 u Roster 2023

Coach Harry Thomas (Bowie State / Howard U)     [email protected]

Assistant Coaches  Clark White,

" https://sportsrecruits.com/organization/DCEliteSoftball/embed/?type=players&teamid=10670&color=30A9DE" 

DC Elite Senators 23U

Aseyah alexander 2017.

Bowie State University 2018

#4 Catcher  Of

https://youtu.be/2OF3sF1NNnk

Benita Lukose 2018

George Washington University

#22  Outfield http://members.softballfactory.com/player/benita/lukose/6aeea8a858d0454bafcf11d15d46d030

Heaven Glass 2018

Ashleigh fultz 2018.

Towson University Student

#12 Pitcher 1b Outfield

Alexis Roberson 2018

Brandeis University 

Brandeis University

#3 Pitcher 3b 2b Outfield

https://youtu.be/wgfajOiFhjg

Delaware State University

#6 SS 2b Outfield

https://youtu.be/Ak9HWvzWN5k

Raye Thomas 2019

Howard University

#21 Pitcher 1b 3b Outfield

Player promo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxu_ErY__xw&t=8s

DC Elite Senators 18u

Marakah dennis 2019.

LSU (student)

#0 Catcher Outfield

Player Promo

https://youtu.be/jr_pi2VTIUw

Hailie Proctor 2019

2019 Pitt (student)

#16 Outfield 2b Utility

Brooke Ware 2018

Kennedy collins 2019.

Bowie State University

#2 Outfield

Uncommitted

#42 Catcher Outfield

Taylor Harrison 2020

#24 Catcher 1b 3b Outfield

https://youtu.be/KkDzTJN1Nc8

SaNiyah Wilson 2019

Towson ( Walk on)

#3   Pitcher 2b 

DC Elite Senators 18U

Lauryn brooks 2018, kennedy thomas 2019.

Hampton University Commit

#2 Outfield 2b

http://members.softballfactory.com/player/80443/  

Prince Georges Community College

#13 SS Outfield

Taylor Ivey 2022

Colby cuerton 2021.

#10 Pitcher 2b

https://youtu.be/AA5JV3giuss

Taylor Albright 2020

St. Vincent Pallotti

#2 SS 3b Outfield

Uncommitted 2020

Personal Information Bats/Throws: Left/Right positions  Played: 2B, SS, Utility Birth Year: 2003 Grad Yr: 2020 Speed: Home 1B:  Home  Home: Age: 15  Height: 5’3” Parent: Yolonda Mckelvy Email: [email protected] phone: 202 330-3682 Skills Video: https://youtu.be/Oz4Rr5ToWN4 Taylor’s   2018 Schedule www.dcelitesoftball.com Recruiting sites:  Captain U  / Sports Recruit

#7 SS Outfield Utility

Sada Johnson

Roland Park Country School

#4  Outfield/Utility

Photo Gallery

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Proud to have Ft Myer Construction, Cummunity Bridge and Ivy City Smokehouse featured as our title sponsors for 2024. Fort Myer Construction Corporation is a leading contractor in the Washington DC metropolitan area.   http://fortmyer.com/

Community Bridge

Community Bridge Inc. (CBI) is a certified, woman-owned small business (MBE) provider of the full range of Facility Management, IT Infrastructure Support and Administrative and Janitorial Support 

Ivy City Smokehouse Is   A neighborhood tavern in t

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Welcome to the home of Carolina Elite Fastpitch. Our Organization has National and Regional teams from ages 8u thru 18U. Our Organization is currently headquartered out of North Carolina, and continues to look to expand into South Carolina as the next strategic opportunity. Our teams compete in the country's top showcases, including but not limited to, the Atlanta Legacy, Veterans Showcase, Scenic City, Thunderbolts 5 Star, TCS National Events, Diamond 9 events, SC and NC USA Events, Diamond Classic, Carolina Cardinals and Elite 80 Showcases.  In addition we will play in SC and NC USA State Championship Events where we have won (12u), finished runner up (18u) and have had at least one team always finished in top 6 (16u) Simply take a look at our Commits page for a history of our organization's success in helping our players reach the next level.

We are proud to have 278  College Commitments since 2008!

   Check out our latest College Commitments!

Carolina Elite Commitments

• Allison Spence
• Melissa Charbonneau
• Logan Robinson
• Emily Montalvo
• Emma Kartheiser
• Private Instruction
• Semi-Private Instruction
• Large Group Training
• 2023 Tryout Info

About Elite Travel Teams - Elite Fastpitch Training

At Elite Fastpitch we offer an opportunity for girls to play competitive softball. Travel softball is a highly competitive sport that offers players the opportunity to play in tournaments around the Chicagoland area as well as around the US. By choosing Elite Fastpitch your daughter will get the opportunity to play and work with former college and travel ball athletes. We continue to research the most effective methods to train. We provide off season training focusing on offense, defense and pitching/catching training. During the season players will have practices as well play in round robins, tournaments and games against other travel teams. Throughout the season, players will focus on the fundamentals needed for the field and batters box as well as understanding the strategy and how to play the game.

Our long term goal is to prepare our players for college level softball and will help to provide opportunities to interact with select parties.

2023 TRYOUT INFORMATION

Can’t make the below tryout dates? Email [email protected]  to schedule a make up tryout.

10U Tryouts (Cannot turn 11 prior to or on 8/31/23)

July 10: 5:30-7:30 at Bradley Fieldhouse

Check in: 5:15pm

12U Tryouts (Cannot turn 13 prior to or on 8/31/23)

July 11: 5:30-7:30 at Bradley Fieldhouse

14U Tryouts (Cannot turn 15 prior to or on 8/31/23)

July 17: 5:30pm – 7:30pm at Bradley Fieldhouse

Click Here to Register for Tryouts

Elite Fastpitch - Chicago, IL

Carolina Elite Softball

Organization.

The Carolina Elite SC organization has National, Premier, and Regional teams from 8u all the way up to 18u. We are based out of Greenville, SC but have teams in every age group strategically located throughout the state. We have been competing in the country’s top events for 10 years with top 10 finishes PGF, JO Cup, Triple Crown and ASA nationals. We also compete in top showcases including Boulder IDT, Alliance, Atlanta Legacy, Scenic City, Thunderbolt, Champions, TC Fireworks/Sparklers, Show Me the Money, Carolina Cardinals events, and a variety of Invitational-Only Showcases.

3 D’s

Mission & values.

We are focused on building a strong community of talented, college-bound athletes and their parents utilizing a 3-D mentality.

We look forward to a future of continued excellence. Do you have what it takes?

Thank you to our sponsors!

These freshmen have emerged as key players in Taunton softball’s climb to No. 1

At this point, it’s hard to imagine the Taunton girls’ softball team without Bella Bourque , Aniyah Bailey , and Maddie Crowley in the lineup. All three are mainstays for the 10-0 Tigers, once again ranked No. 1 this week in the Globe’s Top 20 poll.

They’re also all freshmen.

The Tigers have won three consecutive Division 1 state championships. The program is ultra-competitive with high expectations. Bourque, Bailey, and Crowley had to earn a spot in the starting nine.

“We started the season with every position open,” said Taunton coach Michelle Raposo . “Everybody has to win their position, and they have to win it every day.”

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Bourque is not a newcomer. Last season, as an eighth-grader, she won the starting job at third base and never gave it up. Now in her second season, Bourque has a .500 average, six triples, and is tied for the team with 17 runs batted in through nine games.

Even with her success thus far, Bourque feels like she’s struggling, according to her coach. But nothing to fear: That’s just how all of the best players feel.

“She’s hitting very well for us. But by her own standards, she isn’t performing at the level she wants to,” Raposo said. But still, “Bella just gets up [to the plate], smiles, and tries to have fun.”

‘They’re . . . young players, but you can’t see that on the field.’

Taunton softball coach Michelle Raposo, on her freshmen contributors

Unlike Bourque, Bailey and Crowley spent last season playing junior varsity as eighth graders, but that hasn’t stopped them from contributing in big ways from the jump.

Bailey, the Tigers’ starting catcher, has a team-leading three home runs, and has driven in 17 runs, matching Bourque. Crowley plays second base, leads the Tigers with a .600 average, and has plated 13 runs.

“They’re both young players, but you can’t see that on the field,” Raposo echoed.

The exuding confidence is the result of the work that they all put in.

“Bella is swinging every day. Not only at practice, but with her father [Taunton baseball coach Blair Bourque ] afterwards,” Raposo said. “Same thing with Aniyah and Maddie. They’re all continuing to put in the work after practice.”

‘They’re way mentally stronger than the typical 14-year-old.’

Taunton coach Michelle Raposo, on her freshman starters

Travel softball has exploded in recent years. Bourque, Bailey, and Crowley all want to play at the next level — and playing on high-level travel teams is a way to attract attention from college coaches.

Bourque plays for the Rhode Island Thunder, Bailey for Fury Platinum, and Crowley for the Mass Dynamites. All three are year-round elite travel programs that funnel girls to Division 1 schools.

Raposo believes their involvement in these programs is a contributing factor to their success at such a young age; they travel to compete against high-level talent across the country.

“I think it’s helped them ease into this high-stakes type of game,” she said. “They’re way mentally stronger than the typical 14-year-old. It makes it an easy transition.”

Third-ranked King Philip has its own duo of impressive underclassmen: sophomores Ali Gill and McCoy Walsh . Coach Kate Fallon-Comeau shares a similar sentiment when it comes to the impact travel softball has on her young players.

“Softball is their passion, their primary focus. They play year-round,” Fallon-Comeau said. “It gives them an edge, but they still put in the work.”

Gill, a second baseman and outfielder, and Walsh, a standout pitcher, both play for the Thunder and have King Philip off to a 10-1 start.

In a three-game stretch from April 19–24, Gill hit five home runs and drove in 11 runs. In Walsh’s last appearance on Friday, she hurled five perfect innings, struck out nine, and also recorded two hits and drove in three runs.

“They’ve watched our team win state championships over the years, and playing travel ball helps them handle the expectations.” Fallon-Comeau said.

No. 17 Norton has an underclassmen-heavy lineup. Highlighted by sophomores Avery Tinkham , Liana Danubio , and Paige Donahue , the Lancers are off to an impressive 9-1 start.

Coach Wade Lizotte looks at the impact of travel softball through a different lens, especially in New England. He’s aware that it allows players to hone their skills year-round in indoor facilities when the northeast weather doesn’t cooperate, but when it comes to preparing young players for big moments, he thinks it’s more about his team being comfortable with one another.

“The biggest thing has always been the team and having a special bond,” Lizotte said. “They feel relaxed because they feel comfortable playing together. It’s the history that the girls have playing together.”

Extra bases

▪ On Thursday, in a dynamic pitching duel between Cape Ann rivals, it was Amesbury senior Izzy Levasseur , (79 strikeouts, 1.22 earned run average, two no-hitters this season) vs. Triton junior Emma Penniman (97 strikeouts, .961 earned run average).

Triton snatched an early lead, scoring on an Amesbury error, then twice more on a homer from Penniman. The junior ace protected the Vikings’ edge through the next two innings, but by the bottom of the third, Amesbury had found its groove.

Following two Triton errors, Amesbury loaded the bases and got on the board on an RBI single from Levasseur. Then a grand slam from Lexi LeBlanc lifted the Redhawks to a 5-3 lead.

“The biggest thing we’ve been trying to tell them this whole season is even if you make a mistake, just make sure it doesn’t turn into two mistakes,” said Amesbury coach Emily Crannell . “Just do your best to forget about any mistakes that you make and keep going.”

From then on, it was a battle of aces.

Penniman held fast for Triton, recording 11 strikeouts and allowing just three hits to prevent the Redhawks from extending their lead, but Amesbury prevailed behind a 16-strikeout, four-hit outing from Levasseur.

“Izzy pitched a tremendous game,” Crannell said of her UMass Boston-bound senior. “She was just so focused. It was definitely one of the best games I’ve seen her pitch.”

None of the eight combined runs were earned.

▪ Updated MIAA Power Rankings as of Tuesday: Central Catholic ( 8.5271) and Wachusett (7.0670) are 1-2 in Division 1 , Tewksbury (6.9101) and Milton (5.8599) pace Division 2 , Dighton-Rehoboth (6.1461) and St. Mary’s (5.8549) are first and second in Division 3 , Joseph Case (5.6448) is percentage points up on Amesbury (5.6408) in Division 4 , and Turners Falls (4.1844) edges Georgetown (3.7859) in Division 5 .

▪ There are seven undefeated teams left in eastern Massachusetts: Taunton (10-0); Abington (10-0); Lincoln-Sudbury (9-0); Milton (8-0); North Andover (8-0); Central Catholic (6-0); and Greater Lowell (6-0).

Games to watch

Wednesday, No. 1 Taunton at No. 3 King Philip, 7 p.m. –– The Hockomock League Kelley-Rex rivals match up for the first time since the Division 1 semifinals last season with Sam Lincoln (Taunton) and McCoy Walsh (King Philip) in the circle.

Thursday, No. 7 North Andover at No. 2 Central Catholic, 3:45 p.m. –– Aces Brigid Gaffny (North Andover) and Julia Malowitz (Central Catholic) go head-to-head in a Merrimack Valley Conference clash.

Monday, No. 9 Dighton-Rehoboth at No. 10 Joseph Case, 3:45 p.m. –– Freshman Lila Alvarez shut down the high-flying Falcons lineup in a 2-1 win for Joseph Case on April 15. The South Coast Conference stalwarts jostle for position atop the conference in the rematch.

Monday, No. 15 Bishop Fenwick at No. 5 Peabody, 4 p.m. –– Behind a gem from Gigi Aupont, the Crusaders knocked off nonleague crosstown foe Peabody, 1-0, in walkoff fashion on April 19. Seniors Abby Bettencourt and Logan Lomasney look to even the score the second time around.

Monday, No. 14 Bishop Feehan at No. 6 Silver Lake, 4 p.m. –– Mylee Ramer leads a battle-tested Shamrocks team into nonleague action, opposing Delaney Moquin, Mady Bryan, and Silver Lake.

Correspondents Cam Kerry and Julia Yohe contributed.

Eli Cloutier can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @iamelicloutier .

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We Help Young Women Follow Their passion for Playing College Softball 

Softball Organization Since 2017

Commitments.

Isabella Bishop, 2022 Eckerd University

Addison Caddell, 2022 University Texas Dallas

Nicole Stuhr, 2022 University Texas Dallas

Chloe Reneau, 2021 Texas A&M Commerce

Chanlee Oaks, 2021 Texas A&M Commerce

Leo Terry, 2021 Texas A&M Commerce

Scarlett Perez, 2021 East Texas Baptist University

Darby Hickey, 2021 UT Tyler

Marissa Martinez, 2021 McLennan College

Kennedy Parker, 2021 McLennan College

Briana Yale, 2021 Texas Woman's University

Rachel Warren, 2021 McLennan College

Hannah Boettcher, 2021 UTPB

Abigail Kubin, 2021 University Tennessee - Martin

Emma Adair, 2021 Hardin - Simmons University

Mikayah Johnson, 2021 Texas Southern University

BreAnn Beste, 2021 NCTC

Aspen Holm, 2021 OKWU

Madison Carter, 2021 Central Christian College

Jayden Miles, 2021 Missouri Valley

SC Elite is a Girls’ Fastpitch Softball Travel organization established in 2012.  We currently offer 10U, 12U, 14U, & 18U teams.  The goals of SC Elite are to help young girls grow individually, learn to be a part of a team and to develop friendships.  Our long term goal is to prepare the girls to play softball at the high school level and beyond.   SC Elite is a member of the Western Reserve Fastpitch League.  We play other local travel teams and participate in several local tournaments throughout the season.  

Order your 2024 SC ELITE Pictures before March 14th *Use Password: 2024

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2024 SC ELITE SOFTBALL REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Please contact Mike Merker with any questions via email [email protected]. We are excited to get another season started soon!

Coaches, Board Members, Web, and Social Media Help Needed.  SC Elite is a fully volunteering non-profit organization and needs your support.

Contact Us SC Elite Softball Program

PO Box 46449 Cleveland, Ohio 44146

Phone: 216-538-1016

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Here's the 2024 Shreveport Times All-City high school softball team

Here is a look at the 2024 Shreveport Times All-City softball team. The team includes athletes from schools in Caddo and Bossier parishes.

Player of the Year

Ramsey walker.

Calvary, Sr.

Why selected: An Arkansas signee, Walker hit .583 with an area high 22 home runs, 65 RBIs and 61 runs scored despite receiving 28 walks and being consistently pitched around. She had a three-run home run in the LHSAA championship game to ignite her team to the title game win.

Softball Athlete of the Year

Airline, Sr.

Why selected: A Louisiana Tech signee, Heng had the fastest home-to-first time in the area. She hit .462 with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, 53 runs scored and 39 stolen bases while fielding at a .959 percentage at shortstop.

RAMBO: Calvary’s Ramsey “Rambo” Walker, an Arkansas signee, is a home run hitting machine

LA TECH SIGNEE: Airline’s Heng ends prep softball career; Benton’s Rambin pulls the curtain on 33 years

Pitcher of the Year

Kynzee anderson.

Calvary, So.

Why selected: A returning selectee at the pitching spot, Anderson was dominating on the mound in putting together a 23-2 record with a 1.482 ERA and 257 strikeouts against 44 walks for the state champs.

Coach of the Year

Tiffany wood.

Calvary Baptist

Why selected: The veteran coach directed her team to a fourth consecutive LHSAA state title and her sixth overall. Despite dominating teams in the regular season, the Lady Cavaliers struggled a bit in the playoffs, but Wood kept them focused to finish 35-2 overall.

All-City First Team

Baylor bockhaus.

Calvary, 8th grade

Why selected: Bockhaus hit .422 with 14 home runs plus 46 RBIs, 40 runs scored and six stolen bases.

Benton, Sr.

Why selected: The LSU-Eunice signee pitched 146 innings with 195 strikeouts and a 4.747 ERA.

Christina Gegg

Why selected: A BPCC signee, Gegg hit .419 with nine doubles, two home runs, 29 RBIs and 25 runs scored.

Grace Chaisson

Caddo Magnet, So.

Why selected: Chaisson also pitched but hit .400 with 27 RBIs and three home runs with a .906 fielding percentage.

Why selected: A Northwestern signee, Lynch hit at a .617 clip with 23 doubles, 13 home runs, 52 RBIs and 64 runs scored. She struck out four times and fielded at a .979 clip.

Ella Vickers

Haughton, Sr.

Why selected: A tough out in any ballpark, Vickers hit .515 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs.

Kayleigh Goss

Why selected: A Bossier Parish Community College signee, Goss hit .510 with 18 RBIs.

Mackenzie Jagers

Northwood, So.

Why selected: Jagers made a splash in her second season of high school softball, hitting .459 with an .851 slugging percentage while striking out once.

Chloe Larry

Parkway, Sr.

Why selected: A Tennessee Tech basketball signee, Larry hit at a .556 clip with four triples, four home runs, eight stolen bases and had a .917 fielding percentage.

Carlie Guile

Calvary, Fr.

Why selected: Guile played errorless ball in the outfield while hitting .410 with nine home runs, 42 RBIs and 43 runs scored.

Dakota Howard

Parkway, Jr.

Why selected: Not many balls got past this golden glover who hit .476 with eight home runs with 19 RBIs, 12 stolen bases and an .800 fielding percentage.

Presley Walker

Loyola, So.

Why selected: The daughter of former MLB standout Todd Walker, Walker batted .475 with 24 RBIs, 35 runs scored and one home run.

Second team

Devan Ashby, Northwood, Fr.

Elexa Beaudoin, Captain Shreve, Sr.

Emersyn Disotell, Benton, Jr.

Larkin Krieg, Loyola, So.

Lainey Lafitte, Benton, So.

Landry McLamb, Caddo Magnet, So.

Mary McLamb, Caddo Magnet, Jr.

Madison Menard, Parkway, So.

Loren Sivils, Calvary, Fr.

Aubry Townsend, Captain Shreve, Jr.

Dixie Williams, Haughton, Jr.

Addison Willis, Calvary, Jr.

Jimmy Watson covers Louisiana sports for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JimmyWatson6.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Here's the 2024 Shreveport Times All-City high school softball team

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