Held at Cowboy Chow in Dallas, Texas, the event featured food and beverages sponsored by Connect Sports and the Texas Fastpitch League (TFL). The evening was hosted by Tori Vidales of Athletes Unlimited, a two-time NFCA All-American, ESPN softball analyst, and member of Team Mexico at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The gathering recognized excellence in the Alliance Fastpitch community through several prestigious awards that celebrated on-field performance, dedication, and commitment to the sport.

Below is a summary of the awards presented and their significance.

Club Awards
The Club Awards recognized the outstanding cumulative efforts of entire organizations in the 14U, 16U, and 18U age divisions based on their final standings at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS).

• Club Champion Award: Awarded to the Texas Bombers for their exceptional AFCS performances, including the Texas Bombers Gold 18U winning the AFCS National Championship, the Texas Bombers Gold 16U securing third place, and the Texas Bombers Gold 14U also claiming an AFCS National Championship.
• Silver Club Award: Presented to Impact Gold – Impact Gold Jackson 18U finished third, Impact Gold Jazz 16U placed ninth, and Impact Gold Jazz 14U took third at the AFCS.
• Bronze Club Award: Texas Glory earned this honor, with 18U Texas Glory finishing seventh, the 16U Texas Glory as Co-National Champions, and 14U Texas Glory Gold securing ninth place.

Rising Club Award
The Rising Club Award highlighted the St. Louis Chaos for their significant improvement in AFCS rankings, with St. Louis Chaos 09 National Perone-Beatty 14U leaping to a ninth-place finish in 2024. This organization demonstrated remarkable progress, showcasing their commitment to growth and development within the Alliance community.

Legacy Award
The Legacy Award celebrated Texas Glory for their consistency in top AFCS finishes over the past three seasons. Their unwavering dedication to excellence and a legacy of champions earned them this esteemed recognition.

Commissioner Cup
The Texas Fastpitch League (TFL) took home the Commissioner Cup for their league-wide success at the AFCS, with standout performances across multiple age divisions. Notable finishes included the Texas Bombers and Impact Gold in the 18U and 14U National Champion positions and numerous other teams earning top finishes in their respective age groups.

All In Award
Jennie Ritter, Wilson Fastpitch Business Manager and former 2005 Women’s College World Series Champion pitcher for Michigan, received the All In Award for her unwavering support and contributions to the Alliance Fastpitch mission. Her work with Wilson brands, including EvoShield, DeMarini, and Louisville Slugger, has advanced opportunities and resources for athletes nationwide.

Game Ball Award
Derek Allister, founder of OnDeck Softball, was honored with the Game Ball Award for his significant contributions to the Alliance Fastpitch. As Chair of the Seeding Committee and a member of the All-Star Committee, his leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the Alliance’s success.

The evening also reflected on past winners from 2023, including Impact Gold (Club Champion) and the Heart of America Fastpitch League (Commissioner Cup), Oklahoma Athletics (Rising Club), Corona Angels (Bronze Club and Legacy award), and Texas Glory (Silver Club), setting the stage for a new year of achievements and progress.

Congratulations to all the winners and honorees. These achievements are a testament to the Alliance’s mission of unifying the sport, leveling the playing field, and creating opportunities for athletes to thrive both on and off the field. Together, we celebrate the collaboration, recognition, and community that continue to drive the future of fastpitch softball forward.

The post Alliance Fastpitch 2024 Awards Social appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

The 2025 All-Star Watch List features standouts from each of the nine member leagues within the Alliance Fastpitch. Leading the charge is the Texas Fastpitch League (TFL) with over 120 athletes on the Watch List. The Pacific Coast Fastpitch League’s (PCFL) follows closely behind with over 85 seniors and the Heart of America Fastpitch League (HFL) with 65 athletes.

Athletes on the Watch List represent multiple DI college signees including representation from all Power 4 conferences. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) claims the lion’s share of committed athletes among the Power 4 conferences, with 14 Watch List athletes committed to play at a SEC school next Fall.

Watch List Selection Process

The rigorous All-Star athlete selection process begins with the unveiling of the 2025 All-Star Watch List. The creation of the Watch List is led by a national selection committed spearheaded by Derek Allister, co-founder of OnDeck Softball. Derek works with representatives from each Member League and works with other industry leaders to identify the top 2025 athletes. The Watch List is open to all high school seniors, irrespective of their team affiliation or membership within the Alliance.

All-Star Team Selections

Following the All-Star Watch List announcement, the national selection committee will narrow the list down and name League All-Star teams for each of the nine Member League. Athletes must be registered with the Alliance Fastpitch to be eligible for League All-Star teams. To register for the Alliance Fastpitch, click HERE. This list will be announced Spring 2025.

The pinnacle of the All-Star journey culminates with the announcement of the final Alliance All-Star Team. The top seniors in the Alliance Fastpitch will be named 2025 All-Stars and will be divided into two teams – Alliance American and Alliance National. The Alliance All-Star Teams will be officially revealed in June 2025.

The Alliance All-Star Game is our marquee event for high school seniors. The Game is strategically aligned with the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS). This convergence allows the top high school seniors from around the country to compete before a national audience onsite and on air. The two teams will compete in a 7-inning exhibition game the evening before AFCS competition begins.

To view the 2025 All-Star Watch List and for more information about the All-Star Game, click here.

Do you know a 2025 that deserves to be on this list? Email us with their name, team name, home state, position and college commitment, if committed.

The post The Alliance Fastpitch Unveils the 2025 All-Star Watch List appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

Alliance Fastpitch partners with RIP-IT Sports to launch a national Speed Combine and promote RIP-IT’s new female athlete focused footwear

Orlando, FL, November 14, 2024 — Alliance Fastpitch, a national organizing body for travel softball dedicated to supporting and advancing female athletes, is proud to announce its new partnership with RIP-IT Sports, a leader in innovative, high-performance footwear designed specifically for women.

As part of this partnership, RIP-IT has been granted the official presenting rights to a national speed circuit called the RIP-IT PRO Speed Combine during Alliance Fastpitch National Events including the running skills challenges at the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS). This partnership represents a significant step forward in providing athletes nationwide with footwear built to optimize their performance on the field.

Through this partnership, RIP-IT’s SwiftStep Ringor Pro will become the featured footwear around the speed combine activations. Crafted to meet the demands of elite athletes, the Ringor Pro is engineered to enhance speed, agility, and durability. RIP-IT’s commitment to creating footwear tailored to the unique needs of female athletes aligns perfectly with Alliance Fastpitch’s mission of empowering young women through the sport of softball.

To kick off this partnership, RIP-IT and Alliance Fastpitch are launching the RIP-IT PRO Speed Combine this Spring and Summer at key Alliance Fastpitch National events including the new Alliance Spring Bash in Chattanooga, AFCS and Regional Championships. The RIP-IT PRO Speed Combine will provide players a chance to showcase their athleticism through speed, agility, and power testing – the same core features of the SwiftStep Ringer Pro. Athletes will receive a PRO Score combining their 20-yard sprint, agility test, and vertical jump. This first-of-its-kind national event will spotlight the skills of female athletes while highlighting the performance advantages of RIP-IT’s cutting-edge footwear.

“We are excited to partner with RIP-IT Sports through this national skills challenge and provide Alliance members with a competitive and engaging national experience,” said Jami Lobpries, CEO of Alliance Fastpitch. “RIP-IT has been a leader in creating footwear designed specifically for the female athlete. Creating this national challenge will bring national attention to the athleticism of our youth athletes while also showing these girls there is footwear designed specific to her performance.”

“We’re excited to partner with Alliance Fastpitch to elevate the game for female athletes with our new SwiftStep Ringor Pro,” said Janelle Anderson, CEO of RIP-IT Sports. “Purposefully crafted for women, the Ringor Pro delivers unmatched speed and durability with its unique flex, superior grip and reinforced toe. It’s designed for those who demand both agility and strength and built to meet the needs of every player on the field. Together with Alliance Fastpitch, RIP-IT is empowering female athletes to push their limits, dominate the game, and reach their peak potential with the highest quality footwear.”

RIP-IT and Alliance Fastpitch are thrilled to continue advancing opportunities for female athletes by combining world-class footwear with experiences that inspire and empower.

For more information about RIP-IT’s partnership with Alliance Fastpitch or the RIP-IT Pro Combine, please visit RIP-IT’s website or contact RIP-IT Sports.

About Alliance Fastpitch

The Alliance Fastpitch is a national organizing body for travel softball. The Alliance Fastpitch offers annual memberships for teams, athletes, and coaches. Our national competition structure provides a clear pathway to your season starting with regional play that leads to a national event. Alliance Fastpitch is the source for competition, recognition, development and community in youth fastpitch.

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The world of fastpitch softball is brimming with young talent, and these athletes are making waves, leaving a trail of awe-inspiring performances across the nation. From the gritty infielders to powerful pitchers and heavy hitters, the future of softball looks brighter than ever. Let’s take a moment to shine a spotlight on these impressive athletes from all around our member leagues.

Lauren Howard (Team Pennsylvania Hall, NEFL – 16U)

Lauren Howard is a powerhouse on the diamond and in every sport she tackles. This 2026 athlete, playing for Team Pennsylvania Hall, has schools lining up to recruit her. Whether she’s in the infield making clutch defensive plays or grinding one of the other three sports she excels in, Lauren’s work ethic speaks for itself. Her agility and strength are a coach’s dream, and with a Division I commitment looming, Lauren’s future is as bright as her determination.

Kaylyn Arnold (EC Bullets 16U – Schnute/Bilz, SEFL – 16U)

Kaylyn Arnold has been crushing it this season, and her stats prove she’s one to watch. With a jaw-dropping .710 average and a staggering 2.602 OPS, she’s an offensive juggernaut for the EC Bullets. Her 7 home runs and 23 RBIs in 49 plate appearances have made her one of the most feared hitters in the league. When she steps up to the plate, there’s a good chance the ball’s headed over the fence. Kaylyn’s dominance isn’t just a flash in the pan—she’s only getting started.

Hailey Brereton (Windermere Wildfire Paulson, SEFL – 18U)

Hailey Brereton has been on a tear since dominating last year’s high school softball season, finishing 9th in the nation in strikeouts. Her electric performances carried over into the summer, where she led the Windermere Wildfire Paulson to multiple wins against top-ranked teams. Hailey’s leadership and relentless drive helped her team finish 2nd at the Alliance Nationals. A great teammate and a relentless competitor, Hailey’s passion for the game makes her one of the most exciting pitchers in the nation.

Sydney Miller (Empire State Huskies National Porcelli, NEFL – 16U)

Sydney Miller’s rise as a power pitcher is nothing short of spectacular. With her dominating presence on the mound, she’s become a highly sought-after 2026 RHP. Sydney’s impressive 4.3 GPA shows she’s just as dedicated in the classroom as she is on the field. Her drive for excellence in all areas of life sets her apart. College programs are taking notice, and Sydney’s future in both softball and academics is full of promise.

Marissa Rothenberger (Midwest Speed 15U National Wagner, HFL – 16U)

Marissa Rothenberger delivered a clutch performance at the AFCS Nationals, helping her team knock off the #1 seed in a stunning upset. Her poise and tenacity on the field propelled the Midwest Speed 15U to an elite Top 8 finish. Marissa’s ability to perform under pressure makes her one of the rising stars of the sport. Keep an eye on this standout—her journey is just getting started.

Sidney Forrester (Aces Fastpitch, HFL – 18U)

Sidney Forrester brought power and leadership to the Aces Fastpitch squad, leading them to an elite 8 finish at the AFCS. With multiple home runs in key games, Sidney proved she can come through in the clutch. Her big bat and steady presence in the lineup have made her a cornerstone of her team’s success, and her future is looking bright as she continues to excel.

Olivia Frellick (USA Prime 14U Frellick, HFL – 14U)

At just 14 years old, Olivia Frellick is already turning heads. Hitting a scorching .562 with an on-base percentage of .632, Olivia is a force at the plate. Her impressive numbers and ability to get on base consistently make her a key player for USA Prime. With numbers like these, Olivia is set to continue her rise as one of the top young hitters in the game.

Khloe Melgar (Power Surge Walling/Sterling 2030, PCFL – 12U)

Don’t let Khloe Melgar’s age fool you—this 12U standout is already showing signs of greatness. As part of the Power Surge Walling/Sterling squad, Khloe is learning the game at a high level and proving she’s ready for whatever challenge comes her way. With a bright future ahead of her, Khloe is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of in the coming years.

Bronwyn James (510 Pride Fastpitch James/Fujimoto, PCFL – 18U)

Bronwyn James has been a key player for 510 Pride Fastpitch, and her senior leadership has been instrumental in her team’s success. Competing at the 18U level, Bronwyn’s ability to perform at the highest levels is a testament to her skill and dedication. Whether on offense or defense, Bronwyn’s commitment to the game is undeniable.

Annie Newman (Louisville Lady Sluggers – Huecker/Norwood, SEFL – 16U)

For Annie Newman, dreams really do come true. After an incredible season with the Louisville Lady Sluggers, she caught the attention of countless college coaches. But Annie’s heart was always set on one place—University of Kentucky. Her commitment to UK is a testament to her talent and hard work, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue to shine in the blue and white. UK fans, get ready. Annie Newman is coming, and she’s ready to dominate.

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From coast to coast, these young athletes are defining the future of fastpitch softball. Their talent, work ethic, and passion for the game are paving the way for long and successful careers. Keep your eyes on these rising stars—you’re looking at the future of the sport!

The post Alliance League Player Spotlights – August 2024 appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

PCFL:

Chloe Tepraseuth

Kolopa Joey Pua

Sophia Jackel

HFL:

Natalie Donaldson

Marissa Rothenberger

SEFL:

Mylee Stagner

NEFL:

Delaney Kroll

 

NWFL:

Deschanel Donovan

Nevaeh Haagen

 

ACFL:

Mackenzie Melvin

Rylan Crisafulli

 

TFL:

Madi Doty

Halie Lavender

The post Member Leagues Announce July League Players of the Month appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

Alliance Fastpitch Announces 2025 Championship Series Dates and Locations

Westfield, Ind. – The Alliance Fastpitch has unveiled the dates and locations for its prestigious 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS), marking a historic moment as all age divisions will compete in the same location for the first time.

The 2025 AFCS will take place in Hamilton County and Kokomo, Indiana, utilizing world-class facilities including Grand Park in Westfield and Championship Park in Kokomo. The Alliance Fastpitch will work with event host Bullpen Tournaments to execute all age divisions.  The AFCS event schedule is as follows:

• 10U and 12U divisions: July 15 – July 21, 2025
• 16U and 18U divisions: July 20 – July 27, 2025
• 14U division: July 24 – July 31, 2025

“We are excited to bring all age divisions of the AFCS together in Indiana for 2025,” said Jami Lobpries, CEO of Alliance Fastpitch. “This decision was made in conjunction with our partners and was made in the best interest of the event and athlete experience. This consolidation will create an unprecedented showcase of youth softball talent for two weeks in Indiana and will provide an electric atmosphere for players, coaches, families, college coaches and umpires.” 

The AFCS, widely regarded as the premier national championship in youth softball, emulates the NCAA Softball postseason format in an effort to prepare athletes for the next level of competition. Each age division starts in a Regional Bracket Format that plays into Tiered Super Regionals and Elite Eight double elimination brackets. The Elite Eight is played just like the Women’s College World Series including a best-of-three National Championship Series.

Top teams from across the country will vie for national titles in each age division and each tier. Last year, the AFCS hosted over 300 teams across all age divisions. The combination of the 18U, 16U, and 14U age divisions will also bring over 250 college coaches to Indiana to watch prospective student-athletes compete at the AFCS. 

All opening day Players Experience activities and the Tier I National Championship Series will be played at Kokomo High School Softball Stadium, one of the premier amateur softball stadiums in the country. The 5th Annual Alliance All-Star Game presented by Evoshield will also be played at Kokomo High School on Sunday, July 20th as the 10u and 12u AFCS is wrapping up and before the 16u and 18u AFCS begins. 

“The facilities and the local support of Hamilton County Sports Authority, the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau, and Bullpen Tournaments helps us provide the best National Championship experience in youth softball,” added Lobpries. 

“Our team is thrilled to partner with the Alliance Fastpitch again to host the 2025 Championship Series in Hamilton County, Indiana,” said Carl Daniels, director of Hamilton County Sports Authority. “This year is especially significant as we’ll host five age divisions over the span of two and a half weeks, expanding the number of games played in our destination and marking a new chapter in our collaboration. With Grand Park’s state-of-the-art facilities and our strong local support, we’re ready to deliver an unforgettable, championship experience for the athletes, coaches and families who will join us for this event.”

“The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is proud to partner with Alliance Fastpitch and excited to welcome all age divisions to Indiana as host site for the 2025 AFCS,” said Sherry Matlock, manager of The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau.  “Hosting teams, families and fans for the opening day festivities, All-Star Game, and Tier I Championship Series in Kokomo will bring positive economic impact to our community as well as opportunities to watch outstanding student athletes compete.”

The AFCS continues to set the standard for youth softball championships, offering unparalleled competition and exposure to college coaches. Teams earn AFCS berths through qualifiers throughout the season. Berths are issued out by all Member Leagues through League Championship events and AFCS Qualifiers. 

For more information about the 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series including the history of results, rules and how to qualify for 2025, visit www.thealliancefastpitch.com.

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It’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to travel ball at the end of your senior season. Yanina Sherwood, a pitcher from the ai Bandits Breer and a University of Nevada- Las Vegas (UNLV) commit, would very much agree. Over many years of building memories and developing as a softball player, lots can be said about the impact travel ball has had on her life.

Some of Sherwood’s favorite travel ball experiences didn’t relate to the game itself. “The team experience aspect of all those other events, they’re my favorite memories,” she said. Some of these reminiscences included things like team dinners or going out for ice cream. One of her favorite memories on the field happened two years ago in the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS). In her last game with that team, the class of 2022, they played a thirteen-inning softball game. “I pitched nine or eight of those innings in the last part of it…we ended up losing but just finishing off that way with the team was one of my favorite experiences.” Sherwood also said the 2024 AFCS is one of her favorite memories. The ai Bandits Breer 18U team made it to the Elite Eight in the Tier Two bracket, with Sherwood pitching a majority of the innings. With how deep into the week they made it, it was an experience she wouldn’t forget.

For most of Sherwood’s travel ball career, she had been surrounded by the same people, including teammates, some of whom she’d played with for at least five years. She is grateful to have been “surrounded by all these people that have the same work ethic and the same goals” to push her to not just become a better pitcher, but a better athlete. By practicing other aspects of the sport, like fielding and hitting, Sherwood has become a softball player, not just a pitcher. “Just surrounding (herself) with people that enjoy softball and wanna be there” has allowed her to build relationships with different people who influenced who she has become.

Ryan Breer, one of Sherwood’s catchers, has played with her since the two were twelve and she sees Sherwood as a great teammate and a great friend. “She’s one of those people you know will do anything and everything possible to help out her team.” She said. Breer hasn’t gotten to catch Sherwood a ton until this year outside of bullpens at practice, but she is one of her favorite pitchers to catch. “(We have) easy conversations…when something is wrong.” Breer said. “I could tell her a pitch was doing something and we could always think of ways to fix it.”

Sherwood had also grown up with the same coaches. Ever since she was twelve years old, she played for the Breer brothers, Joe and Chris Breer. Something Sherwood valued in the time she’s played for them is the trust she developed with them. “A trust to know I can mess around with them and they know who I am and they know how I play.” She said. “It creates that kind of relationship where I can trust them and I know they trust me.” Because of this, Sherwood not only feels like she can be herself, but she finds softball easy to play.

Chris Breer, one of her coaches, has enjoyed watching her grow into the “young lady she is now.” Breer has found it fulfilling to watch Sherwood grow up in her pitching, especially on the mental side. “She’s always had confidence,” He said, “the mental and emotional stability (she’s developed) has allowed Nina to be successful against the best hitters in the country.” Seeing the next phase of her life slowly approach, pitching at UNLV, Breer feels that she will thrive because of her strength of consistency. “Consistent is what she does to be able to get hitters out.” He said. He also believes that because of her understanding of “the grind” that comes along with this game mentally, she will be successful. “Weightlifting, her mechanics, the classroom,” Breer believes Sherwood understands how this all walks hand-in-hand when playing this game.

The excitement for the next phase is normal, but so is the sadness for what is left behind. “I think what I’ll miss the most about travel ball is the competitiveness and the amount of games that you play every single day,” Sherwood said. Something in travel ball she loved was the tense loser-out situation where you have to fight with everything you have after playing six, maybe seven straight days. These games require loads of mental toughness, one of her favorite parts of travel ball. Sherwood also said she’ll miss playing with the people she’s grown up with. Some of these girls she’s played with for five years and now they’re heading off in their separate directions, something she finds to be the most devastating thing to acknowledge. “Everything is gonna be new, my life has been the same for six years if you think about it,” Sherwood said.

This new chapter terrifies Sherwood a bit. However, she knows it’s bound to happen and that she will make new relationships. Though everything she remembers from travel ball, she will miss dramatically, what Sherwood knows is that as she goes on her upcoming endeavors, travel ball and the purple and orange of the ai Bandits Breer will still boil within her.

The post From Diamond Dreams to College Reality: Yanina Sherwood’s Journey with the ai Bandits Breer appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

PCFL:

Sophia Tice

Lily Matthews

HFL:

Emily Lipe

Payton White

Daylyn Osborne

Harper Moore

SEFL:

Kennedy Ushery

NEFL:

Charlotte Yarnall

 

NWFL:

Jessika Jennings

Chloe Bailey

The post Member Leagues Announce June League Players of the Month appeared first on The Alliance Fastpitch.

PCFL:

Emma Thaxton

Grace Nichols

Charlotte Shelton 

Milani Cruz

HFL:

Haylee Wait

Emma Reed

Isabella Villarreal

RMFL:

Olivia Trombley

Kensley Story

Faith Carlson

TFL:

Kinley Brashier

Courtney Hargrove

Brooklyn Mangus

Gabby Bright

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