Is your Daughter a Good Teammate?

The score is tied and going into the second International Tiebreaker.  Your team has a runner at second and your best batter is up at the plate.  The count becomes full and just like a storybook ending; a powerful swing sends the ball deep into the gap scoring the winning run!

These plays are exciting and as long as I can remember, there is always that one player who seems to get all of the glory.  For whatever reason, there is “that player” who has the opportunity to deliver the big result when the game is on the line.

However, softball teams are made up of more than just the nine players who are in the field.  Softball teams are comprised of specialized baserunners, designated players, and backups.  Everyone on the team has a role and it is important for the success of the organization.

The key to a successful team is the acceptance of your role to help the team accomplish its goals.  Now, I want to make it very clear that if your daughter is not a starter on the team; she does not have to be satisfied with that particular role.  I encourage every player to have big dreams and strive to reach for those dreams as it will allow her to do great things.

Softball teams only have 9 spots on the field.  Therefore, if your daughter is not one of the starters can she still be a good teammate?

Anyone can throw on a jersey and call herself part of the team, but there is so much more to it than that. When you put on your jersey, you are not only becoming part of a team but part of a family. Whether you get along or not, all your problems should be pushed aside, for the sake of your team.

A good teammate understands that no matter what position you may play, whether you are the best player on the team or on the field, your nothing without your teammates. The key to a good teammate is being willing to give up anything for your team, sacrificing whatever it takes.

Teammates are supposed to be responsible for one another and look out for each other on and off the field.

The best teammates are ones who pull for each other, even while competing for a position; you should continue to root your teammate on because you are both vital to the team’s success.  You should always want the best outcome for your teammates.

There is no room for negativity on a team. A good teammate should never put another player down; they should always pick each other up, especially on their lowest days. Teammates stick together, even on their worst days. No matter what a player may go through, just think how much more difficult it would be if they were doing it alone.

Learn to Listen or be coachable.  This is a huge one because no matter who is on your team, you can always learn from them. Drop your ego, listen when a teammate talks to you, thank them for their advice and think about what they said. Maybe it wasn’t good, maybe it won’t help you, but you won’t know if you don’t listen to them or the coach.

Throw on your own. A team full of good players will beat a team of bad players. And with the amount a team practices, and because it’s usually always together, the best way to get better as an individual is to get out on your own and throw. Let’s say your team practices 2 times per week and 4 hours each practice. In those 8 hours, how much time will you get to spend working on your throwing? And I don’t mean the number of throws – I mean focused, deliberate practice throwing? I’d estimate maybe 60 minutes tops total. And that might be generous. In order to become better, you need to go out and throw on your own (or with a parent). You can go before or after practice. You can go on the off days. Whatever. Just make time to throw.

Be Supportive.  A team full of players who support each other will do better and have more fun than a team full of a bunch of individuals who aren’t a part of the same common goal. What I mean by supporting your teammates is that when they make a good play – tell them. Congratulate them. When they screw up, don’t get on their case. They know they made a mistake. They’re already beating themselves up about it. So don’t make it worse and call them out on it.

Be Accountable.  In order to be a part of your team, it’s good to know what your role on the team is and what the team can expect from you. Again, this doesn’t mean to not get better at another position that you desire.  However, it does mean to be the best you can possibly be at the position or role you are asked to play.

Set Goals.  Define some goals for yourself.  Basically this comes down to being realistic with yourself about how much time you can commit to the team, what you can expect to bring to the team based on your skill development and what you yourself expect to get out of the season.  Once you define your goals write down how you will accomplish those goals.  Are you going to spend the extra time in the batting cage, add an extra pitching lesson in each week or work on fielding drills you have researched on the internet?

Exhibit flexibility.  Roll with the punches when things change. The ability to take advantage of an opportunity, even if it means changing plans, is huge.

Work as a problem-solver.  Good teammates are problem-solvers, not problem-dwellers. They don’t look to blame others, but rather find a way to make things work.

Being committed to a team is the same as being committed to school or a job. Your bosses and teachers rely on you to be there, and they expect you to work hard to become your best. Becoming your best for the sake of the whole is a great teammate quality and also a valuable lifelong trait. This, along with the other teammate traits mentioned, builds our character and shapes us for a future of happiness and success.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball. 

The Texas Travelers are preparing each of their players to start as a Freshman for their Varsity High School Team.  They also are preparing the girls who want to play college ball to have numerous of opportunities.  The coaching staff is comprised of coaches who have won at the National Level in Select Softball and a coach who earned All-American status as a D1 College Player.  Their immediate goals for the team are to compete at the highest level in select softball and become the best 2004 team in the country and allow the team to build great memories while in their youth.  Being a fully funded team, the Texas Travelers require their parents and softball players to understand the team concept and fully support the coaches and Travelers organizations as well as enjoy the comradery of the weekend during the tournament play.

If you are interested in playing for the 04 Texas Travelers, you should have the following attributes and contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.:

• · Don’t be afraid of competition. Embrace the challenge. Yes, the Texas Travelers have great players at many positions. However, the Travelers give everyone an opportunity to win the right to play that position. When the girls take the field, they know they have earned the right to play their position because they are the right player that helps the team reach its goals.
• · Have a desire to play at a high level. The Texas Travelers compete in the most prestigious tournaments in the country, and some of those tournaments are around the Dallas and Fort Worth area. However, it’s not just about chasing trophies or rings. The Texas Travelers players’ goal is to be ready to start as a freshman on their high school varsity team and then ultimately be recruited to play softball in college.
• · Be coachable. The Texas Travelers coaching staff has a lot of experience, and connections to college experts in softball. The organization treats every girl like they are their own daughter and wants nothing but the best for them. This team is not looking for individuals, but they always have a spot for someone who wants to continue the pursuit of excellence.
• · Love to overcome obstacles. Many girls are pushed away from softball because of cost or their current organization doesn’t see their value. The 04 Texas Travelers are known for finding girls that love to prove they belong and can play at a high level. In addition, the 04 Texas Travelers players are all on scholarships as the team is fully funded.
• · Have parental support. The Travelers coaching staff makes the decisions on the field, but the organization is only as strong as its parents. Parents are required to understand the philosophy of the Texas Travelers organization, and positively reinforce the goals of the players and team. When playing for a select softball team, you will spend a lot of time with the families of the players. Therefore, it is important to make sure team chemistry on and off the field provides lasting positive memories for your daughter.

In short, the Texas Travelers require their players and parents to be the perfect teammates.  The 04 Texas Travelers will be preparing to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Softball Tryouts in North Texas

The 04 Texas Travelers are finalizing their roster for another successful season for the spring of 2016. Recently placing 3rd in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois; the Travelers are looking for strong softball families and great girls to help add to their strong roster. During this past Fall Season the Travelers placed in the Gold Bracket in each tournament as a first year 12U team.

The Texas Travelers are one of the strongest All-2004 team in the country boasting some of the most talked about players.

There are several things you will want to look at when it comes to finding the right select softball team for your daughter. There are many North Texas Select Softball teams, and finding the right team for your daughter can be instrumental in her development as she gets older.

• The Texas Travelers are preparing each of their players to start as a Freshman for their Varsity High School Team. They also are preparing the girls who want to play college ball to have numerous of opportunities.
• The coaching staff is comprised of coaches who have won at the National Level in Select Softball and a coach who earned All-American status as a D1 College Player. 
• The goals for the team are to compete at the highest level in select softball and become the best 2004 team in the country.
• The Texas Travelers parents support the coaches and Travelers organizations well as enjoy the comradery of the weekend fun.
• The Texas Travelers are a fully funded team which allows the players to use available funds for pitching, hitting and fielding lessons outside of the Travelers practice.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.  

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

Jordan Strickland is one of those rare individuals who is looking to give back to others.  In fact, the Baylor Bear softball legend is giving her time and softball knowledge to a group of young, up-and-coming softball players by helping the 04 Texas Travelers.  Strickland’s softball accomplishments at Baylor include the 2014 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team, 2014 Second Team All-Big 12, 2014 First Team Academic All-Big 12, 2013 First Team Academic All-Big 12, Seven-Time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll Selection, and Two-time Baylor Dean’s List Selection.  “I could not be more pleased to have Jordan join our coaching staff.  She is a remarkable young woman with a great career, and an excellent role model for all of our girls to imitate” states, Head Coach of the Texas Travelers, Kyle Bennett.  Jordan will be working with the infielders primarily, but more importantly sharing her experiences on and off the field with the impressionable young softball players.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.  Just Google “Top 04 Select Softball Team in the Country” and see how many times the Travelers are mentioned.

The 04 Texas Travelers were one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They are a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in 12U.  They have won the Summer Swinging 12U Championship as well as finished in the Gold Bracket in every Fall Tournament.  This includes a 2nd place finish in the ASA Fall Preview and a Gold Bracket Finish in the Ronald McDonald held in Houston, Texas.  The Travelers are quickly being talked about as one of the top 12U teams around.

Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

If you are interested in playing for the 04 Texas Travelers, you should have the following attributes and contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.:

• · Don’t be afraid of competition. Yes, the Texas Travelers have great players at several
  
  positions. However, the Travelers give everyone an opportunity to win the right to play that position. When the girls take the field, they know they have earned the right to play their position because they are the right player that helps the team reach its goals.
• · Have a desire to play at a high level. The Texas Travelers compete in the most prestigious tournaments in the country, and some of those tournaments are around the Dallas and Fort Worth area. However, it’s not just about chasing trophies or rings. The Texas Travelers players’ goal is to be ready to start as a freshman on their high school varsity team and then ultimately be recruited to play softball in college.
• · Be coachable. The Texas Travelers coaching staff has a lot of experience, and connections to college experts in softball. The organization treats every girl like they are their own daughter and wants nothing but the best for them. This team is not looking for individuals, but they always have a spot for someone who wants to continue the pursuit of excellence.
• · Love to overcome obstacles. Many girls are pushed away from softball because of cost or their current organization doesn’t see their value. The 04 Texas Travelers are known for finding girls that love to prove they belong and can play at a high level. In addition, the 04 Texas Travelers players are all on scholarships as the team is fully funded.
• · Have parental support. The Travelers coaching staff makes the decisions on the field, but the organization is only as strong as its parents. Parents are required to understand the philosophy of the Texas Travelers organization, and positively reinforce the goals of the players and team. When playing for a select softball team, you will spend a lot of time with the families of the players. Therefore, it is important to make sure team chemistry on and off the field provides lasting positive memories for your daughter.

The Texas Travelers will begin holding practice Sunday, December 6, 2015 at 2 PM.  All are welcome to come out.  The practice will be held at the Girls Mesquite Sports Complex located at 1919 McKenzie Road in Mesquite, Texas.  The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the Spring Season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Texas Travelers compete in Stage 2 of the ASA Fall Challenge Super Series

Dallas/Ft. Worth will be home to the most competitive girls’ Fastpitch tournament this weekend when top 12U select softball teams across the country gather together at Gateway Park in Ft. Worth, Texas.  This weekend the ASA/USA Fall Texas Challenge Series which is the second of three tournaments that award points based on performance to help select who will represent Texas in the 2016 ASA/USA National Championship which will be held in Salem, Virginia.

Currently the 04 Texas Travelers are 10 points away from first place, and have a record of 8-3 in ASA tournament play.  The girls finished 2nd in the ASA/USA Fall Preview and 9th in the first leg of the Challenge Series Gold Bracket.

The road to becoming a National Champion will be very difficult as there are a lot of good 04 teams as well as some great second year 12U teams that have the same aspirations.  Some of the top teams in the tournament will be last year’s 10U PGF Champions (Diamond Sports Hot Shots North) and runner-up (Diamond Sports Hot Shots South- formally Texas Chaos).  Katy Cruisers, Texas Bombers, Texas Peppers, Texas Stealth, Texas Aces and En Fuego will all be competing as first year 12U teams as well.  In addition to strong 04 teams, the 03’s will feature American Freedom, Firecrackers, Impact Gold and Texas Glory.

The Texas Travelers will be led by shortstop, Kaydee Bennett who has a .688 batting average and leads her team in every offensive category.  She will have help in the batting order with Riley Rumfield, Emily Jonte, Zariah London and Madison McClarity.  Pitching will also be important as Elizabeth Schaefer (Texas Travelers All-Time Strikeout Leader), McClarity, and Jonte take the mound and try to send the batters back to the dugout without allowing baserunners.


Pool Play will start for the Travelers at 8 AM as they face one of the best 03 select softball teams in North Texas, American Freedom-Shaw, followed by the Texas Glory 2K4 at 11 AM.  The afternoon game at 3:30 PM will have the GT Shockers and then the last game of the evening will have the Travelers playing at 6:30 PM against the 12U HITT out of San Antonio.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 12U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

Does your Daughter have the IT factor?

You are building a team, so what are you looking for?  Many will say size and speed and that is a great criteria to look at first.  You can’t coach size and speed right?  For the most part, if you are faster and stronger than the others you should go out and win.  However, you can make a list of the fastest and strongest players, but that doesn’t equate into winning now does it?  So the next thing you will hear coaches say is that they are looking for “heart”.  What is heart?  It’s those players that put team ahead of self and perform above expectations.

Those three qualities possessed by players would make any coach happy to have them apart of their team.  But what about the “It factor”?  Does your player have “It”?

“It” is when a player can will themselves and their team into delivering the knockout punch or the winning drive when no one else does.  They do this consistently and expect the ball in their hand when they must deliver “It”.

The first question should be asked is what is “It”?  You can’t precisely describe “It” you just know they have “It” when you see “It”!

Since we can’t describe “It”, let’s talk about who has had “It”.

Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player to ever walk planet earth.  He was 6’6” tall and was like most players who played in the NBA- quick and a good vertical.  But what made MJ the greatest.  He had “It”!  When the game was on the line, he wanted the ball and he knew he would score the game winning shot.  Not only did he know he would score the game winning shot, everyone in the gym knew this fact as well.

Babe Ruth was one of the earliest players to have the “It” factor.  Before homeruns became highlights on ESPN he simply hit the ball out of the park because he liked doing so.  He could do “It” on command.  Pitchers knew he would do it and the Babe even told them before they pitched he would do it.  That didn’t stop the Babe from setting every homerun record in his time and if he were using the technological advance equipment we have today; he would set records that would never be broken again.

Who can forget Michael Phelps?  Phelps came into the 2012 Olympics knowing he would achieve what no other swimmer has ever been able to accomplish.   "I've put my mind to doing something that nobody had ever done before," Phelps said.  He had “It” and now sits in the record books as the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 22 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (18, double the second highest record holders), Olympic gold medals in individual events (11), and Olympic medals in individual events for a male (13). In winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Phelps took the record for the most first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. Five of those victories were in individual events, tying the single Games record. In the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four golds and two silver medals, making him the most successful athlete of the Games for the third Olympics in a row.

Lauren Chamberlain, NCAA all-time homerun leader is the “Babe Ruth of Softball”, Cat Osterman is one of five pitchers to strike out 1,000 batters with 100 wins, an ERA of under 1.00, and averaging double digit strikeouts.  Obviously, what would a softball blog be if the most famous softball player of all-time wasn’t mentioned?  That’s right, Jennie Finch dominated the softball diamond with the Arizona Wildcats, the USA national softball team and the Chicago Bandits.  She showed she had “It” for years and continues to try to teach “It” at her camps.

Does your softball player have “It”?  Is she fast?  Does she have size?  How much heart does she display on the field when times are good and bad?  What is her demeanor in the dugout, before games and after?  Is she working out at home when no one is looking?  All of these traits make for a great softball player.  However, is she the player you want up to bat when there are two outs, the go ahead runner on second in the last inning of the game?  Is she the player you want on the mound when you are up by one, bases loaded, and need three outs to win the championship game?  If she has “It” your team has a better chance than not of finishing victorious.  If she has “It” she knows you will call on her to perform and she relishes the opportunity to show “It”.

The 04 Texas Travelers are playing in their first year of 12U softball after finishing 3rd in the most prestigious select softball tournament in the country; 2015 ASA/USA National 10U Championships.  In addition to facing top 04 select softball teams like last year’s PGF Champions Diamond Sports Hot Shots North and Hot Shots South (formally, Texas Chaos); the Travelers will be competing against older 03 teams like 03 Texas Glory, Impact Gold and Texas Peppers Gold.

To compete at the highest level against great select softball teams, the 04 Texas Travelers have to make sure they have girls with “It”.  In addition to the Texas Travelers all-star shortstop Kaydee Bennett (currently leads the Travelers with a .688 batting average, hits, and triples) and pitching ace Elizabeth Schaefer (averages almost 2 K’s per inning, and has a .885 Walks/Hits per inning pitched (WHIP) and has a 1.18 ERA) - both players are picking up right where they left off in 10U select softball- the Texas Travelers have added additional players with “It”.

In two tournaments (ASA Fall Preview & ASA Texas Challenge Series) Emily Jonte (2nd in Doubles, RBI’s, Triples, and Batting Average) and Karley Wolf (Texas Travelers leader in doubles) each boast a batting average over .350 hitting with power.  Riley Rumfield is a team leader in hits, runs scored and on-base percentage.  Madison McClarity gets it done with her bat (Travelers RBI leader) and on the mound (1.02 WHIP).  Each of these girls are showing they have “It”.

Returning Texas Travelers player, Zariah London (who last year was a base running specialist) has stepped up this season showing off her speed in the outfield, but even more importantly she is hitting .462 which allows the Travelers to add another dimension to their already potent lineup.

Each week, the Texas Travelers continue to challenge their players at the highest level.  Each week, players show signs of having “It”.  The more players who have “It”, the stronger the team becomes.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 12U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

ASA Fall Texas Challenge Series features Select Softball’s Best

The road to the ASA/USA National Championship starts this weekend in Houston, Texas.  This weekend the ASA/USA Fall Texas Challenge Series which is one of three tournaments that award points based on performance to help select who will represent Texas in the 2016 ASA/USA National Championship which will be held in Salem, Virginia.

Last year in 10U competition, the 04 Texas Travelers represented Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship in Normal, Illinois where they finished third in the country.  The Travelers girls learned a lot in the competition and the goal has been set to win the 12U National Championship as a first year 12U team.

The road to becoming a National Champion will be very difficult as there are a lot of good 04 teams as well as some great second year 12U teams that have the same aspirations.  Some of the top teams in the tournament will be last year’s 10U PGF Champions (Diamond Sports Hot Shots North) and runner-up (Diamond Sports Hot Shots South- formally Texas Chaos).  Katy Cruisers, Texas Bombers, Texas Peppers, Texas Stealth, Texas Aces and En Fuego will all be competing as first year 12U teams as well.  In addition to strong 04 teams, the 03’s will feature American Freedom, Firecrackers, Impact Gold and Texas Glory.

This past weekend, the Texas Travelers finished second in the ASA Dallas Fall Preview utilizing the tournament as a warmup to this weekend’s Texas Challenge Series.  The girls were led by strong hitting performances from Kaydee Bennett, Emily Jonte, Karley Wolf and Riley Rumfield as well as dominate pitching from Elizabeth Schaefer and Maddison McClarity.  If the Texas Travelers want to win the tournament, they will have to build upon the positives and make sure they limit the mistakes as the field in this elite tournament will be strong.

The Texas Travelers are scheduled to face the TX Strikers 03, Lady Stros 03, American Freedom 0304 and Texas Elite in Pool Play.  The Pool Play games will determine the see going into Sunday’s Bracket Play which will be single elimination Gold and Silver Bracket.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 12U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

ASA Fall Preview features Texas Travelers

Every September there is talk of cool weather in Texas being just around the corner.  Football season is underway.  Doves are being taken down by the dozen.  However, every softball fan knows that the most prestigious road to crowning the National Champion for Girls Fastpitch will begin with the Dallas ASA Fall Preview.

Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13th, Veterans Park in White Settlement, Texas will host softball teams such as the Texas Travelers, American Freedom 03, D1 03, Impact Gold 03, Texas Fusion 03, Firecrackers, Waco Heat, Batbusters, Texas Elite, Dallas Tigers and Texas Glory.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be playing the 2015-2016 softball season as a first year 12U softball team after finishing 3rd in the prominent 2015 ASA/USA 10U National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  The team has made off-season additions which will surely turn the 03’s heads as they compete on the field.  Their roster includes two of the top 4 pitchers in the country (Elizabeth Schaefer and Karley Wolf).  In the offseason, the fastpitch organization has added the Arkansas Elite legend, Maddison McClarity, Emily Jonte (Texas Glory’s Ace Pitcher),  USA Select Elite All-American Midwest Region Top Performer Riley Rumfield, and a physical hard playing catcher, Kailee Bautista to go with All-Star shortstop Kaydee Bennett who led the team in every offensive category for the Travelers.

In addition to the high profile players on the 04 Texas Travelers squad welcome back girls who became the backbone of the Texas Travelers success such as starting catcher Emily “Moose” Forrester; shutdown first baseman Cadence Hopgood; speedster Zariah London; complete utility player Kelsie Adams; highest softball IQ Jessa McDonald; infield vacuum Bailey Ford and elite pinch hitter Payton Smythe who actually has eligibility to play for the 05 team.

The 04 Texas Travelers are scheduled to play Saturday against Texas Fusion 03 at 9:30 AM followed by American Freedom 03 at 12:30 PM.  The evening games will feature the Travelers versus Texas Fusion- Nicholson at 5 PM and then Texas Black Cats at 6:30 PM.  All games will be 1 hour and 20 minutes or 7 innings.  Bracket play will begin Sunday seeded by Pool Play and Single Elimination with the championship game scheduled for 1 PM.

Last year, the 04 Texas Travelers competed in several 12U tournaments winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship playing the 03 Texas Glory in the finals.  Recently, the squad looked really strong in their scrimmages against the Texas Travelers 03 team and D1-03 softball organization.  The softball team continues to set their goals high as they compete across the country playing some of the most elite softball teams.  They are utilizing the ASA Fall Preview to get ready for the 2015 ASA/USA Texas Championship Series where the points winner will receive a berth to the 2016 ASA/USA National Championships held in Salem, Virginia.

For more information on the Texas Travelers, players, coaches, or schedules visit the Texas Travelers News Network or follow the team on Facebook.

Texas Travelers play softball in the Battle of the Ages

The Texas Travelers organization, founded by John Wardlow in 1995, has a great reputation and is known for developing great softball talent.  The Travelers organization has helped place over 175 girls in softball at the collegiate ranks, and will be enjoying celebrating their 20th Anniversary Season of Softball!

Last year the 2001 Texas Travelers squad was recognized as one of the top 20 softball teams in the country.  The 04 Texas Travelers will be looking to add to their success after finishing 3rd in the most prestigious tournament in the United States; the 81 year old 2015 ASA/USA National Championship which was held in Normal, Illinois.  With the success of the 2001 and 2004 Texas Travelers teams, the organization has added a 05 and 03 team.  (Years denote the year the softball player was born.)

In August 2015, the Texas Travelers organization welcomed the Texas Travelers 03 team. This group will be led by Head Coach Lee Kuyrkendall of Rockwall, Texas.  He is excited to carry on the rich history of the Texas Travelers and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

Currently, Kuyrkendall is an Associate Scout for the Texas Rangers, charged with the scouting of amateur players at the college and high school level. Since 1991, he has been an assistant or head baseball coach for Delta State University, Mississippi College, North Florida Community College, and Southwest Community College.  At the four-year level, he helped lead Mississippi College to three league titles in his seven seasons as head coach, and was the NCAA Regional Tournament host in 2003.  His players personally achieved individual recognition as the 2006 NCAA leader in home runs, 2004 NCAA leader in saves, 2002 NCAA leader in strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, American Southwest Conference records for most home runs in a single season – 2006, most home runs in a single game – 2000, 2002, 2006, Conference leader in every offensive category – 2006, and most saves in a single season – 2004. His recruiting efforts resulted in league Player of the Year awards – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and the Freshman of the Year – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.  At the community college level, he saw 68 of his former players sign with four-year institutions. In 17 total seasons as a head coach he had 23 players drafted or signed with professional organizations. The most recent was Kade Scivicque of LSU, who was drafted this year in the fourth round by the Detroit Tigers. Scivicque finished his senior season as the All SEC catcher and was the only Tiger player named to this year’s All College World Series team in Omaha. He was also a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate catcher.  Coach Kuyrkendall looks forward to bringing the same success to the 03 Texas Travelers.

On Tuesday, September 8, 2015 the 03 and 04 teams will scrimmage each other in Rockwall at Yellow Jacket Park starting at 6 PM.  Both teams will be competing at the 12U level although in different sanctioning bodies.  This scrimmage will help both teams gear up for the Fall season preparing for the strenuous Spring Softball Season.

The 04 Texas Travelers have become one of the most talked about select softball teams in the country.  Their roster includes two of the top 4 pitchers in the country (Elizabeth Schaefer and Karley Wolf).  In the offseason, the fastpitch organization has added the Arkansas Elite legend, Maddison McClarity, Emily Jonte (Texas Glory’s Ace Pitcher),  USA Select Elite All-American Midwest Region Top Performer Riley Rumfield, and a physical hard playing catcher, Kailee Bautista to go with All-Star shortstop Kaydee Bennett who led the team in every offensive category for the Travelers.

In addition to the high profile players on the 04 Texas Travelers squad welcome back girls who became the backbone of the Texas Travelers success such as starting catcher Emily “Moose” Forrester; shutdown first baseman Cadence Hopgood; speedster Zariah London; complete utility player Kelsie Adams; highest softball IQ Jessa McDonald; infield vacuum Bailey Ford and elite pinch hitter Payton Smythe who actually has eligibility to play for the 05 team.

The 04 Texas Traveler coaching staff includes Baylor Bear softball legend.  Strickland’s softball accomplishments through her junior year at Baylor include the 2014 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team, 2014 Second Team All-Big 12, 2014 First Team Academic All-Big 12, 2013 First Team Academic All-Big 12, Seven-Time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll Selection, and Two-time Baylor Dean’s List Selection.  As a junior, the 5’8” shortstop played in all 65 games and started 64 of them.  Her batting average was .291 and led the team in home runs with 14 while tying for the team lead with Linsey Hays at 49 RBI’s.  Her 14 home runs her junior season were tied for the fifth-best single-season total in school history.  In addition to having power at the plate, she only struck out 17 times which was the fewest among the Bears who had at least 161 at bats.  Jordan scored 30 runs, hit 10 doubles and stole three bases.  She posted a fielding percentage of .921 and was second on the team with 73 assist being named Big 12 Player of the Week twice.  The Baylor Bear inspirational team leader tied a Women’s College World Series record by hitting two home runs in a win over Florida State and finished the postseason with nine RBI’s, three home runs and hitting .413.  She is Baylor’s all-time leader in postseason hits and batting average.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be a team to be reckoned with for years to come when it comes to playing on the softball diamond.  The girls are great as a 04 team, but 03 teams better not be too relaxed when they play these young ladies as the first year 12U team is looking to compete at the highest level of 12U softball.  Last year as a 10U squad, the 04 Texas Travelers played in several 12U tournaments becoming the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Champions.  The girls recently scrimmaged the D1 2003 softball team earning high praises from their organization as the age and size difference was a non-factor.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will be beneficial when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Playing Softball like it is 1995

In the year 1995, OJ Simpson was found innocent, Major League Baseball ended a 232-day strike, and the Dow Jones finished above 5000.  Windows 95 and the DVD (an optical disc storage media device was announced.  Bill Clinton was president of the United States, Nelson Mandela was South Africa’s president, Boris Yeltsin was General Secretary of the CPSU and John Major was the Prime Minister of Great Britain.  You could hear Garth Brooks, Smashing Pumpkins, Van Halen, Whitney Houston, Madonna and Janet Jackson playing on the radio.  Toy Story was the first ever wholly computer generated film, and movies such as Apollo 13, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Golden Eye, Die Hard With a Vengeance, Batman Forever and Braveheart were shown on the big screen.

The year 1995 was also significant for the 04 Texas Travelers.  Although, it would be 9 years before these elite softball players were born, a man by the name of John Wardlow would start the Texas Travelers organization paving the way for many girls to develop into strong confident young women, play on their varsity high school softball teams and ultimately provide over 175 girls the chance to play college softball.

The Texas Travelers softball organization is rich with history.  Coach Wardlow has a great reputation and is known for developing great softball talent.  Today, select softball has become a multimillion dollar business.  It seems everywhere you look; a big organization has swallowed up a small team up and then break the team apart to feed a Gold Team.  This wouldn’t be a bad thing, except the fees that come with being part of a big organization start to limit the opportunity for many girls who want to play for the love of the game.  Coach Wardlow was not interested in making the Texas Travelers an organization that he would profit from.  As a matter of fact, he allows the Texas Travelers softball teams the use of his hitting facility at no charge to the girls or the team.

Coach Kyle Bennett is the Head Coach for the 04 Texas Travelers team.  He has led his squad to finishing 3rd in the most prestigious tournament; the 81 year-old competition, 2015 ASA/USA National Championships.  “It is an honor to be part of the Texas Travelers organization.  Coach Wardlow has set the stage for these girls and I am excited to keep the tradition going” states Coach Bennett.

Bennett should be excited.  He has one of the top 04 Select Softball Teams in the United States.  Building on one of the top four pitchers in the country who has struck out over 1000 batters, Elizabeth Schaefer, hitting and All-Star shortstop prodigy Kaydee Bennett; the Travelers have added a plethora of talent.  Girls such as Karley Wolf (another top four pitcher in the country), Riley Rumfield (USA Select Elite All-American Midwest Region Top Performer), Emily Jonte (top pitcher out of the Texas Glory organization), Madison McClarity (Arkansas Elite legendary pitcher and hitter), and a physical hard playing catcher, Kailee Bautista.  In addition to the high profile players on the 04 Texas Travelers squad welcome back girls who became the backbone of the Texas Travelers success such as starting catcher Emily “Moose” Forrester; shutdown first baseman Cadence Hopgood; speedster Zariah London; complete utility player Kelsie Adams; highest softball IQ Jessa McDonald; infield vacuum Bailey Ford and elite pinch hitter Payton Smythe who actually has eligibility to play for the 05 team.  These girls will be playing their first year of 12U (although they have already won 12U tournaments while still in 10U softball).

The 04 Texas Travelers are a fully-funded team and are proud to have Baylor Bears All-American shortstop, Jordan Strickland on their coaching staff as well.

This softball team is looking forward to keeping the tradition alive for another 20 plus years doing things the right way and continuing to develop these ladies to whatever the future holds.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Texas Travelers add player full of Desire to be the Best

“Dad, is it really true or am I just dreaming” states the newest Texas Travelers player, Kailee Bautista on her earning a spot playing for the Texas Travelers.

At a young age, Kailee understands that select softball is a privilege and not a right.  She has been working for the past two years to earn a spot on the 04 Select Softball Team and is willing to do whatever it takes to earn playing time on the field.

Kailee was born in Chicago and played primarily catcher since she started playing softball at the age of 8 years old.  Her last two teams she played for were the Wild Sox and Texas Glory.  “Kailee impressed the coaching staff with her willingness to listen and do whatever we asked her to do.  She is fearless sacrificing her body just to make a play” states Head Coach Kyle Bennett of the Texas Travelers.  “We love that about her.”

Kailee may not have a ton of experience in select ball, but she has all of the intangibles coaches love to see when it comes to players.  This will serve her well, not only in softball but also in life.  “She is the middle child, so she knows how to make sure she gets what she wants” adds her father.  Bautista will be working at catcher for the Travelers, and looking to help the lineup with her big bat.

She will be 6Th grade at Terry middle school and she is in Quest Gifted and Talented Program.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up having taken girls out of recreational softball to be able to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

The 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They will be a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in several 12U tournaments recently winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship.  Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the fall season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Texas Travelers welcome Head Coach Lee Kuyrkendall for the 03 Travelers

The world of select softball is very small and well connected.  The Texas Travelers organization, founded by John Wardlow in 1995, has a great reputation and is known for developing great softball talent.  The Travelers organization has helped place over 175 girls in softball at the collegiate ranks.

Today, select softball has become a multimillion dollar business.  It seems everywhere you look a big organization will swallow up a small team and then break the team apart to feed a Gold Team.  This wouldn’t be a bad thing, except the fees that come with being part of a big organization start to limit the opportunity for many girls who want to play for the love of the game.  Coach Wardlow was not interested in making the Texas Travelers an organization that he would profit from.  As a matter of fact, he still allows the Texas Travelers softball teams the use of his hitting facility at no charge to the girls or the teams.

Enter Coach Kyle Bennett.  Bennett was a coach of one of the teams that were part of a large softball organization.  However, he saw an opportunity that made better sense for his daughter to play select softball at a higher level without all of the fees that are associated with the larger softball organizations.  He met with Wardlow and the two agreed on this same philosophy.  This has proved to be a great relationship as Coach Bennett’s 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top teams in the country, as well as being selected to represent the state of Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.

As of August 2015, the Texas Travelers organization will welcome the Texas Travelers 03 team. This group will be led by Head Coach Lee Kuyrkendall of Rockwall, Texas.  Coach Kuyrkendall’s story is very similar to Wardlow and Bennett.  He is excited to carry on the rich history of the Texas Travelers and brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.

Currently, Kuyrkendall is an Associate Scout for the Texas Rangers, charged with the scouting of amateur players at the college and high school level. Since 1991, he has been an assistant or head baseball coach for Delta State University, Mississippi College, North Florida Community College, and Southwest Community College.  At the four-year level, he helped lead Mississippi College to three league titles in his seven seasons as head coach, and was the NCAA Regional Tournament host in 2003.  His players personally achieved individual recognition as the 2006 NCAA leader in home runs, 2004 NCAA leader in saves, 2002 NCAA leader in strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, American Southwest Conference records for most home runs in a single season – 2006, most home runs in a single game – 2000, 2002, 2006, Conference leader in every offensive category – 2006, and most saves in a single season – 2004. His recruiting efforts resulted in league Player of the Year awards – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, and the Freshman of the Year – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.  At the community college level, he saw 68 of his former players sign with four-year institutions. In 17 total seasons as a head coach he had 23 players drafted or signed with professional organizations. The most recent was Kade Scivicque of LSU, who was drafted this year in the fourth round by the Detroit Tigers. Scivicque finished his senior season as the All SEC catcher and was the only Tiger player named to this year’s All College World Series team in Omaha. He was also a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate catcher.

However, Coach Kuyrkendall was most proud of his teams achieving 90% graduation rates or higher and a 3.00 GPA or better.

Kuyrkendall’s personal honors include being Chairman of the MACJC Community College Coaches (2011 – 2014), NCAA West Regional Selection Committee (2006), American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year (2002 and 2003), American Baseball Coaches Association Recognition for milestone achievements of 100, 200, 300 and 400 wins, Head Coach – North Team, Central Florida Coaches Association All-Star Game (1997), North Florida Community College Professional Achievement Award (1996), and the USA Baseball Clinic Assistant – Olympic Team Summer Tour (1995 and 1996).

Now some could say that Lee Kuyrkendall only knows baseball.  However, that is far from the end of the story.  In addition to playing baseball at the collegiate level, he also played men’s fastpitch softball for several years during a time when it was a very strong sport around the country. He was fortunate to play with and against some great players such as Glenn Moore, current Head Coach of the Baylor University softball team.

“After 24 years of coaching baseball, plus my experience playing men’s fastpitch and helping my own daughter get started in the sport, I can tell you that I am right at home coaching the Texas Travelers and loving every minute of it. Fastpitch softball has grown tremendously and the outstanding Texas Travelers organization embodies everything youth sports should be.  I look forward to giving back to the girls and the softball community.  Our organization will work with the parents to develop strong, confident young women, and together we will help prepare them to play high school softball, as well as have an opportunity to play at the collegiate level” shares Coach Kuyrkendall.  “We are excited to have Lee and his family as part of the Texas Travelers organization.  In addition to his coaching experience and history of success in helping young people grow and mature, he will have valuable relationships that will be beneficial for the future of Texas Travelers players.  I can’t think of a better, more qualified individual to coach the 03 team. The girls and their families will love this guy and how he will coach them” adds Coach Kyle Bennett of the 04 Texas Travelers.

This is the second high profile coaching addition the Texas Travelers organization has added. In May, the 04 Texas Travelers added Baylor Bears legendary shortstop Jordan Strickland to their coaching staff, where she recently helped coach the girls to the 2015 Fastpitch & Firecrackers Championship, as well as a third place finish in the ASA/USA Class A National Championship Tournament.

The Texas Travelers are not interested in making money on players and their family.  They are excited about developing the girls, preparing them to play as a freshman on their high school varsity team and then having the ability to play at the collegiate level upon graduating from high school.  With their rich history and strong connections to college coaches across the country, the girls just have to work hard, show heart, keep their academics strong and continue to be coached by the best.

Texas Travelers add Big Bat and Defense to Softball Team

Recently, the Texas Travelers finished 3rd in one of the most prestigious select softball tournaments in the country; the 2015 ASA/USA National Championships.  The softball team fought and clawed their way into becoming one of the top select softball teams in the country, but fell short of their goal to win the 81 year-old tournament.

The Texas Travelers, although strong, look to improve and continue to pursue competing against the most elite teams in the country.  Recently, the Travelers added one of North Texas strongest bats and great defensive players.  Rylie Rumfield joined the Texas Travelers and will see time at 3rd base, shortstop, 2nd base as well as the outfield.  She can also pitch if asked to do so.  In short, Riley is a complete ballplayer and will help shore up the Travelers potent lineup.

“When Rylie asked to play for the Travelers, she said she wanted to play wherever the team needs her.  This is a trait that is lost on many of today’s youth.  She has already proven she could play at certain positions on winning teams, but she is unassuming and wants to help the Travelers win at the highest level” states Head Coach of the Texas Traveler, Kyle Bennett.

Rylie Rumfield is a proven winner helping her former teams with the 03 Texas Elite and 04 Texas Shock.  She has been playing softball since the age of 3 and has become one of the top hitters in the country at the 10U level.  She has helped her teams win the 8U VTD World Series where she was the Defensive MVP, 9U USSSA World Series earning Most Valuable Player, and recently helped her team earn a 3rd Place finish in the PGF National Championships.  She was chosen as 10U USA Select Elite All-American Midwest Region Top Performer as well as the Elite All-American Midwest Region Team.

Rylie will eventually be playing for Joshua High School helping them earn a State Championship when the time comes.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up having taken girls out of recreational softball to be able to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

The 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They will be a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in several 12U tournaments recently winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship.  Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the fall season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Power and Pursuit of Excellence added to the Texas Travelers

When softball coaches make a lineup trying to field the best team they look at pitching, hitting and fielding.  All spots are important to give the team the best opportunity to win.  When a softball team is organized, a good softball coach will look at the girls makeup and disposition, how she interacts with other girls and how her family gels with the softball family.

Madison McClarity is the ultimate package.  The last 5 years, Madison (D as she is known to her fans and teammates) has been one of the most talked about players in the South as she played for the Arkansas Elite.  Madison has helped the Arkansas Elite become the 2013 IFA-VTD 8U World Series Champion and the 2015 USFA 10U World Series Champion.

In addition to pitching no-hitters and striking out batters with her arsenal of pitches she carries one of the biggest sticks in select softball.  Madison makes opposing pitchers tremble with her size, speed and powerful bat.  She plays multiple positions on the field including pitcher, first base, third base and outfield and can run like a deer.

However, what makes Madison McClarity the right fit for the Texas Travelers is she is the product of a great family.  Like many 11 year-olds, Madison is a sweet girl, but her family is truly genuine and loyal.  It was a tough decision to leave the Arkansas Elite, but moving to Texas from Arkansas made more sense for her to commit fulltime to the Texas Travelers.  “I want my daughter playing for a team that is competitive, but has a family atmosphere.  I expect the Texas Travelers to stay together and pursue the highest goals as a family” states Rico McClarity, Madison’s father.

“We love having Madison on the team.  She is a great athlete and one many people will talk about in the future as she has all the ability in the world.  However, what makes her special is she is a team first player and her parents are some of the most genuine people you will meet” adds, Head Coach of the Texas Travelers, Kyle Bennett.

Last year when Madison played for the Texas Travelers part-time she had a .400 batting average and was one of the team leaders in Homeruns, doubles and triples.  She won three games pitching for the Travelers boasting a 67% strike percentage with a WHIP (Total Walks & Hits per innings Pitched) of .93 holding opponents’ batting average to a low .136.  In addition, her ERA was .93.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up having taken girls out of recreational softball to be able to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

The 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They will be a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in several 12U tournaments recently winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship.  Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the fall season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Texas Travelers add Proven Winner to Softball Team

The Texas Travelers are always looking for top softball players in the country to add to their already talented softball club.  When the opportunity opened up for the softball team to add one of the top pitchers in the country; it became a no-brainer as all of the coaches were unanimously in favor of the acquisition.

Enter Karley Wolf.

Karley has been playing softball for the last 5 years with four of them being in select softball.  She started playing in the Fall of 2011 with the 03 Texas Glory where she played for two years under Kyle Bennett who is now the head coach for the 04 Texas Travelers.  “I have always enjoyed coaching Karley as she is one of the hardest working girls you will find.  It is a pleasure to have her back and will be a huge addition to our pitching staff and lineup.  Not only is she a great ballplayer, but she is a wonderful young lady with outstanding parents.  She will fit in perfectly with the Texas Travelers.” Adds Bennett.

She joined Texas Shock 04 in the Fall of 2013 where she has played the last 2 years.  Playing for these 2 great teams has led her to several tournament championships.  She has also received several individual awards over the past several years such as 2012 VTD World Series- All-tournament team, 2014 10U Premier Texas State Championship- All-tournament team, 2014 USSSA World Series- pitching velocity award, 2014 USSSA World Series- Most Valuable Player, 2014 Fall Play Hard- Play Sunday- Most Valuable Player and 2015 VTD World Series- Most Valuable Player.

Karley is a proven winner being part of 2 National Championship teams, 2 runner-up National Championship teams and recently helped her team finish 3rd at PGF Nationals.  There is no doubt she will continue to help Whitesboro High School win a state championship and eventually move into the role as a D1 pitcher.  However, first she will concentrate her talents on helping the Texas Travelers 12U softball team add National Championships to their trophy case.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up having taken girls out of recreational softball to be able to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

The 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They will be a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in several 12U tournaments recently winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship.  Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the fall season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Texas Travelers welcome back top pitcher

Recently, the 04 Texas Travelers held an open tryout to all 2004 select softball players.  The tryout took place at Sunnyvale High School and featured about 20 great players as well as the current Texas Travelers who took 3rd in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championships in Normal, Illinois.

The top select softball team was looking to add additional bats and competitive talent to their already strong team as they continue to play in the most prestigious tournaments in the country.  Saturday morning tryouts yielded some great players to go with the all-star softball players already with the club.  One of those additions is pitcher/outfielder, Emily Jonte.  Before playing with the 04 Texas Glory last year, Emily was an essential player for the 04 Texas Travelers as she brings a big bat, strong arm, and softball savvy coaches love to have.

“When Emily was not with us last year, the Texas Travelers felt the difference she could have made in our pitching rotation as well as our lineup.  It is exciting to add this type of caliber of player to our team, and will give us additional weapons in the field as well as batting.  She is also a great kid to be around and will be a plus in the dugout” states, Kyle Bennett, Head Coach for the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers are a very competitive select softball team and part of a rich tradition of success.  Each team at each age group is hand selected.  The organization as a whole is small in nature, but has the success and great reputation as the larger organization giving its girls the highest advantage when it comes to their future having sent over 175 girls to play college softball.

The 04 Texas Travelers were chosen by ASA, which is the governing body of softball to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship held in Normal, Illinois.  However, the winning record of the 04 Texas Travelers is not what defines the team.  This team was built from the ground up having taken girls out of recreational softball to be able to compete and win at the highest level.

The coaches, led by Coach Kyle Bennett prepare the girls to be strong independent young women.  They are getting their players ready to be able to start as a freshman on their high school varsity teams, and with the organizations connection and strong alumni support; the Texas Travelers girls will be able to attract the attention of some of the top softball programs in the country.  As a matter of fact, Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bears history making shortstop, is on the coaching staff of the 04 Texas Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers is also a fully funded team.  This is a plus in today’s select softball world where playing for teams require you to pay for their uniforms, coaches, team lessons on top of the travel expense to play at a high level.  The softball players that play for the Texas Travelers save thousands of dollars for their parents because of the support they receive from the continued donations.

In addition to being a fully funded team, the 04 Texas Travelers have a marketing program second to none.  DeliveryMaxx has donated its patent-pending services to help market the 04 Texas Travelers as well as each of their players which will help when the girls become old enough to start the recruiting process.

The 04 Texas Travelers are one of the top 10U teams in the country.  They will be a first year 12U team, but they have already found success playing in several 12U tournaments recently winning the 2015 Summer Swinging 12U Championship.  Even though they have some of the top rated players at their position, the players are always looking to add to the roster giving them a heighten level of competition even in their own club.  The players and coaches both agree that their performance at practice, off the field, and tournament play determines their time of play in competition.  The coaches look at each player as an individual and identifies how the player can best help the team reach its goals.

The 04 Texas Travelers will be completing their roster for the fall season as they prepare to become 2016 National Champions.  For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.