Triple Crown in Oklahoma City features Texas Travelers

From May 29th to June 1st softball in Oklahoma and the world for that matter doesn’t get any better.  The College World Series is taking place during that time, but the Triple Crown OKC will also feature some of the top teams around the United States as well.

In addition to the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship Texas representative, Texas Travelers; Texas Heat 04 (Kingwood, Texas), Corinth Lady Tigers (Corinth, Mississippi), Twister’s Gold (Lee’s Summit, Missouri), Waco Heat (Waco, Texas), Texas Bombers (San Antonio, Texas), Texas Elite (McKinney, Texas), Heartland Havoc 04 (Milan, Illinois), Texas Stealth 04 (Pasadena, Texas), Oklahoma Steele (Stillwater, Oklahoma), Impact Gold (Brownfield, Texas), OC Batbusters (La Habra, California), Fury 04 (Ringgold, Georgia), Diamond Sports Hotshots Gold (Montgomery, Texas) and Texas Chaos (Texas City, Texas) will be competing in this prestigious tournament.  Most of these teams are preparing for their World Series or National Tournaments for the end of their year as the Texas Travelers are utilizing the tournament as they get ready to compete in the National Championships in Normal, Illinois.

The Texas Travelers will have their newest team member with them in Oklahoma City.  Coach Jordan Strickland, Baylor Bear softball legend and 2014 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team selection will be making her coaching debut this weekend.  “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.

The Texas Travelers will face the Heartland Havoc Saturday at 11:30 am and then the Texas Stealth at 1:15 pm both at Reeves Park in Norman, Oklahoma.  On Sunday they will face Oklahoma Steele at 8 am and then Impact Gold at 11:30 am.  Depending how the Travelers compete those two days will determine who and when they will play on Monday in single elimination bracket play.  Bracket play starts at 8 am with the championship game scheduled for 4:45 pm deciding who will be the Triple Crown OKC Champions.

The competition will be fierce, but the Texas Travelers support will be strong.  Good luck to all of the girls competing.

For more information on the Texas Travelers, players, coaches, or schedules visit the Texas Travelers News Network or follow the team on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers take pride in competing at the highest level possible for select softball.  They have earned the right to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championships in Normal, Illinois.

About ASA:

The Amateur Softball Association (ASA), a volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization based in Oklahoma City, OK, was founded in 1933 and has evolved into the strongest softball organization in the country. The growth and development of the association led the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) to name the ASA the National Governing Body of Softball, pursuant to the Amateur Sports Act of 1978.

The ASA has many important responsibilities as the national governing body of softball in the United States, including regulating competition to insure fairness and equal opportunity to the millions of player who annually play the sport.  When the ASA entered the softball picture in 1933, the sport was in a state of confusion with no unified set of playing rules and no national governing body to provide guidance and stability. The ASA changed all that by adopting softball's first universally accepted rules of play and by organizing consistent and fair competition across the nation.

From this beginning, the ASA has become one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing sports organizations and now sanctions competition in every state through a network of 74 local associations. The ASA has grown from a few hundred teams in the early days to over 200,000 teams today, representing a membership of more than four million.

Kylie Morton Throwback Thursday Softball Spotlight

Kylie Morton was destined to play softball from her first game playing 8U in softball.  She played on the Diamond Divas at catcher and second base.  She is one of the most passionate players you will find on the softball team, and she has been that way from the beginning.

In 2012, she joined the Ennis Sonic as a shortstop.  In her second year, her team qualified for state and finished 4th out of 16 teams after taking 1st in the city league as well as District.

In the fall of 2013 (in the Waxahachie League), Kylie played for the Ennis Pride.  She was a pitcher and played second base.  The team ended the fall season in second place only losing one game.

Today, Kylie can be seen playing pitcher, and outfield for the Texas Travelers Select Softball Team.  Whether it is practice, games, drills or anything else; Kylie is always the hardest working girl on the field.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. Our dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment will prevail in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, everyone should realize that, fast-pitch softball is only a game and is the forum we use to help our athletes mature into responsible adults.

The 04 Texas Travelers play ASA Softball, and plan to compete in ASA Nationals for 2015. The strong North Texas Softball Club has won at IFA-VTD, USSSA, and ASA levels and continues its push to become the 2015 ASA National Champion held in Normal, Illinois. In addition to playing in the ASA National Tourney; the Texas Travelers will also play in each of the national Qualifier Texas Challenge Series, and the Hall of Fame Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team is a fully funded endorsed softball team that intends on continuing its great success in the softball world.

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 10 U 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.

Softball is all in the Mind

Whether you are playing softball, football, or any other youth sport; your mind is the key component to helping you achieve success or failure.

My daughter had 2 strikes and no balls while she was up to bat in one of our last tournaments.  It was an intense game and the team needed the hit to help put us ahead in the game.  The coach called timeout and called for her to have a chat with him down third base line.  She probably thought he would give her instruction on how to swing, or let her know what pitch was about to be thrown.  When I asked her at the end of the game what was discussed she stated with a smile, “Coach said, I am the best at hitting with 2 strikes on me.”  I asked if that was all he said, and she said no.  “Coach said, now go do what you know you are going to do.”  With those words, my daughter hit a double and we scored putting the team ahead in the game.

So the next game I paid closer attention to how our coach talked with the girls.  We had a player who had been struggling at the plate.  She hadn’t put a ball in play in over 6 games.  Again, the team needed a hit and the girl knew that we needed a hit.  I could hear parents yelling at her, “We need this hit” like the player didn’t know the importance of the moment.  Again, I saw our coach call timeout and go up to her.  His words exactly were, “There is nobody better hitting at this moment.”

Now most would say he was just being positive.  However, I believe there was a lot more to the context of that statement.  First, he said there is nobody better.  Second he didn’t use the word “batting”.  He used the word “hitting”.  I knew he was on to something.

Our coach was helping the girls use positive self-talk to help them perform how they wanted their body to perform.  Our coach was teaching the girls positive self-talk.

So is your glass half-empty or half-full?  It’s an age-old question about positive thinking and can even affect your health.  Optimism and pessimism doesn’t just affect your daughter’s softball performance, but can affect many areas of your health and well-being.  It is a key part of effective stress management.

Now positive thinking doesn’t mean that you stick your head in the sand and ignore the gravity of the situation.  It just means that you approach the moment in a positive and productive way.  Believe the best will happen!  Positive thinking starts with self-talk.  It is an endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head.  These thoughts can be positive or negative.

Here are some softball suggested positive self-talk strategies:

• I am going to hit the ball to this location on the field.
• I am a hitter.
• I am a great (insert position) and can't wait to make this play.
• I choose to hit the ball today.
• I am confident in my abilities.
• I love facing great players so I can show just how good I am.
• I belong on the field.
• I am going to (insert what you will do) before each play whether you are pitching, fielding, or hitting.

The girls began to perform how they told their body to perform.  However, the team has taken the positive self-talk a step further.  The team has also implemented Effective Imagery as well.  The two go hand in hand when competing especially in softball.

It can be a challenge to get your body to act the way you want it to act. Communicating your mind to your muscles can be extremely challenging. Trying too hard can be debilitating. You must be aggressive, but it is easy to lose balance and control. You must be strategic, but also keep it simple so you can maintain an effective focus on what's important now. You must be mechanically sound without thinking about mechanics while performing, even after a mistake. 

Imagery is creating or re-creating an experience in the mind using as many senses as possible. It starts with visualizing and adds in how it feels, and sometimes also how it smells, tastes, and sounds. Imagery is seeing things as they will actually look to you, or like watching the scene on a movie screen in front of you. The image can be huge and colorful, or small and black and white. There is no wrong way to do imagery -- a daydream is imagery -- but you have to experiment to figure out what works best for you. For most elite performers, first-person panoramic imagery in regular time (not fast forward or slow motion) works best.

With practice, you can improve vividness, control, staying power, and the ability to FEEL the experience happening (rather than just thinking about it). Effective imagery practice changes your internal state, rehearses, and/or communicates from mind to muscle what to do. Experiment with the style, timing, and specific content of your imagery use. 

Here are some EXTRAordinary Quotes of professionals who use imagery:

Annika Sorenstam, "I close my eyes and see the shot. I look at the ball and see the type of shot I have in my mind. I see it fly and I see it land. It’s a way of seeing the result before you do it. I visualize the end result."

Nolan Ryan, "I lie down, close my eyes, relax my body, and prepare myself for the game. I go through the entire lineup of the other team, one batter at a time. I visualize exactly how I am going to pitch to each hitter and I see and feel myself throwing exactly the pitches that I want to throw.'" 

 Reggie Jackson, "I visualize a line drive up the middle."

Terry Orlick, "The developing athletes who make the fastest progress and those who ultimately become their best make extensive use of mental imagery. They use it daily as a means of directing what will happen in training, and as a way of pre-experiencing their best competition performances."

Lou Holtz, "We did what I called a relaxation period.  We got the athletes to lie down in a dark room, stretch out on the floor and we got them to think about all the positive things in their life and how lucky they were.  Then, we went through certain segments of the game where they could imagine themselves having success.  I did this for probably 30 years and had very good success with it."

The Texas Travelers softball organization understands that softball has a life-span.  They are charged with preparing the girls for elite competition, but also know that 10U through 18U softball is not the end of the line for these girls.  The Travelers are preparing their girls to be ready to step on the field of their High School Varsity teams, playing at the Collegiate Level; but more importantly, the Texas Travelers are preparing their softball girls for the game of life and all of the curves that will be thrown at them.  The select softball organization truly cares about the well-being of the girls and wants nothing but the best for them so they can be strong, confident leaders in their communities.

For more information on the Texas Travelers, their players, games or any other news visit The Texas Travelers News Network or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Jordan Strickland helps coach the Texas Travelers Softball Team

College graduation for many graduates means looking for a job and making career decisions that better your lot in life.  It has been ingrained that we should graduate and find that company that will start helping us financially for the future.  There are a few, however, that understand they were blessed with a gift and look to share their fortunes and experience with others.

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 as they are competing to become the 2015 ASA/USA National Champions when they play the tournament in Normal, Illinois.

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.

Shortstop is often considered to be the most important position on a softball field.  They are expected to cover more ground and make more split second plays than arguably any other position on the softball diamond.  For four years, Jordan Strickland has lived up to these expectations.  “I’ve always felt the shortstop is the position of leadership,” Strickland said. “If you’re not a leader in other aspects of the team, it’s very important for me to be a leader out there and lead the infield and be a voice. I want to give all I have and show leadership by example.”

“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.

She will make her coaching debut with the Texas Travelers during the Triple Crown Series held in Oklahoma ironically during the same time the College World Series will be taking place.  “I am happy to be part of the Texas Travelers organization.  They are a select softball team with a rich tradition.  They don’t just care about winning.  Winning is nice, but the organization is looking at helping these girls prepare for the game of life.  In addition to helping the girls play for their varsity teams in high school and even at the college level when the time comes; they are teaching girls important life lessons which will carry them much further after softball is over” adds Strickland.

Jordan’s season came to an unceremonious end this season as Louisiana-Lafayette beat the Baylor Bears in 6 innings of a two-game series.  The Lady Bears had to win three games Sunday, May 17th, and after beating Mississippi State in game one, Louisiana-Lafayette in game two, but fell short falling the last game to the Regional host.  It wasn’t how Jordan planned to finish her career at Baylor, but don’t worry about her.  Great things will continue to happen, and starting with the Texas Travelers; she will be helping a lot of young girls on her new path.

For more information about the Texas Travelers, Jordan Strickland, or any of the players and game updates visit The Texas Travelers News Network Site or follow the 04 Texas Travelers on Facebook.

Jessa McDonald Throwback Thursday Softball Spotlight

Jessa’s first T-Ball game was in 2009 when she was 4-years old.  She played for Mesquite Maniacs.  She is considered one of the smartest players on the field.  In 2010 she played for the Blue Lady Texans and then 2011 the Mesquite Mayhem.

Today, Jessa plays second base, catcher and outfield for the Texas Travelers Select Softball Team.  She can be seen keeping the girls focused on the field as she completely understands the game.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. Our dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment will prevail in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, everyone should realize that, fast-pitch softball is only a game and is the forum we use to help our athletes mature into responsible adults.
The 04 Texas Travelers play ASA Softball, and plan to compete in ASA Nationals for 2015. The strong North Texas Softball Club has won at IFA-VTD, USSSA, and ASA levels and continues its push to become the 2015 ASA National Champion held in Normal, Illinois. In addition to playing in the ASA National Tourney; the Texas Travelers will also play in each of the national Qualifier Texas Challenge Series, and the Hall of Fame Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team is a fully funded endorsed softball team that intends on continuing its great success in the softball world.

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 10 U 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.

Top Select Softball Team is Fully Funded

Select Softball can be an expensive sport, especially when your daughter plays for a highly competitive team.  In addition to uniforms, softball equipment, pitching & hitting lessons, field rentals, and indoor facilities; there is travel, food and lodging when top teams travel to tournaments.

The Texas Travelers have been chosen to represent Texas in the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship in Illinois.  This year, they have traveled to Louisiana, Arkansas and later this month will be playing in the Triple Crown in Oklahoma City at the home of Women’s Softball World Series against the likes of Texas Chaos, Fury 04, Diamond Sports Hotshots, Corinth Lady Tigers, Texas Bombers, Heartland Havoc, Texas Stealth, Oklahoma Steele, OC Batbusters and other highly rated teams across the country.  Of course, all of these tournaments and travel can cost families thousands of dollars just to have their daughter play softball.

The Travelers and their players are very thankful to their sponsors and proud to be a fully funded team where they have not had to pay anything for their daughter to enjoy playing softball.  As a matter of fact, Texoma Shirt & Cap located at 501 Quail Creek CR in Pottsboro, Texas has donated all of the Texas Traveler Apparel to Texas Travelers coaches, players and fans alike.

This highly rated softball team is proud to be comprised of girls who other teams have overlooked, or minimized their softball abilities to field a team that has the ability to play at a very high level as well as earning their berth to the ASA National Championship in Normal, Illinois.  These girls are coached to respect the game and carry themselves with class on and off the field.  They play with heart, and don’t let off until the last call of the game is made.  The Texas Travelers are one of the most talked about teams in the United States, and look forward to adding to their strong softball reputation.

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 D1 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.

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 10 U 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.

For The Love of the Game

Think about the first time your daughter asked to play softball.  If your daughter was like mine; she was more interested in wearing the uniform and getting it dirty sliding onto the field.  And that was before the game even started.  My daughter didn’t know how to hold the bat correctly, and even put her glove on the wrong hand.  At the end of the first game she played, the final score didn’t matter.  As a matter of fact, my daughter didn’t even know if she won or lost.

Now fast forward a couple of years to the world of competitive select softball.  This is where every game is close, and winning and losing determines whether you continue to play longer into the day and nights of the tournament.  The girls have grown up, and understand that sometimes giving your best doesn’t always produce the results they hope for at the end of the game.  They experience high pressure situations and sometimes they fail and other times they succeed.

Although, I love the team she plays for and have a strong admiration of the parents and fans for her organization; I cannot always say the same for some of the teams she plays against.  You see, there are many parents (both dads and moms alike) on other teams that show just how classless they really are.  I have seen coaches and parents on the other side of the field degrade our players.  As a matter of fact, I am thinking about a couple of instances right now and am obliged to share these stories with you before I finish writing this blog.

On one occasion, our pitcher had just given up a couple of hits for the first time in the game.  Our team had committed a couple of errors in the same inning and the bases were loaded.  Needless to say, the occasion was placing a high level of pressure on our team.  The fans of the other team as well as the coaches would have thought it was Game 7 of the World Series.  They were screaming and hollering trying to get into the heads of our girls.  By the way, did I mention the girls are 10 years old?  We lost that game, but after watching how those softball fans on the other side acted; we won the game of life because of the class we showed on and off the field.  You see, our girls have forgotten about that game because it was just that…A GAME.  As a testament to our coaches, parents and fans they did learn how one should act, and observing the other side, how you look when you act like a fool.

Another instance was a fan from another team thought it would be cute to steal the pitching signs of our coach and tell his daughter’s teammates what pitch our 10 year old pitcher would be throwing to them.  Although this is common in major league sports when you are paid to win; I personally didn’t think it had a place in youth sports.  He obviously thought it was giving his girls an advantage, and some might think he had money on the game.  Now, their team was still no-hit that day and we won 2-0; however, what message was he sending his daughter and what message was the coach sending as they condoned the actions.  In reality parents, fans and coaches of those youth teams are doing their own daughters a disservice in life.  Do you remember the song, “Cats in the Cradle”…Your daughters will grow up just like you!

Just recently, I was sent a screenshot of a parent that was upset by how my daughter’s team was getting recognition from their fans on Facebook.  Instead of being happy for his own daughter’s team successes he took to a national softball forum and started to badmouth players and parents on our team.  Yes, you are reading this right.  A grown man (and women on the forum) were so pathetically lacking something in their own life that they had to try to tell anyone who was desperate enough to listen that my daughter’s team should not be happy or enjoy their successes on the field.  These weak minded individuals somehow forgot (I hope they forgot) that they were talking about 10-year-old softball players, and like the old classroom bullies who tried to tear down someone else for an intangible gain of self-worth.  This is probably the same guy that is upset because his high school letter jacket that he got for being on varsity his senior year doesn’t fit anymore.

Now that I digress…I feel compelled to share why I love watching my daughter play competitive softball at an elite level.  It definitely isn’t for those few cases I mentioned above.  And I want readers to understand, that all fans and parents are not this classless at this level.  There are great experiences to be had, and I look forward to my daughter experiencing more rewards as the years of softball continue.

For example, a couple of weeks ago, I asked my daughter who her best friend was in school.  She quickly shared with me, “My softball team!”  And she didn’t just stop there.  She shared funny stories between games of climbing trees, having caterpillar races (yes real caterpillars racing down a sidewalk), and their favorite chants they make up in the dugout.  She loves to stay in the same hotel with her teammates and eat breakfast and dinner with them and their families.

Did you notice anything in that last paragraph?  She didn’t say anything about the game of softball.  Now, she loves softball.  We practice every day and play more games in a month than most will play in all of their youth.  She has had many highs on the field and experienced disappointments as well.  She has done all of this with her team.  These girls have created a bond and will continue to grow stronger as the years go on.  Most of these girls will not be attending the same high school together because they live in different towns.  They will soon go different directions in life and some may not continue to play softball at some point.  However, they are building lifelong friendships and loving to play the game as a team.

We as parents, coaches and fans are teaching our girls something every time we open our mouth, write something on social media, and how we conduct ourselves in a competitive environment.  I wish I could say, I have always acted appropriate; but I will say this.  My daughter and her team has taught me something pretty valuable this season.  They play for the Love of the Game and what it has to offer.

The game isn’t just about winning or losing.  It is so much more.  It is about how you conduct yourself on and off the field.  It’s about how you make other people feel (whether you win or lose).  It is about the respect you show to your coaches, teammates, and parents of your teammates.  It’s about letting the last game go and enjoying the opportunity of today.

Sure, my daughter and her team has a goal of winning the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship this year in Normal, Illinois.  This is something very important to them and they are working very hard to achieve this lofty goal.  However, when it is all over; what will they really win?  A trophy or ring to put into their overcrowded trophy case.  A t-shirt that says I am a champion that they will soon outgrow.  Does winning at all cost at 10-years old really matter?  To some, like the three examples I listed, the answer is a resounding yes.  For this parent, my win (or rather my daughter’s win) will be when I help her grow into a strong confident woman who doesn’t need a trophy to say how great she is.  My win today is that she is healthy enough to play a game she enjoys and safely leaves the field after the game is over.  Our teams win is the strength of our softball family and the friendships we build lasting a lifetime.

My daughter and her teammates play for the Love of the Game and all that it has to offer.

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 10 U 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.

10u Texas Travelers play in 12u Hits for Hero’s Slam Tournament

Fresh from being select to represent Texas in the ASA/USA National Championship, the Texas Travelers have been asked to enter the Hits for Hero’s Slam Tournament held in Arlington, Texas this weekend May 16, 2015.  The tournament is a 12u tournament, but that doesn’t worry the Texas Travelers who are a 10u team.  The only difference will be that the mound is a little further back (5 feet) and their completion will be a little larger than the teams they usually face.

The Texas Travelers are one of the top teams in Texas and very much looking forward to being ready to play some of the top teams in the nation at the 2015 ASA National Championships in Normal, Illinois.  However, they have to find tournaments that will help them continue to improve and that means finding stronger more competitive teams.  This IFA-VTD sanction tournament will have 12u teams from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.  The tournament will have 3 pool play games which will seed the teams into a single elimination bracket games.

In addition to the Texas Travelers, some of the teams that will be competing are Arlington Wildcats, Texas Black Cats, Southern Force, Texas Reign, Showtime Fastpitch, Thunder Fastpitch, Firecrackers DFW, Texas Force Picazo, Black Sox, Texas Glory Blue, Cleburn Fusion, Frisco Freeze, TX Glory Adkins, Oklahoma Bombers, Lady Rebels, Texas Force Smith, Southeastern Synergy, Mistix Fastpitch, West Texas Venom, Showtime Nigo, Louisian Titans, and East Texas Edge.

The 04 Texas Travelers will start pool play games at 9:15 AM against Thunder Fastpitch 03, then Texas Glory Adkins 02 at 11:45 AM, followed by West Texas Venom 02 at 2:15 PM.  Bracket play will begin at 3:30 PM with the championship game being scheduled at 6:30 PM.

The Texas Travelers would like to wish all teams’ good luck and have a safe tournament.  We look forward to competing with you on the field.

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 10 U 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.

Emily Forrester Throwback Thursday Softball Spotlight

When someone talks about a wall and you are around the softball diamond; rest assure they are talking about Moose! Emily “Moose” Forrester captains the defense for the Texas Travelers.

She has been playing softball since five years old, and has always been one of the top catchers in the game.  She has a 2.2 Pop-Time which means she doesn’t allow runners get in scoring position very often.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. Our dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment will prevail in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, everyone should realize that, fast-pitch softball is only a game and is the forum we use to help our athletes mature into responsible adults.

The 04 Texas Travelers play ASA Softball, and plan to compete in ASA Nationals for 2015. The strong North Texas Softball Club has won at IFA-VTD, USSSA, and ASA levels and continues its push to become the 2015 ASA National Champion held in Normal, Illinois. In addition to playing in the ASA National Tourney; the Texas Travelers will also play in each of the national Qualifier Texas Challenge Series, and the Hall of Fame Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team is a fully funded endorsed softball team that intends on continuing its great success in the softball world.

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 10 U 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.

Texas Travelers chosen to Represent Texas in 2015 ASA/USA National Championships

In the fall of 2014, the Texas Travelers set a team goal for their select softball team to qualify for the 2015 ASA/USA National Championships held in Normal, Illinois.  This week, the Travelers received and accepted the invitation to represent Texas in the most prestigious tournament for girls select softball.

Each year since 1934, over 30,000 players and thousands of teams try to qualify for the ASA National Tournament.  Teams earning a berth to the United States most notorious event held for softball will have an opportunity to compete to be called the nation’s best softball team in the country.  Since each competitor must earn their berth into an ASA national through a network of qualifying tournaments conducted throughout the season, the champion goes home as the unchallenged best team in the nation for their respected division each year.

There are many tournaments each year, but only one tournament that is synonymous with Team USA and is the National Governing Body of Softball.  Without competing in the ASA/USA National Championship, a team will not see the most elite softball teams in the nation and have the opportunity to call themselves a true National Champion.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. The dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the softball organization.  The Texas Travelers have an aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques.

The 2015 ASA National Championship tournament will be held in Normal, Illinois from July 26 until August 2.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.