Thursday, August 27, 2015

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.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

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.

Monday, August 24, 2015

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.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

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.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Select Softball Tryouts in North Texas

The 04 Texas Travelers are building their roster for another successful season in 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.

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.


  • What is the goal of the team when it comes to the development of your daughter for her future?
  • Who are the coaches, and what is their coaching philosophy?
  • What are the team goals and competition level?
  • How are the parents and the attitude of the girls?
  • What is the cost and all of the fees associated with playing select softball?

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.

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.

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.

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 August 8, 2015 at 9 AM at Sunnyvale High School located at 222 Collins Rd in Sunnyvale, Texas.  All are welcome to come out.  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.