From Rising Stars to Shared Titles, Scenic City Showcases What Summer Softball Is All About
Heat, Hustle, and High-Level Softball at Scenic City
Good competition. Working together. Chasing the common goals of winning and, more importantly, getting better.
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That’s what this past weekend was all about at Scenic City. The weather was no joke, hot and heavy after the rain cleared out over the Chattanooga and North Georgia region; but teams showed up across multiple locations and left it all on the field.
Coaches Watching, Futures Taking Shape
As always, college coaches were out and watching, taking in every pitch, swing, and defensive play. The futures of so many programs were quietly unfolding, led by the players who came to showcase their talents.
Coaches from programs of all levels and conferences were in attendance, including Florida State, Notre Dame, Northwestern, LSU, Indiana, Kentucky, Appalachian State, and more. I had a chance to speak briefly with Florida State Assistant Coach Travis Wilson about the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Like everyone I’ve seen and talked to about it, he’s very pleased with the direction it’s headed and excited about where it’s going.
A Closer Look at Indiana Magic Gold 18U
I also had the chance to speak with a few players and coaches over the weekend, and one program in particular stood out, Indiana Magic Gold Green 18U. They were missing a few of their players, including Notre Dame commit and Ms. Softball in Indiana, Ava Zachary, but that didn’t stop them from putting together an impressive run. The roster is stacked with Division I talent and rising prospects, and even short-handed, they played with that same fire.
Coach Stephanie Kleiner offered insight into the makeup of the team and the culture that drives their success, a tight-knit program built on loyalty, shared purpose, and respect.
Togetherness and Support Define the Program
“We really seem to take it one step at a time and rely on each other, to just pass the bat,” Kleiner said. “It’s a really solid defense, where if we move one thing around, it doesn’t take us out of any game… they respect each other, they cheer on each other, they wish well for each other… and that’s just what our entire program philosophy is.”
The program’s culture extends across age groups. Many of the girls have been in the system since they were 10 or 11, and that connection is seen both on and off the field.
“We’ve got a bunch of teams down here… our younger teams were out here yesterday watching us… we went to Dalton Westside this morning during our off time to go support our 14U teams,” Kleiner said. “We practice all winter together. That’s one of our core philosophies. Just to keep growing, as coaching staffs and as a program.”
Champions Crowned and Hardware Shared
Sunday wrapped it up, and many were crowned champions, including a few co-champions. These teams come from all over the country, and with flights to catch and long drives home, it’s not unusual for two clubs to agree to share a title and keep things moving.
Sometimes, multiple teams from the same organization end up facing off, and in those cases, sharing a championship becomes even sweeter.
14U Division
• Top 25 Co-Champions – Unity Attard/Hagen & Unity Schultheis
• Champion – Tampa Mustangs Bedenbaugh
• Finalist – Stars National Walker
16U Division
• Top 25 Champion – Lady Louisville Sluggers Huecker/Norwood
• Top 25 Finalist – Tampa Mustangs Fowler
• Super Champion – Stars National Scott
• Super Finalist – Indiana Gators Premier Lloyd
• Champion – Southeast Athletics 26 National James
• Finalist – Eagles KB
18U Division
• Co-Champions – Premier Fastpitch National & Texas Glory Gold
• Top 25 Champion – Athletics Gold Tamborra
• Top 25 Finalist – Turnin 2 Robeson/Long
Final Thoughts from Scenic City
It was a successful weekend from Chattanooga, TN to Dalton, GA, and I think it’s safe to say that everyone came and left better after a weekend full of competition. Connect Sports does a great job putting this event together, and it will only get stronger each and every time.
