Friday, September 14, 2018

Bases Loaded Weekly Article IV By: Marissa Moore


Stepping up to the plate is Texas Glory Adkins…


The organization has had a long-standing partnership with the Flower Mound Youth Sports Association. Bakersfield Park in Flower Mound has granted them with the opportunity to host tournaments and skills clinics for the youth in surrounding areas such as Lewisville. When necessary Glory Adkins also utilizes the indoor facility known as Game Train in Roanoke, Tx.

The organization holds a spring and fall youth clinic each year to promote the game of softball. This passion to educate the youth stems from the organizations mentality to nurture the skills and abilities of young athletes. Their goal is to concentrate on inviting recreational leagues and players who are interested in the next level of softball. It’s so much more than showing them new skills but to see that love for the game and the opportunities they could have as female athletes.

You may assume that the organizations across the area all are the same but Texas Glory Adkins truly finds a way to stand out. Their establishment in fundamentals and basic training mean nothing without athletes who dedicate their time and effort. The organization focuses on athletes who show their desire to grow and learn. They have found their trademark for success in nurturing a young athlete with the desire to accomplish great things without fear. 


Gold Director of Glory Adkins, Keith Allen, was sure to acknowledge that the organization is one of a kind because of the “good kids and good families that keep joining the organization and making it into the family.”
For Keith and the coaches within the organization it’s all about seeing how softball has changed a player’s life. “Nothing feels better than seeing a kid reach a goal or a milestone in their life.” It seems as though Texas Glory Adkins has truly harnessed opportunity and preparation to ensure that they are beyond qualified to instruct these athletes in more than just softball.
“To be a player who succeeds in the world of softball you must be someone with esteemed character, a good teammate, and you must be willing to learn and grow throughout the process.” This is the kind of athlete you can find within their program. More specifically for Glory Adkins you must be willing to be dedicated on and off the field regardless of a win/loss record.

This concept continues to be reflected in their Philosophy of a player first environment. Simply put when you place all of your focus on your athletes their work ethic and success will positively reflect your organizations identity and reputation.

What else sets Glory Adkins apart?
Keith stated that they create an atmosphere of  “Fearless Freedom.” Glory Adkins wants their players to understand that not only are they the top priority but they have the ability to play without the fear of making mistakes. Growth happens when you push your limits outside your comfort zone.”


“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”

-Bobby Unser (American Former Automobile Racer)

This quote is exactly what came to mind when Keith and I had the opportunity to dive deeper into HIS world of softball. In his earlier life, Keith was a baseball player who was able to spend some time after high school playing at the next level. Inevitably things changed forever when he was “blessed with a daughter who fell in love with softball around the time she entered fourth grade.” In his experience he spent some time coaching boys baseball, but he began his career with softball in 2006.


Keith recalls how different the boy world was vs. the girl world, so this is what led him to decide to go the extra mile in making himself qualified to step into the world of softball. “I became a sponge, and went to every clinic, camp, coaching seminar and event I could find.” Keith was driven by the love for the game and the desire to properly prepare his daughter. This drive gave him the desire to understand the differences between his worlds of baseball and softball, but most importantly he cared enough to find those connections.

So what does softball mean to Keith? Why would he go the extra mile to become well prepared and properly trained?

The first thing to immediately standout to Keith was how fast paced the world of softball truly can be. “Baseball seemed so much slower than softball.” Early on Keith was able to help young girls harness their skills and abilities to compete at a higher level. With this group of girls Keith led them to win the USFA World Series in Panama City Beach 10u. Later Keith would take the same team and join Texas Glory Adkins. From here his team had the opportunity to grow.

Under his belt Keith has:
Multiple top three and top five finishes while playing in Colorado.
Multiple top 10 finishes while playing in the ASA National Championships
Multiple top 20 and top 13 finishes competing in the PGF National Tournament in Huntington Beach, CA.


“My history over the past 12 years has been about building our players.” Keith went on to say, “It is crazy that at the end of each season, I am brought to tears knowing we gave it all we had and did our very best, and another year moves on.”


What’s in store for Texas Glory Adkins?
The program is continuing to grow in areas like Houston and Arkansas. For teams in North Texas and West Texas they are maintaining that positive reputation of nurturing talent all while seeing tremendous growth. The organization has prioritized preparing their coaches and directors to ensure that there is development within their athletes as individuals. The organization is a playing partner with Louisville Slugger and the Wilson Family of companies. They will continue to find ways to benefit their players through continued and mutual support with Louisville Slugger. Keith went on to say, “We believe the future is bright, because our Gold Program continues to churn out high finishes in National Tournaments and our players continue to find their place in college programs.” Texas Glory Adkins stands out as a highly successful organization that prioritizes the fundamental growth of their athletes who love the game. If you want a strong environment driven by passion then this is the organization for you.

For link of alumni click here
Visit their website for list of teams and more information

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