Bases Loaded Article XII

Southern Collegiate Sports (SCS) may be brand new to the scene, but there is a level of trust and assurance with the man behind the name. Ken Wilson has spent years building relationships, all for the common goal of building the gap between opportunity and female student-athletes.

Ken has been around softball since 2010 when he began coaching rec ball. As his daughter began her career on the softball field he knew he had to focus all his energy on developing the plans for her future. Since that fateful beginning, Ken has focused on his passion for helping kids cultivate a future through the recruiting process.

The name of the organization is descriptive and clear. These girls competing at the select level are interested in exposure and opportunity. Their goal is to continue that passion past the day they receive a high school diploma and that is exactly what Southern Collegiate Sports is offering.

The name itself was derived from the idea of furthering student athlete's careers past the high school level. Why not Southern Collegiate Softball? "I wanted the name to cover more than just one sport and to emphasize the focus of all college-level sports," said Ken, "there is so much potential for us to help out in more than just softball."

If you’re familiar with SCS events then you know the structure of a camp right before the tournament begins. This is intended to provide girls the opportunity to stand out in an environment where college coaches can focus on skills and strengths. The purpose of the structure is to be consistent with the needs of coaches from across all five divisions. Most importantly these events encourage growth for young college coaches and the opportunity to reach out to potential athletes.

Of course, Ken acknowledged the help of the many people who have been a part of his journey to success. Including his previous partnerships with DFW Fastpitch Owner, Darren Darracq and Head Coach and co-founder of Texas Glory Kevin Shelton.

“The purpose of these organizations and events is to create a community of purpose,” said Ken “SCS is the start of helping teams not located near DFW feel appreciated and supported.”

For more information on Southern Collegiate Sports click the link.

Bases Loaded Article XI

For the Keller Outlaws 09, Softball is a matter of growth and competition that will build a passion for the sport for years to come.

Watching this team of 10u play, reminded me why I love softball in the first place. For these nine and 10-year-olds waking up for an 8 am is exactly how they choose to spend their weekends.

 Ask them what the love about softball and every single player lights up.

Their ability to compete at a level that many other teams have yet to grasp is evident between every play. Errors were not followed by frowns but enthusiasm to make the next out. Strikeouts were few and far between but you would have never noticed because the atmosphere was entirely uplifting.

Their team motto: “If it’s about me it’s not about the team.”

The Keller Outlaws were reluctant to compete with USSSA for one reason, and that was the competitive environment that existed prior to this season. With the introduction of C division play, head coach Spencer Meche was willing to take the leap.

“C class guaranteed a level of competition that builds confidence and character,” said Meche, “it’s important to compete and prioritize the mental impact the game has on young players.”

The Outlaws set a goal this season to win 33% of games they played and it’s safe to say that goal was surpassed. 

While much of the success falls in the hands of the players, we can't forget the dedication of the coaches. Between a coach who played softball her whole life through a D1 career, a pro slow pitch player and a devoted father with a love for the game softball is evidently a passion. These coaches are invested in the future of these young girls.

Speaking with some of the parents validated the dedication this team has to USSSA’s new structure of competition.

"Obviously the goal of playing in this environment is to improve technique but more importantly, we hope to build the girls' confidence," said Heather Hutto.

Stephanie Feldpausch said, “We want to see our girls come together as a family and build each other up.”

Kristi Byler and Karen Beaman agreed, “Competing like this is important for the girls’ development and creating bonds that carry much further than a season.”

The Keller Outlaws 09 have found an opportunity within USSSA's C class division and since their decision to compete for their growth has shown. 

Bases Loaded Weekly Article X By: Marissa Moore

How would you describe softball in one word?

“If I had to describe fastpitch softball in one word, it would be, development.”

-       Scott Blankenship, DSE Sports Events President

Scott Blankenship has dedicated his time and expertise to create a competitive environment that develops young female athlete’s abilities. Most importantly this environment encourages growth in areas such as teamwork, hard work, dedication, and commitment. Somehow at the end of all this, these athletes have built friendships that last a lifetime and memories they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Scott Blankenship has a long-term relationship with the diamond. His early career began with select travel ball. In 1997 he was apart of the Boswell High School State Championship Team. He then went on to play Junior College ball at Maple Woods Community College in Kansas City and finished up his college career at Benedictine College in Atchison Kansas. After a minor league career, he began his time with softball in both rec and select/travel.

This long resume of experience has given him the edge to create a concept of competitive softball that ensures a reliable experience that parents, coaches, and athletes can trust in.

Together DSE and USSSA are providing a competitive tournament experience for all levels of play. DSE focuses on events that are primarily centered on B and C divisions. This is due to that fact that USSSA rules and regulations are best suited for these divisions and will ensure effective growth and development. The purpose of these events is to create an environment that provides athletes with long-lasting growth. Blankenship stated, “USSSA has made strides in monitoring the competition and has a great new tool with the guest player system that protects the integrity of games and teams.”

The purpose of implementing these divisions is to be a reliable tournament that monitors pickups and rosters in order to ensure the highest caliber of play. “The goal of the different classifications (divisions) is assuring that teams play similar talent levels and building sustainable events that increase participation in the sport” mentioned Texas USSSA State Director, Darren Darracq.

Together DSE and USSSA are attempting to redefine competition in the softball world. The goal is to create an environment in which first-time select/travel teams can compete at the C level. This will create opportunities for competition at a higher level.

The partnership between Scott Blankenship’s, DSE and USSSA, will inevitably revolutionize the concept of competitive select/travel fastpitch. These divisions will give teams the opportunity to compete within a skillset that encourages growth and the ability to move up to the next classification. This partnership hopes to encourage coaches to continue striving to build their teams to compete at the next level.

The purpose is to ensure that all athletes benefit from playing with other players within their level of talent or better.

“Our goal is to build confidence for the players in themselves so that they can continue to want to play softball year after year and grow the sport of fastpitch softball.” – Scott Blankenship

To learn more about DSE click here

To learn more about Divisions click here
Click Here for short video about USSSA Classification

Texas Softball Players hit the Road?

Softball is in the air, which means travel coaches are glued to their computers trying to find the best events for their teams to compete in. In order to make this decision just a little less stressful, we’ve compiled a list of stats that might be helpful.

Interested in the Pac-12: 184 players listed across nine schools.

2018 – 4 Texas players. 2019 – 2 Texas players.

How about SEC: 293 players listed across 13 schools.

2018 – 41 Texas players. 2019 – 40 Texas players. 

(Texas A&M has 18 Texas players on their roster for 2019)

There’s always the ACC: 254 players listed across 12 schools.

2018 – 12 Texas players. 2019 – 14 Texas players.

Let’s talk about the Big 12: 151 players listed across 7 schools.

2018 – 49 Texas players. 2019 – 56 Texas players.

Don’t forget Big 10: 296 players listed across 14 schools.

2018 – 16 Texas players. 2019 – 14 Texas players.

Interested in other conferences? Here are there 2019 roster stats below:

American Conference: 172 players across 8 schools. 31 Texas players.

Missouri Valley: 194 players across 10 schools. 5 Texas players.

Mountain West: 204 players across 9 schools. 9 Texas players.

SWAC: 212 players across 10 schools. 54 Texas players.

Conference USA: 248 players across 12 schools. 58 Texas players.

Sun Belt: 226 players across 10 schools. 57 Texas players.

Southland: 268 players across 12 schools. 153 Texas players.

D2/Lonestar: 204 players across 11 schools. 130 Texas players.

D2/Heartland: 139 players across 7 schools. 84 Texas players.

D2/Gulf South Conference: 249 players across 14 schools. 8 Texas players. 

D2/Rocky Mountain: 258 players across 12 schools. 51 Texas players.

D2/Great American Conference: 279 players across 12 schools. 98 Texas players.

NAIA Sooner Conference: 184 players across 9 schools. 61 Texas players.

NAIA Red River: 143 players across 7 schools. 95 Texas players.

NTJCAC Region5: 164 players across 8 schools. 79 Texas players.

So, do what’s best for your players and let this make your selection process just a tad bit easier.