The 2009 season is well underway and everyone is excited about what’s going on in the USSSA this season. I would like to mention just a few of the things that are new for 2009.
The USSSA All-American Games are attracting the finest 14-16 year old baseball players in the nation. Our goal is to identify and select USSSA All-American players in each division, providing them with both the recognition and exposure that they will need to advance to the next level of their careers. Additionally, the games will serve as the selection process of Team USSSA at the 16U division which will compete nationally in 2010 in Japan. For more information on how to participate in the selection process go to www. USSSA.com and select the Baseball tab.
It gives me great pleasure to introduce the USSSA Pride to our membership. In cooperation and partnership with National Pro Fastpitch, the Pride is the newest addition to the organization’s fastpitch program. USSSA is continuing our efforts to promote the game of fastpitch softball and we are taking the step of building our program around what will become the center piece of USSSA Fastpitch.
The Pride opens their season June 10th in Chicago vs. the Bandits and will play their home opener in Kissimmee, Fl on June 24th. The USSSA Pride roster includes 2008 Olympic Silver Medalists pitcher Monica Abbott (Tennessee), 2nd Baseman Kelly Kretschman (Alabama) and outfielder Caitlin Lowe (Arizona). Courtney Bures (Mississippi State), LaDonia Hughes (LSU), Amber Jackson (Maryland), Sara Pauly (Texas A&M), Sara Larquier (Virgina), Callie Piper (Florida Atlantic), Desiree Serrano (Arizona State), Oli Keohohou (Cal. State, Long Beach), Jessica Dignon (Pittsburgh). In addition to the current team members the Pride has also added University of Florida standouts, pitcher Stacey Nelson and outfielder Kim Walezonia through the Senior Draft in early February. Stanford SS Maddy Coon was also selected via the Draft and contract discussions are ongoing.
It is our sincere hope that the entire USSSA fastpitch membership will rally around the Pride and become loyal fans and supporters of the team, nationwide. USSSA will also be working with our directors around the country and scheduling camps and clinics that will be very beneficial to our young female athletes. More information on the Pride will be available at USSSAPride.Com.
SLUGFest 2009 is shaping up nicely. The final dates for the events are: Elite Baseball (10, 12 14U) – July 15-17, 2009. Girl’s 14U A&B, 12U A&B and 10U – July 26-31, 2009. Elite Baseball (9, 11 & 13U) – August 5-7, 2009. Men’s Slow Pitch – Sept. 17-19 and Sept. 24-26, 2009. We are pleased to announce that Lisa Fernandez, Jennie Finch and Stacey Nuveman will be attending the Girl’s Fastpitch SLUGFest along with members of the USSSA Pride. It should be an exciting and enjoyable experience for everyone one in attendance. Good luck to everyone and we hope to see you all this summer between the lines!
About USSSA:
The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World's Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!
