The Coronado Youth Girls Softball All-Star team, composed of 13 talented and dedicated players selected from the league’s multiple 12U teams, made an impressive run all the way from Coronado to the state championships in Lancaster.
Before that, however, they competed in the championship games for four of their five total tournaments.
Ultimately, the All-Stars ended the season with a winning record: 20 wins and nine losses.
“I find that to be an incredibly successful season,” said Jim Thompson, manager of the 12U All-Stars.
The team’s performance at the district championship exemplifies their success and determination.
Beating the heat
Despite the 106 degree heat, the girls were able to salvage their tournament run after a disappointing 8-7 day-one loss.
Coronado’s All-Stars won the next two games by a landslide, thereby qualifying for the championship round and the state tournament.
“They responded by not just winning the games but crushing the opposition.”
-Jim Thompson, Manager of the 12U All-Stars
“They responded by not just winning the games but crushing the opposition,” said Thompson.
Sheerah Haywood, president of Coronado Youth Softball, was impressed by the team’s explosive hitting throughout their season.
“They scored more runs than I think I’ve ever seen,” said Haywood. “There were multiple games where they mercied the other teams, which means they were ahead by at least 10 runs.”
Eighth place finish out of 48 teams
That power carried the girls to eighth place in a state tournament with 48 of the best teams in California.
Yet hitting was not the only key to the team’s success.
Unity and cohesion helped the girls work through tough games and recover from losses.
“They are so much stronger when they all buy in and play together and work in the same direction,” Thompson said.
As registration for the fall season begins, Coronado Youth Softball looks forward to introducing other young athletes to the joy, excitement and community of the sport.
