McKaela Walker’s Allegiance and Loyalty are Highlighted by her Skill

McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Batting

by Ryan Greenwood – Fastpitch Network

Not many young players are wise beyond their age to show a sense of loyalty in the modern era of sports.  From the professional athlete to the youth player, migrating from team to team is not an uncommon occurrence.  That was not the choice or case for McKaela Walker.

“One strength that she developed at a very young age was loyalty,” said Todd Mayfield, head coach of the East Cobb Bullets – Mayfield team.  “She’s very loyal to her coaches, loyal to her teammates, and very loyal to the organization she plays for.”

McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Assessing
McKaela Walker EC Bullets Mayfield 2023 Assessing
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Empire State Huskies Provide Valuable Resources

Empire State Huskies Pitching

by Ryan Greenwood – Fastpitch Network

When you grow up in the northeast, hockey is the sport of choice to maximize your time outside playing sports and hanging out with friends.  For John Knopf, that was where he cut his teeth in sports and how he ended up getting drafted and spending time in the Vancouver Canucks organization.  

“As a hockey player, it was great growing up in the northeast. I played hockey from October on outside,” said Knopf.

After his hockey days were over, friends convinced him to give fastpitch softball a try, given his athleticism and his need for a fun way to burn youthful energy. Those times were fast and furious but gave him an indoctrination into the game.  

Empire State Huskies provide position aa well as Team Workouts
Empire State Huskies provide position aa well as Team Workouts
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Sidne Peters Relies on Mental Strength to Overcome Adversity

Sidne Peters 2023 Pitcher

by Kristen Cuyos – Fastpitch Network

An up-and-coming recruit in the 2023 class is a pitcher that resides [in] Santa Fe Texas named Sidne Peters. Sidne owes a lot of the athlete that she has become to her parents and sisters. She says that they have taught her that work ethic is key, and it is alright to fail because [it helps to] make you better. 

Sidne Peters 2023 prospect
Sidne Peters 2023 Prospect, Impact Gold Jackson
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Editor’s Note: Fastpitch Network welcomes Kristen Cuyos

Georgia Bulldogs Put in Time to Make Miracles

Georgia Celebrates RBI Base Hit

by Kyle Parmley – Fastpitch Network

Twenty years in Athens have flown by for University of Georgia softball coach Lu Harris-Champer.

She took over a Bulldogs program in its infancy in 2001, led the team to its first-ever NCAA Tournament in 2002 and hasn’t looked back since.

Georgia hasn’t missed the NCAA Tournament in 18 years and was well on its way to achieving more postseason success in the pandemic-shortened season. The Bulldogs were off to a great 23-5 start and had taken two of three in their first SEC series.

Georgia Head Coach Lu Harris-Champer
Georgia Head Coach Lu Harris-Champer
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O’Donnell’s Intensity Sustained by Inspiration, Hard Work, and Mastery

Intensity Softball - Awareness

by Ryan Greenwood – Fastpitch Network

Some might wonder if you can start a softball team, much less a softball organization, with just ten players.  Kevin O’Donnell, of the Intensity Softball organization, would have no doubts based on his experience. 

When O’Donnell started his first New Jersey Intensity softball team in 2002, they only had ten girls on the team.  

“We started with a group of ten committed girls,” said O’Donnell.  “We came from a town team.”

Intensity Softball - Success
Intensity Softball – Success
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