The Vexus Trifecta – Eagles Soar to New Heights

Vexus Travel Ball

by Tracy Yoder – Fastpitch Network

Launched in 2019, Vexus Softball is a product of three well-established respected softball organizations merging together to grow the level of the sport in the tri-state area of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Tom McCluskey, founder of Kraze Softball (AL), Tonia Martin, founder of TN Illusions (TN), and Phillip Rogers, Director of American Freedom (MS) realized they had the same vision and sought to provide an affordable program geared at recruiting the top talent in the area.

With over 40 years of combined experience in leading programs and successfully placing student-athletes in college programs, these three Vexus directors now form one strong softball organization geared at developing each player to compete at the highest level of competition. The Vexus Eagles feature approximately 28 teams in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee ranging from 8U-18U and growing.

Vexus Team Photo
Vexus Team Photo
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Arizona Hotshots Help Players Develop Softball and Life Skills

Arizona Hotshots USSSA Champion

by Rachel Pfeiffer – Fastpitch Network

The Arizona Hotshots began in the mid-’90s, and since that time the organization has delivered on its goals to play high-level softball and develop players on and off the field. Currently, the Hotshots feature 13 teams ranging from 10U to 18U. Arizona Hotshots president Brad Downes says a strength of the organization is the dedication of its coaches.

“Being volunteer-driven has been a strength of the organization for many years. We have folks that are really dedicated to promoting student-athletes who want to play beyond high school,” he says. “The folks that want to be part of the organization feel they can help young female athletes reach their academic, athletic and life goals through this sport.”

Arizona Hotshots win Premier Berth
Arizona Hotshots win Premier Berth
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Hotshots Esparza: Built, Not Bought

Hotshots Esparza BW 2021

by Rachel Pfeiffer – Fastpitch Network

Teams across the country are familiar with the chaos and exhaustion that comes from traveling during the summer, playing in tournaments from coast to coast. However, this past season Hotshots Esparza took the grind to the next level.

“This past summer, I kind of put them through a gauntlet,” Coach Charlie Esparza says. “We set out a dramatic summer schedule that took the parents and players on the road for a 43-day tour all over the country.”

Hotshots Esparza BW 2021
16U Hotshots Esparza Bringing It in 2021
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Editor’s Note

Fastpitch Network Followed the Hotshots from AZ to Birmingham. We watched them match up against teams like the VA unity Johnson, CA Firecrackers Vines, Corona Angels, AZ hotshots Erickson, and it was difficult to find a game they did not outright win. No losses. This is a very powerful team and they should produce a lot of exciting softball next season.