by Ross Jacobs – Fastpitch Network
On paper, the [ 16U ] Texas Dirt Divas have a strong team primed to compete for the PGF Championship. For many teams that would be the goal, but for new manager Courtney Blades-Rogers, her goals go further.
“If we had all 25 kids (in the 2023 class) verbally committed, that’s a successful season,” said Blades-Rogers. “Wins and losses are great – and I want to win – but the reality is that it is all about their future.”
Blades-Rogers understands softball success quite well. Her accomplishments as a player are extensive. She was the 2000 Honda Sports Award Softball Player of the year as an All-American pitcher for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. She’s left her mark on the sport with the second most wins in college softball history while ranking fifth all-time in strikeouts. In 2012, she became a member of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.
