Fastpitch Fan Pick: Vote NOW for Rising Star Coaches!
The Fastpitch Fan Pick for 10U and 12U Rising Star Coaches is officially live! This is your chance to recognize the coaches who are making a major impact at the grassroots level—mentoring young athletes, building competitive teams, and growing the game with heart and hustle.
While official honors are determined by the Extra Inning Softball team, this fan-driven poll gives the community a voice in celebrating leaders who inspire.
Voting opens Saturday, June 21 and closes Wednesday, June 26 at 6 p.m. EST. Fans can vote every four hours in the Dugout Discussions Polls on Extra Inning Softball.
Show your support, spread the word, and help spotlight the coaches shaping the future of fastpitch!
How the Fastpitch Fan Pick Works – Coach Edition
The Fastpitch Fan Pick: Rising Star Coaches is a fun and interactive way for the softball community to recognize the impact of standout coaches in the 10U and 12U age divisions. This fan-driven poll highlights coaches who are building strong programs, developing young talent, and leading with passion in Regions 1–3.
The 10 coaches with the most votes will be crowned the Fastpitch Fan Pick #1 Rising Star Coaches.
It’s a powerful way to spotlight the mentors shaping the future of fastpitch softball—and to let fans show appreciation for the coaches who go above and beyond for their teams.
“It’s no surprise that Coach Russ has been nominated as a Rising Star Coach. He has been a true blessing to our Legacy Elite 2K14 girls and families and is well deserving of this recognition. He strives not only to make these girls better athletes on the field, but also pours into them to help them grow as individuals off the field. For the past five years, he has selflessly given his time, energy, and resources to develop this same group of baby ballers. There’s something to be said for a coach who can keep a group of players and families together that long!”
— Melissa Betts
Parent of Marley Betts, Legacy Elite 2K14 (10U)
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| Name (First) | Name (Last) | Team Name |
|---|---|---|
| Kelly | Burke | TNT Maryland 10U |
| Robin | Buxton | TNT Maryland API 12U |
| Chris | Petrillo | Empire State Huskies 12u Petrillo |
| Patti | Piccioni | Orion Hunter Elite- Marsh |
| Bobby | Spencer | WV Chaos |
| Name (First) | Name (Last) | Team Name |
|---|---|---|
| Adam | Tennyson | Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier-2031 Tennyson |
| Dustin | Bandy | Athletics Mercado Bandy 2012 |
| Joey | Cantrell | Ec Bullets Cantrell 2032 |
| Lisa | Chapman | Georgia Power Gold 2012 Chapman |
| Danny | Collins | Havoc Athletics |
| Tyrand | Flowers | Lady Dukes Gold - Flowers |
| Chris | Fritsch | Georgia Impact Fritsch 2033 |
| Brad | Gentry | Southern Elite |
| Melissa (Coach Bill) | Gliddon | West Georgia Nightmare |
| Robert | Green | Florida Thunderbolts Green |
| Kevin | Hargrett | TN Mojo 2012- Raysor |
| Justin | Henderson | Epic Premier 2k14 |
| Nichole | Jordan | Illusions Jordan 2k15 |
| Justin | Larmond | TN Mojo 2012- Raysor |
| Katie | Madyun | EC Bullets Jackson 10u |
| Nick | Raimondi | Next Top Recruits |
| Imari | Raysor | TN Mojo 2012- Raysor |
| Russ | Sneed | Legacy Elite 2K14 |
| Courtney | West | TN Mojo-West 12u |
| Name (First) | Name (Last) | Team Name |
|---|---|---|
| Derek | Belz | STL Mayhem 2012 |
| Anthony | Buonamici | Foxes 2012- Buonamici |
| Christina | Duplessis | Indiana Magic Gold 2032 Futures Duplessis |
| Christina | DuPlessis | Indiana Magic Gold 2032 Futures DuPlessis |
| Matt | Rogers | Indiana Magic Gold 2012 Futures Rogers |
| Miles | Thayer | Grand Rapids Diamonds 12i Thayer |
| Team Name | Name (First) | Name (Last) |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan | Arias | Oklahoma Premier Fastpitch Futures 2013 |
| Robby | Babe | AZ Storm Babe |
| Robby | Babe | AZ Storm Babe |
| Robs | Escobedo | Texas Blaze Futures 12U |
| Dominique | Eskridge | Texas Glory South 12u |
| Richard | Fergeson | 2012 Texas Glory WTX |
| Jeremiah | Gabriel | Texas GlorySouth 12u |
| Felecia | Harrington | Texas Blaze United 12u |
| John | Leyva | Epic OKC National |
| Cheyenne | Mata | Strykers Mata 2K13 |
| April | McConkey | BCA Competitors |
| Mike | Miller | 12u Texas Glory |
| Samuel | Salcedo | Epic Premier MMX4 |
| Anthony | Springer | 12u Sneaky Cleats - Prime Goff/Springer , X: @CoachASpringer |
| Name (First) | Name (Last) | Team Name |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan | Bigley | Lady Magic Bigley |
| Jeff | Byrd | OC BATBUSTERS STITH/BYRD |
| Armando | Garcia | Corona angels 10u RED |
| Neil | Laukat | Wildcats Laukat |
| Becky | Logan | Washington Acers - Logan |
| Clemente | Mejia | Breakers Labs Mejia 12U |
| Andy | Sansaver | AASA-Sansaver( All American Sports Academy) |
| Kevin | Smith | Corona Angels Smith/Garcia |
| Pepe | Vazquez | Batbusters Vazquez_Rueter 12U |
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Who Was On Our 10U Rising Star Watch List?
Who Was On Our 10U Rising Star Watch List?
What Makes the Fastpitch Fan Pick Unique
The Fastpitch Fan Pick is a fun, community-driven celebration of the game’s most impactful leaders. While it doesn’t influence official coaching honors, this event gives fans the opportunity to engage, show appreciation, and recognize standout coaches in the 10U and 12U age divisions.
It’s a chance to spotlight the mentors who teach the fundamentals, foster confidence, and lay the foundation for lifelong success. More than just a vote—it’s a moment to honor the coaches who make this game better for every player they lead.
Vote Now and Join the Fun
The Fastpitch Fan Pick voting window is officially open, so don’t miss your chance to support the coaches you believe are making the biggest impact at the 10U and 12U levels. This is a fun, community-driven way to recognize the leaders helping shape the next generation of fastpitch athletes.
Cast your vote now in our Dugout Discussion Polls and see how your picks stack up when the results are announced!
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