On New Year’s Eve, we published our No. 1 Story of the Year after unveiling what you–the softball community–and our Extra Inning Softball staff had deemed the Top 15 Stories of 2018.
We also asked a panel of top coaches and event directors their opinion on what was the most impactful stories of last year, in large part because these issues and developments will likely have an ongoing impact on what happens in 2019.
Here are some of their comments….
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The verbal commitment rule regarding contact with student athletes was the biggest story in my view.
The change affects every aspect of the softball community.
Certainly it affected the student-athlete and the college coach, but it also affected tournament operators, camp directors, travel ball coaches and organizations etc.
Rarely do we see something that impacts all parts of a sport at all levels; however, this one did.
— Derek Allister, OnDeck Softball
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I think most people would say either the recruiting rule change or the transfer portal, but for me I believe the story of the year was the softball community itself. On multiple occasions, whether for a family or a team in need or for an individual who was facing a personal battle, I witnessed our community flexing its might.
In my opinion, there is no bigger example than how prevalent the No One Fights Alone movement has become in our softball world. The sight of team after team either showing support in the Wall Sit Challenge or schools dedicating weekends wearing teal or the number of athletes I see wearing green ribbons in their hair on the field was common.
Even with it being tied to such a tragic and true fight situation, our softball communities’ reaction was a highlight for me.
The thought that there is hope, hope that we can put aside the competitiveness of rivalries. Hope that for even a brief moment people can stop being so selfish in their pursuits and we can come together for something bigger.
And most importantly, hope that regardless of anyone’s struggles and challenges, this softball community will be there when called upon.
— Greg Borzilleri, Athletics – Mercado/Greg