The Unity softball organization, known particularly for its powerful Virginia-based teams led by Josh Johnson is expanding into the Lone Star State.
Last night, the Unity sent out a release stating:
“We Coming Texas” and “Excited to announce Unity 16U – Smith” which will be “led by 2x PGF National Championship coach Gary Smith.”
Additionally, the news stated the team will be:
“Based in Texas, but with no boundaries.”
When asked what he saw attractive about joining the Unity organization, Smith touched on similar goals and visions.
“Josh and Jay have a team culture that all should strive to have as part of their teams,” Coach Smith told Extra Inning Softball earlier today when asked why he made the move.
“Our teams in the past have run a similar course, winning multiple national championships and when Josh and I talked about the future of softball, I quickly realized that Unity is where my team and myself need to get to ask quickly as possible.”
The release, as texted by the Unity club program, further explained the goals moving into the Southwest:
Here we go!!!!
The UNITY Softball Organization is excited to be planting our flag in the great state of Texas! The organization couldn’t be more excited to announce that 2x PGF National Championship Coach Gary Smith will be leading the charge.
Coach Smith’s plan is to put like-minded players and families on the same journey, while playing a National Schedule!
Player distance is NOT an issue! The team will be entertaining players who want to be developed, compete, and push themselves to excellence.
If you feel like you have what it takes to bring the BIG…please reach out to Coach Smith via email: Gsmithjr@gmail.com
Team Success = Individual Attention
Coach Smith has previously had great success coaching at the 14U level in the Impact Gold travel ball organization and helping develop several top players in the Extra Elite 100 player rankings including previous No. 1 overall-rated prospects pitcher/infielder EK Smith (Class of 2026, now with Lady Dukes 18U – Lamar) and pitcher KG Favors (Class of ’25, now with the Birmingham Thunderbolts – Kemp 07 team).
His teams won PGF National Champions at PGF 10U Premier in 2018 and PGF 12U Platinum in 2019. Last year (2021), his 14U team also made the final of the PGF Platinum Championship game and this past summer—moving up to PGF 14U Premier Nationals—his squad finished 2-2 to tie for 33rd place.
Smith’s teams are known for having hard-throwing pitchers along with powerful, strong-hitting offenses. The title-winning leader expects to continue the emphasis on player development with the goal to have this cover all age divisions.
“Unity was exciting because they have the same big picture outlook,” the coach explained. “We are currently in the beginning stages of forming a new region of Unity in the state of Texas called ‘Texas Unity.’”
“In the end, the plan would be for teams ranging from the 8U age group to the 18U age group,” Smith says. “We want to bring something different to the softball world, something that will get back to the grassroots of softball, the team.”
“There will be a focus on individual development (with proven plans and processes) and we will focus on developing, not changing, the individual teams. We want to see them grow together, have their ups and downs together, battle through adversity and, in the end, win together.”
