As part of our ongoing series spotlighting teams and players to watch this summer in travel ball play, Extra Inning Softball’s Carlos Arias caught up with John Barrett, an assistant coach for the Indiana Gators 08-Meyer, which is one of the top 13U teams in the Midwest, to learn more about the history and talent currently on this Hoosier State-based program…
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When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?
Any time someone asks me how did it all begin, I tell them it was never in his (Indiana Gators Fastpitch founder Mark Lloyd’s) plan. He didn’t just wake up one day and say I want to be a coach or start an organization. I tell them it was always in God’s Plan! It was God’s life plan for him. He has been preparing him for this from the very beginning. All the way from blessing us with three beautiful girls that loved and played softball and he coached. To him, being a student of the game and an athlete playing travel softball for 15 years at the top level. To him, working as a counselor for 20 years. To him, being a high school coach for 10 years. There is no other way to explain how every piece, every person, every event just falls into place to make it all happen as it has.
It all began for him as a student and athlete of the game. Our children grew up at the softball fields and traveling with the sport. He always had a way to make the game fun and competitive either as a player or as a coach. The Indiana Gators Fastpitch organization all evolved from when he was coaching at Decatur Central High. He wanted to begin a feeder system for the high school. It began with a tryout, a love of the game, and a passion as coach to share his knowledge and joy with all the athletes and families to grow and enjoy the game. He would tell you it takes a village and he would say he never got here with out all of you!!
His favorite mottos are: Life is but a game. He’s living the dream. Always stay humble!
The Indiana Gators Premier 08-Meyer team started in 8U as the Indiana Xplosion. The team moved to the Indiana Prospects in 9U. Then we met Mark Lloyd, who owns Indiana Gators Fastpitch. He is one of the best in the game and we have been with the Indiana Gators organization for four years now.
Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from?
We are based out of Greenwood, Indiana, which is just south of Indianapolis. A majority of our team is based out of the Indianapolis area, but we do have one athlete from Terre Haute, Indiana and one from Illinois.
What was the purpose of creating the team?
The purpose of creating this team that dates back to 8U was to develop elite softball skills while preparing these young ladies to compete on a national level.
What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
A stat popped up on our team communication application that has kept track of most our schedule since we started this team. The team’s record since 8U is 267-100-10. This is a 73 percent winning percentage over the course of six years. We have had a lot of success over the year playing in top events across the country.
What makes the organization unique, do you think?
The Indiana Gators fastpitch organization is unique because it’s more than just about softball. Everything always comes full circle and we love to see our athletes succeed in softball and in life after softball.
What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
Our organization includes Head Coach Brandon Meyer, a Division 1 soccer player; me (John Barrett) an Assistant Coach and also a high school football, baseball and basketball coach and Assistant Coach Chad Renick. We have been coaching together since 8U and you are foolish to say you know the game of softball in your first softball coaching gig! We have evolved over time and became students of the game, but most importantly, we all have a passion to continue to learn and teach the game of softball.
How many teams are there in the organization overall?
Indian Gators currently have (35) teams in all age groups ranging from 8U-18U. The Gators also have a number of athletes that are now coaching at the collegiate and high school levels that have returned to be instructors at our Gators Indoor Facility called Full Circle Spots in Monrovia, Indiana. The program still has (seven) original coaches that started with the Gators in 2005.
Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team’s history?
A key moment or a defining experience for this team would be winning the USA Elite Select Nationals in 2021. We have been very close each year winning our end of year National tournaments. Our team has always put a lot of work in and during this key moment they saw it all pay off. We played really well that week in IA and the team has just responded differently since winning that Nationals.
What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
Our primary goal is to develop elite softball players and student athletes. Our job is to prepare them for the recruiting process and playing at the next level.
What do you think are the strengths of the team?
I believe the strengths of this team is resilience. This team will never back down and will never give up. These players have great work ethics and short memories.
If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
If you are a member of the Indiana Gators Fastpitch Organization, you will be coached well and you will be developed as a softball player.
Anything else interesting or fun to share about the Gators?
Mark Lloyd, the owner and founder, is in the Indiana Fastpitch Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Indiana USSSA Hall of Fame this year. He is a well respected and a great leader of our organization.
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*** Scroll down for a player-by-player report on each team member…
