On Monday, we will launch our weeklong look at top 14U travel ball teams to watch this summer as part of our Extra Elite Eighty coverage.
As we’ve surveyed coaches across the nation, one team that has continually come up as one of the most promising teams to watch in the age division is Josh Johnson’s Virginia Unity squad.
Here’s a good look at the team as we asked Coach Johnson why this squad is already being recognized by other coaches and teams as one of the best in 14U…
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Team Name: Virginia Unity 14U-Johnson
Head Coach: Josh Johnson
2020 Summer Record (include notable wins): 28-9
2020 Fall Record (include notable wins): 30-3
Top Finishes at Major Events:
- 2020 4th Place finish at USA/ASA 14u Nationals as a 1st-year 14u team
- 1st Place – USA Softball Virginia Fall State Championship (Record: 7-0)
- Diamond 9 Fall Showcase (Record: 8-1)
- Scenic City Fall Showcase (Record: 4-1)
- Clearwater Fall Showcase 16u Division (Record: 7-0)
- Thunderbolts 5-Star Fall Showcase (Record: 4-1)
Has your team earned an invite to any of the top Nationals?
We’ve been invited and will be attending PGF Nationals. We will also be playing USA 14u Nationals.
How good do you think your team is heading into the summer?
I think we are a top team in the country. We have defeated several teams that were ranked in the Top 30 last year— we have had wins against some of the best in the nation including Birmingham Thunderbolts 2024-Burns (previously ranked #10), defeated Georgia Impact Premier 2023-Lunsford (#11), Tennessee Mojo Ross-2024 (#12), Jersey Intensity-KOD (#17), Corona Angels 2024-Perez/Tyson (#28), Lady Lightning Gold Futures-Wools (#30). We also had a tough loss to Corona Angels-Tyson (#16) in ITB at USA Nationals.
Let’s look at your lineup—we know you’re talented and deep! Tell us about each of your players and what you think their strengths are…
*** Scroll down to read more on the team including Coach Johnson’s evaluation of each of his players, including nine who have been ranked!
