The fast-rising Texas Sudden Impact 14U-Zachry team has been turning some heads this fall in their first season with Todd Leach’s resurgent Sudden Impact organization.
This talented group is based out of Northeast Texas (The Woodlands) and is led by Head Coach Chet Zachry. The team is coming off an undefeated weekend at the Ronald McDonald 14U Power Pool where Sudden Impact went 5-0 against some of the top teams in the division.
“Texas Sudden Impact is truly excited about our 14U-Zachry team, they have been a great addition to our talented line up of teams in the Sudden Impact Organization,” says Leach, who has been in the club space for years and has had two daughters, Aubrey (Tennessee) and Kelcy (Texas Tech), play at the DI level with twin 2023 Extra Elite 100 outfielders Alannah and Gabby on the way.
“The 14U-Zachry team exemplifies the core values of Sudden Impact on and off the field and is a big part of the org’s future,” Leach continues. “Coach Zachry is a battle-proven coach who has been successful at all levels of coaching. Bill Jones, our 16U head coach, has coached with Chet in the past and holds him in extremely high regards as a coach and a person. We have high expectations for this team and they are off to a great start.”
Sudden Impact is pleased to welcome our newest team to the SI family! Sudden Impact-NTX-Zachry will be based out of Northeast Texas. We are all extremely excited about the opportunities ahead for this team and organization!!!#siyouknow pic.twitter.com/XP66VvkusG
— Texas Sudden Impact (@sifastpitch) August 14, 2020
The team’s success, however, didn’t happen overnight or even over the last season for that matter.
The players have grown and matured over years of playing and working together—five of the players on the current roster have been together since 6U and all live within about a 15-mile radius of each other—while the remaining team members average a three-year tenure.
And if this isn’t enough to make them unique, the Sudden Impact’s dugout will probably look a little empty compared to most others you see at the ballpark as the current roster of only 11 competitive athletes is smaller than most, but has impressed already by relying on contributions from all both offensively and defensively.
A top priority of this team has been individual player development with a team mindset. This can be seen in their play on the field and the family atmosphere off the field.
“I’m often ask what separates this team from others and I tell them it’s pretty simple,” explains Coach Zachry. “The word ‘fear’ doesn’t register with them. It should, we definitely have taken some licks, but for some reason it doesn’t! I truly feel it’s this mentality helps keep them focused. I’m excited for their future and definitely enjoying their present!”
With still three events remaining this season, this group has posted a record of 24-4 playing both competitive 14U tournaments and 16U showcases. As awesome as that accomplishment is, Coach Chet says he is more proud of the young women being developed.
“Don’t forget he was tying some of their shoes before they stepped into the box eight years ago!” laughs Leach. “Chet is no stranger to the big stage having just completed a run with his older team that landed 13 on DI campuses and two to DII.”
Here’s a list of where that group of talented upper classmen is headed:
2020’s: Jordan McClain (Houston), Carlee Ratcliff (Texas), Jordyn Whitaker (Texas), Madelyn Fletcher (Louisiana-Monroe), Madison Blunt (Louisiana-Monroe), Emma Richards (Ball State), Jalyn McGuffin (Colorado State), Heather Zook (Northwestern State), Lauren Menzina (Louisiana Tech), Jamie Gilbert (Texas-San Antonio), Sydney Blakeman (Texas-San Antonio), Mackenzie Dugi (Texas A&M-Commerce) and Hailey Blankenship (LeTourneau).
2021’s: Carson Zachry (Northwestern State) and Adriana Vences (Northwestern State).
Sudden Impact 14U-Zachry players know they have big footsteps to follow in, but it’s going to be fun to watch them in the the opportunities that lay ahead. One thing is for sure: the Sudden Impact 14U squad will play hard and enjoy every minute of it.
“I had a coach ask me the other day, ‘Why are you celebrating a pool game victory like you’ve won The National Championship?” Zachry remembers. “I told him that we celebrate every victory, in softball and in life. That’s just who we are!”
Here is the list of the current Sudden Impact 14U – Zachry team:
- C/IF Sara Houston (2024)
- P/OF Jessi Sumpter (2024)
- OF Cameron Pope (2025)
- C/UT Morgan Hill (2024)
- P/IF Jordan Batchelor (2024)
- IF/OF Ella Cross (2024)
- OF Paris Simpson (2025)
- P/IF Conlee Zachry (2024)
- P/1B Casey Jones (2024)
- SS/UT Karielle Forbes (2024)
- 3B/OF Kelsey Howard (2025)
