Over the course of the 2021 Summer season, many would take note of the TN Mojo – Groenewoud team as it made notable runs in the Thunderbolts 5-Star, Triple Crown Sparkler and the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series.
In the Colorado Sparkler tournament, the team would win its way out of the Supplemental Power Pool and into the Power Pool for bracket play before finishing Top 25 in the event.
The team continued to improve and, after falling to the #13-ranked Texas Riptide at Colorado Sparkler, Coach Heather Groenewoud’s team would come back and gain two wins against them in the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series in what Coach Groenewoud calls “a true highlight of the season.”
“Overall,” she adds, “it was an incredible summer for this team.”
Here’s more on this young and talented group which will be under a different in-state organization starting this Fall…
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Recent Team History and Performance
The TN Mojo 2024 – Groenewoud squad has a core of players who have been together and developed as a team since the beginnings of 12U.
Coach Groenewoud has been developing the team and the culture that surrounds it for many years and is known for the ability to develop kids while truly embracing a team over individual culture.
Her club team has been a known name in the Southeast and has always commanded respect among its peers: for example, in the past, the Tennessee-based team was ranked as a Top 20 national squad and a Top 5 finisher at the 2019 USA Elite Select Championships in Kansas City.
Groenewoud and her staff remain committed to their core values of player development and competition and she explains: “This combination continues to move the team in the right direction, growing athletes and developing a team that achieves success.”
“It’s been an incredible summer for our kids and team,” she says. “The players and parents on this team have become a family. The team chemistry both on and off the field is better than any team I’ve coached. These girls fight for each other through every pitch and every inning. This bond is what fueled the culture and success that you have seen this summer.”
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Team Breakdown by Unit
Pitchers & Catchers
The pitching staff consists of 2024 Abby Herndon, 2024 Abby Lindsey, and 2025 Anna Groenewoud and has worked together to secure wins against some of the top teams in the country over the course of the season.
Abby Herndon served two roles on the pitching staff this summer: as a rotation starter and as a shutdown closer; a role in which she excelled. Herndon had wins over #12 Atlanta Vipers 07, #34 Epic National Smith, #67 Michiana Scrappers, and saved the game against #13 Texas Riptide twice.
Abby Lindsey had notable wins over #7 Impact Gold – Hays, #13 Texas Riptide, Fury Platinum Sharpe, and a shutout performance over #58 OC Batbusters-Serrano.
Anna Groenewoud also had big outings and wins over #20 Tampa Mustangs Seymour and #31 Georgia Impact Sullivan.
The success the pitchers experienced could not be recognized without acknowledging catcher Brayleigh Leone, according to her coach.
“Bray takes the time to learn her pitchers and has the knowledge and demeanor to manage stressful in-game situations,” she says. “She has also developed into a consistent middle of the order offensive weapon. During the AFCS, she would do what she does best and tie for 7th as an RBI tournament leader.
Outfield
Groenewoud’s team is built on defense and the outfield was phenomenal this year, led by Mallory Ogle, centerfielder, and Faith Roberson, left fielder.
“These two made incredible plays in the outfield throughout the entire season, working together to shut down opposing offenses,” Coach Groenewoud explains. “Their ability to make adjustments based on the pitch calls and read the ball off the bat turned gap shots into routine plays. Their range, speed, softball IQ, and athleticism give the Mojo defense an element that can’t be overstated.”
Middle Infielders
Charlotte Herron and Olivia Faggard are “defensive leaders” and “communicate to everyone on the field,” per their coach. “Both of these players provide offensive production that leads us in a big way.”
Charlotte was scattered throughout the tournament leaderboard with ranking No. 1 in slugging percentage; tied for 1st in doubles and triples, tied for third in hits and runs scored, tied for 5th in RBIs and was No. 8 in batting average and No. 9 in on-base percentage.
Olivia held down the 4-hole and would be the #2 RBI leader in the AFCS tournament and tied for 4th for home runs.
Corner Infielders
The corners are held down by Ella Grace Harvey and Abby Herndon per their coach.
When Abby Herndon is not in the circle, she is typically found on first base. Herndon is a consistent defensive presence both in the circle and on the corner.
Ella Grace is the team’s most versatile corner and, standing 5-foot-11, she has the ability to play first and third.
She would make an incredible game-saving play at third base in the Championship Game to help secure the win.
*** Scroll down to learn more about the team including what new organization it will compete for starting right away this Fall…
