Finding Community in the Softball World:
In the tight-knit world of softball, building a supportive community is important. It’s not just about competition—it’s about connection. At Extra Inning Softball, we’re thrilled to create opportunities for players to connect, learn, and grow through our Commit Crew Q+As, a space for young athletes to find inspiration and guidance from those who have already walked their path.
Join our next Commit Crew Q&A on January 21st at 6 PM CT to connect with Division I athletes!
🔗 JOIN THE MEETING HERE
Meeting ID: 283 020 147 289 | Passcode: wk7xy2KW
Our Commit Crew features standout Class of 2026 athletes who have committed to play Division I softball. During our Q+As, they openly share their experiences, offering advice and encouragement on all things softball, from game strategy to balancing faith, academics, and life off the field.
One story that perfectly captures the power of this community is the connection between Esther Grace Young and Macie Dever Boaz.
A Bond Beyond the Field
A few months ago, Esther joined one of our Commit Crew Q+A sessions eager to learn from players who have walked where she desires to go on her softball journey. What started as a simple conversation about softball evolved into something much deeper—a conversation about their shared faith.
Esther boldly asked Macie how her faith in Jesus Christ influences her approach on and off the field. Macie’s heartfelt response lit a spark of encouragement in Esther.
“Macie is very bold in her faith, and she’s a great player and hard worker,” Esther’s father, Pastor Brandon Young, shared.
During the Q+A, Macie encouraged Esther to use her platform she has been blessed with to share her love for Jesus. Their bond didn’t stop there. They stayed in touch, and Macie later sent Esther a heartfelt gift: a homemade hair ribbon with the words “Don’t Lose the Lord.”
For Esther, that ribbon symbolized so much more than softball—it was a reminder of the faith-driven bond she shares with Macie. “That means more than a brand-new bat, glove, no-hitter, or home run because it came from a big time DI recruit. More importantly it came from her faith in Jesus,” said Esther’s father.
As a committed Division I player and member of the Commit Crew, Macie Boaz understands the importance of using her platform to inspire and connect with the next generation of softball players. For her, participating in the Q+A sessions isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about creating meaningful connections that go beyond the game.
When asked why she enjoys these moments of connection, Macie shared, “I love connecting with younger players because it’s my way of giving back to the game and reaching the next generation of players.
I love watching a young girl’s face light up when you talk to them and when they can relate to you and when they look up to you because it reminds me of the way other players impacted me and made me feel. Also, we can all learn from each other and relate because of this little yellow ball. Even if it is over the phone, it still means the world.”
Faith, Community, and the Bigger Picture
Not only does Esther’s family have a deeply rooted faith in God, but so does her travel team, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2031- Tennyson. During tournaments, the team begins every Sunday with a devotional and prayer.
They thank God for the challenges, victories, and lessons learned on the field. These moments of faith have had a profound effect, with one of Esther’s teammates even giving her life to Christ after a team prayer.
Why You Should Join Our Next Q+A
The Q+A sessions aren’t just about softball—they’re about building connections, strengthening faith, and finding support from people who understand your journey.
These live events provide a safe space for players and parents alike to ask questions and gain insight on navigating the challenges of the game, from managing pressure to pursuing college dreams. Esther’s dad encourages all families to participate:
“I encourage all the young ladies and even parents to join the Q+A with your daughter. She may open up to an older player who has faced the ups and downs of the game, the pressure, the grind of softball season, and the challenge of balancing faith and school.
She might make a connection like Esther and Macie did. You never know—one day, Macie may even be one of Esther’s coaches in college or elsewhere! Relationships are great, so never burn bridges. Instead, walk across them and see all that God has planned for your future.”
Join our next Commit Crew Q&A on January 21st at 6 PM CT to connect with Division I athletes!
🔗 JOIN THE MEETING HERE
Meeting ID: 283 020 147 289 | Passcode: wk7xy2KW
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