RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Karli Challburg, a 2025 pitcher from Kingwood, Texas, was sick much of her early childhood and by the age of 10 (in 2017) it became apparent that something was seriously wrong with her colon.
After several surgical procedures, and tests, it was decided that a large portion of her colon would need to be removed followed by significant reconstruction of her intestines and a g-tube port put in.
Her first major surgery was in October 2018. After a three-week hospital stay and a loss of over 25 percent of her body weight, Karli was able to come home to start her long journey of recovery.
Two months later she was back in school and after one more month, she was cleared to start working out. However, due to her port (g-tube) placement, pitching was too painful and she had to give it up.
For the next two years, the young teenager still had to endure significant health issues including lots of pain nausea and daily g-tube hookups requiring 1-2 hours of her being hooked up every evening on the medical equipment.
While dealing with these disheartening challenges, Karli decided to try pitching again and started working on her game in May of 2020.
But that didn’t mean she was past her medical issues; the Texan had to undergo more testing, surgical procedures, and several hospital stays between 2018-2021.
In August 2021—just a few days before she was supposed to start her freshman year—Karli had her second major surgery removing most of the remaining colon and a portion of intestine, along with additional reconstruction.
That meant another two to three months of recovery time before she could be back on the field and in school.
Today, the athlete still continues to fight through her illness with daily struggles, but with faith and hope. Her medical journey has entailed 14 procedures and/or surgeries where she was put under anesthesia but Karli continues to power on and currently is playing for the Texas Sudden Impact – Oglesby team led by Head Coach Amy Oglesby.
The club coach remembers meeting the young athlete four years ago.
“Karli first came to our team in 2019 as a weak, small, but hungry ball player trying to make her way back on the field,” Coach Oglesby recalls.
“I was immediately drawn to this kid and, even though she didn’t have the strongest physical capability at the time, you could tell she had a fire about her that was determined to succeed. I watched her fight for a spot on the field, struggle with her health issues, and always answer with a smile on her face, ‘Yes Coach, I can do it!’”
“Most will never know the pain Karli struggled through, especially in her early years on the team. She had goals though, and she was determined to reach those goals. Fast forward a couple years later, and through consistent hard work, determination, and fight, Karli has developed into one of the most dominate pitchers in the 2025 class.”
“This is a kid who had all odds stacked against her but has proven that if you want something bad enough, anything is possible. She has been recognized for her skill by making All Tournament Teams in prestigious events such as Colorado Sparkler, TFL Championships, College Classic, among others.”
“Karli has also been ranked in the Extra Elite 100, the PGF All American Watchlist, and is on the recruiting radar for many colleges.”
“Other teams may know Karli as being that dominate pitcher, with a high strikeout ratio who will get you on that wicked riseball, but what she has overcome to get to where she is now makes her a true inspiration for athletes everywhere.”
“Karli is a special kid!”
*****
Extra Inning Softball recently caught up with the high school junior to learn more about her background and her impressive persistence in playing the game she’s loved since age 5…
Player Name: Karli Challburg
Team: Texas Sudden Impact – Oglesby
High School: Kingwood High School (Kingwood, Texas)
Grad Year: 2025
Position(s): pitcher/outfielder
Parents: Scott & Carri Challburg
How do you remember feeling after the initial surgery when you realized you wouldn’t be able to pitch?
My first pitching lesson back after my first major surgery and being cleared by the doctor, was the moment I realized I wouldn’t be able to pitch without hitting my port and causing extreme pain. It was devastating to think I wouldn’t be on the mound again.
What made you decide to start pitching again?
Two years later, after a batting lesson, I was waiting for my Mom to finish talking with the coach. I picked up a softball and starting “pitching” it into the fence. I realized that the pain wasn’t keeping me from finishing my pitch anymore and I decided I wanted to give it another try.
Can you explain how you felt getting back into pitching? Struggles? Successes?
At first, I was really nervous. I spent the next couple of months practicing at home. My parents expected me to put in all the work to show if I was ready to commit. I had to make sure I could protect my port and not damage it and still go all out on the field and not use my health as an excuse. Early on there were some challenges because of the port. Howeer, with the support of my doctors, my parents, and my coach, I was able to continue getting stronger physically and mentally as a pitcher.
What keeps you going and motivated to succeed each day?
Future me! I want to be able to look back at my life, see how far I’ve come, and know that I did everything I could to reach my goals. I hope to play college ball and coach softball someday.
What would today’s Karli say to the Karli from three to four years ago?
Keep fighting, it will all be worth it. Take every opportunity and use it to the fullest. Remember how you got here.
What are your team’s top accomplishments?
- We took 2nd place in the TFL Championship (Summer 2022),
- Won the championship in our bracket in the College Classic (Fall 2022),
- Ranked #7 as a team in the Texas Fastpitch League for Fall 2022,
- Bracket Champions at the Gold Cup Elite Division (Fall 2022)
What are your top individual accomplishments?
- Named to PGF 2025 All-American national watchlist,
- Nationally ranked #71 as a pitcher for the 2025 Extra Elite 100 rankings (#88 overall) published in 2022,
- Pitcher of the Tournament and All-Tournament Team at the College Classic Tournament (Fall 2022),
- 3rd Team All-Tournament at the Colorado 4th of July Sparklers Triple Crown Tournament (Summer 2022),
- 1st Team All-Tournament at the Texas TFL Summer Championship Tournament (Summer 2022),
- 1st Team All-Tournament and Pitcher of the Tournament at the Texas TCS Southwest Summer Nationals Tournament (Summer 2022)
What do you feel are your strengths in softball?
I believe I’m a hard-working, team player who is humble and playful. As a player, I have a competitive spirit and pitch with command and motion. Hitting-wise, I make contact and hit gap to gap with a low strikeout percentage.
What is your favorite softball memory?
I had a 22-pitch single and a 14 minute at-bat strikeout as a pitcher at the TFL Championship. It was on a day where we played four games on the championship Sunday in the 104-degree heat and we took second in the tournament. I pitched three of the four games that day!
Do you have any softball superstitions?
Yes, I have to wear socks under my socks, and I have to wear the same number of layers on my bottom and my top.
What is the funniest thing you have ever seen happen on a softball field?
In 10U, I hit a line drive to the corner and was sprinting around the bases in anticipation of it being an inside-the-park home run. I got so excited, I tripped over second base and landed on my face. But I made it back to second base safe.
If you could meet anyone in the softball world, who would it be?
Monica Abbott… luckily, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with her as she was involved with our organization.
What is one thing you have learned from your coach that will always stay with you?
“Once you step on the field, go all out” and “Control the controllables” from Coach Amy
Who is your hero and why?
My dad. He is inspirational and always helps me do the right thing. He’s always willing to catch me when I want to work out and always there with an ear or a word when I need it.
What other activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of softball?
I like building Legos and hanging out with my friends.
If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Taylor Swift, but to be honest I’d probably be too afraid to talk to her about anything.
What is your favorite quote or motto?
WWJD – What would Jesus do? It reminds me to be kind to everyone and to work hard.
— Brentt Eads/Extra Inning Softball