Lainie Keefer, a 2028 MIF/C/OF/UT for Indiana Dreams 09, was invited to the USSSA Select 30 National Training Camp this weekend at Space Coast in Florida and she recently agreed to blog about her experience for Extra Inning Softball.
Here’s her blog from Day 4, Monday, Jan. 16, 2023.
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Today was my last day of the Select 30 training camp! We started the day with an 8 a.m. game with a 6:45 a.m. arrival. It was a close game, but we came out on top! I helped my team by playing 2B, RF and LF. I had an RBI hit to CF and I also scored a run.
USSSA sent out an email at 9 a.m. with the players who made the Select 30 team (which was in the middle of my game). I didn’t exactly know what time it was, but I saw everyone in the stands looking at their phones so I figured that it was that time. When I got back in the dugout, I ran to the end and asked my dad if I made the cut and I did! I made the Select 30 Team!
The game was scheduled for noon. After my first game, we had a small lunch break, then it would be time for the Select 30 game. I was chosen to be on the American team and we were playing against the National team. It was a tight game, but the National team got a run in the 7th inning to put them ahead and my team couldn’t pull back ahead and we lost, 3-2. I was proud of my team for playing until the very end. The game was such an awesome experience. The game was broadcast live with an announcer and several camera angles. They also had the game streamed onto the scoreboard!
My family at home was able to watch me play on television! After the game, USSSA gave us rings and took team pictures. I am so thankful to all the coaches and everyone who put time into this training camp and games. I’m so glad that I got this opportunity and got to meet so many new people and make new friends. I am the most thankful for my parents for bringing me all the way to Florida and putting a lot of time and money to allow me to pursue my dreams.
Lastly, thank you Carlos Arias and Extra Inning Softball for giving me this opportunity to blog and share my day-to-day at the Select 30 training camp. This has been a great learning experience for me too! I hope I’ve inspired other softball sisters!
— #54 Lainie Keefer
