Midwest Select Showcase Launches June 5-7

As Extra Inning Softball continues expanding its national event coverage in 2026, one of the newest tournaments to join the spotlight is the Midwest Select Showcase, launching June 5–7 at Lou Berliner Sports Park in Columbus, Ohio. Scheduled during the first NCAA recruiting weekend of the summer, the event is set to attract elite teams from the 10U–18U levels while providing meaningful exposure in front of college coaches from across the country.

Tournament Director Mark Skapin, a former college coach with more than a decade of experience at the collegiate level, is leading the launch of the event. His vision is clear: create authentic recruiting opportunities that benefit both college programs and student-athletes, while maintaining a high standard of competition and organization.

A Strategic Addition 

This is the first year of the Midwest Select Showcase which takes the place of a classically held weekend at Lou Berliner Sports Park, by the Laser Nation HFL Showcase and AFCS National Qualifier. With Laser Nation shifting its dates, Skapin seized the opportunity to continue hosting a high-demand recruiting event during a weekend that already draws a significant college coach presence.

Rather than rebuilding interest from scratch, the Midwest Select Showcase builds upon an established recruiting culture at the venue. College coaches are already accustomed to being in Columbus during this time frame, making the transition seamless and ensuring strong attendance from programs across multiple levels.

Alliance Partnership Raises the Stakes

What immediately sets the Midwest Select Showcase apart is its official partnership with the Alliance Heart of America (HFL) Region. Participating teams will be eligible to earn official Alliance points, which contribute directly to seeding for AFCS Nationals in Indiana.

This added layer of significance transforms the event from a standard showcase into a true dual-purpose competition—where teams are not only gaining recruiting exposure but also positioning themselves strategically for postseason play on a national stage.

For programs with long-term goals tied to AFCS Nationals, the Midwest Select Showcase becomes a must-attend stop on the summer circuit.

A Venue Built for National Events

Hosting the event at Lou Berliner Sports Park elevates the showcase even further. Widely recognized as one of the premier softball venues in the country, the complex features 31 turf fields in a single location, allowing for efficient scheduling, consistent field conditions, and minimal downtime between games.

Located in downtown Columbus, the venue offers easy access for traveling teams and college coaches alike. The centralized layout also enables recruiters to evaluate multiple teams and age groups without logistical challenges—an increasingly important factor for college staffs managing tight summer schedules.

Skapin expects teams from 10 different states to be represented, creating a diverse and competitive field that reflects the national scope of the event.

Designed for Exposure and Competition

The Midwest Select Showcase format is intentionally structured to maximize both recruiting visibility and meaningful gameplay.

• 16U & 18U divisions will feature 90-minute games, with four showcase games and single-elimination.

• 10U, 12U, and 14U divisions will play 80-minute games, with five pool games and single-elimination.

This structure ensures that every team receives ample field time, while older divisions gain the added intensity of bracket play that mirrors postseason environments—something college coaches consistently value during evaluations.

A Recruiting-First Philosophy

At the core of the Midwest Select Showcase is Skapin’s recruiting-first approach. As a former college coach of 10 years, Skapin draws from his experience and emphasizes alignment—not just talent.

Over the years, Skapin has received consistent feedback from college coaches who discovered athletes that were not only skilled, but also the right cultural and academic fit for their programs. Student-athletes, in turn, have earned genuine recruiting traction and scholarship offers across NCAA Division I, II, and III, as well as NAIA and NJCAA institutions.

“Our mission is simple,” Skapin has shared. “We want to help student-athletes take advantage of real recruiting opportunities and fulfill their dream of playing at the next level.”

That philosophy resonates in an era where families are increasingly selective about which events truly provide return on investment—both competitively and in recruiting exposure.

Event Details at a Glance

• Event: Midwest Select Showcase
• Dates: June 5–7, 2026
• Location: Lou Berliner Sports Park – Columbus, Ohio
• Divisions: 10U–18U
• Cost: $1,195 per team (all-inclusive; no additional fees)
• College Exposure: 60+ college programs expected
• Alliance Points: Eligible for AFCS Nationals seeding
• Registration: Click HERE

A New National Staple

With its ideal timing, elite venue, Alliance partnership, and recruiting-driven leadership, the Midwest Select Showcase is positioned to become a staple on the national fastpitch calendar. For teams seeking legitimate exposure, competitive integrity, and postseason relevance, Columbus will be the place to be this June.

Registration is now open, and with demand already building, teams are encouraged to secure their spot early for what promises to be one of the most impactful showcase events of the 2026 summer season.

Extra Inning Softball
Your source for rankings
Download our EIS App HERE

Join Now!

COPYRIGHT © 2026 Extra Inning Softball TM

Extra Inning Softball Expands Tournament Coverage in 2026

Help Improve the Rankings: Your Tournament Feedback Needed!

TRENDING NEWS