You know you’re hardcore into softball when you build a regulation size infield in the backyard of your new home!
That’s what Corey Mathis, the head coach of Mizuno Storm—one of the top 14U candidates for the Extra Inning Softball Elite Club 50 rankings—when landscaping his Waddell, Arizona one acre home.
Nothing like being able to work on some infield drills under the lights just outside your back door!
The “Field of Dreams” concept typifies the coach’s passion for the sport and demonstrates the lengths Mathis will go to get the extra reps needed to give his team the edge when it comes to national competition.
Extra Inning Softball caught up with the Arizona-based coach to learn more about this year’s team and the background of the program… here’s a closer look at this desert-based “Storm”…
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When did the current 14U Mizuno team start and what was the idea behind its creation?
This team started when they were 7-8 years old. Only one player is still with me since that time (Hannah Lindsay), but all have been playing since then. We started as the AZ Cougars and I joined Mizuno Storm four years ago. I officially took over the program in 2017 as the President over all teams.
Where do your athletes come from primarily?
All our Storm athletes are local (Phoenix), but two on my team come from Tucson.
What was the primary reason for developing the team? Was it to showcase players, win titles, develop skills, or something else?
This team was created to win a national championship with the best players in the age group. We feel the recruiting will follow if you chase the right competition.
What are you most proud of in terms of doing well on the national stage?
Our biggest accomplishment early on was winning the USSSA 10U National Championship in California, then two years later winning the Pre-Thanksgiving 12U tournament in California. That same year we were the first Arizona team to go to California for the PGF 12U Qualifier and we took one of the four berths. I feel that really opened some eyes on my team as we were a contender on a national stage and we went 3-2 that year at Nationals. Last year as a young 14u team we earned a Platinum Berth in Albuquerque and then went to Las Vegas the next week and earned a Premier berth for PGF. This year, PGF gave us a Premier invitee to Nationals.
What makes the organization unique, in your opinion?
The fact that we stick with our players all year makes us unique. All of our teams share the same philosophy of developing our players to the highest level. Also, we preach the importance of class on and off the field. You won’t find our coaches acting like idiots as we teach young ladies the right ways to act in life.
