Celebrating a Year of Unbelievable Growth and Success
One year ago, I began an inspiring journey to transform Extra Inning Softball. Since taking full ownership in January 2024, I have worked tirelessly alongside my team to reshape Extra Inning Softball into the best fastpitch community resource available today. From revamped rankings to fresh, innovative content, we’ve created a platform that empowers athletes, coaches, and parents to thrive in the sport they love.
This milestone also represents a year of remarkable content improvement. We’ve introduced cutting-edge features, expert insights, and practical resources to support every aspect of the fastpitch softball journey. From training and recruiting tips to mental toughness strategies, our content ensures athletes and their families are prepared to succeed both on and off the field.
A Journey of Resilience and Renewal: How Extra Inning Softball Thrived
When I took over sole ownership of Extra Inning Softball, it was under extraordinary circumstances. Just three days earlier, I had undergone a serious and challenging surgery. The recovery process was grueling—I was hospitalized four times for IV treatments, unable to eat soft foods for six weeks, and couldn’t even swallow a cup of cold water in one sitting for six months.
Amid these physical challenges, I also faced intense negativity. Messages poured in, warning me that Extra Inning Softball would fail within three months, that investors would buy the company for pennies on the dollar, and that it couldn’t survive without the leadership of prior management.
Despite the adversity, I was determined to prove otherwise. I clung to six principles that I knew would lead to success:
- Pray to God for inspiration, direction, and to bring people into my life who shared my vision.
- Work hard—no matter the obstacles.
- Hire the right team, including women with experience as high-level players and coaches at the D1 and pro levels.
- Revamp the rankings system, which was long overdue for a complete overhaul.
- Conduct thorough research, speaking with head coaches and organizational leaders across the country.
- Improve our content to better serve our customers.
As I implemented these practices, the vision I held began to take shape. Over the last two weeks, Extra Inning Softball has experienced its largest surge in website hits to date—an astounding 2.2 million. Read more HERE.
Today, I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. We’ve completely overhauled the rankings system based on in-depth research and insights, built an incredible team of talented women, and introduced outstanding new content to serve the softball community.
Why Choose Extra Inning Softball?
At Extra Inning Softball, we’re constantly striving to innovate and improve to serve the softball community better. Over the past year, we’ve completely revamped our rankings system, implementing a cutting-edge software solution that ensures accuracy, fairness, and transparency. Our proprietary software was developed with input from college and professional softball experts, eliminating bias and refining how rankings are conducted. JOIN OUR EIS TEAM!
Revolutionizing Rankings
- No More Ties: Every athlete earns their spot, eliminating ties for clearer rankings.
- Anonymous Rankings Committee: Operates with undisclosed members to ensure unbiased evaluations.
- Position-Based Rankings: Players are ranked within their positions to provide detailed insights into specific roles.
- Regional Rankings: Highlights top talent across the country, recognizing players in their local areas.
- New Honor Roll: Celebrates academic excellence alongside athletic achievements.
- Hitters Hot List Rankings: Spotlights the best offensive talent in fastpitch softball.
If you’d like to hear more about these exciting changes, I invite you to watch an exclusive interview with me and Communications Director, Katie Lively. In it, we discuss the Evolution of Rankings and the improved content that’s reshaped how we serve the softball community. This in-depth conversation showcases the passion, precision, and purpose that fuel everything we do at Extra Inning Softball.
JOIN OUR EIS TEAM! In addition to our advanced rankings system, we’ve introduced several key improvements to deliver even more engaging and valuable content. Whether it’s exclusive player features, insightful analysis, or expanded coverage of teams and events, we’re committed to celebrating the athletes, coaches, and families who make this sport incredible. Check out some of our newest content improvements in the table below.
Rising Stars 10U/12U Watch List
The Extra Inning Softball Rising Stars Watch List for 10U and 12U players has been a resounding success, recognizing talent from over 175 teams and counting. This prestigious initiative showcases young athletes on our website with photos and professionally written bios, connecting them with top coaches nationwide. By celebrating their skills and potential, Extra Inning Softball is helping pave the way for future opportunities in the sport. Submit a player HERE for the Rising Stars Watch List today!
Expanding Coverage with MaxPreps
Extra Inning Softball is excited to announce our collaboration with MaxPreps to deliver outstanding high school softball coverage. This partnership allows us to spotlight talented athletes and teams nationwide, providing the recognition they deserve. Additionally, we’re expanding our focus to include more youth softball, ensuring that the next generation of players receives the same attention and celebration as their high school counterparts. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage and exciting updates!
Event Coverage
Extra Inning Softball had an incredible year traveling to some of the most prestigious events in the sport, including the PGF Show Me the Money tournament and the Colorado 4th of July Sparkler hosted by Triple Crown Sports. These events provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with the softball community, showcase rising talent, and evaluate players from across the country. As we gear up for another exciting year, we’re eager to continue highlighting the best in fastpitch softball and bringing national attention to the athletes who make this sport extraordinary.
Thank you Friends, Family, and Softball Community!
To my family, friends, and boyfriend: thank you from the bottom of my heart for cheering me on, believing in me, and encouraging me every step of the way. Your unwavering support has been my anchor during the toughest challenges and my inspiration to keep pushing forward. Whether it was a kind word, a listening ear, or simply standing by my side, you have been my greatest champions. I am deeply grateful for your love and belief in me—it means more than words can ever express.
I want to also express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire softball community for your unwavering support. Your trust and enthusiasm have been the driving force behind every improvement and innovation we’ve made. I’m also deeply thankful for my extraordinary team, whose dedication, creativity, and passion have been instrumental in bringing our vision for Extra Inning Softball to life. Together, we’ve achieved so much, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built.
I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you, as we celebrate the athletes, coaches, and families who make this sport so special. Thank you for believing in us and for being part of the Extra Inning Softball family. Here’s to another amazing year of growth and success!
COPYRIGHT © 2025 Extra Inning Softball TM
