Players Express Their Love & Appreciation in Our Special Father’s Day Tribute (2023)

Today–Father’s Day 2023–we honor those “softball dads” who do so much for their daughters… and the sport we all love!

In behalf of the fathers (or “father figures”) who play such an important role in a young person’s life, we take time to honor them today.

Over the last couple of weeks, we asked softball players nationwide if they would like to pay tribute to that special someone on Father’s Day; here are some of their beautiful tributes…

*****

• Name: Megan Trivelpiece
• Father’s Name: Vince Trivelpiece
• Grad Year: 2022
• Team: Drexel University Dragons
• City/ST: Sugarloaf, Pa.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Vince Trivelpiece!

There will never be enough words to express my gratitude for all you have done for me.

I know I speak for both of my sisters, Maria (Fordham ’19) and Marissa (USF rising senior), when I say that you have given us the world and more. You are the best father, coach, and friend because of your kind heart and willingness to always go above and beyond for us every single day.

Since I was five years old, you have been a positive light in my life. Thank you for introducing me to the sport our whole family loves and a sport that has brought us all so close. Whether my sisters and I were 4-4 or 0-4, you always treated us the same and for that we will forever be thankful. It has been so fun getting to experience every stage of the game with you from rec league, to travel ball, and then to college softball.

You and Mom have believed in us and encouraged us to be the best people we could be on and off the field. Thank you for the countless hours at the field hitting us groundballs, flyballs, and pitching to us. Thank you for being at every game and for always being our biggest fan.

In your career as a coach, you have won thousands of softball games. However, the wins were just a bonus to you as along the way you have positively impacted hundreds of softball players chasing their dreams.

You are selfless, kind, and intelligent. Your knowledge and passion for the game shines when you step on the field. Thank you for being our role model and a role model for the hundreds of girls you have helped along the way.

We love you Dad! Happy Father’s Day! I am sure we will be spending it at a ballfield somewhere!

*****

 

• 

  Name: Hope Brown

• Father: Carmon Brown
• Grad Year: 2029
• Team: Southern Force 12u- Palmer
• City/ST: Nashville, Tenn.

When I was five years old, my little Yankees team was playing in the championship. We were the underdog, but we had the other team on the ropes. The ball was hit to second, I was playing first. When my teammate threw me the ball I caught it, but my foot was not on the base. My coach had continued to tell me to put my right foot on the bag, but I was stubborn and did not listen.

The other team ended up winning. It’s tough to feel like you lost the game for your team, and it’s hard to have a coach get onto you; and it’s really hard if that coach is your daddy.

I cried on the way home and it was a little tense in the car on the way. My Dad and I stayed outside while the rest of the family went inside to get ready for bed. We talked about it and when we walked in from the garage like this, my mom took a picture.

My two sisters and I all play travel ball. We have a lot of heated discussions, but in the end, we end up like this. My Dad sacrifices a lot for Faith, Joy, and me to play the game we love.

He was an All-American collegiate shortstop and coached college baseball too.  He wants us to do it right because he knows what it takes to be the best. He pours into us every day, and I’ve learned to listen.

Thank you, Dad for teaching me about life through this great game and for loving me along the way.

*****

• 

  Name: Faith Brown

• Grandfather: Mel Brown
• Grad Year: 2024
• Team: Southern Force National 18U – Palmer
• City/ST: Nashville, Tenn.

“Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

My grandfather was my No. 1 fan, mentor, ally, coach, therapist, and best friend.

He was a baseball coach, both high school and college, for over 40 years. He had me hitting acorns with a bat in the backyard when I was four. He taught me to have quick hands, stay inside the ball, hit the ball where it was pitched, and how to truly respect and love the game!

Even when he was fighting cancer, he showed up at my games when he could. And when he couldn’t, he expected a call and wanted me to break down every at bat and every play of the game for him.

Granddaddy was an old-school coach, and many of his former players would say he was the toughest they’d ever had. I watched these same grown men weep at his funeral when he died, saying he was one of the best men they’d ever known, and felt honored to have played for him.

While I knew he was tough on others, he was Coach Granddaddy to me, and always told me I was doing good, and just make sure I was having fun. At the end of our conversations, even when he had to talk me off the ledge, he would always ask me, “What did you learn?” and “Did you have fun?”

In the last month of his life, I asked him to give me some words of wisdom. In his shaky handwriting, he wrote, “Love the Lord, do your best, and stay true to yourself!“

These words are written inside my team visor. Two days before he died, I told him, “Granddaddy you’re gonna be my angel in the outfield. And hey, if there’s a ball really close to the fence, just throw it on over.

He answered, “I don’t know if I can do that, but I’ll blow it over.”

Every time I hit a home run now, I think of my granddaddy watching down on me, with his big smile and amazing laugh.

Keep blowing those balls over the fence Granddaddy, I love you!

*****

• Name: Sam Minish
• Father: Jeremy Minish
• Grad Year: 2024
• Team: Mojo Lunsford
• City/ST: Hull, GA

Happy Father’s Day to my dad.

For as long as I can remember he has never failed to be present and support me while I play the game I love.

He has given up endless hours working with me at the field and has always been up to throwing me thousands and thousands of pitches even though he knew his arm would be tired the next day. No matter the time of day it was either.

Words will never express how grateful I am to have such an amazing and supportive Dad.

My dad is truly one of my biggest blessings and I will forever cherish all the hours spent together on the field and all the advice that he has given to me as a coach.

I love you Dad.

*****

• 

  Name: Jayden Reyes

• Father: Daniel Reyes
• Grad Year: 2025
• Team: D1Vision 16U Premier
• City/ST: Panama City Beach, Fla.

Happy Father’s Day to the best dad ever!

Thank you so much for believing in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. You have always been there for me even when I was getting on your nerves for throwing the ball at your ankles really hard!

You have shown me how a girl should be treated and how to stand up for myself.

You are the most honest and hard-working man ever and I hope to be just like you when I’m older.

I love you so so much and thank you for everything you have done.

Eres mi héroe!

*****

• Name: Kirsten Fleet
• Father: Brian Fleet
• Grad Year: 2023
• Team: Mojo Danley/Fisher
• City/ST: Riner, Va.

Thank you Dad for all of the support and time you have devoted to help me chase my dreams.

Thank you for always being willing to catch or throw me front toss. I couldn’t reach my goals without you.

While this Father’s Day is bittersweet with me going off to college soon, we know all of the hard work has paid off and because of you my dreams are coming true!

Happy Father’s Day and love you!

*****

• 

  Name: Tatum Kreinus

• Father: Joe Kreinus
• Grad Year: 2026
• Team: Alabama Thunderbolts 2025 – Prince
• City/ST: Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.

Happy Father’s Day to the best dad, the best friend, and the best coach!

Softball is a huge part of my life. But I know that without my dad softball probably wouldn’t even be in my life. My dad is the reason that I am able to play the game I love and the reason I continue to play every day.

I started tee ball around the age of 3 and you can guess who my coach was: my dad.  I continued to start playing travel softball at the age of 8 and again my coach was my dad.

My dad has been my coach for as long as I can remember and even though he isn’t the coach of my current team he is still my coach. Whenever I need some help with my swing, or fielding, or anything I can count on my dad to be there to help.

My dad has been a huge part of my softball journey and I love getting to perform for him every day. Every hit, every play I make I owe to him.

My dad isn’t only my softball hero he is my hero in real life. One of my main goals in life is to be like my dad. His hard work and dedication that he brings to every day is something that makes me proud to call him dad. He brings energy to every situation and makes everyone around him the best version of themselves. All of these amazing qualities of my dad I hope to carry with me in the future!

So thanks, Dad, for everything that you have done for me, the family, and everyone you have impacted in this world (because it’s a lot of people).

Happy Father’s Day Dad and keep being the amazing person that you are!

*****

• 

  Name: Rylee Marx 

• Father: Patrick Marx
• Grad Year: 2027
• Team: Impact Gold – Soliz
• City/ST: Aledo, Texas
• Happy Father’s Day, Dad!!!

I know I don’t always show you how much I love and appreciate everything you do for me, but your sacrifices don’t go unnoticed.

My Dad doesn’t work a typical 9-to-5 job, which can complicate family life. He tries to pick his work schedule around my softball schedule.  Many weekends, he comes straight to the ballpark from working an overnight shift.

My dad also postpones sleeping or interrupts his sleep schedule to get me to lessons or just to get my daily pitching in.

Thanks, Dad, for always being there to support me (even when I hit you with pitches!)

Happy Father’s Day!!

*****

• Player: Jolie “Jojo” Tompkins
• Father: Chris Tompkins
• Grad Year: 2027
• Team: Futures Tompkins
• City/ST: Menifee, Calif.
• Dear Dad,

I just wanted to thank you for everything you do for me on and off the field. You have always been my biggest supporter no matter what happened, and to have that is the best thing I could ever ask for.

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your love, passion, knowledge, and your drive. I love being able to share my passion for softball with you.

Having you there to push me to my limits, get out of my comfort zone, and be more positive was a blessing in disguise. Sure, sometimes there were some rough days, but in the end you helped me get through them. Even on the days I was not motivated to do anything you were there to push me.

Most of all, I love the pep talks you give me before camps or games in the car. It makes me feel 100 times better than I was before.

But please, for the love of God, stop with the podcasts!

Love,  Jojo

*****

• 

  Name: Riley Smith

• Father: Todd Smith
• Grad Year: 2027
• Team: Lady Dukes 14U Gold – McHale
• City/ST: Middletown, N.J.

Happy Father’s Day to my Dad, Todd Smith!

Since I began playing softball at only 6-years-old, my father has been my biggest supporter. I am the player I have become because of him.

He has spent hundreds of hours sitting on a bucket catching for me, throwing me soft toss, and watching practices. He tries to learn as much as possible about the game of softball so that he can help me to the best of his ability.

He has always supported me emotionally and made sure that I was in the right place mentally. When my Dad and I talked about my goals as an athlete, I set the bar very high for myself. He continues to push me so that I can reach those goals.

My Dad is someone that I can only hope to be like when I am older. He is an amazing person, father, and member of our community. Dad, thank you for being my rock in life, and making me a better person.

I love you endlessly!

*****

• 

  Name: Katie Bayly

• Father: James Bayly
• Grad Year: 2026
• Team: Intensity
  City/ST: Apopka, Fla.

Dad, I can’t express the amount of love I have for you!

From the day I started playing sports I could tell that it was your passion to coach me. From you being there during hours of softball, volleyball, or soccer pushing me to be my best.

Before every game or match starts, I look for you and you may not know that. I will always tell that you are there when I hear your wonderful loud whistle that you do after every national anthem. That is one of my favorite things you do, and I hope you never quit that.

One thing I would never want to get rid of is our softball journey; it is one of the best things that we have ever started. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

You have been my biggest supporter and always want me to get the one percent better daily. You are there for me through all the ups and downs and I wouldn’t be the player I am today without all the times you went out in the yard and threw the ball with me, hit me ground balls and pop flies, feed me on the tee, or front toss me.

And we can’t forget the hours’ worth of car rides talks after or before camps and tournaments.

P.S. never stop being my Uber driver!!

*****

• Name: Oreanna Donaldson
• To her father
• Grad Year: 2024
• Team: KAOS Fastpitch 18U
• City/ST: Independence, Ky.

Daddy:

Thank you for bringing softball in my life when I was 7-years-old. You have been by my side when I didn’t want to listen and tried to do it my way you never gave up on me.

I will forever cherish the countless hours you’ve spent with me teaching me the skills necessary to become a soon to be college softball player.

I thank you for the miles driven to lessons, practices, games, and camps. I also thank you for both the on and off the field life lessons you’ve taught me and I will cherish that forever.

Thank you for being my coach but most importantly my dad.  I love you more than you know.

Happy Father’s Day!

Your baby girl,

Oreanna

*****

• 

  Name: Madison Harris

• Father: Roger Harris
• Grad Year: 2024
• Team: University of Virginia Cavaliers
• City/ST: Forest, Va.

Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Roger Harris!

Ever since I started playing softball at 8-years-old, my dad has helped shape me into the player/person I am now. Whether it was helping me with my pitching or hitting, he was always there helping me accomplish my goal of playing at the Division I collegiate level.

He was there for me through the difficult times and also was one of the first people to congratulate me and cheer me on when I achieved something I had always dreamed of, like winning a Gold medal on the inaugural Team USA U17 team my senior year in high school.

With only one year left in college and my softball career, I know that my dad will be there every step of the way cheering me on!

Time has flown by and it is surreal to think that my career will be coming to an end, but I will always cherish the moments of him catching me in the bullpen, the long drives to tournaments or lessons, and everything else he sacrificed to help me along the way.

So, thank you Dad!

Thank you for always being in my corner and helping me become the person I am today!

I love you and Happy Father’s Day!

*****

• 

  Name: Karleigh Walker

• To her father:
• Grad Year: 2024
• Team: Fury Platinum – Groves
• City/ST: McCracken County, Ky.

What my dad means to me is something that’s very hard to put into words.

Everyone thinks that me and him are close due to softball and, yes, he’s the reason I’ve gotten the opportunity to succeed and show my talents.

But there’s far more to him than most get to see.

He’s a very goofy, loving guy who there is never a dim light around. He’s given up time, effort, and vacation days just to support me in a sport we bond over.

These are things that people will never see, but I’ll forever appreciate. He’s not only my rock, but he’s my best friend, someone I could never imagine life without.

I love you, Dad

*****

• Name: Eden Wilson
• Fathers: Nic Bosch & Tim Wilson
• Grad Year: 2028
• Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2028
• City/ST: Baltimore, Ohio

I want to wish a Happy Father’s Day to my two dads, Nic Bosch and Tim Wilson!

My dad Nic is many things: he has been my coach, trainer, chauffeur across the country for practices/tourneys, he’s my bucket guy, my shoulder to cry on, my hero and most of all my dad!

The sacrifices he makes from working long hours at his company to long hours helping me be a better me are too many to list. He’s shown me more than just softball skills and hard work, but what great character is and how to be selfless and overall just a great human!

My dad Tim is my biggest fan! He’s taught me how to be caring and compassionate! How to be a great teammate and friend and to love the game! He’s the know-everything sports guy and the best numbers guy, probably why I have a 💯 in math lol.

We review film together and replay games. He’s the best board game opponent, although he cheats lol and I’m forever grateful he’s my dad too.

I wouldn’t be where I am without either of them and we celebrate success together. I am forever grateful for them both continuing to pave the way and all the things they do for me in life and the sport we all love.

Thank you, to both my dads,

Eden

*****

My name is Sena Smith and this is my father Sean Smith.

I would like to thank him for always putting me first and pushing me to be the best version of myself. He has spent many years with me and time working on softball and I appreciate him so much.

He is my best friend.

I love you Dad.

*****

My name is Ava Farina. My Dad’s name is Tony Farina.

He has shown me unconditional love, trust, hustle, commitment, respect, and, most importantly, he has taught me how to laugh at my own jokes. It may seem like a small thing, to laugh at your own jokes. But for me it is proof of someone that is happy to be alive, and my dad is someone that is happy to be alive.

My dad had open heart surgery two years ago. During that time, I got to see a side of my father that I had never seen before. During that time, he showed me bravery, positivity, gratitude, and, most importantly, fear. He was not afraid to die, he was afraid that he would never see his family again.

His fear was not a weakness, it was a strength, and it inspired him to fight even more.

My dad is the same person now, but also different. He is happy to be alive.

Thank you for showing me how to find the positive in life, and for being the one to tell me what I don’t want to hear.

I love you, Happy Father’s Day.

*****

Hi! This is Olivia Miller with Lady Dukes 18u Lamar Gold

I wanted to to send in something about my dad for Father’s Day.

My dad Joe Miller has been my catcher since I started pitching when I was 7 years old. I don’t know what I would do without his love and support. He has been my biggest fan and is a huge reason why I love the game as much as I do.

After committing to Ole Miss. my dad has continued to push me even harder to be the best I can be. I can’t wait to see him in the stands watching me live out my dream playing in the SEC.

I appreciate him so much, all the hours on the bucket, every drive to my pitching lessons, the years of tournaments and everything that goes into making it all happen I know he did for me, to make me happy and I am so thankful! I hope his Father’s Day is wonderful just like him!