Rebuilding Extra Inning Softball: January 16, 2026, marks two years since I officially assumed full ownership of Extra Inning Softball—a milestone defined not by perfection, but by intention, humility, and hard-earned lessons.
To be clear, Extra Inning Softball was already struggling before the ownership transition. When I took over, the brand was dealing with declining trust, confused audiences, and damaged credibility. Rankings had become bloated with excessive ties that did not make sense to families or coaches, and confidence in the platform had eroded.
Adding to that challenge was a significant reputational issue that occurred before my ownership. In April 2023, an inappropriate article about a well-known softball player was published—content I did not approve of and would never have allowed.
Although the article was ultimately removed, it took five days, and the impact was immediate and severe. Website traffic dropped from an average of 120,000 page views per day to just 5,000–6,000 per day, where it remained for the rest of that year.
If that moment taught me anything, it was this: credibility can be damaged quickly, but it can only be restored slowly—through consistency, accountability, and better decisions.
Today, I am proud to share a very different outcome. Over the last 16 months, Extra Inning Softball has generated more than 12.1 million impressions on our website. That growth did not happen overnight, and it did not happen alone.
Rebuilding While Learning
When I officially stepped into ownership, speculation followed. Some wondered who I was. Others questioned what direction I would take the company. And yes—more than once, I was told the company would fail, often pointing out that I did not play college softball.
Here is what I did know.
I knew I was a hard worker.
I knew I would not quit when things got uncomfortable.
And I knew that God already had the answers—I just needed to ask the right questions.
So instead of asking, “How do I fix everything?” I started asking, “What should I do next?” That shift—combined with prayer, quiet reflection, and thoughtful consultation—became the foundation for every decision that followed.
Mistakes Along the Way
I want to be very clear: I have made mistakes along the way.
Some lessons came gently. Others came with a sharp edge. Leadership has a way of exposing blind spots quickly. But my commitment has never changed. When I get something wrong, I will learn from it. I will correct it. And I will aim to do better the next time.
Listening has been essential to that growth.
The softball community has not always been gentle—but it has been honest. Feedback, insight, and even criticism—sometimes uncomfortable—have helped shape both me and this company. Growth rarely happens without friction.
One moment stands out. A coach once questioned how I could lead this platform given my background. After hearing variations of that comment more times than I could count, I finally responded—calmly, truthfully, and firmly:
“I’m a multi-sport female athlete. I won state with my team. And I’ve played more women’s sports than any man who ranks players.”
The coach was surprised.
I surprised myself too.
Leadership requires balance—the humility to listen and the confidence to lead. You do not build trust by shrinking, and you do not build character by dismissing feedback. You do both.
Rebuilding Was a Team Effort
If there is one thing I want to emphasize clearly, it is this: Extra Inning Softball is where it is today because of the team behind it.
I am surrounded by women who have played and/or coached college softball—leaders who understand the game, the pressure, and the responsibility that comes with covering young athletes. Their insight, integrity, and willingness to challenge ideas have shaped every major improvement over the last two years. Meet our team!
From rebuilding rankings to strengthening editorial standards, from expanding educational content to launching the EIS app, this progress reflects collaboration—not ego.
Gratitude Behind the Scenes
Leadership is never a solo journey, and this one has been made possible by the constant support of those closest to me. I am deeply grateful for my husband, Clarence Taylor, whose patience, encouragement, and steady belief in me never wavered—especially during seasons that demanded more than I thought I had to give. His support has been a quiet strength behind every step forward.
I am also incredibly thankful for my parents, David and Carol Holland, whose values, guidance, and unwavering belief in me shaped the foundation I stand on today. Their example taught me resilience, work ethic, and the importance of leading with integrity.
To my children, siblings and extended family—thank you for your constant encouragement, perspective, and grace. Your support has carried me through long days, hard decisions, and moments of reflection more than you know.
Behind the work, the leadership, and the rebuilding of Extra Inning Softball is a family that believed in the mission and in me—even when the path was challenging. For that, I am profoundly grateful.
What Extra Inning Softball Stands For
Extra Inning Softball stands for Empower. Inspire. Support.
Those are not just words. They are our standard.
No content will ever be published on our platform unless it meets that expectation. Athletes will be respected. Stories will be told responsibly. Rankings will be handled with integrity and intention.
We rebuilt our rankings system with a proprietary algorithm to eliminate bloated ties and restore clarity. We stopped ranking seventh and eighth graders entirely, shifting younger athletes into development-focused watch lists that protect the long-term journey.
We expanded our coverage to include recruiting education, mental agility, sports performance, the Parent Hub, the Discussion Poll page, and holistic athlete development.
We launched the Extra Inning Softball app to better serve a growing national community.
Looking Ahead
Extra Inning Softball today is stronger, more focused, and more credible than it was two years ago. That did not happen by accident. It happened because of faith, feedback, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
We have exciting announcements coming in the weeks ahead that reflect our mission to continue driving this sport forward the right way.
I invite players, parents, coaches, and organization leaders to reach out with ideas, stories, and insights—from human-interest features to breaking news that deserves thoughtful coverage.
Thank you to the community that challenged me, supported me, and helped shape this journey.
The path has not been perfect—but it has been purposeful.
And the future of Extra Inning Softball is strong.
TRENDING NEWS
TRENDING NEWS DESCRIPTION
ALL NEWS Stay updated with the latest updates.
CLUB NEWS Club News: 14-18U
COMMITTED Committed News!
DRILL ZONE Over 100 Drills
FIVE-STARS New 5-Star Rating System
AMBASSADORS EIS Impact Ambassadors
INFIELDERS New changes to ranking Infielders
PARENT HUB Insights from softball parents!
POLLS Vote and share your take on trending topics.
EIS MOBILE APP Download our new EIS App!
RANKINGS LISTS Rankings Lists!
RANKINGS NEWS Rankings News!
RECRUITING Navigating the softball recruiting process.
STORE Your go-to for stylish gear.
TEAM RANKINGS Team rankings return to EIS!
TOURNAMENTS Tournaments Matter in Rankings
UNCOMMITTED Uncommitted News!
YOUTH NEWS Youth News! 10-12U
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