RANKINGS
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ABOUT
How’s your summer vacation going?
When it comes to having a rockin’ and rollin’ summer so far, few in the softball world can match what Sam Campbell and his Texas Riptide 14U team has done so far (and we’re not even halfway through July yet!).
The travel ball squad, a one-off that’s not part of a club organization like most teams, has won three national tournaments in a row: first, taking the Top Gun Invitational title in Kansas City and most recently winning the Hotshots Invitational Summer Exposure championship.
Between those two impressive titles, the Riptide went to Colorado and got it done there at there too, winning the Colorado Sparkler 14U Power Pool, beating two strong teams—the Thunderbolts in the semi’s and then the Texas Glory in the finals.
In the high altitude of the fields in the Centennial State, the Riptide won the match of the two Texas teams by a score of 7-1 in five innings with the big blow being a bases clearing single in the bottom of the second by leadoff batter Khamari Hall that would highlight a four-run inning to give the Riptide a 6-1 lead.
In the circle, starting pitcher Hunter Quentel went the distance giving up six hits scattered over the five innings, but just the one run which came in the top of the first.
And we can’t leave out the top-ranked player in the 2025 Extra Elite 100, centerfield Alisa Sneed, who threw out a runner at home trying to score on a sac fly and, offensively, drove in three runs herself while teammates Bri Collazo and the aforementioned Khamari Hall both had multiple hits.
“We powered through some adversity,” explained Coach Campbell, “and got it going the last day as our bats came to life. I’m so proud of these girls—they’re like my own daughters—and we truly have a team family that can do anything.
To honor the outstanding 14U team, we asked the head coach and his players if they would share their personal insights and perspectives about the whole Colorado experience… here’s that they had to say… first, with the coach’s perspective:
*****
My Colorado experience started a bit shaky as the first day was spent trying to secure livable accommodations for my girls (our team).
After spending a day at Boondocks (Food & Fun, a place with bowling, laser tag, miniature golf, go-karts a rope course and bumper boats), getting pummeled by a bunch of toddlers while riding the bumper boats, I went back to my hotel to come up with a plan.
All in all, I knew that we had the talent to win; however, there were 60 or so other teams that felt the same way! We had experienced success, but something was missing… home runs!
The team took a trip to D-Bats and went straight to the fields on Championship Sunday and—four impressive wins and 11 home runs later—we walked away with the Championship.
With very little time to celebrate, it was back to Texas and “nighty night!”
— Head Coach Sam Campbell
Here is the team roster listed numerically with grad year and position(s)… below, you will find comments of all the players on what they thought about their Colorado experiences last week… on and off the fields!
The Texas Riptide Team Roster (2022)
- #3 Addi Smith (2026, SS/IF)
- #4 Marigny Thomas (2026, OF/UT)
- #6 Hailey Calias (2026, C/3B)
- #9 Alisa Sneed (2025, OF/UT)
- #10 Elia Lozano (2025, P/IF)
- #11 Kaci Gobert (2025, C/UT)
- #14 Amira Smith-Rodriguez (2025, P/UT)
- #16 Abbey Papadimitriou (2025, 1B/UT)
- #21 Layla Bennett (2026, SS/UT)
- #22 Avery Evans-Pickens (2026, 3B/UT)
- #23 Briana Coliazo (2025, C/UT)
- #25 McKenna Rinewalt (2025, P/UT)
- #27 Hunter Quentel (2027, P/IF)
- #30 Khamari Hall (2025, OF/UT)
*****
I always love going to the July 4th Colorado tournament!
I get to hang out with my team and do a lot of fun things with them. My team always plays awesome together in Colorado.
This year we won the whole tournament, and I am so proud to be on Texas Riptide! I can’t wait to go back next year!
— #3 Addi Smith (2026, SS/IF)
*****
When we arrived at Colorado, it was definitely the tournament I wanted to win, knowing it was going to be tough and that there were going to be the most competitive teams that we haven’t seen in Texas.
The most important thing we had to do was hit because hitting is the key to winning these games. We had to stay in a rhythm. It took the whole team this tournament and absolutely everyone stepped up whether it was in the field or at the plate.
The Colorado Sparkler was our tournament, and we weren’t going to settle for anything other than first ! I had a great experience in Colorado, it’s a beautiful place! I had so much fun going to the zoo and watching the sunset.
The best part overall was going home a champ!
— #4 Marigny Thomas (2026, OF/UT)
*****
Playing in Colorado was a beautiful experience.
I enjoyed the time spent with my teammates and coaches. It wasn’t so beautiful when playing at 8 am in the morning, but I enjoyed playing and winning!
The fields had great grass, but the dirt was hard; still, overall, Colorado was fun and I look forward to coming back next year!
— #6 Hailey Calias (2026, C/3B)
*****
My name is Alisa Sneed and my experience at the Colorado 4th of July tournament was short and sweet because didn’t make it up to there until the weekend, but I wanted to make the most of my time there to help out my team.
Bracket play started Friday so I had to do my best to perform. I hit a few out this weekend, and had a couple throw outs from centerfield! The fact that we won the whole tournament was a testament to what this team can do on a daily basis!
We got a chance to see the beautiful mountainous sunset Saturday night along with fireworks! I had a “funny” while here: scaring one of our moms by jumping off the side of the cliff. That’s the part I will remember the most!
— #9 Alisa Sneed (2025, OF/UT)
*****
This past week, me and my team traveled to Colorado to play in the Colorado Sparkler. It was probably the most fun I’ve had at an out-of-state tournament.
We spent so much time together off of the field doing fun things like tours in Estes Park, shopping, and taking in the beautiful sights. Our bond definitely became stronger and we were able to display that on the field.
I truly feel it’s what leads our success. It was a week to remember!
— #10 Elia Lozano (2025, P/IF)
*****
Over the past week, me and my team traveled to Colorado to play in the Triple Crown Sparkler Tournament.
Not only did we win the tournament, but we won a lifetime of memories. From traveling to the highest peak of Colorado to feeding the chipmunks, this week has been one for the books.
Bonding with my team off the field, I truly believe had a huge part in our outcome. Now it’s time to go back to work and get ready for PGF!
— #11 Kaci Gobert (2025, C/UT)
*****
During this past week, me and my team traveled out to Colorado to participate in the Sparkler tournament.
During our trip, I was able to experience playing softball in new weather and a new scenery. During the tournament I had an amazing inning where, out of the three outs, I struck two people out. I also hit a home run on the last day of the tournament.
It was a challenge to play all these competitive teams, but we came out and won. While on our trip we were able to enjoy our stay and have fun with the team since there were so many things to do.
For example, we were able to go to Boondocks in Northglenn, Colorado. As a team we hung out and enjoyed our free time outside of softball.
I believe this trip has helped us grow closer and acknowledge each other as more than just a softball teammate. I am grateful to have the chance to come out here with my team and hope to do it again.
— #14 Amira Smith-Rodriguez (2025, P/UT)
*****
There is nothing like winning a national tournament playing the sport you love with the people you love!
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to visit Colorado with my softball sisters and play against such elite teams. I had a great trip and got to build everlasting memories and relationships!
What makes Texas Riptide not only unique, but extremely successful, is our chemistry. Besides the unbelievable talent showcased during our games, most people don’t see what happens behind the scenes. Not only do we bond on the field, but we are able to bond off the field too.
While we were in Colorado, my teammates and I were able to hang out and spend so much time together, which played a big role in our success!
We were able to visit Estes Park, eat out together, ride go-carts, ride horses, and so much more! I am grateful that our coaches encourage us to be great all-around athletes but also allow us to be kids too!
Did I mention that we won a national tournament?!?
— #16 Abbey Papadimitriou (2025, 1B/UT)
*****
This past week, my teammates and I played in the Triple Crown Sparkler Tournament in Colorado. We made many memories and came back home as champs.
The memories I made were going to Estes Park, going out to eat with my team, going to the zoo, and watching the sunset with my family and three of my teammates and their family.
The time that we spent together off the field really made our bond grow stronger on the field. I think one of the reasons we work so well together is because we are friends outside of softball and enjoy spending time with each other.
I had an amazing time this year in CO and hope we can keep our momentum for PGF!
— #21 Layla Bennett (2026, SS/UT)
*****
My experience when I went to Colorado for the 2022 Sparkler event was very memorable. Going to Colorado this year is definitely something that I’m going to cherish for a long time.
Being on the field with my teammates is one of the best feelings that you can have. Knowing that they’ll be there for you even when you make a mistake or start feeling pressure is comforting, because they are going through the same thing.
On the days that I didn’t play well in Colorado, I didn’t have to worry because I knew that my teammates had my back. When they were there for me and pulled me out of a funk, I found ways to produce for my team.
The opportunity to eat together, watch movies, and just have a lot of fun together bonds you and everyone felt that bond in Colorado. The trust on and off the field helps us play well and stick together in tough situations.
— #22 Avery Evans-Pickens (2026, 3B/UT)
*****
This was my third year attending the Colorado Sparkler and it did not disappoint.
This year I had the honor to participate in the International Games for Team Mexico and the atmosphere, players and the crowd made it an experience I will never forget. I hope I can be part of this for the next couple of years to come.
Colorado has always been fun to attend from the depth of talented teams you are able to compete against, to the interaction with all the college coaches during the camps. Colorado is also so beautiful and so much to do. I have had the chance to whitewater raft (my favorite) and drive up to the top of Mt. Evans.
Winning the 14U Power Pool topped everything this year because this tournament tested us, from the first game we played to battling to get to the Championship game. It was an intense week of softball but wouldn’t want it any other way than to be on the field with my team competing against the best!
— #23 Briana Coliazo (2025, C/UT)
*****
This summer, my team and I went to the Colorado Sparkler and, while we were there, I made a cool catch in foul territory and also hit a homerun.
In our downtime, my family and I went whitewater rafting. If you were wondering, it’s the coolest thing ever!
On the field, I have never seen my team work together more! We were making awesome plays, and more importantly, we always had each other’s backs. Our hitting was absolutely phenomenal, and it’s always so cool to see it come together after all of our hard work.
I could not be more proud of us!
— #25 McKenna Rinewalt (2025, P/UT)
*****
This past week I was able to play in the Colorado Sparkler with my teammates.
We also got to explore all around the mountains, ride horses and feed chipmunks. My team works really hard on the field, and I am so happy we won!
Next stop… PGF!
— #27 Hunter Quentel (2027, P/IF)
*****
It may have been my third time in Colorado, but this year was definitely the most memorable.
Starting off, this was the first year we ever drove to Colorado and, boy, was it a ride! Driving 17 hours with two little siblings made it all the more “fun!”
Horseback riding on a trail in the mountains was a great way to start off the week in Colorado by saying: “You’re not in Texas anymore”, and a Hummer ride up the mountain with beautiful sights and weather I’m not used to living in Texas made the off-days a blast.
However, winning was the ultimate goal and we did it! I don’t know if we believed we could, but it didn’t make a difference because we won, whether people liked it or not!
Not being in an multi-team organization makes it hard for us to be recognized but the way we win shows people that the underdogs are just as good or even better. At this point if people don’t know who we are, I don’t think they ever will because we have made a name for ourselves by showing—not telling.
My favorite game was the one before the championship. That game meant a lot to me because it was the win I hit a home run in. I’m not normally the home run hitter but when I do excitement flows through me more than it ever does. It shows people that I can hit home runs just as well as anybody else even though I’m the leadoff batter!
All in all, with the Colorado weather and the beautiful sights, this was an amazing experience not only because we won but it was great family “vacation” if that’s what you call it!