Life can take us down a path we never envisioned for ourselves.
Such is the case with Steve LaDrigue who never saw himself forming a club program, but circumstances brought him to that exact point.
While coaching at Heritage Academy in Laveen, Ariz., life interceded and took him down a different path.
“I was inspired by one of my players at my high school. She was very athletic and could have been something great if she had had proper training when she was younger.”
Following that interaction, he was moved to want to provide a platform for young girls to grow and prosper in a healthy environment while playing softball.
And Team Hustle was born.
“I am a firm believer that sports can teach kids many life lessons as well as build confidence and helps keep them active in a positive environment.”
LaDrigue’s first team in 2017 was a 10U team that experienced the growing pains of a first-year program.
“We had a rough start as expected and we only won two of our 30 first games. It didn’t really matter because we were focused on development and getting better. By the time we got to the second year we had one of the better teams in Arizona and were invited to PGF Nationals for the first time.”
Since that first year Team Hustle has quickly ascended on the national scale.
In 2021, Team Hustle advanced to PGF Nationals and finished as runner up in the Platinum Division. The following year, Team Hustle finished first at USSSA West Coast Nationals and placed 13th at PGF Nationals in 14U Platinum.
Through all the success and growth, LaDrigue has remained focused on the mission of the club.
“My goal as the coach of this team is to help my athletes develop as high-level softball players of course, but there is more to it than that. I set high standards for them. I demand good effort and good attitudes. I want them to play the game fearlessly, work hard, be great teammates and most importantly I want to see them grow up to be good human beings.”
The 2023 version of Team Hustle 16U is comprised of Lucy Burroughs (2027/LHP/1B), Angelina Falls (2027/RHP/OF), Molly Brown (2028/RHP/OF/1B), Layla Napoli (2027/C/3B/RHP), Joie Ramos (2027/ C/MINF), Ana Matuz (2026/C/INF/OF), Amaya LaDrigue (2026/1B), Bria Belden (2027/OF), Christina Martinez (2027/OF), Gloriann Blanco (2026/OF), Ilse Penaloza (2027/3B/1B), Imani Campbell (2026/OF), Janicia Blanco (2027/OF), Mackenzie Catalanotte (2027/1B), Mya Rodriguez (2027/MINF), Savana Soltero (2027/SS) and Sieana Soltero (2027/3B/2B).
Despite fielding a young team, Team Hustle placed third in the PGF National qualifier in Mesa, Ariz., and earned a Platinum berth for the 2024 PGF Nationals. They recently finished 5-0 at the PGF Surf City Showcase and outscored the opposition 43-8.
From its birth as a single 10U team, Team Hustle has grown to include over 250 players on 22 teams in three states.
“Our softball program teaches the importance of effort and attitude and family. We have created a competitive culture and we do not quit. We look to develop these girls not only as softball players, but as students and as people.” , LaDrigue said.
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