RANKINGS
EVENTS
I COMMITTED
COLLEGE
ABOUT
Strykers organization head Charlie Esparza is a busy man.
His Texas-based organization has 15 teams of which three—including the 18U squad—he helps coach. In forming the program, Coach Esparza knew exactly what he wanted it to be.
“We wanted to create a smaller program to help train every athlete and know everyone within the program,” he explains. “It’s more about the player and her development… that’s a strength of ours.”
Impressively, the 18U Strykers squad was 16U eligible this year for PGF Nationals—where it’s currently playing this week—but was moved up to the 18U Premier division because of its recent success.
Check out the team’s 2023 Summer’s resume leading up to Week 1 of Premier Girls Fastpitch action:
- Undefeated at Top Gun before last day was rained out,
- 13th at PGF Show Me the Money,
- 2nd at Top Club Nationals (after working their way from the loser’s bracket),
- 2nd at Colorado Sparkler National Power (the only team ever to work its way out of the Supplemental Pool to make it to the championship game),
- Co-champions at the ASA/USA JO CUP (undefeated all week, weather forcing the championship game to be cancelled).
The “actual” 16U team isn’t too bad either, finishing 1st at the USA JO Cop and has defeated several top teams at that age level including championship-caliber teams such as Unity – Ross and Athletics – Clemmer.
But, for now, the focus is on the 18U team which has started 3-0 at PGF and will be watched closely to see how far it goes, especially with the core being so young.
After great success last Fall, Esparza decided in January of 2023 to take the team nationally and—thanks to a talented quartet of 2025’s who are uncommitted in Charleigh Esparza, Mia Estrello, Si Nava and Chloe Aldrich—college coaches are keeping a close eye on the team as well.
“Many have commented on they love how this team plays as a team and how fun they are to watch,” the head coach adds.
Although the Strykers as an organization has only been under that name since last Fall (2022), the core players of the team have been together much longer dating back to the Fall of 2018 when most began competing in the Hotshots organization.
“You don’t often see a team stay together that long,” Esparza believes. “Though some girls have come and gone, the heart of this team has stayed together. The only thing that has changed is the name on the front of the jersey, but the love for the game and each other remains the same.”
Coach Esparza admits that his team has been overlooked sometimes, but that comes back to haunt opponents who don’t take the Strykers seriously.
“When looking at the size of the girls on the team,” he admits, “there is no great intimidation factor, but as soon as they start playing, opponents then realize it’s a mistake to underestimate them.”
The secret, he believes, is a sincere togetherness where one player continually looks out for the other.
“They are something magical to watch on the field, because they honestly play for each other,” Esparza concludes. “They are a very tight group and have great chemistry on and off the field. There is no jealousy or animosity—they support each other 100 percent.”
Here’s a closer look at each member of the team with comments and evaluations from Coach Esparza. Players are listed by year (oldest first) and then alphabetically.
*****
STRYKERS 18U – ESPARZA
Baileigh Burtis, 2024 3B/MIF (North Carolina)
Baileigh is a versatile defender with a great bat. Her primary position is shortstop or third, but if you need an extra outfielder, she can do that too. She is a calming force on the team and can always be found with a smile on her face. At the plate, she understands that her job is to move runners and she does it well.
Savannah Carter, 2024 RHP (Texas State)
Savannah has had some clutch plays this summer including a walk-off home run to advance the Strykers in the Top Club Nationals in Oklahoma. On the mound, she has the speed and the spin to keep batters guessing.
Adi Garcia, 2024 C (Northwestern)
Adi is a commanding presence behind the plate. With her softball IQ, she is a great player to have calling the shots. She is constantly working to better her craft and ,when not on the field, can be found constantly working her bat on the tee. The strength of her arm has opponents second guessing running on her.
Arianna Garcia, 2024 Catcher (Embry-Riddle)
Ari, aka “Sunflower,” has grown as a player since joining this team. She has a mindset and a work ethic that makes her a great player and teammate. Ari is able to come in to get clutch hits and works well with the pitchers on staff.
Kiley Huffman, 2024 OF (Texas Tech)
Kiley is one of the fiercest outfielders in the 2024 class. She is the natural leader of this Strykers’ team and is just one of the most all-around greatest kids and players. Kiley is a threat both offensively and defensively and this summer she is killing it with a .412 batting average, crossing the plate 35 times.
Emma King, 2024 OF (Wisconsin)
You want speed, this is your girl. Whether it is in the outfield or on the base paths, Emma is fast. She is the lead-off hitter for the Strykers and, hitting from the left side, she can slap, lay down a bunt, or swing away. Emma can read her defense and find a way to get on, which shows with her .449 batting average. She also leads the team in stolen bases with 20 on the season.
Bailey Lindemuth, 2024 RHP/3B (Texas Tech)
Bailey is one of the most versatile and powerful players you will see. She is both a force on the mound and at the plate. Batting in the 3-hole, Bailey has a .483 average, with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs. Her arm is a cannon whether at third or on the mound and she is a fierce competitor with a work ethic to match.
Matti Matthews, 2024 MIF (North Texas)
Leading the team with a .532 batting average, Matti is the player you want at the plate if you need to get the ball in play. Batting from the left, she can punch the ball through where defenders can’t get to it. At shortstop, she is dangerous because her arm is a bullet which can be seen with the 52 putouts she has had this season.
Audi Mireles, 2024 MIF/OF (McNeese State)
You have heard the saying “small but mighty”, that is the perfect way to describe Audi. She is a fierce competitor and will go all out every play, often making some ESPN-worthy catches. Working from the left-hand side of the box as a slapper, Audi finds a way to get the ball in play and then flies around the bases.
Ella Morris, 2024 OF (Rhode Island)
Ella is one of the newest members of the team and is a great addition to the outfield. She is quick on her feet and does a great job of tracking the ball. At the plate, Ella works from the left side and uses that to her advantage with her speed. She is a smart baserunner and finds a way to keep herself away from a tag. This summer Ella has had a 90 percent stolen base percentage.
Bella Ramon, 2024 CIF (Southern Mississippi)
Bella has been a consistent force in the line-up with a .300 average. She has a strong bat and puts the ball in play when it is needed. At first, she is able to dig the ball and make the stretch to get the out.
Jordyn Stuessy, 2024 RHP (Uncommitted)
Jordyn has had the opportunity to play with both our 18U and 16U Strykers teams. She works on the mound, using her off-speed pitches, to keep the batters unbalanced and is a team player who helps when and where she is needed.
Ella Sulkazi, 2024 MIF (Rhode Island)
Ella is an extremely versatile player. You can pretty much put her anywhere on the field and she will get the job done. It’s the same at the plate—she may be smaller in stature, but Ella is powerful at the plate and finds a way to put the ball in play.
Kadence Williams, 2024 RHP (McNeese State)
Kadence is a righty spinner who has a calm and collected presence on the mound. Facing some of the biggest competition this summer, in high intensity situations, she is a consistent and fierce competitor who knows how to get the job done. When given the opportunity, Kadence has a fierce swing and understands the job when at the plate.
Chloe Aldrich – 2025 OF (Uncommitted)
Chloe transitioned from baseball to softball just a few short years ago, and she has blossomed in the sport. Playing predominately right field, this girl is able to get to balls that many wouldn’t. She is willing to slide, dive, or hit the fence if that is what is needed to make the play. Chloe usually bats in the 5 or 6-hole, and has been productive with a .425 batting average this summer.
Charleigh Esparza, 2025 C/3B (Uncommitted)
Charleigh is an absolute beast behind the plate. Players learn quickly not to test her arm, because they usually lose. Offensively, she has been on fire this summer with 11 home runs and 52 RBIs. She is aggressive and shows no fear offensively or defensively. Charleigh can be heard from the dugout cheering on her team and is often the comedic relief when needed. Don’t let her slippers fool you, this girl is all ballplayer!
Mia Estrello – 2025 MIF (Uncommitted)
Mia is the starting second baseman and has shown why with the amazing plays she has made this summer. Whether it is diving to stop the ball, grabbing a ball above her head to steal what looked to be a base hit, or turning a double play, she is a player pitchers want behind them. Mia is consistent at the plate and aggressive on the bases.
Siannah Nava, 2025 3B/UT (Uncommitted)
One of the four talented players on the team in the 2025 class who are committed, Siannah—who also goes by “Si”—has been injured but is ready to make a national splash. She’s a utility player who does a lot well and the right-handed hitter has been in the 2025 Extra Elite previously. Watch for a big return for her as one of the top players in her class.
Jordan Bey, 2026 LHP (Uncommitted)
Jordan is the youngest of the Strykers team and uses this opportunity to soak up knowledge from the other players. This lefty pitcher has a nasty spin on the ball that make batters struggle. She is constantly growing, and great things are coming her way.