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Top Gun… Not Just An Event Company Anymore

In less than 18 months, Top Gun Academy has had two dozen players commit to colleges.

When you think “Top Gun,” what do you think of?

Aside from the Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer Navy fighter pilot movie from 1986, when you likely think “Top Gun” in softball, your mind probably goes to one of the top club showcase events of the summer.

Which is correct, but it’s become much bigger than just an annual event.

Working as a tournament director for some of the biggest showcases in the Midwest, Robb Behymer knew that a change had to be made in Kansas City softball.

Contrary to what many believed, Robb knew that softball was flourishing in the Midwest and felt that Missouri and Kansas had the talent to compete on a national level, but felt that the thought process of parents and players had to change to match more what national organizations were doing.

Out of these beliefs, Top Gun Academy was born and has quickly gained ground on the recruiting trail with two dozen players committed in less than six months of being in existence.

The plan was simple, but implementing the plan, Behmyer, knew, would time.

Robb Behymer shows off a new Top Gun prototype uniform

“It is a five-year process to change the culture of softball in Kansas City,” Behymer explains.  “First, teams and players had to be consolidated.    Next, the parents and players had to be educated on recruiting, commitment, and quality of play.  Third, the teams and players had to get noticed.”

In September 2016, Top Gun Academy played its first games as an organization and by January of 2017, Top Gun Academy would have its first commit in 2020 right-handed pitcher Lauren Howell, who verballed to Arkansas.

To date, Top Gun Academy has had 24 verbals with the most recent coming last month. They range from a pair of SEC schools (Arkansas and Mississippi St) as part of eight Division I commits overall in addition to six each at the Div. II level and NAIA levels plus another two committed to Juco powerhouse Butler College in Kansas.

Continues Behmyer: “Top Gun Academy was built on the premise that the players—not the coaches or organization—are to be celebrated for their accomplishments.”

Top Gun players relax in the dugout

“The players are the ones playing the games, taking reps outside of practice, contacting colleges and racking up wins.  Obviously, we are guiding them, but this is their journey.”

Joe Sciara, who coaches the 16U team adds, “They are not only working for themselves, but for the good of the organization.  Our team has bought into their role of building a legacy for future TGA teams and players.”

Both Top Gun Academy leaders stress the new organization does not get caught up in where a player commits, only that it is the right place for them.

“Our goal is not only to get girls to school,” Behymer concludes, “but it is for them to get through school and to graduate.  We ask, ‘Can a player see themselves staying at a college through graduation, even if softball is removed from the equation?’  The answer has to be ‘Yes.’”

“These young ladies are making a decision about four years of school that affects them for the next 40.”

***

Here’s a complete list of the verbals to date from the Top Gun Academy:

2018’s
* P/OF Gracie Ekberg, St. Mary
* IF/P Delainey Fenoglio, Butler CC
* P Gentry Wishard, Central Missouri
* IF/P Hannah Miller, Westminster College
* OF/C Kaleigh Bayless, Mid-America Nazarene
* OF Tori Young, N. Central Miss. College

2019’s
* SS Abby Fischer, Central Missouri
* MIF Abby Sciara, Missouri-Kansas City
* P Alexis Wilds, Mid-America Nazarene
* MIF/OF Bailey, McKendree University
* OF Baylee Hoffman, Missouri-Kansas City
* P Brooke Huitt, Missouri State
* OF Eden Viles, Arkansas Tech
* 3B/OF Katelyn Kiser, Central Methodist
* P/UT McKenzie West, Truman State
* P Paige Petefish, Central Miss.
* C/UT Sydney Wellshear, Central Miss.
* P Kelcie Kippes, Butler CC
* MIF/C Jaide Rose, Emporia State

2020’s
* SS Kaylee Payne, SE Missouri State
* P Lauren Howell, Arkansas
* OF Lexi Cobb, Louisiana-Monroe
* 3B Paige Rocha, Wichita State
* P/UT Addison Purvis, Mississippi State

 

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