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Triple Crown Sports Hits Another Homerun in Colorado during the 4th of July!
Triple Crown Sports Hosted 4th of July “Sparkler” in Colorado
Triple Crown Sports once again proved why the Colorado 4th of July Sparkler is a must-attend event for softball enthusiasts across the nation. Stretching from the northern communities of Fort Collins and Greeley down the I-25 corridor through Denver to Colorado Springs, this year’s tournament hosted the nation’s most competitive and high-achieving club programs.
Celebrating its 55th annual Fireworks tournament and the 22nd year of the Sparkler tournament, Triple Crown Sports brought together more than 1,000 teams from across the Rocky Mountains in colorful Colorado. The event has long been a prized destination for college coaches and programs seeking to scout and recruit top-tier talent, and this year was no exception.
The Colorado 4th of July Sparkler isn’t just about competition; it’s a celebration of the sport, its community, and the people who make it all possible. Triple Crown hosted a variety of events that added to the excitement and prestige of the tournament. These events included Coaches’ Night, the Legends Charity Golf Tournament, Festival Night, the Heroes Ceremony, the International Challenge All World Game, and the All-American Games, among other showcases that highlighted the skills and dedication of the athletes.
The week kicked off with Coaches’ Night at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colorado, setting the tone for the festivities to follow. One of the standout moments of the night was the presentation of the 2024 Joann Joyce Trailblazer Award to Sarah Adams, coach of Stealth Fastpitch. In her acceptance speech, Adams expressed her gratitude:
“I want to thank Triple Crown for this reward. Triple Crown was the first group that gave us a start, and we thank you for that. I’ve met some lifelong friends in this organization. I am grateful for women like Carol (Bruggeman) and people who have blazed the path for us women to be able to do great things.”
Mike White, Head Coach of the Texas Longhorns, was the evenings keynote speaker. Carol Bruggeman, NFCA Executive Director, praised White for his contributions to the sport:
“Coach White continues to push the bar for our entire sport and game. He is one of the most selfless people in our profession. He does things like serve on the NFCA rules committee, speaks all the time for our National Fastpitch Coaches Association to help you all get better.”
Coach White shared valuable insights, emphasizing the importance of resilience and a positive mindset.
“There’s a lot of pressure out there on our young people, especially with social media and looking at someone else’s life that seems perfect,” White said. “Teach your players how to reframe. All the champions I know are great at reframing. Michael Jordan, for example, always knew that when he missed a shot, he was that much closer to making his next shot. Make changes in a positive light.”
The tournament itself was a showcase of elite talent, with teams battling it out across various venues. The level of play was exceptional, reflecting the hard work and dedication of the athletes, coaches, and their support systems. The International Challenge All World Game and the All-American Games were particularly noteworthy, providing a platform for the best players to display their skills on a grand stage.
In addition to the thrilling on-field action, the Legends Charity Golf Tournament and Festival Night offered opportunities for relaxation and camaraderie. The Heroes Ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who protect and serve, adding a touch of solemnity to the festive atmosphere.
As the event ended, it was clear that the Colorado 4th of July Sparkler had once again left an indelible mark on all who attended. For those who missed it, make sure to mark your calendars for next year. The tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of the sport, a gathering of its community, and a showcase of its future stars. Don’t miss out on this premier event that promises to be even more spectacular in the years to come.
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