The tournament was a local ASA-sanctioned event played at the Olathe Girls Softball Complex. Garcia entered the team in two tournaments earlier in the season and the girls wanted one last hurrah. Little did he know the last hurrah would also be a huge hurray.
Team members contributed toward the $170 entry fee and the Crush registered in the 14 and under division of the C tournament. The C division of ASA is the recreational division – competition is downplayed for the chance of girls having fun while playing the sport. Competitive travel teams and elite teams are not allowed in the C division.
Although competition is not the focus, a champion is crowned and individuals receive honors for their hard work. Crush pitcher Bailey Bolden was honored as the Series MVP for her work on the mound. The first-year pitcher started out as a catcher, but moved positions two months prior to the VIP Tournament. Bolden pitched in five of the seven games during the VIP.
“The teamwork and camaraderie was outstanding,” said Garcia. “Bolden pitched a shutout in the championship game only with the help of her teammates. Playing in these types of tournaments has taught the girls and their supporters that good old fashion hard work pays off.”
Although Garcia’s older daughter is too old to play on the team and his younger daughter won’t reach playing age until the spring of 2010, he continues to help young girls discover the joy of the sport.
“I enjoy teaching the girls the game,” reflected Garcia. “Being a small part of their lives has been a blessing and watching so many of them discover a passion for the sport is very rewarding.”
The 2009 summer season was the last for Garcia’s Crush as the Blue Valley Rec league concludes with eighth grade. But that doesn’t mean softball ends for Crush members. Because of the positive experience, many of the girls have decided softball is something they want to pursue in high school.