Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (November 26, 2024) – This past August, USA Softball of Minnesota hosted an event – Minnesota Softball Selects – which brought together 866 of the state’s most talented youth athletes at Sunshine Park and Andover High School. The event celebrates the spirit of competition and camaraderie while showcasing the skills of Junior Olympic girls’ fast-pitch softball players.
The Selects program is designed to offer players a unique opportunity to compete and grow both on and off the field. More information about the event is available at Minnesota Softball Selects.
Nomination and Registration Process
Each season – beginning July 1st – Junior Olympic girls’ fast-pitch coaches across Minnesota have the opportunity to nominate up to two players from their rosters through the program’s website. Coaches can also volunteer to lead teams during the event.
The teams were formed on July 26th, ensuring balanced rosters, with at least one pitcher and one catcher per team. Age and class information also helped to guide team assignments across four divisions:
- 10-Under – 27 teams
- 12-Under – 25 teams
- 14-Under – 16 teams
- 16/18-Under – 7 teams
Opening Ceremonies
The event kicked off with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Andover High School football stadium – drawing packed stands. The schedule included team check-ins, a parade of teams with introductions, the National Anthem sung by participants, and welcome messages from Minnesota Softball staff.
Speeches highlighted the mission of the organization, including remarks from Youth1st, a partner promoting sportsmanship and leadership. Scholarships were also awarded in memory of athletes and directors who embodied the values of Minnesota Softball.
Games and Skills Assessments
Each team played three games within their age group. In addition to game play – athletes participated in a skills assessment, which measured performance in the 20-yard dash, throwing velocity, batting exit velocity, and pop time. The results were published on both the Selects webpage and on each athlete’s personal profile, providing valuable feedback and exposure.
Umpire Training and Support
Every game featured a veteran umpire, a youth umpire, and an umpire trainer, ensuring quality officiating and fostering mentorship. It was common to see officials collaborating between innings – emphasizing skill development.
Youth1st and the St. Paul Saints
As a capstone to the event, athletes were invited to a St. Paul Saints game – where they participated in a home run contest at CHS Field. Using softball bats and tennis balls, participants aimed for the outfield stands – creating a fun and memorable experience.
Youth1st reinforced its core values – encouraging athletes to be resilient, resourceful, responsible, reliable, and relational. The message emphasized that true value lies in personal development, not just performance.
Celebrating Youth Excellence
The Minnesota Softball Selects continues to shine as a premier event for young softball players – fostering growth, sportsmanship, and community.
For more information on upcoming USA Softball of Minnesota events, visit mnsoftball.com.