The great play on the field continued Friday at the Top Gun Invitational in Shawnee, Kansas, but equally impressive was the turnout of college coaches.

As of the late afternoon, 261 college coaches from every level had signed in at least one of the five sites of the prestigious travel ball tournament.

And, as shown by this photo of the coaches’ sign-in page, there were some interesting things to note today, specifically, two things that jumped out and grabbed our attention:

1) Within a short period of time, the two head coaches of the Women’s College World Series – Patty Gasso of Oklahoma and Mike White of Texas – made their presences known.

2) After Coach Gasso, who has won an incredible eight National Championships, you’ll find Dot Richardson of Liberty – who won Olympic Gold Medals in 1996 and 2000 – and Ken Erickson – who was an Assistant Coach on the United States that won the Gold Medal at the 2024 Athens Olympics.

That is an impressive array of talent, right there… we just wish we had been there to eavesdrop on the conversation!

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Coaches Watch the Talent-Filled Mustangs vs. Firecrackers Game

Speaking of college coaches, a pretty good lineup of schools was represented at the 2 pm afternoon game matching the Tampa Mustangs – Fowler 16U team against the Firecrackers – Leles team.

Here’s a list of the ones that we noticed (in no particular order):

• Auburn
• Boston College
• Washington
• Purdue
• Baylor
• Georgia Tech
• South Florida
• Mercer
• Arizona State

Why so many coaches at this afternoon game?

Because the 2026 talent was outstanding and, remember, this is the next big class on the horizon for college recruiters as the 2024’s are signed and most top 2025 recruits are committed.

Thus, the attractiveness of the 2026 class and great talent that was on display in this afternoon contest.

For the Mustangs, who would win the game 10-1 (remember, it’s pool play—a prime time to get playing time for all on the teams) but would lose to the Hotshots – Naudin/Villegas team later in the evening and end the day in 16U Maverick Pool D both tied with 3-1 records, trailing only the 4-0 Mojo-Lewis team—it’s been pretty much a complete team effort this week.

Pitcher/first baseman Lucy Mondok showed off her power bat by hitting doubles in consecutive at-bats and had a home run on Thursday. The pitching trio of Lauren Compton, Addison Felblinger and Mondok (all 2026’s) has been strong as well.

And keep an eye on 6-foot-1 first baseman Alexas Minaberry who is also starting to get looks at third base. The Mustangs infielder had a homer on Thursday as well and just turned 16 last month but certainly passes the eyeball test. Her power has been evident as she’s smashed three home runs this summer already after hitting six for her Spruce Creek (Fla.) High team in the Spring.

Similarly, on the Firecrackers team coached by former Univ. of Arizona great Jenae Leles, most are 2026 grads, but there are four 2027 standouts to watch beginning with highly-touted pitcher Kennedi Freeland who in her first two games hadn’t given up any earned runs thanks to an elite riseball and tough curveball.

Kennedi throws in the 60+ mph range is definitely one of the top players in the ’27 class, which will be ranked by Line Drive starting on July 8, 2024 (click HERE to see the nomination form coaches can complete).

Peyton Tsao is a 2027 we saw on Wednesday at the Top Gun Invitational National Elite Showcase who impressed and another 2027, outfielder Taylor Pellonari, has been batting .533 this summer season.

Two players on the team in the 2026 class are on the USA Softball Jr. National Team: infielder Jordyn Johnsen, who hit two home runs on Thursday, and catcher/corner infielder Brooklyn Paratore, hits lefty and throws right-handed.

A lot of talent from these teams on the opposite coasts of California and Florida.

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Four $1,000 Scholarships Awarded

Robb Behymer, one of the co-founders of Top Gun Events, did something on Friday he loves to do and said today: “It’s probably my favorite part of the Top Gun Invitational.”

“It,” in this case, is awarding $1,000 academic scholarships to deserving graduated seniors who submit entries and then are selected based on their accomplishments.

Today, the four scholarships were given out, the first pair at 9:30 am at the Blue Valley Complex to:

Kaitlyn Proffitt
Top Gun STL 18U
Grad year: 2024
Position: P/IF
Committed to Saint Louis University to study Elementary Education

Adeline Fliege
Prime Time Softball
Grad year: 2024
Position: P
Committed to Morningside University to study Nursing

Adeline was the 50^th overall scholarship recipient in the 12 years of the Top Gun Scholarship Program and was noticeably emotional when called up by Behymer in front of her teammates and coaches.

Top Gun Invitational- 12th Year Annual Scholarship Winner #50 🥎
This award will aid our athletes to continue their athletic and academic career at their committed college!#tge #collegeathlete #scholarshipawards #EliteFastpitch #enjoythejourney pic.twitter.com/frD6lXg0Tz

— Top Gun Events (@TopGunEvents) June 14, 2024

… then, about 3:30 pm at the Mid-Atlantic – West Complex, a pair of “Baileys” were recognized:

Bailey Kendziorski
Georgia Impact – Sampson
Grad year: 2024
Position: P
Committed to Boston College to study Business

Bailey Amezcua
Select Fastpitch
Grad year: 2024
Position: C/IF
Committed to University of Kansas to study Sports Management/Media

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A cool story involving the Maine Gatorade State Player of the Year, Addison Deroche who won the prestigious award last week despite being just a Freshman.

We noticed the pitcher/infielder was on her way out along with her mother, Bridget, and won’t be at the weekend’s Top Gun Invitational games for a very good reason: Addison will compete for her Cheverus (Portland, Maine) High team in the Div. I state finals on Saturday!

Last year, I ranked the athlete in the Top 10 in the Class of 2027 and her stats this year were impressive: a 0.12 ERA heading into the playoffs with three no-hitters and an equally strong batting average of .553.

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Finally, the talk at the fields today involving the college world revolved around the Univ. of South Carolina and the recent coaching change from Beverly Smith to Ashley Chastain, who was hired on Tuesday (click HERE to read the press release).

The buzz among the coaches was that four players from this past season’s team were told within the last 24 hours that they will not have their scholarships renewed while several others were told their scholarships would be honored but they could/should at playing elsewhere.

Expect several Gamecock players from the 2024 team to be hitting the Transfer Portal soon… and many college coaches attending the Top Gun Invitational will soon be in touch with those leaving the SEC school.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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Friday, June 14, 2024 Game Results

12U

14U

16U Maverick

16U Viper

18U Maverick

18U Viper