Recently, I decided to try my hand at photography and videography.

With my sister Esther being part of the Sparks Elite Ross/Stewart club program, I thought the tournaments they play in this summer would give me ample opportunity to practice.

Last week at the Top Club Nationals in Oklahoma I got to be in the dugout with the team to take pictures and video. I haven’t been in the dugout with a team since my last collegiate softball game in May 2023, so to be back in that environment was nostalgic.

Before the first game of the tournament, I even got to catch in for some pregame infield and outfield work. I hadn’t caught a softball in months, let alone from numerous Power 5 signees and commits, so when only two balls got away from me, I was pretty excited!

One thing I noticed as the games were going on are the expectations of performance and knowledge of the game that these players and coaches have. These girls aren’t at the plate just swinging; they have a plan based on the situation they are in and that can change from pitch to pitch.

I’ll be honest that when I played, I don’t think I completely understood the intricacies of the game because, when I was in the dugout with Sparks Elite, I was amazed at some of the conversations I heard between players and coaches. It’s not luck when teams like them win. Instead, it’s the result of working hard and being students of the game.

There were numerous teams like Sparks Elite at the Top Club Nationals, including Tennessee Mojo – Fisher, OC Batbusters – Stith, and Hotshots – Nelson. Sparks Elite, who went into bracket play as a 3-seed, played all three of these teams on the last day of the tournament.

In the nailbiter quarterfinal game, the Sparks defeated Mojo Fisher 7-6. In the semifinal game, they jumped on OC Batbusters – Stith early and went on to win 6-2. In the championship game at Love’s Field, Sparks Elite came out on top 8-5 to win the $10,000 prize money.

The highlight of the week was being with the team at Love’s. We got to walk down the tunnel and out onto the same field where the 2024 Women’s College World Series champion Oklahoma Sooners play.

The stadium is huge with seating for thousands of fans. I can’t imagine playing on a stage like that, but soon many of the girls that competed on the field last Saturday will find themselves with such an opportunity.

I don’t miss playing softball very often. However, being around them, their talent, and drive sort of stirred those feelings. There’s nothing like the big at-bat, the big play, the big moment: the time when you and your teammates come together as one to defeat a common foe and prevail.

That’s what I saw on Saturday when Sparks Elite and Hotshots – Nelson took the field.

Both teams came in last in their respective pools and thus were 3-seeds when bracket play started. From there, Sparks Elite won six straight games to get to Love’s, while Hotshots – Nelson won their first bracket game and lost their second, meaning they had to battle their way through seven games to make it to the championship.

The Oklahoma heat is no joke, and neither is playing so many games in a span of four days. However, these teams made it look easy. Their uniforms were covered in dirt and sweat by the end, and it was obvious that they were tired. But they had succeeded in what they came to do.

The Hotshots Nelson team may not have walked away with the first-place trophy or $10,000, yet they were still one of the last two teams standing and received $3,000 of their own.

On the other hand, Sparks Elite was able to overcome and beat numerous top teams to lay claim to the title.

I will never forget the feeling of getting to take a picture with my sister and the trophy out in the Sooner softball outfield on a warm summer day with a beautiful sunset in the sky.

I don’t think any of those girls and their families will ever forget the memories made that day, either, because for some that might be the first and last time they will ever set foot there, and for others, it will be the first of many.

Personally, I’m excited to watch those who will return to Love’s Field, representing their respective colleges and continuing a journey that they began so many years ago.

*****

Grace White played softball at DII Union University, a private school in Jackson, Tenn—and graduated last year with Journalism degree. For Union, she was a Sports Editor for the school’s student publication, Cardinal & Cream.

Be sure to check out Grace’s huge PHOTO GALLERY below!!!