Today, we begin our year-end look at the Top 10 Softball Stories of 2024…  Here is the schedule for this list which will run the rest of December and into January 2025, when we’ll publish the No. 1 Softball Story of The Year:

• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #10 – Mon, Dec. 23, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #9 – Tue, Dec. 24, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #8 – Wed, Dec. 25, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #7 – Thu, Dec. 26, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #6 – Fri, Dec. 27, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #5 – Sat, Dec. 28, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #4 – Sun, Dec. 29, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #3 – Mon, Dec. 30, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #2 – Tue, Dec. 31, 2024
• Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year: #1 – Wed, Jan. 1, 2025

Also, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, Line Drive Softball will list all the Top 10 stories together and then on Saturday, Jan. 4th we’ll will run the “Other Stories Considered” List.

For each topic (story), an article that we ran earlier this year on Line Drive Softball or was published by our friend at D1 Softball, Justin McLeod, the Associate Editor and former workmate of mine.

So how were the Top 10 picked?

We looked at what were considered the most memorable and important stories of the year as they impacted the sport. In researching the Top 10, we talked to those at at all levels of softball, including college and travel ball coaches, other media members and YOU—the fastpitch community.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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The Top 10 Softball Stories of 2024: #10… The Alliance to Hold All National Championships In Indy

Kicking off our Top 10 Softball Stories of the Year (2024) is the news announced on Sept. 19, 2024, that The Alliance Fastpitch will hold all of it Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (AFCS)—including ages 10U to 18U—in Hamilton County and Kokomo, Indiana starting July 15, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2025.

One top club coach not associated with The Alliance said there are key reasons why this is good for travel softball.

“With the state of the economy,” he explained, “it’s a good business move because some players and coaches, including those in the college space like the mid-majors programs, can’t afford California or traveling to separate championships.

Jami Lobpries, the CEO of The Alliance, explains that the Alliance Nationals event is modeled after a very successful championship already proven in the sport.

“Our AFCS format was designed to emulate the NCAA softball postseason,” she told Line Drive Softball this week, “and—also similar to the WCWS—we’re moving to one host location for all ages this summer (2025).

The head of The Alliance says she is excited for the experiences the teams will have over a two and a half week run next year.

“We take a lot of pride in building the athlete experience on and off the field into what feels like a true National Championship experience for them, similar to the WCWS,” she continues.

“There’s no comparison to the setup of the Grand Park Sports Complex for an event like this and Hamilton County fully embraces being a National Championship host location. This will be 17 days of the best athletes’ experience meeting the best youth softball in the country.”

Lobpries says the new format is all about creating positive memories for all involved.

“I think I’m most excited to watch the younger athletes overlapping with our 18U and 16U players. The event itself brings to life our mission of bringing the fastpitch community together and creating an experience designed for the athlete.”

Kevin Shelton, the national championship-winning coach with the Texas Glory organization, is also the Commissioner for the Texas Fastpitch League (TFL)—one of the regional arms of The Alliance—and has a unique perspective as one helping run the Nationals while also participating in it.

“The Alliance continues to work to do things differently,” Coach Shelton begins, “with a focus on continuously improving the players experience, connecting the sport at all levels through competitive events for all teams, a wide variety of training and technical resources and through wide ranging and inclusive recognition.”

“The 2025 AFCS checks all these important boxes,” he adds.

“This has never been done before and these Nationals will be yet another great chance for our entire community to experience how The Alliance is leading the way in recognition, connection and competition.”

“Kudos to Jami Lobries, her staff and the dedicated leaders of The Alliance across the country!”

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Event News: Alliance Fastpitch Announces 2025 Championship Series Dates & Locations… For First Time, All Finals at Same Location (Sept. 20, 2024)

The following press release was sent out by Alliance Fastpitch (Westfield, Ind.) yesterday (Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024) regarding its 2025 Championships Series to be held in July 2025 covering the age divisions of 10U up through 18U.

For more information about the 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series including the history of results, rules and how to qualify for 2025, visit www.thealliancefastpitch.com.

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Westfield, Ind. – The Alliance Fastpitch organization has unveiled the dates and locations for its prestigious 2025 Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series (“AFCS”), marking a historic moment as all age divisions will compete in the same location for the first time.

The 2025 AFCS will take place in Hamilton County and Kokomo, Indiana, utilizing world-class facilities including Grand Park in Westfield and Championship Park in Kokomo. The Alliance Fastpitch will work with event host Bullpen Tournaments to execute all age divisions.

The AFCS event schedule is as follows:

• 10U and 12U divisions: July 15 – July 21, 2025
• 16U and 18U divisions: July 20 – July 27, 2025
• 14U division: July 24 – July 31, 2025

Jami Lobpries, the CEO of Alliance Fastpitch. believes the decision to play in the same location will provide an even greater user experience.

“We are excited to bring all age divisions of the AFCS together in Indiana for 2025,” she said.

“This decision was made in conjunction with our partners and was made in the best interest of the event and athlete experience. This consolidation will create an unprecedented showcase of youth softball talent for two weeks in Indiana and will provide an electric atmosphere for players, coaches, families, college coaches and umpires.”

The AFCS, widely regarded as the premier national championship in youth softball, emulates the NCAA Softball postseason format in an effort to prepare athletes for the next level of competition.

Each age division starts in a Regional Bracket Format that plays into Tiered Super Regionals and Elite Eight double elimination brackets. The Elite Eight is played just like the Women’s College World Series including a best-of-three National Championship Series.

Top teams from across the country will vie for national titles in each age division and each tier. Last year, the AFCS hosted over 300 teams across all age divisions. The combination of the 18U, 16U, and 14U age divisions will also bring over 250 college coaches to Indiana to watch prospective student-athletes compete at the AFCS.

All Opening Day Players Experience activities and the Tier I National Championship Series will be played at Kokomo High School Softball Stadium, one of the premier amateur softball stadiums in the country.

The 5th Annual Alliance All-Star Game presented by Evoshield will also be played at Kokomo High School on Sunday, July 20th as the 10U and 12U AFCS is wrapping up and before the 16u and 18u AFCS begins.

“The facilities and the local support of Hamilton County Sports Authority, the Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau, and Bullpen Tournaments helps us provide the best National Championship experience in youth softball,” added Lobpries.

“Our team is thrilled to partner with the Alliance Fastpitch again to host the 2025 Championship Series in Hamilton County, Indiana,” said Carl Daniels, director of Hamilton County Sports Authority.

“This year is especially significant as we’ll host five age divisions over the span of two and a half weeks, expanding the number of games played in our destination and marking a new chapter in our collaboration. With Grand Park’s state-of-the-art facilities and our strong local support, we’re ready to deliver an unforgettable, championship experience for the athletes, coaches and families who will join us for this event.”

“The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau is proud to partner with Alliance Fastpitch and excited to welcome all age divisions to Indiana as host site for the 2025 AFCS,” said Sherry Matlock, manager of The Greater Kokomo Visitors Bureau.

“Hosting teams, families and fans for the opening day festivities, All-Star Game, and Tier I Championship Series in Kokomo will bring positive economic impact to our community as well as opportunities to watch outstanding student-athletes compete.”

The AFCS continues to set the standard for youth softball championships, offering unparalleled competition and exposure to college coaches. Teams earn AFCS berths through qualifiers throughout the season. Berths are issued out by all Member Leagues through League Championship events and AFCS Qualifiers.