Bill Hoopes is redefining what it means to grow through softball.

As the founder of Lead Your Journey—a fast-growing performance and mindset coaching program—Hoopes works with athletes across the country to help them build confidence, break through perfectionism, and lead with purpose.

With over 30 active clients, a curriculum-based system, a book on the way, and an app in development, Hoopes is doing more than developing players—he’s building people. At the core of the program is  #60ForMe, a daily framework that challenges athletes to dedicate one intentional hour each day to training the mind, body, and spirit.

“Be Intentional. Make an Impact,” he often reminds others.

“Every day, you leave a mark—on the people around you, on the work you do, and on the legacy you’re building.”
Source: facebook.com

For Hoopes, this mission didn’t begin in a classroom or on a ballfield—it started with a life that demanded resilience from the beginning.

Raised in a single-parent household, Hoopes left high school at 16 to help support his mother. He eventually earned his GED and trained as a chef, but at 19, he made a defining decision: enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served for 20 years, rising to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. The military taught him how to lead, how to mentor, and how to show up when things get hard.

“Leadership in the military taught me how to serve others first,” Hoopes said in a 2022 interview. “That carries over into everything I do—coaching, business, community.”

When Hoopes retired from the Navy, he settled in Florida and began volunteering in youth sports. His daughter’s interest in softball led to coaching Little League teams and eventually competitive travel ball.

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Entering the Softball & Food Worlds

By 2015, Hoopes had introduced the nationally recognized Firecrackers softball organization to Florida, helping grow the game across the state.

He also brought his leadership experience into the business world. Leveraging his culinary background, Hoopes became the first-ever franchisee of Capital Tacos, a fast-casual Mexican food chain, launching his location in Trinity, Florida.

His restaurant is more than a place to eat—it’s a community hub.

“The goal was always to build a place where local teams and families could connect,” he said in a 2023 Facebook post. “It’s about creating space for community.”

In parallel with his business ventures, Hoopes moved deeper into the softball tournament space.

“We ran our first event in Gainesville in March of 2018,” Hoopes recalled in an interview with Running Restaurants. “It was an 18-team tournament, one that you may be familiar with, called ‘Gatorball.’”

“That was the first PGF tournament, in March of 2018.”

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The Start of #60ForMe

In 2020, Hoopes experienced a serious car accident. That moment prompted a personal reevaluation and sparked the launch of his wellness initiative, #60ForMe.

The program has gained traction among athletes and professionals aiming to build discipline and balance.

“I am more than my struggles; I am not defined by my failures,” Hoopes wrote in a reflective post.

“I am someone who learns, grows, and rises stronger with every setback.”

The #60ForMe framework includes activities like mindfulness, fitness, reading, and journaling, and it’s been used by youth teams as part of off-field development. For Hoopes, the program is about forming intentional habits.

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Growing Softball Events

Now serving as the Florida State Director for Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF), Hoopes oversees high-level tournaments and supports athlete development across the region. One of those events—the PGF “Show Me the Money” tournament—has drawn national recognition.

Using his Instagram handle @60forme, Hoopes posted a reel from the Newberry, Florida event, writing:

“What an incredible day here at the PGF Show Me the Money Event in Newberry, Florida! With $10,000 on the line for each division, the competition has been nothing short of amazing.”

He added:

“Athletes from the 14U, 16U, and 18U divisions have brought their best to the fields, and it’s been a thrilling experience watching them shine throughout the day.”

Beyond tournament logistics, Hoopes has used his platform to share a broader philosophy on youth sports. In a March 24, 2025, Facebook post, he urged parents and athletes to maintain perspective:

“Softball should be something they do, not who they are. Let them grow and explore their lives!”

He used the hashtags #60ForMe, #fastpitch, and #SEL. The message resonated, with one commenter writing, “Love this William Hoopes! You are right! Let them enjoy being a teenager… It will make them love the game not hate it!”

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Over the last decade, Hoopes has done much for fastpitch softball, especially in the Sunshine State… here’s a recap of how he’s become a leader in the events space:

• In 2015, he introduced the Firecrackers softball organization to Florida, significantly expanding its presence in the state.
• By 2018, he had transitioned into tournament directing, organizing events like the Gatorball tournament in Gainesville.
• He currently serves as the Florida State Director for Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF), focusing on providing quality experiences for young athletes.

Today, the Navy veteran continues to impact his community through youth sports and entrepreneurship. He remains dedicated to mentoring young athletes, fostering community engagement, and promoting a balanced, intentional approach to life.

Hoopes’ story exemplifies resilience, leadership, and a clear commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.

*** To learn more:
www.leadyourjourney.com/about
Instagram: @60forme
YouTube: youtube.com/@60FORME
Media contact: akhoopes@gmail.com | 704-807-5663

Also, be sure to check out these videos from 2022 covering Bill’s life in the restaurant world: