We’re gearing up for the New Year by spotlighting some of the top teams and players at all age levels.

Next up for us in the player rankings is the Class of 2031 HOT 100, which will begin on Monday, January 12, 2026… click HERE to see the complete schedule.

One team that’s loaded with elite ‘31’s is Head Coach Sabrina Mouser’s Beverly Bandits 2031 team which played in a dozen key tournaments this year and finished as champs or a co-champion in half of them!

The Bandits powerhouse squad also didn’t finish lower than fifth place in any event held in 2025.

Line Drive Softball caught up with Coach Mouser recently to find out more about her team—where it’s been, where it is now and what it’ll be doing in the new year… here’s what she had to say.

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When did the team start and how and why did it come to be?

The Beverly Bandits Premier 2031- Mouser team’s formation was the result of a deliberate, high-level strategy: a nationwide search and carefully hand-picked selection of elite athletes which concluded in August 2024.

Since that initial creation, the roster has continuously welcomed new talent and skills, ensuring the team remains dynamic, competitive, and stacked with the most promising players for the 2031 graduation class, establishing it as a national powerhouse.

Where are you based?  Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)

While operating under the banner of the Chicago, Illinois – based Beverly Bandits organization, the Premier 2031-Mouser team is strategically centralized near Indianapolis, Indiana.

This key location allows the team to draw elite 12U talent from five states: Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio, creating a highly competitive and multi-state roster. 

What was the purpose of creating the team, was it primarily to showcase players, win titles, develop skills, or something else?

The Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser team was created with a clear, impactful mission to develop the complete female athlete:

• Elite Opportunity: to provide elite-level competitive opportunities for aspiring young softball players, driving high-performance skill development.
• Mental Fortitude: to equip female athletes with essential skills to navigate the mental side of the game, fostering resilience and confidence.
• Built-in Community: to build a foundational community that extends beyond the dirt and grass, teaching the girls how to fight for one another and unite to conquer shared goals.

What do you think are the strengths of the team? 

Our team is built on a foundation of tangible competitive advantages and an elite work ethic:

• Dominant Offense: the offense is anchored by extreme power at the plate, which— combined with the ability to execute in key situations—consistently pressures opponents.
• Intelligent Baserunning: the team leverages its offensive threats with smart, aggressive base running to generate runs and dictate the pace of the game.
• Elite Pitching Staff: the roster features an elite pitching staff that includes various styles and arm angles. These complementary approaches establish a complete and formidable staff that keeps opponents guessing.
• Unmatched Work Ethic: underlying all success is an unrelenting hard work ethic and commitment to purposeful practice, the true differentiator that drives skill refinement and competitive resilience.

What is your primary focus or goal with this group of players?

The Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser team is meticulously engineered to execute a dual-mandate that defines elite 12U softball development and sets the standard for future success through two key focuses:

• Championship Performance & Skill Mastery: to serve as a national-level platform that demands and achieves championship-level competition (as evidenced by the team’s impressive tournament record). This focus drives the mastery of advanced skills, competitive strategies, and the individual work ethic required to be the best 12U athlete possible.
• Developing Elite Young Women: to deliberately use the pressures of elite sport to instill critical social and emotional life skills—including leadership, resilience, accountability, and teamwork.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that while developing the nation’s top softball talent, the organization simultaneously molds players into excellent young women prepared for the challenges of high school, college, and beyond.

What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events this past year?

The team has established itself as an undeniable national force, showcasing relentless consistency and a championship mentality that began immediately with the start of the competitive year.

Their success is marked by repeated high-level finishes against the nation’s elite competition, accumulating six tournament championships and two runner-up placements across major events.

Here’s how we did this year in the events we competed in:

From the Bandits early-season victories in February and March to the team’s consistent high-water marks in PGF and USSSA events, the 2031-Mouser squad demonstrated the depth and skill required of a truly top-ranked program, built for sustained excellence against the toughest competition nationwide.

What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?

I’ve had a career spanning nearly every level of competitive baseball and softball, from the youth level up to NCAA Division II.

Here’s a more detailed look at Coach Mouser’s impressive coaching resume:

• NCAA Division II Head Coach: Coach Mouser, formerly McCullough, served as the Head Softball Coach for Concord University in Athens, W.V., taking over the role at just 23 years old. She was able to not only manage a collegiate athletic program, but also successfully recruit, develop college-level talent, and compete within the demanding landscape of NCAA Division II athletics.
• High School Head Coach: she held the position of Head Coach at Scott County High School in Georgetown, Ky. and led her team successfully at the Class 5A level.
• Youth & Middle School Program Leadership: currently, Coach Mouser is the Head Coach for Scott County Middle School in Georgetown, Ky. while simultaneously having great success with the Bandits national 12U team.
• Baseball: her experience also extends to beginning-level sports, as she previously served in head coaching roles in Cal Ripken Baseball.

Here’s more on the development rules she’s currently and previously had in her position as a coach across various levels:

What makes the Bandits organization unique, in your opinion?

The Beverly Bandits organization stands apart in the world of elite fastpitch softball due to a powerful combination of unparalleled college placement success, a centralized organizational structure, and a championship-driven legacy.

It is a program built not just to win games, but to serve as a direct pipeline to the highest levels of collegiate softball.

We have four pillars of success that make us unique:

• Elite Collegiate Pipeline (The “Bandit Commit” standard)
  • The most significant differentiator is the organization’s historic rate of Division I scholarship commitments.
  • The Bandits have a well-documented history of helping hundreds of young women achieve their goal of playing college softball, with a substantial number committing to Power 5 and other highly competitive DI programs.
  • This proven track record makes the Bandits a premier recruiting destination for college coaches nationwide.
• Centralized, Non-Franchise Model
  • Unlike many national clubs that operate with decentralized, franchised teams across the country, the Beverly Bandits maintain a centralized, non-franchise structure (primarily based in the Midwest with select teams in other regions).
  • This ensures consistency in coaching philosophy, player evaluation standards, and competitive culture across all age groups and teams, from 10U to 18U Premier.
• Championship-Winning Legacy and High Internal Competition
  • The organization’s trophy case, which includes multiple PGF and ASA/USA National Championships, confirms their status at the pinnacle of the sport.
  • The internal competition within the Bandits organization is famously intense… players often note that it can be harder to earn a starting spot on a Bandits roster than it is to compete in college!
  • This elevated internal pressure consistently pushes athletes to perform at their absolute best and is a key driver of their polished skill level.
• Holistic Development Mission
  • The Bandits operate with a core mission that extends beyond softball skills: to create an environment of social, emotional, and physical development.
  • By focusing on core values like dedication, work ethic, and sportsmanship, the organization prepares young women for success both on and off the field, often bringing in respected figures for mentorship and empowerment initiatives.

In short, the Beverly Bandits teams are unique because they have mastered the formula for translating youth talent into collegiate opportunities through a demanding, unified, and nationally recognized program structure.

How many teams are there in the organization overall?

There are 16 teams nationwide: two 18U teams, four 16U teams, four 14U teams, four 12U teams and two 10U teams.

If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs in your age division, what would it be?

What truly elevates the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031- Mouser team above our competition I believe is the team’s ingrained culture of individual accountability and purposeful practice.

While many top teams rely solely on structured team activities, the 2031 – Mouser squad is defined by the exceptional and proactive work ethic displayed by our athletes outside of mandatory practices.

This is a roster of players who know what it takes to compete at the highest level and fully grasp that elite performance cannot be achieved through collective practice alone.

We feel we have three key differentiators:

• Self-Driven Skill Sharpening
  • Our athletes dedicate significant, intentional time outside of team sessions to sharpen their individual skills.
  • This self-driven commitment results in a more polished, high-level version of their athleticism being brought to every team practice and game, drastically accelerating the team’s overall development curve.
• Maximizing Team Practice Value:
  • By arriving at team practices with already refined individual skills, the collective time is maximized.
  • The focus immediately shifts from fundamental instruction to advanced strategic and situational execution, enabling the team to operate at a higher competitive tempo than their peers.
• Intelligent Approach to Training:
  • The team understands the critical difference between simply practicing and practicing with purpose.
  • Our focus on intentional repetition and game-speed execution ensures that every effort—whether solo or collective—moves us closer to the players’ high-level competitive goals.

In essence, the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031 – Mouser team fosters a demanding environment where individual initiative drives collective excellence.

This internal standard, far beyond what is required, is the decisive factor that consistently separates them in the national competitive landscape.

Anything else interesting or fun that to portray your team as a top organization?

Our team is unequivocally a top-tier national organization, representing the gold standard in elite youth softball development.

This distinction is anchored not only in the historic national excellence of the Beverly Bandits program but also in the unprecedented concentration of talent strategically assembled for this 2031 graduation class.

Here are our key pillars of top-tier status:

• National-Caliber Roster Assembly
  • This team has successfully recruited what is believed to be some of the finest 2031 players in the nation, transcending regional boundaries to form a unified powerhouse.
  • Drawing elite athletes from five key Midwest and Southern states—Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Ohio—this diverse roster ensures that every position is manned by a high-performing, competitive player.
  • This multi-state selection process validates the organization’s reputation and its ability to attract high-potential talent across a vast recruiting footprint.
• Legacy of Organizational Excellence:
  • The Beverly Bandits name is synonymous with success on the national stage and—with a history that includes multiple PGF and USA National Championships—the organization has a proven, decades-long track record of developing players for high-level collegiate softball.
  • The 2031 – Mouser team operates within this established framework, benefiting from elite coaching, high-level logistical support, and a competitive culture designed to foster championship-level performance.
• Commitment to Player Development:
  • The Bandits’ philosophy is centered on comprehensive social, emotional, and physical development.
  • This program is not merely a collection of high-performing players; it is a system built to empower young women with the dedication, work ethic, and sportsmanship required for success both on the diamond and in life.
  • This foundational commitment to holistic growth is what ultimately transitions talented youth players into college-ready athletes.

In sum, our Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser team is a model of top-tier organizational strategy, combining the national recruiting reach necessary to secure elite, multi-state talent with a time-tested infrastructure that guarantees unparalleled player development and competitive success.

Ultimately, we feel we are not just competing at the top level—we are actively building the future of the sport.

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Here’s a player-by-player look at the Bandits – Mouser team…

#00 Riley Smith 2B/SS (2031), Salem, Ind.

Riley is a dynamic, high-impact middle infielder defined by an unrelenting work ethic and exceptional consistency at the plate and in the field.

A foundational element of the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser defense, Riley S. provides reliable production and discipline:

• Batting Average: .361
• Hits: 22
• Plate Discipline: 8 Walks (BBs)
• Fielding Percentage: .895 (PFCT)

This combination of offensive discipline and defensive reliability makes Riley S. a critical asset in the Bandits’ championship success. 

#7 Mara Castro LHP/1B/OF (2031), Geneseo, Ill.

Mara is a dominant, two-way athlete and a cornerstone of the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser’s success, defined by her extreme movement and strength in the circle and high-level offensive production.

• Pitching Dominance: as a strong, left-handed pitcher, Mara is an immediate threat to any lineup, boasting an extremely low ERA of .878 and compiling 22 strikeouts. Her ability to generate extreme movement on her pitches disrupts timing and sets her apart.
• All-Around Player: Mara is not just a powerhouse in the circle; she is an excellent hitter who contributes significantly to the team’s offense. Her commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by her defensive reliability, reflected in an exceptional fielding percentage (FPCT) of .974.

#8 Tinley Bushong OF/3B/C (2031), Battle Ground, Ind.

Tinley is the quintessential utility player for the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser, currently finding extreme success in the outfield where her great breaks on the ball and extreme speed allow her to steal hits from opponents in the gaps.

Equally a threat at the plate, Tinley provides consistent offensive power and production

• Batting Average (AVG): .464
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .607
• Hits: 26 (including 4 Doubles and 2 Triples)
• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 19

Tinley’s versatility, speed, and potent bat make her an indispensable, high-impact component of the team’s championship formula.

#9 Hali Mae Fenstemaker 3B/SS (2031), Maryville, Tenn.

Hali Mae is a fearsome and reliable third baseman for the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser, known for her defensive bravery and offensive clutch hitting.

Defensively, she is an elite presence at the hot corner, displaying zero fear in crashing the plate to effectively eliminate small-ball offenses.

At the plate, Hali Mae is a critical run-producer with the ability to hit the gaps and knock in baserunners:

• Batting Average (AVG): .303
• On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .796
• Hits: 20 (including 5 Doubles)
• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 20
• Walks (BBs): 7

Hali Mae’s defensive commitment and run-driving ability make her a vital leader in the Bandits’ competitive success.

#11 Braelynn Whitman OF/3B/RHP (2031), West Portsmouth, Ohio

Braelynn embodies the ultimate team-first mentality, displaying the willingness to do whatever it takes to improve her team. This season, she embraced a new role without hesitation, excelling in the outfield with speed and commitment.

Braelynn is a crucial contributor to the Bandits’ run production:

• Hits: 11
• Runs Scored: 15
• Stolen Bases (SBs): 14

Her adaptability, speed, and willingness to serve any team need make Braelynn an invaluable asset to the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser squad.

#13 Riley Mouser C/3B (2031), Georgetown, Ky.

Riley is an elite offensive force and defensive predator for the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser. She combines extreme power and consistency at the plate with shutdown defense.

In 68 at-bats, she has achieved astonishing offensive production:

• Batting Average (AVG): .515
• OPS: 1.439
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .882
• Hits: 35 (including 10 Doubles and 6 Triples)
• Runs Batted In (RBIs): 26

Behind the plate, Riley is a defensive leader with a cannon of an arm, securing the position with an exceptional .995 fielding percentage. Her two-way dominance makes her an indispensable player.

#24 Brinley Bishop OF/C (2032), Owensboro, Ky.

Brinley is a defensive standout in the outfield who excels at producing big catches, stealing hits from opponents, and utilizing her strong arm to throw lasers that keep runners from advancing.

At the plate, she is an offensive catalyst who hits the gaps and uses her speed to wreck havoc on the basepaths:

• OPS: .727
• Hits: 17
• Runs Scored: 17
• Stolen Bases (SBs): 7
• Put Outs (POs): 29

Brinley’s combination of elite defense and speed-based offense makes her a highly valuable asset to the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser team.

#33 Lila Batman RHP/1B/OF (2031), Perrysburg, Ohio

Lila, the newest member of the Bandits, instantly provides a formidable presence as a hard-throwing RHP standing tall at 6-foot-1. Her pitching arsenal features high velocity and sharp movement, ensuring the opposition is always guessing.

Lila also brings consistency and power to the lineup. In her debut tournament with the Bandits, she achieved a perfect 1.000 on-base percentage with a single, a double, and three walks-before the tournament was called due to weather.

The team is excited to integrate Lila’s talent and experience into their championship pursuit.

#55 Leah Krivak RHP/UT (2031), LaPorte, Ind.

Leah is a high-impact right-handed pitcher and utility player, defined by her amazing presence both in the circle and at the plate.

In the circle, Leah’s pitches are in continuous movement, forcing opponents to react to her effective location and change of speed. She works ahead in the count to secure outs, evidenced by 84 strikeouts (37 caught looking) and a low 1.408 WHIP.

At the plate, Leah is a powerful threat with a keen eye for strikes:

• OPS: .684
• Hits: 14 (including 4 Doubles)
• RBIs: 10
• Walks (BBs): 9

Leah’s two-way effectiveness makes her a crucial factor in the Bandits’ competitive success.

#99 Emma Ramos SS/UT (2031), Elmhurst, Illinois

Emma is an aggressive shortstop who makes it nearly impossible for hitters to reach base, commanding the infield with speed and high defensive reliability (FPCT .930, 23 POs).

She is an elite threat on the bases, always finding a way on by hitting the gaps or utilizing the short game to leverage her speed (39 steals).

Her exceptional offensive production includes:

• Batting Average (AVG): .462
• OPS: 1.125
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .603
• Hits: 36 (including 6 Doubles)
• RBIs: 18
• Walks (BBs): 9

This blend of defensive prowess and relentless offensive pressure makes her an invaluable leader for the Beverly Bandits Premier 2031-Mouser.

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Here are places you can learn more about the Bandits – Mouser team: 

*** Website: https://thebeverlybandits.com/team/premier-mouser-12u-il/
*** Twitter: https://x.com/Bandits2031
*** Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559034607239

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The Bandits 2031 – Mouser Team Roster:

Coaches:

• Head Coach Sabrina Mouser
• Assistant Coach Edwin Ramos
• Assistant Coach Andy Smith

Players:

• Riley Smith #00
• Mara Castro #7
• Tinley Bushong #8
• Hali Mae Fenstemaker #9
• Braelynn Whitman #11
• Riley Mouser #13
• Brinley Bishop #24
• Lila Batman #33
• Leah Krivak #55
• Emma Ramos #99