We continue our year-end look at the Top 10 Softball Stories of 2025…  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:

Click on the links of those previously posted to see what we’ve covered so far!

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

Also, on Jan. 2, 2026, Line Drive Softball will list all the Top 10 stories in a list and then on Jan. 3^rd 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 is reposted along with any other articles that may be tied into the subject listed that day.

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 in softball, including college and travel ball coaches, other media members and you—the fastpitch community.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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With a community as large as the one in softball, it’s inevitable that there will be tragedies off the field–be it accidents, injuries and even deaths.

But what happened in September was shocking in that two vehicular accidents within a two week period in Oklahoma led to one fatality and what looked could be many more in a bus accident caused by a deer that led to several being ejected after the bus rolled over.

Fortunately, all in the bus accident miraculously survived but their was heartbreak as a talented 10-year-old died when the car she was in hit a bridge rail and the athlete was ejected and would pass away.

The accidents would draw national attention including that of Oklahoma Sooner head coach Patty Gasso.

Here are the articles as the were published on Line Drive this fall…

The Top 10 Softball Stories of 2025: #6… Horrible Accidents in Oklahoma Cause Heartbreak (Dec. 27, 2025)

Tragic News: 10-Year-Old Kella Cruikshank of Gametime Stars Killed in Car Accident Last Weekend (September 25, 2025)

Nightmarish news out of Oklahoma last weekend as beloved Gametime 2K15 Premier pitcher and third baseman Kella Cruikshank died last Saturday morning after being ejected from a car that hit a bridge rail and overturned.

Kella, described by Gametime Head Coach Brendan Hackett as “a bright and loving 10-year-old whose presence on and off the field left a lasting impact on everyone she met,” was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also in the car was her 15-year-old brother, Tyree, who escaped without serious injury but witnessed the devastating scene involving the loss of his younger sister.

In an eerie coincidence, the accident happened on State Highway 152 and County Street 2760 in the Oklahoma City area and was close to another accident that happened just 10 days before involving the bus crash carrying the Minco (Okla.) High softball team.

Note: a follow-up Line Drive article detailed that all involved in the bus crash will recover.

Here is a news segment produced by KOCO 5 News, the ABC affiliate news channel out of Oklahoma City, covering the specifics of the car accident involving Kella:

Along with fellow assistant coach Stew Fleischman, Kella’s father JR Cruikshank coaches on Kella’s Gametime team and the terrible tragedy has impacted not only the club organization, but all those involved in softball in the state.

“Our Gametime 2k15 Premier family experienced an unimaginable loss,” Coach Hackett said earlier this week.

“Kella wasn’t just a teammate; she was the heartbeat of our team.”

“Always quick with a smile, she was always ready to cheer on a teammate and never afraid to lift the energy of the dugout, even if that meant being a little loud in the coach’s ear.”

“She had a gift for encouragement, and she lived it every day on and off the field.”

Still reeling from the shock of last weekend’s accident, the Gametime organization moved quickly to honor the fallen player by dedicating one of the travel team’s hitting tunnels to No. 29—the jersey number Kella wore—in her honor.

Coach Hackett added that a banner will also hang in the program’s facility as “a lasting reminder that Kella will forever be part of our team and our hearts.”

The organization also started a GoFundMe for the family to help offset funeral, medical and other costs associated with the accident (donations can be made directly to help the Cruikshank family by clicking HERE).

As of Thursday morning, $23,803—83 percent of the desired goal of $29,000–had been raised via 253 donations.

“We are deeply grateful to the countless softball teams and individuals who have generously donated to Kella’s family,” Coach Hackett added.

“Your support is a testament to how loved and valued she was and continues to be.”

Additionally, the club program announced that helmet stickers carrying Kella’s No. 29 will soon be sold for purchase with all proceeds going to the athlete’s family.

The 10-year-old’s coach explained what made the softball player so special to those who knew her on and off the field.

“As a standout pitcher and third baseman, Kella played with grit, talent, and determination far beyond her years,” Hackett related.

“But what set her apart wasn’t just her skill; it was her love for the game, her family, and her teammates. Kella made softball fun. She made us better. She made us a family.”

“Kella’s story is one of joy, light, and love, qualities we will carry forward as her legacy.”

“Though her time with us was far too short, her impact will never fade. Every pitch thrown, every bat swung, every chant in the dugout will carry a piece of her spirit.”

“Kella, you will always be remembered, always loved, and always be our Forever #29.”

The day after the accident, a memorial vigil was held at the Gametime practice facility where the Cruikshank family told stories and shared videos and photos of Kella’s life on and off the softball field.

Dan Freund, the President of Gametime Stars, remembers meeting Kella and her family two years ago when his daughter joined the organization after the family moved to Oklahoma from Southern California.

“I would see her and her dad JR in the practice facility all the time on their own getting in that extra work. Her work ethic was second to none and the kid never stopped working.”

“Kella was always happy and joyful when she was in the building getting her extra reps in and she definitely was happy any chance I got to see her perform. Miss Cruikshank was a special young lady whose presence was definitely felt every time she took the field.”

Freund says he was fortunate to be in attendance the weekend prior to the crash to witness a big game in which Kella shined.

“I thank God that I went out last week to watch our 2015 Premier team play and was able to watch her play for the last time,” he recalls.

“Kella stepped up in a big way in the championship game that went into ITB. She shut the door in a crucial part of the game and helped her team win on a walk-off.”

“Kella was that dominant force we all had become so familiar with. Her memory and legacy will continue to live on here at Gametime Stars. Her future was so bright, God had big plans for her.”

“I know in my heart He still does.”

“We will continue to play for Kella and work to be better every day on how we treat each other and how we treat these amazing athletes playing this great game we all love.”

“We love you, Miss Kella… fly high little lady.”

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball 

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Breaking News: Minco (Okla.) High School Softball Bus Crashes, 7 Injured, 6 In Critical Condition (September 10, 2025)

Terrible news out of Oklahoma this week as a Minco (Okla.) High school bus carrying 18 softball players and coaches crashed Monday night with seven injured with several suffering more severe injuries.

Reportedly, five people were ejected from the bus and, according to a report from The Oklahoman “four of those ejected were juveniles and are now in stable condition” as of Tuesday.

According to one report, the cause of the crash was the bus struck a deer on the road.

As of today, there have been no fatalities announced, but one adult it has been reported is in “critical, life-threatening condition at an Oklahoma City hospital.”

Oklahoma Sooners Head Coach Patty Gasso issued the following statement via social media:

This has become a national story, and the following are media links about the terrible crash:

• School bus carrying Oklahoma softball team crashes, injuring 8 (CBS News)
• OHP: 18 people on Minco school bus during crash (KFOR)
• Minco softball team involved in school bus crash, multiple injured (KFOR)
• Hundreds unite to pray for the 18 members of the softball team involved in Monday’s bus crash (The Oklahoman)

Here’s the story as reprinted from KOC News, an ABC affiliate out of Oklahoma City… in behalf of all of use at Line Drive Softball, our prayers and best wishes to all those involved..

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7 students, adults injured after school bus carrying Minco softball team crashes

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol collision report states that 18 people were on the bus when it crashed around 8 p.m. on State Highway 152 near County Street 2760. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

No fatalities have been reported as of Tuesday morning, but officials said a few students and a coach, who was driving the school bus, were in critical condition. Oklahoma Highway Patrol said one adult remained critical on Tuesday afternoon.

Tracks, investigation markers remain after school bus carrying Minco softball team crashed

An Oklahoma Highway Patrol collision report states that the school bus struck a deer, causing it to swerve off the road and roll over.

Sky 5 flew over the scene of the crash Tuesday morning, showing that tire tracks are still visible in the grass off the side of the highway.

Minco Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Sims posted to social media, asking people to think of everyone related to the incident.

“Our Minco Public Schools softball team was in a serious accident west of Minco,” he posted on Monday.

“Multiple individuals on the bus were severely injured. We will be closing school tomorrow. Please keep these student-athletes, coaches, and their families in your prayers.”

Grady County Sheriff Gary Boggess also asked everyone to think of Minco and that God was there with a hand of protection.

“Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the student athletes and coaches from Minco School tonight,” Boggess posted on social media. “God definitely had his hand of protection on each one of them. Please keep each student athletes and Coach in your prayers tonight.”

Minco Public Schools announced it will be closed Tuesday due to the incident.

Minco is located in Grady County and is about a 40-minute drive southwest of Oklahoma City.

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News Update: Great News Regarding Minco (Okla.) High School Softball Bus Crash on Monday (September 13, 2025)

Monday night, as the Minco (Okla.) High softball team was returning home after a game, the bus they were in struck a deer, swerved off the road and rolled over ejecting five including four players and a coach.

It was also reported that one of the adults was in critical condition at a hospital in an Oklahoma City area hospital.

Click HERE to read our original article on the crash

Less than a week after the nightmarish accident, however, there is very positive news regarding the softball team.

As noted in this report by KOCO 5 News, the ABC affiliate news channel out of Oklahoma City, the team united Friday night in a ceremony at the school and all but the one adult—who is still hospitalized–was present (and he is expected to recover as well).

You can see in the segment below that some of the players are injured, including one who is in a wheelchair, but it appears that this scary incident will not have done the terrible damage originally feared.

Continued prayers and best wishes to the Minco High softball team…