There’s little argument that 2030 pitcher Kaylee McDowell is one of the top pitchers in her class.

From Belmont, Mississippi, she pitched for the Belmont Cardinals High team last spring as an eighth grader and led the team to the Elite 8 of the state playoffs and a 22-9 overall record.

Throwing heat in the 62 to 64 mph range, she set a school record with most wins in a season and had 193 strikeouts in 118.1 innings pitched with a 1.30 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Kaylee was also a threat at the plate where she batted .362 with a .429 on-base percentage and drove in 23 runs.

Ranked No. 17 overall in the 2030 HOT 100, Kaylee had invitations to play up at higher age divisions, but one factor reigned supreme: she wanted to play for her father, Erick McDowell, who has been her coach for several years.

Coach McDowell picks up the story from there:

“Me and Kaylee had talked about, when the time came, we wanted to build one of the top 2030 teams in the country so she and her friends could finish their travel ball careers out together.”

“God has made it so the time is now for this Mojo 2030 team to come together. We love our Class of 2028 girls, and we will continue to coach and support them. You never know when you will get the chance to build something this special and, honestly, most don’t get this opportunity.”

“We are still pinching ourselves to make sure it’s real and I’m so excited to be able to continue to coach Kaylee and this loaded roster of talent. Now the pressure is on me and my coaches… we are all in for it, so let’s go!”

Having Kaylee as the foundation of the team was essential in drawing other top players, but also two key assistants for McDowell—recent college grad Jenna Lord and Heath Seelbinder, whose daughter Bristal is an elite 2030 catcher—have been instrumental in getting the team ready to play a competitive 2026-27 schedule.

Seelbinder had coached for several years with quality organizations like the So Cal Athletics and the Birmingham Mustangs after himself having played football at Auburn University.

Along with the opportunity for Bristal to catch Kaylee, another factor—a spiritual one–was key in getting Coach Heath onboard with the Mojo – McDowell team.

“This team is loaded top to bottom with not only talent, huge bats, speed, gloves and arms, but faith-filled young ladies unashamed of sharing Jesus through their abilities and their witness,” the assistant coach explained.

“Their unashamed approach to their faith is worth more than anything that can be measured,” Seelbinder continues.

“It is a testament as well as to the parents we have with us this fall, and the young ladies they are raising. I expect this team is going to turn some heads this season, and I for one am excited and count myself blessed to be a small part of their softball and life journey.”

“Let’s go to work, ladies!”

If the name Jenna Lord sounds familiar, it’s probably because you know of her stellar playing career that saw her compete at Ole Miss and Alabama before she concluded her college years at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte. There, she was the American Conference Player of the Year in 2025 for the 49ers.

A grad assistant coach now at Jacksonville State in Alabama, she is fired up to be part of this Mojo team, which is based in Pell City, Ala.—close to where the McDowells have a small vacation home and where nine of the 13 players on the team live.

“I am excited to be a unique addition as a mentor for these young girls as someone who is freshly out of college,” Jenna says. “I love talking the game and I’m also very excited to pick their brains and raise levels of softball IQ and mental toughness as well.”

For Coach McDowell, he feels the team is locked and loaded for significant success this fall and through the Summer of 2027.

“We are so excited to be able to bring this wonderful and amazingly talented group of 2030 players together,” he continues. “I have coached many years and different sports, but I fell in love with softball after Kaylee started playing.”

McDowell is chomping on the bit to get this team on the field to see how good it truly can be.

“God just allowed us to put together a truly special and amazing group of 2030s so that they can complete their softball journey together,” he concludes. “And our assistant coaches are the absolute best too.”

“I can’t wait to compete with this team.”

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Here are the 13 players on the team with a quote on each by Coach McDowell.

And to make it more fun and to get to know each of the athletes better, we asked them each the same four questions, so meet these Mojo 2030 players from Alabama and Mississippi who are listed alphabetically by last name…

Maggie Bell (Pitcher)

Coach’s Comments: “Maggie has been an All-South honorable mention and a Metro team MVP along with being a 7A state champion this year at Hewitt Trussville.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Sam Landry
• Nickname (if you have one): “Mags “
• What is your softball “ick?” Kneevage.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My goal is to figure out who I am in my softball career and pursue it with confidence. My teammates are what inspires me most. I play for them and not myself.

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Livie Bullington (Shortstop/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Liv is an All-Metro team selection ranked No. 66 in the Line Drive Media HOT 100 and a 7A state Champion at Hewitt Trussville High.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Montana Fouts
• Nickname (if you have one): “Liv”
• What is your softball “ick?” Softball pants that are so long that it’s almost down to their ankles.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My biggest inspiration is God. He reminds me to keep going, trust His plan, and become the best version of myself.

*****

Sophie Bullington (Third Baseman/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Sophie was an All-Metro tournament team selection, No. 71 on the Line Drive Media HOT 100 and a 7A state Champion at Hewitt Trussville High.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Kenleigh Cahalan
• Nickname (if you have one): “Bully”
• What is your softball “ick?” When the batter takes a strike then shakes her head.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My inspiration is knowing that I play this game to glorify God not to impress others.

*****

Chayce Clayton (Catcher/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Chayce is a Golden Glove All-Metro honoree and a 7A state champion at Hewitt Trussville High.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Reese Atwood
• Nickname (if you have one): “Reba” or “Chassidy”
• What is your softball “ick?” Runner at second base giving away the catcher’s signs.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? I believe God gave me the ability to play this game- now it’s up to me to make the most of it every time I step on the field.

*****

Saylor Gibson (Outfield/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Saylor is lightning fast and has played one year for Orange Beach (Ala.) High where she made huge strides. I see a bright future for her.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Montana Fouts
• Nickname (if you have one): “Say” or “Say Say”
• What is your softball “ick?” Bad attitudes.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My goal is to play at the next level.  My teammates inspire me to give my best each time I have the opportunity to step on the field.

*****

Macie Goins (Outfielder/Pitcher)

Coach’s Comments: “Macie was a Metro All-Team tournament team selection as well as a USA All-American and a 7A state champion at Hewitt Trussville.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Jordy Frahm
• Nickname (if you have one): “Mace”
• What is your softball “ick?” Kneevidge or when someone says, “Stay hot.” I just feel like it’s bad juju.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? I play for the girls around me and not to just say I had a good game even if the team lost. Because you play for the name on the front not the back!!

*****

Kimber Layfield (Pitcher)

Coach’s Comments: “Kimber had some great success this year at the varsity level and in the circle.  We are looking forward to what Kimber can accomplish under our leadership and pitching staff. We feel she can take that next step.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Montana Fouts
• Nickname (if you have one): no nickname
• What is your softball “ick?” When ears aren’t tucked in the visor.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My family’s support inspires me and the faith that if I do my part by working hard, pushing myself, and playing to the best of my ability that God will take care of the rest.

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Olivia Malone (First Baseman/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Olivia is an all-everything player out of Knoxville, Tenn. and her record-breaking bat is going to make tons of noise this fall.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Bri Ellis
• Nickname (if you have one): “Liv”
• What is your softball “ick?” Bad attitudes.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? Staying positive after an error

*****

Kaylee McDowell (Pitcher/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Kaylee is a USA All-American Pitcher of the Game award winner and a Mississippi 3A 1^st Team All-State selection as well as the Daily Journal Top 10 award winner. She was also ranked No. 17 in the Line Drive Media HOT100.

• Who is your favorite softball player? Katheryn Sandercock
• Nickname (if you have one): “KK”
• What is your softball “ick?” Kneevage and when the runner on second shows tells the batter where the pitch will be.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My teammates around me when I miss a spot having my back! God gave me this ability to pitch and I want to play showing him in me.

*****

Addie Sanford (Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Addie has record breaking speed and will put some big stats up this fall for us. She is a very versatile player who is willing to do whatever this team needs.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Megan Grant & Hannah Christian
• Nickname (if you have one): “No nickname that has stuck.”
• What is your softball “ick?” Kneevage and excessive glitter.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My teammates & family are my biggest inspirations. My goal is to continue growing in softball to be the best version of myself for my teammates & use a good attitude to lift them up.

*****

Bristal Seelbinder (Catcher/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “*Bristal was an All-Area 1^st Team selection. She is a D1 level catcher, and we are so blessed to have her back behind the plate.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Reese Atwood
• Nickname (if you have one): “BB”
• What is your softball “ick?” When people have their ears poking out from under their visor.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My inspiration is the ability to use what God gave me to help inspire other young ladies to become the version of themselves that God intends them to be. I also want to show that you can be a fierce competitor and still be Christlike.

*****

Margarette Taylor (Outfielder/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Marg is a USA All-American, PGF National Champion and an Alabama 1st team All-State outfielder.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Kendra Falby
• Nickname (if you have one): “Margie” or “Marg”
• What is your softball “ick?” Runner at third clapping at the catcher.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My goal is to make myself a teammate that can be counted on. I am striving to be a selfless teammate. My inspiration is God because He gave me this opportunity to be here today, and He gave me my parents to help support my passions.

*****

Rosie Wilson (Outfielder/Utility)

Coach’s Comments: “Rosie is a PGF national champion, a 1^st Team All-Area selection and can play anywhere on the field.”

• Who is your favorite softball player? Skylar Wallace
• Nickname (if you have one): “Ro”
• What is your softball “ick?” When pants go down to ankles.
• What is your inspiration or what goals do you have (anything that inspires you)? My inspiration is my family & teammates. My goal is to keep improving and become the best player I can be. I play for not just myself but for the people around me.

Final note: the Mojo 2030 – McDowell team is 14U age eligible but will play exclusively at the 16U level. 

To get better, the team is even scrimmaging against junior college softball teams!

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media