Two years ago, Jason Marazzito took his locally grown organization, the Brazos Valley Bolts, over to Texas Blaze Fastpitch.

Marazzito recalls that process:

“Over that time, with a ton of help from Blaze Director JB Slimp, the ‘Texas Blaze – Zito hub’ as we called it, grew to new heights.  It’s exciting seeing local level ball clubs grow into regional forces and national level ball clubs turn into household name team who compete at the highest levels across the country.”

As of May 1, 2024, Texas Blaze – Zito has made the move over to national travel organization Athletics – Mercado led by Dave Mercado.

Why make the move? Marazzito explains it comes down to two important factors were considered.

“No. 1, the program needed to be highly respected nationally and have a proven track record in recruiting.

“No. 2, there had to be an appetite to grow the state of Texas. Specifically in the super deep 09 class and then moving down into some of the younger age groups. The addition to the 2009 Academy immediately adds strength in the AM 14U division and the appetite to develop the 10U and 12U age groups will set us up to continue growth for the long haul.”

Marazzito adds:

“We talked to many organizations but the decision to join AM was a no brainer. Their history of developing young talent and getting players to the highest level possible, truly proves the ‘Mercado way’ is the best way.”

Leading six talented teams covering the age divisions of 10U, 12U and 14U, Marazzito has set high expectations to the highly successful Athletics – Mercado organization.

“With the help of current Athletics – Mercado directors, as well as coaches in Texas, the goal is simple: to build the most competitive academy and deepest regional talent pool in the state of Texas.”

Below are closer looks at the teams moving over, with comments from Coach Marazzito…

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*** Athletics Mercado 10U – Zito/Rackley
Under coaches Mercedes Rackley and Justin Mock, this young and upcoming group has had a solid spring playing in events such as the TC Bombers Classic and having good showings against some high-level clubs.

*** Athletics Mercado 12U – Zito/Tagudin
Under Head Coach Chris Tagudin, this group is really hitting its stride.  As a young 12U team they are known as a club who “compete with the big guns” and plays a brand of ball built on solid pitching, defense, great baserunning and doing the little things right.

*** Athletics Mercado 14U – Zito/Hildreth
Coaches Kye Hildreth and Christina Reyes have led this club to a 26-14 record so far this Spring.  They have two wins so far on the spring and have played in a total of four finals.  The group has solidified itself as a true regional level team that can compete with anyone on any given day.

*** Athletics Mercado Academy 2010 – Lopez
With the move over to Athletics Mercado, the 2010 class will see two of the top talent pools in Texas come together.

Texas Blaze National 2K10 and Athletics Mercado Academy Lopez will join forces to make a truly top level 2010 team.  With both teams Top 10 Alliance-ranked over the Summer of 23, and with eight kids ranked in the top 100 in their class, the talent pool is deep and this club is poised to be a force in the 2010 class nationally.

Between the two clubs over the last year and a half, each has won a TFL championship. There is also a Triple Crown Texas State Championship, a Top 5 finish in Colorado Sparkler as well as at the Alliance Championships.

*** Athletics Mercado Academy 14U – Odle
Coach Ashlie Odle will also bring her Alliance qualified group over to the Athletics – Mercado academy. This group has a fight in them that saw them earn its way to invites in the countries top events and shot them up the Alliance rankings.

They are known as a team that is “on the come” and everyone knows they are in for a hard-fought ball game when they play them This group will compete also compete in Colorado and at the Alliance Championships this Summer.  Alliance qualification came through a win at the PWS Winter Cup.

*** Athletics Mercado Academy 09 – Zito
Texas Blaze Gold 09 will become Athletics Mercado Academy 09 and this group has exploded on the scene in Texas over the last year. This Fall alone they placed Top 4 at the Alliance Super Cup, tied for 1^st at the Ronald McDonald Invite and tied for 2^nd at the Super Cup.

This Summer the group will compete in the Power Pool in Colorado and at the Alliance National Championships. Those results have them sitting Top 25 nationally in the Alliance rankings and the future is even brighter for the Summer.  Alliance qualification for the Nationals came via a Top 4 finish at the Alliance Super Cup.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball