The following information was released this week by USA Softball… to learn more about the HPP or to get involved, visit USASoftball.com.

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The USA Softball High Performance Program (HPP) National Selection Event, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, is taking place this weekend with top athletes from across the country attending the event in Vero Beach, Florida.

Running Dec. 12-15, over 400 registered athletes are vying for the opportunity to represent the Red, White and Blue on a Women’s National Team roster.

Day ✌️ 𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨 🙂#NSE2024 | #HPP pic.twitter.com/Fzq97jR6eo

— USA Softball (@USASoftball) December 14, 2024

The HPP National Selection Event is an invite-only opportunity for athletes who have advanced through various HPP Identifiers over the last year.

These top-players showcase their skills in a series of on-field evaluations and scrimmages in front of the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team Selection Committee and HPP evaluators — including U.S. Olympians and professional softball athletes — for a chance to be selected to age-specific U.S. Junior Women’s National Team rosters based on scheduled events for the 2024 season.

Known as The Pipeline to the Women’s National Team, the USA Softball High Performance Program (HPP) will identify a pool of athletes to train, compete and represent USA Softball through domestic and international competition.

The program will focus on providing an equal opportunity for players to show their talent while growing the game of softball in the United States and remaining inclusive to all that wish to participate and develop their skills.

*** Click HERE to see the list of the 2024 National Selection Event Invites

“What an incredible opportunity for the athletes participating this week! They have advanced from a local identifier and are now in Florida to compete against the best,” said Chief Sport Development Officer Chris Sebren.

“This is their chance to shine as Top Performers in their age group and to earn a place on the U-15 or U-18 National Teams for next year. It’s a challenge that inspires excitement and determination,” he added.

Over the past year, select athletes have advanced through various local HPP Identifiers and have been invited to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex to participate in a series of on-field evaluations and scrimmages with hopes of being identified as a 2024 Top Performer.

From the Top Performers and additional athletes identified by the Junior Women’s National Selection Committee (JWNTSC), USA Softball will select rosters to represent the U.S. at upcoming international events — including the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Americas Qualifier and World Cup, along with the WBSC U-18 World Cup Finals.

Showcasing over 400 athletes from 41 states, the event features an action-packed three-day schedule for age groups 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U, 16U, and 17U.

Highlights include seminars led by current and former Women’s National Team (WNT) athletes and coaches.

In attendance will be WNT athletes including:

• Ally Carda
• Sis Bates
• Taylor Edwards
• Sam Fischer
• Amanda Lorenz
• Destinee Martinez
• Haylie McCleney
• Michelle Moultrie
• Gwen Svekis
• Jessie Warren

Additionally, Blaine Milheim and Nick Mullins will represent the Men’s National Team (MNT). Florida State standout Lacey Waldrop and professional softball player Kayla Wedl will join the event as well.

The HPP was created in 2020 with the goal of identifying a pool of athletes to train, compete and represent USA Softball in domestic and international competitions. To learn more about the HPP or to get involved, visit USASoftball.com.

Line Drive Softball will have much more on the HPP National Selection Event over the next few weeks…