The 2024 Empowering Girls for Life (“EGFL”) event, which has now become one of the highlights of the summer softball schedule, takes place tomorrow and will have over 1,200 in-person attendees and many more expected to watch online.

Tickets to attend are free to this year’s edition thanks to sponsors and there will be over $100,000 in scholarships and prizes that will be given away at the end by EGFL founder and Beverly Bandits club program head Bill Conroy.

In the Spring, Line Drive Softball did an initial spotlight feature on this year’s event:

• click HERE to read that extensive preview
• click HERE to go to the EGFL event’s homepage.

As the event continues to expand and impact more athletes, Conroy sees Empowering Girls for Life being around for a long time.

“I couldn’t be happier with the growth and support that we have had over last seven years,” he said on Thursday.

“Each year gets bigger and stronger and this year we’ve given more than a record $100,000 in scholarships and prizes.”

“Lexi Roach, my Director of Operations, does a great job in setting up the speakers that we’ve had and have been so motivational. Our sponsors have been so supportive, and the girls themselves along with their families really are the key to the success of this event each year.”

For those attending or wanting to watch virtually, here are the basics:

In Person

The event begins at 9:30 am Central Time at The Westin Chicago Lombard – Marriott hotel located at 70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148 and parking is FREE.

Online

For those who can’t attend in person, but would like to watch the event virtually, these following three steps will provide online access:

1. Click HERE to go to the URL
2. Type in egfl2024 for the password (note that this is NOT case sensitive)
3. Click “attending remotely”

Event Speakers & Agenda

The lineup of speakers is once again impressive and diverse with notable coach, player and business leaders lined up to present:

• 10 am: Karen Weekly
• 10:45 am: NiJaree Canaday
• 11:30 am: Ellie Cooper
• 12:15 pm: Jordy Bahl
• 1:00 pm: Joey Lye & Joy Roeder
• 1:30 pm: Fan Fest (scholarships, giveaways)

Tickets to Watch Athletes Unlimited Games

Another great aspect to this year’s event is that EGFL attendees will receive a complimentary Game Day ticket to an Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball game Saturday (Aug. 10) and Sunday (Aug. 11) at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Ill.

The league features some of the top softball players in the world, including Athletes Unlimited season four champion Odicci Alexander as well as Sis Bates, Skylar Wallace, and Haylie McCleney and EGFL attendees will have the choice to watch back-to-back games on Saturday or Sunday with 2:30 and 4:30 pm games each day.

The Game Day access includes post-game autograph opportunities, on field post-game activities, and more.

A Speaker’s Perspective

One of the speakers, Joy Roeder, comments:

 “EGFL is doing exactly what their name states.  As a professional who has spent the better part of 25 years mentoring young women in various companies, I am passionate about giving young women the tools to succeed in life and building their confidence, i.e. empowering them to achieve success not just on the field or court or classroom but in life.”

“It is my hope that EGFL would become a longer event offering even more resources to young athlete.  Although the attendees of the event are primarily from Illinois and a few neighboring states, the women involved are nationally recognized as well as the event will be live streamed for all to see so we can reach more young women.”

Roeder, who hopes to someday see EGFL being featured multiple times a year in varying cities, is excited for her presentation this weekend, which she will do in partnership with Joey Lye an Olympic Bronze Medalist, former D1 and D2 coach and current coach of the Canadian team that recently took third in the World Cup.

“Joey offers such a unique perspective to young softball, hockey players and, really, any athlete,” Roeder continues.

“She and I will be shedding light on the great options to players at other levels other than D1.  We will be talking about her journey choosing a D3 high-academic school to be able to play two sports rather than have the ‘D1 or bust’ mentality.”

“The doors that have been opened to Joey in her life are amazing because she chose to look at the big picture and long-term vision. Not only has she played at the highest level of softball in the world, but Joey is coaching at that level as well.”

“It’s important that we educate and encourage young ball players that there are many avenues available to you young athletes out there reach your goals and your full potential.  I’m excited for the impact Joey and I — along with the other speakers — can make!”