A new high-level 2033 team has been formed in Marietta, Ga. (technically, there’s still one roster spot left to fill) and—while many travel softball teams focus on immediate results—Armor Elite Premier 2033 – Samples/Lang is focused on building a strong foundation for the future.

The first-year 12U team, which is also an ambassador team for Marucci in its age group, was created with a clear vision: provide young athletes with high-level instruction, competitive opportunities, and an environment that accelerates their development both physically and mentally.

The coaching staff also believes that true development extends beyond skill work alone.

Along with physical training, the program places importance on mental performance, emotional well-being, and faith-based values that help athletes build confidence, resilience, and perspective throughout their athletic journey.

The team was formed by families seeking an experienced coaching staff committed to long-term player development.

Those goals aligned naturally with the Armor Elite organization, creating the foundation for what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young programs in the Southeast.

When will the team compete in its first event?

“We will play our first tournament in October,” Head Coach Ryan Samples says.

“We’ll play in Georgia tournaments like PGF State and the College Exposure Event at Berry College as well as the Frost Cutlery Classic in Chattanooga, Tenn., and the Super Select Fall Classic in Birmingham, Ala.”

“Next year, we will be focused on Super Select, Diamond Legacy, Alliance and PGF events.

With a roster loaded with athleticism, versatility, and upside, the coaching staff is committed to helping athletes grow their skills, compete with confidence, and prepare for future opportunities at every stage of their softball journey.

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A Coaching Staff Driven by Development 

Leading the program is Samples, a veteran coach whose reputation has been built on developing players at every stage of their softball careers.

Over more than 15 years in travel softball, he has coached high level fastpitch teams while helping athletes pursue collegiate opportunities.

His coaching resume includes a PGF State Championship and a fourth-place finish at USA Softball “A” Nationals, accomplishments that helped establish his teams among the most respected programs in their age groups.

More importantly, Ryan’s teams have consistently produced athletes prepared to compete at the next level.

By the conclusion of this season, more than 30 players from teams he has coached will have earned opportunities to continue their softball careers at colleges and universities across the country.

After spending recent years helping older athletes navigate recruiting and prepare for college softball, Samples is excited to return to the developmental years of the game.

“Getting the chance to coach with my daughter at this age group is something I’m really excited about,” Ryan says.

“These younger years are where so much of a player’s foundation is built—not just the fundamentals of the game, but confidence, work ethic, toughness, and the way they learn to compete.”

That philosophy serves as the foundation of the program. Every practice, drill, lesson, and game experience is designed with long-term development in mind.

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Developing Complete Competitors 

A unique strength of the Armor Elite Premier 2033 program is its emphasis on both physical and mental development.

Assistant coach Sydney Samples serves as the team’s Pitching and Mental Performance Coach.

A former collegiate player and current Sports Psychology student, she had options to play at bigger softball schools but chose Truett McConnell because she wanted to pursue Sports Psychology as a major and minor in Christian studies.

“She chose a Christian university for that reason,” Ryan adds, “and she actually today speaks around the country at Christian youth events. She brings a specialized skill set that is rarely found at the youth level.”

Sydney was an All-State catcher at Lanier Christian Academy before playing for nationally recognized and national championship-winning coach Brittany Lewis at Hebron Christian Academy.

She earned All-Region honors while competing on a team that finished as the Georgia High School State Association state runner-up twice, further strengthening her experience as both a player and leader.

Today, Sydney combines her playing experience with her academic background to help athletes develop the mental skills necessary to perform consistently in competitive environments.

“Since I was young, our coaches taught us that 80 percent of this game is mental, and they are absolutely right,” the former college softball player explains.

“No matter how many ground balls, front toss, or long talks after a game, if an athlete is not confident in their abilities, they will not be successful.”

Sydney says she knew her training on the mental side could help athletes immensely, especially those new to the sports world.

“When stepping into coaching, I knew I wanted to be a resource for athletes on the mental side of the game,” she continues.

“My goals working with young athletes, specifically our 2033 team, is to establish that their identity and worth is not defined by their performance but defined by God.”

“Softball is what we do, not who we are.”

Sydney also provides athletes with practical tools designed to strengthen both performance and resilience.

Her influence extends beyond the pitching staff, helping all players develop a greater understanding of how preparation, mindset, and self-belief contribute to success on the field.

“Through my studies in psychology, I have come to see that all athletes have different mental and emotional needs,” she continues.

“Some kids need tough love and to be pushed, while others are already too hard on themselves.”

“In my experience as a player and coach, I’ve come to understand that how we approach the physical game should be the same way we prepare mentally.”

“We cannot expect to recover from mistakes, celebrate wins, and have confidence without a plan to get there.”

In addition to her role in player development, Sydney will lead the team’s devotions, helping create opportunities for athletes to grow in their faith while reinforcing values such as gratitude, humility, and servant leadership.

The goal is to provide encouragement and perspective that supports players both on and off the field.

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Championship-Level Instruction 

Rounding out the staff is Trey Lang, a hitting expert whose background brings another layer of high-level player development to the program.

A former collegiate baseball player and JUCO National Champion at Northwest Florida and Georgia Highlands, Lang has spent nearly a decade coaching at both the high school and travel-ball levels – seven years at Mt. Vernon School in Sandy Springs, Ga. and several more season in the Atlanta Vipers travel ball organization.

His experience includes serving as an assistant coach for a Georgia High School State Assoc. State runner-up program while helping numerous athletes, including four who went on to play at the D1 level, advance to collegiate competition.

Known for his attention to detail and player-centered approach, Lang emphasizes the fundamentals that often separate talented players from complete players.

His instruction reinforces the staff’s commitment to proper mechanics, consistent routines, situational awareness, and a strong understanding of the game.

“It feels good to conquer difficult challenges,” he says.

Together, Coaches Ryan, Sydney and Trey provide a unique combination of expertise in player development, skill instruction, mental performance, and high-level competition.

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A Roster Loaded with Potential 

While the roster features players with impressive talent and versatility, the coaching staff is most excited about what these athletes can become over the next several years.

The team’s nucleus includes standout competitors from successful travel programs throughout the region, bringing together a combination of speed, power, athleticism, softball IQ, and positional flexibility.

Here’s a player-by-player look at the team as it stands today…

Tatum Sanford – OF/P
Tatum brings the kind of energy that can change the momentum of a game. A pitcher, outfielder, and slapper, she combines athleticism with competitiveness while providing impact in multiple phases of the game.

River Crowder – 2B/OF/P
River’s game is built on speed and versatility. Whether playing second base, patrolling the outfield, or working in the circle, she can pressure opponents and create opportunities on both sides of the ball.

Kennedi “KK” Winston – C/SS/UT
KK is a high-softball-IQ player whose value extends behind the plate and throughout the infield. Her feel for the game, elite bat, and ability to excel in multiple roles make her an important part of the team’s foundation.

Vivienne Russell – 3B/OF/UT
Vivienne is a great defensive 3B with a strong arm and the versatility to play many big positions. At bat she is a high average hitter with gap to gap power that will be a key contributor for the team.

Emily Allen – 1B/OF
Emily provides a steady presence at the plate as a hitter with excellent hand-eye coordination capable of anchoring the lineup while contributing defensively at first base and in the outfield.

Vada Peters – P/1B/3B
Vada brings power and presence, particularly in the circle. A dominant bracket pitcher with a strong bat and the ability to contribute at the corners on the infield, she offers another competitive weapon capable of influencing games in multiple ways.

Caydee Brewer – C/SS/UT
Caydee adds high level offensive production to a great glove defensively. As a catcher, infielder, and utility player, she gives the coaching staff flexibility while bringing a power bat to the lineup.

Piper Guevara – OF/P
Piper’s speed adds another dynamic dimension to the roster. Her athleticism allows her to impact games in the outfield, in the circle, and on the bases.

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Strength Added Through New Faces

As the roster continued to take shape, Armor Elite Premier 2033 welcomed several additions who further strengthened an already talented group.

Sammie Scott – C/3B/UT
Sammie arrives as a power-hitting catcher and third baseman whose strong arm and physical presence make her an immediate impact player on both sides of the ball.

Bailee Greyer – 1B/OF
Bailee brings legitimate home-run power and projects as a middle-of-the-order threat. Her ability to contribute at first base and in the outfield gives the roster additional flexibility.

Ariea Davenport – P/SS/OF
Ariea adds another high-level arm to the pitching staff with exceptional command and the ability to fill multiple defensive roles, including shortstop and utility, while contributing as a strong bat in the lineup.

Together, this roster provides the athleticism, versatility, and work ethic necessary to compete at a high level.

What excites the coaching staff most, each says, is not simply where these athletes are today, but where they may be several years from now as they continue developing their skills and gaining competitive experience.

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Built for Sustainable Success

As the program enters its inaugural season, expectations are high. The roster features a strong blend of athleticism, versatility, and competitive drive, while the coaching staff brings decades of combined experience in player development and high-level competition.

The focus remains straightforward: provide elite instruction, create opportunities for growth, and help every athlete maximize her potential.

Coach Sydney says she has a three-part system that she uses to help motivate her athletes to take their skills to the next level.

“In practices and games, I challenge my athletes to do and say three steps to themselves:

1. Pick a word or phrase that I will say when something goes good for me. For example, when I get the good hit, I will tell myself “Great job!” and truly celebrate my wins.

2. Pick a word or phrase that I will say when something goes wrong for me. For example, I will learn from this and do better next time or my mistakes do not define me.

3. I will plan to give 110 percent of my effort.”

The staff understands that long-term success is built through consistent development, quality coaching, and a commitment to improvement.

While the team is eager to compete for championships, the larger objective is creating an environment where players steadily improve and gain the confidence to perform at their highest level.

With an experienced coaching staff, a talented roster, and a development-first approach, Armor Elite Premier 2033 is positioned to make an immediate impact while building for the future.

For these athletes, this is more than the start of another season. It is the beginning of a program committed to helping players develop their skills, compete at a high level, and pursue their goals throughout their softball journeys.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media
Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com

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Photo Gallery – A Look at Each Team Members “Playing Card”

Listed alphabetically by Last Name