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Team Spotlight: Bombers Gold American 12U… Seven Reasons the Texas-Based Team May Be the Best Nationally in Its Age Division (Feb. 20, 2026)

By Brentt Eads

February 19, 2026

The Bombers Gold American 12U team went 31-1 in the Fall and won four tournaments and made the championship game of another before it was cancelled because of rain.

Team Spotlight: Bombers Gold American 12U… Seven Reasons the Texas-Based Team May Be the Best Nationally in Its Age Division (Feb. 20, 2026)

A top well-respected club coach recently said that the Bombers Gold American team led by Co-Head Coaches Thomas Holmes and JT Mark is the top 12U team in Texas.

We’ll go one further and say the squad very well could be the best 12U team in the nation.

Coach Holmes put it best when he said:

“In the Fall 2025 season, we were blessed to win every tournament we competed in. Week after week, the girls performed at a high level and consistently rose to the occasion.”

*****

Undefeated Fall Campaign

The tournaments the Bombers were able to play and win championships were:

  • Texas Best Invitational
  • NCS Fall State Championship 14U
  • PGF Signature Series
  • TFL Fall Championship

 

The NCS (National Championship Sports) title was especially impressive as the 12U-eligible team played up at 14U and dominated on both sides of the ball, with the potent offense scoring 63 runs and the pitching giving up just eight runs.

Overall, it was a dominant fall campaign as the Bombers finished 30-1, separating itself from the competition with an explosive offense, disciplined defense, and complete team buy in.

Also, the Bombers could have made it 6-for-6 if not for weather-related shutdowns:

  • at the Space City Classic, the Bombers Gold team was the only undefeated team left before the championship was rained out. Heading into the finale, the team had scored 53 runs while the dominant pitching staff gave up just one.
  • the Ronald McDonald tournament was rained out before play began.

 

So what makes this Bombers team the favorite to win everything this summer, too?

This isn’t just a 12U softball team—this is a high-octane, complete program built on speed, power, precision, and elite softball IQ.

Bombers Gold American 12U plays with purpose, discipline, and a relentless competitive edge and they don’t just show up—the coaches and players apply pressure in every phase of the game and sustain it.

*****

Built to Win Through Character & Camaraderie
The Bombers American Gold 12U players listen to Head Coach Thomas Holmes (right).

This team is built on more than talent; it is built on character according to the coaches.

Coach Holmes explains:

“Our roster is composed of unselfish young ladies, and that mindset can be traced directly to the families they come from.”

“The greatest compliment I can give this group is that the families genuinely care about each other’s children. In today’s game, that is rare.”

The camaraderie in the stands mirrors the chemistry on the field.

“There are no egos here,” Holmes continues.

“Parents cheer for every athlete the same way, and that unity carries directly into how the girls compete. The results show in our style of play.”

“You cannot key in on just one player. Every girl can execute small ball when needed or drive it out of the park when the opportunity arises.”

That balance—combined with a high softball IQ and a true team-first mentality—is what separates this program and how it was intentionally built. You do not go 30-1 in the fall without everyone buying in, believing in one another, and picking each other up every step of the way.

*****

Numbers Don’t Lie
Catcher Wren Jorden and pitcher Avery Cox receiving their comedic pep talks between innings from the infielders showing the team plays loose and has fun.

The production backs it up in every aspect of the game.

The Bombers were unstoppable on offense, finished the Fall with 254 runs scored, 270 hits, and more than 65 stolen bases offensively.

The team’s batting average was over .440 and in the five tournaments it played in, the Lonestar State team had 250 hits and dominated with nonstop offensive production.

In the circle, the pitching staff posted a 1.40 ERA with 235 strikeouts, setting the tone defensively and controlling games from start to finish.

These numbers aren’t accidental, it’s a statistical testament to the team’s preparation, execution, and the buy-in from every athlete on the roster.

*****

So what, exactly, makes this 12U team so dangerous and tough to beat?

Here are seven reasons why the Bombers American Gold squad is the one to beat this Summer:

1. Sensational Pitching

The pitching staff is a formidable force, with power arms that feature movement and command. They attack hitters, change eye levels, and shut down momentum before it starts.

2. Speed That Changes Games

Aggressive base running, sharp first-to-third instincts and defensive range that turns routine plays into outs others simply can’t make.

3. Power Through the Lineup

Gap-to-gap strength with the ability to drive the ball deep. There are no breaks in this order, so teams have to understand that there are no easy outs.

Co-Head Coach JT Mark with his daughter Jayden.
4. Elite Softball IQ

The Bombers 12U team has advanced situational awareness, makes smart reads, demonstrates impressive pitch recognition, and implements a next-play mentality. The players understand the game beyond their ages.

5. Selfless Culture

Moving runners, executing bunts, taking walks and trusting teammates are all key components in the team being able to do what the moment requires.

6. Locked-In Focus

As a group, the team is composed, confident, and resilient. The players respond to adversity with focus instead of reacting to it.

7. Team Identity

This group competes with confidence and edge. Each player understands that success isn’t about individual recognition but about collective execution, effort, unity, and accountability. Every athlete embraces her role, trusts the system, and executes when it matters most.

= Domination In Every Aspect of the Game

Add all these attributes together and you see that Bombers Gold American 12U doesn’t just compete; they dictate the pace of the game.

The team is fast when it matters, powerful when it counts and smart at all times.

This unselfish and driven team is not just a collection of talented players; they are a standard-setting powerhouse.

*****

Here is a player-by-player look at each team member’s strengths…

The Bombers Gold 12U roster (listed alphabetically):

Lilibeth Cisneros
Lilibeth Cisneros, 1B/3B (2031)

Lili is a powerful two-corner standout whose strong arm and defensive versatility anchor either first or third base. A true game changer at the plate, she hits for a high average and recorded multiple home runs—elite power and presence that set her apart nationally at just 12 years old.

Avery Cox
Avery Cox, P/3B/SS (2031)

Avery is dominant in the circle, she attacks hitters, mixes speeds, and thrives under pressure, giving the team unwavering belief. Offensively, her aggressive approach and situational awareness create momentum and elevate the lineup while setting a high standard that lifts the entire roster beyond the box score.

Kendall Curry
Kendall Curry, SS/3B/OF (2031)

Kendall is a true utility weapon—elite versatility, arm strength, and range allow her to impact the game anywhere on the field. A dynamic offensive threat with power, speed, and smart small-ball instincts, her multi-sport athleticism makes her a tone-setter and competitive advantage every time she plays.

Aria Holmes
Aria Holmes, 3B/P/2B (2032)  

Aria may be the youngest on the squad, but you’d never know it; an elite all-around game changer with power or finesse at the plate, fearless elite defense at third, advanced softball IQ, and the poise to command the circle beyond her years.

Wren Jorden
Wren Jorden, C/OF/SS (2031)

Wren is a true top-of-the-order game changer, blending elite speed, advanced barrel control, and real power turning every time on base into instant pressure. An athletic, versatile defender with a strong arm at catcher, shortstop, or outfield, she impacts the game in every phase.

Jayden Mark
Jayden Mark, 2B/OF (2031)

Jayden is a dynamic middle infielder/outfielder whose multi-sport athleticism brings elite coordination, toughness, and versatility. A smart, balanced offensive threat with gap power and small-ball finesse, her advanced softball IQ make her a consistent impact player in big moments.

Aria “AK” Mendoza
Aria “AK” Mendoza, P/OF (2032)

AK is an elite 2032 two-way standout; a dynamic left-side top-of-the-order bat with power, speed, and small-ball skill, plus a flame-throwing arm that commands the zone and forces weak contact and strikeouts. Simply one of the best in her age group.

Makayla-Rae Olivares
Makayla-Rae Olivares, P/1B/OF (2031)

Makayla is a top-tier 2032 pitcher who commands the circle with elite speed and location changes, then punishes teams at the plate with true home-run power and gap-to-gap control. A complete impact player, and one to keep a close eye on over the next few years.

Emma Perez
Emma Perez, P/OF (2031)

Emma is a high-impact two-way standout for Bombers Gold American 12U, bringing poise and command in the circle while attacking hitters with confidence and precision. An athletic outfielder and dangerous gap-to-gap hitter, she impacts the game in every phase and continues to elevate each season.

Ayden “CJ” Sanchez
Ayden “CJ” Sanchez, C/3B/OF (2031)

CJ is the ultimate utility weapon—an elite defender at catcher and anywhere else on the field, with a shutdown arm, relentless energy, and high-level softball IQ. A constant offensive threat, she brings power, speed, and pressure that change the game the moment she steps on the field.

Olivia Searcy
Olivia Searcy, C/1B/OF (2031)

Olivia is a versatile defensive standout—impacting the game at catcher, first base, and the outfield with a strong arm that shuts down the running game. A disciplined, low-strikeout power hitter with high softball IQ and relentless work ethic, she’s a difference-maker on both sides of the ball.

Arianna “Ari” Zavala
Arianna “Ari” Zavala, MIF/OF (2031)

Ari is a dynamic, instinctive defender who shines across the middle infield and outfield with elite range and glove work. A proven clutch hitter with sneaky power, she hit for an high average this fall while delivering game-winning hits and impacting the game in every phase.

Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media

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