Friday, June 23, 2017, Killeen, Texas - The Bandits 14 and under (14U) Girl's Softball Team have checked off many of their 2017 goals but none as exciting as their most recent accomplishment of qualifying for the ASA Nationals, in Johnson City,Tennessee, on the weekend of June 16-18. They face some very tough competition against both first and second year 14U teams in Killeen but were able to secure the birth thus accomplishing its top 2017 goal, a ticket to ASA Nationals. Facing teams like the Firecrackers, Bombers, Glory Teams and Velocity, will certainly continue to push this ladies team to new levels of competition.
The Texas Bandits softball team was started in 2012 by Jay Stone and Jason Stanley out of Joaquin. The team mainly consists of local area talent. Over the last several years there have been many accomplishments and the Bandit’s name has become well known in the East Texas area.
The Lady Bandits first year 14 and under team was formed in August of 2017. The team includes many new players from around the area as well as some additions to the coaching staff. The teams focus for this season is Commitment, Respect & Teamwork. The Bandits coaching staff quickly established its goals for the upcoming season and shared with all players & family.
Goals set by the team were to develop top notch team chemistry, compete at the highest levels successfully, win and lose as a team with class, qualify for 14U American Softball Association Nationals this summer at Johnson City Tennessee, and to keep a team grade average of 80+ is also a minimum expectation.
In October of 2016 the Bandits began the journey of competing at a higher level by participating in the Ronald McDonald College Showcase in Woodlands, Texas in the 14U division despite being eligible to compete in the 12U division based on age. Throughout the fall of 2016 the Bandits played all of their tournaments in 14U age group to better prepare for the level of competition they would face in 2017.
Competing at this level requires a lot of hard work and dedication from the Bandit ladies as well as their families. The Bandits will travel over 50% of the time leading up to Nationals to compete in some of the highest levels of competition in both Texas and Louisiana. The Bandits have begun the journey of trying to raise funds to attend the Nationals in Tennessee with an estimated budget to attend of $16,000. The Bandits will host several fundraisers over the next month and welcome any assistance from local area businesses. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Team Manager Jason Stanley at jstanleytbsoftball@yahoo.com or call at 903-754-9213. Any donations are appreciated by the coaching staff, ladies & parents.
