The girls of summer: Team headed to softball world series tournament

The girls of the Valley Force Fastpitch 10 and under (10U) team have earned the opportunity to play in the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Fastpitch Eastern World Series in Ocean City Maryland July 16-20. The well-deserved trip is an exciting event for them, their families, coaches and friends. Incredibly, this major achievement may be the least among those charted by this rather remarkable group of 10 girls from various communities in Tuscarawas County. “They were doing well on the ball field, yes, absolutely,” said Jerry Knight, father of one of the players and secretary for the team. “But we wanted to bring something else to the experience, and teach the girls about being good citizens.” The girls embarked on a journey of helping others, canvassing for money and holding fund raising events for various charities including the YMCA, Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and, most notably, Community Hospice. Becoming a part of an annual hog roast event with Berner Trucking of Dover, a top independent fundraiser on behalf of Community Hospice, the team raised more money than any other group or individual through car washes, small events and a great deal of legwork on the part of the players. “They also held a food drive for the area homeless shelter, and participated in Share-a-Christmas and Toys for Tots,” said Knight. The team will continue further charity work this year according to Knight.Doug Spillman of Tuscarawas coaches the team. “Doug has done a tremendous job with these girls,” said Knight. “Last year this was a team in name only but now they are a tight group of girls who really enjoy each other’s company.” The girls on the team are Cari Anderson, Sophia Knight, Ella Neading, Taylor Spillman, Cassidy Cross, Abby Morrison, Tracy Zurfley, Sydney Selinski, Makayla Corpman and Taylor Lundborg. Valley Force Fastpitch also includes 8U, 12U, 14U and 16U teams with players from Dover, New Philadelphia, Midvale, Tuscarawas and Sugarcreek. The 10U team had four straight tournament wins in a row this season, including the recent World Series qualifier in Toledo that will ensure them a spot in the USSSA World Series in Ocean City. “These kids have worked hard on and off the field, and are going to have a little moment in the sun,” said Knight. The season officially concludes with a banquet to be announced later.The girls find themselves once again raising money, this time for the trip. Knight said that the team is seeking sponsorship to help defray expenses. Interested sponsors who would like more information may contact Jerry Knight at 330-987-7353 or Doug Spillman at 330-987-4837.An online fundraiser is in the works at Go Fund Me, a crowdsourcing site for personal causes. Visit www.gofundme.com/ae2kkk to make a tax-deductible donation.