The future is bright for the Italy Lady Gladiators. Although the high school group is fielding the lowest number of select players they have fielded in the 21st century, six of their younger minions have taken up their bats, gloves, and gear to play select on a variety of teams in North Texas.

Brycelen Richards, better known to her team mates as Chacha, has been living on the road. As her DFW Firecracker team has played in Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Colorado, and Kansas again on back to back weekends. This incoming junior has been able to face some of the best and brightest young pitchers in the Midwest as she prepares for the next journey in her career.

Incoming 7th grader Emily Janek has also been busy as she has not only played with her Black Widow team, but has been a guest player when her team was taking time off. The talented young lady has played outfield and second base when not in the circle and pitching. Her younger sister, Landry Janek has also been burning the trail as she has played for a separate team and on the same weekends, posing transportation challenges for parents Dennis and Cortney Janek.

The other sister duo has been Ella Hudson and Addie Slovak. Ella has been playing for a 10 and under Firecracker team, while Addie has been playing 8 and under, under the tutelage of Burleson Centennial head coach Shannon Sullivan.

Playing for 10u Glory Adkins-Cochrane are locals Kinley Cate and Morgan Chambers. Their team will be involved in a national tournament in Cedar Hill at Valley Ridge Park (2850 Park Ridge Drive). This is the same location the high school played fall league. First game will be Thursday, July 8th at 9:35am on Field A.

The return to softball traditions are not far away, the secret has always been commitment, and commitment is returning. See you at the games.