Academy Notebook: Tamya Waiters returns from Softball Breakthrough Series; Halloween Classic at the Academy

Tamya Waiters returns from MLB Develops Softball Breakthrough Series

Earlier this week, Texas Rangers Youth Academy athlete Tamya Waiters returned from an unforgettable trip at the MLB Develops Softball Breakthrough Series.

Established in 2015 by MLB Develops and USA Softball, the Breakthrough Series is a softball development event that aims to provide instruction, mentorship and access to collegiate softball opportunities for student-athletes across the country.

Waiters, along with two of her Rangers RBI All-Star teammates, attended the free four-day event in Vero Beach from Oct. 14-18. After her time at the Breakthrough Series, Waiters has a new perspective on the game of softball, tons of new skills and some unforgettable memories.

“This weekend absolutely exceeded any expectations I had for the Breakthrough Series,” said Waiters. “To be trained and mentored by players I could only ever dream of meeting was a dream come true.”

Each day, Waiters spent time learning lessons on and off the field from some of softball’s biggest stars like Jennie Finch, Lauren Chamberlain and Odicci Alexander.

Waiters was thrilled to have one-on-one time with the best players in softball and pick their brains at meals, during group training sessions and one-on-one lessons. Upon arrival, each athlete received a notebook to write down anything and everything they wanted. By the end of the trip, Tamya filled her notebook.

“I learned so many things,” she said. “In pitching, I learned how to use resistance to become faster and use the power I have. I also learned to have a purpose and intent for each pitch. In hitting, I learned drills that will help keep my barrel close to my body, stay tight into the ball and trigger my hips.”

The Rangers Youth Academy All-Star pitcher also received a one-on-one lesson with the former Team USA pitcher Finch — a surreal experience for Tamya. Finch and Waiters spent time in the circle mastering techniques to improve her rise ball.

Beyond the skills she learned on the diamond, Tamya emphasized the importance of the lessons she learned about the mental side of the game. The biggest lesson she learned off the field was how to be confident in herself.

“Knowing my purpose and my ‘why’ for playing has given me insight, showed me why I can be confident and why I play this sport,” she said.

“God has answered my prayers because my mom and I were just talking about taking a course to strengthen my confidence and mental side of the game, and then, boom! I am amongst the best who gave me exactly what I needed to take my game to the next level.”

Some specific sentiments Waiters will never forget — always be the best version of yourself, which she learned from Alexander, and don't let your emotions travel with your performance, which she learned from Finch.

Not only has Tamya returned to Texas with lessons on how to improve as a softball player, but she also made some unforgettable memories along the way. Most notably, making a TikTok with Alexander and Natasha Watley and attempting to teach a TikTok dance to Chamberlain.

Another memorable moment was trying on Aubree Munro's Olympic medal. “I couldn't believe she let us touch it, let alone put it on,” said Waiters.

Her entire experience at the MLB Develops Softball Breakthrough Series was simply incredible. At a time where the college recruiting process has added additional stress to the game, Waiters said her trip to Florida helped her remember why she loves softball.

“Overall, I got better at my craft, gained more confidence in myself, met so many new friends and became a better person because of this experience,” she said. “I’m thankful I had the opportunity to learn from Odicci, Amber, Lauren, Tori, Natasha, Haylie, Aubree and Jennie. I will always remember and cherish this experience and learning from these wonderful women.”

Halloween Classic at the Academy

On Thursday, Oct. 28, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy will celebrate Halloween with the 18U Fall Training Session athletes. From 6-8 p.m., participants will face off in the annual Halloween Classic.

Players ages 13-18 will dress in their spookiest, funniest and most clever costumes and take the diamond for baseball and softball games. The 18U baseball game will take place on Oates Field, and the 18U softball game will take place on Hamilton Field.

While this event is scheduled to happen every year, the weather is often playing tricks on the Youth Academy, wreaking havoc on the event. The upcoming competition will mark the first Halloween Classic in years, and it’s predicted to be the best one yet.