Softball Breakthrough Series recap

Last weekend, three Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes traveled to the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach to participate in the invitation-only Softball Breakthrough Series.

Ana Gonzalez, Erin Lopez and Trenity Okedele were among the 60 athletes from across the U.S. invited to work with USA Softball Olympians, professional softball players and college coaches for three days of instruction, scrimmages and off-field seminars.

While all three Rangers Youth Academy athletes attended the clinic together, each had their own unique experience and takeaways from the Breakthrough Series.

Ana Gonzalez, MVP of the Oklahoma City Breakthrough Series earlier this year, was one of the few athletes selected a second time to attend the Breakthrough Series in Vero Beach.

“I’m really grateful, and I feel special in a sense because when they told me that they were trying to get a whole new group for the Vero Breakthrough Series and for me to return, I was thankful,” she said. “The little things like being invited back mean that I'm doing something right and they can see that I do want this.”

Gonzalez was thrilled to again be working with some of the biggest names in softball, but her personal favorites to work with this time around were Kelsey Stewart, Delaney Spaulding and Janae Jefferson, who helped sharpen her skills during middle infield drills. Specifically, Gonzalez remembered an instance when she struggled to turn two on a double play by first base, but one adjustment from her coaches and she had it mastered.

“What I took away from this Breakthrough Series wasn't all softball tips so much; It was more about how to stay in the game, even after college, through jobs in the softball field,” she said. “On the last night, Erin [Lopez] and I got to stay behind and talk to Alexa Ramos, who does social media for MLB. We talked about pathways, possible internships with the Rangers Youth Academy and other ways to build your resume, even in high school.”

Erin Lopez, who joined Gonzalez and Okedele in Florida, was thrilled to receive an invitation to participate. Her nerves quickly wore off once she hit the fields in Vero Beach and was able to work with the coaching staff that she described as approachable, welcoming and caring.

Lopez is certain she left the Breakthrough Series a better ballplayer after working with the staff, dedicating time to remastering the basics and fine-tuning her positional skills through drills that she can continue back home.

“My favorite coaches to work with were definitely Michelle Moultrie and Jennie Finch,” she said.

“Knowing Michelle Moultrie was going to be there and actually getting to see her was such an unbelievable moment. She’s so sweet, and the way she coaches and explains things make me want to learn anything and everything from her, from our stretches to the running drills we did. I love what she stands for and how easy it is to learn from her.”

Lopez also compared Finch to her mom because they both stress the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and taking the time to appreciate each opportunity.

“One major thing I took away from the Breakthrough Series is being yourself no matter what and just how much they all cared,” she said. “The coaches and even the managers told each of us repeatedly they want to see us succeed and not be afraid to go after our goals, but to go after our goals while staying true to yourself.

“Yes, I most definitely learned more about softball and what to fix to strive for better-ness, but I learned how my future can look too, through opportunities I didn’t know existed before talking to the people at the Breakthrough Series.”

Trenity Okedele rounded out the Rangers Youth Academy’s group of participants. The Dallas Christian High School senior recently announced her commitment to Doane University in Nebraska and was excited for the opportunity to continue working on her skills before she reaches the collegiate level.

As a first baseman and outfielder, Okedele was able to work on both aspects of her game with the coaching staff. “I worked with coach Harrison from Carnegie Mellon and coach Moultrie in the outfield, and I was able to work with Janae Jefferson and coach Delaney in the infield,” she said.

On the field she focused on drills without equipment, aimed at improving agility and quickness on the basepaths and defense. Some off-field lessons that stood out to Okedele were the discussions around building your brand while maintaining true to yourself as an individual.

“We also talked about role models and the people we look up to,” she said. “I think the person I looked up to there was Michelle Moultrie. She told her story about how she didn't expect to play college ball, but she went to tryouts, did her best, and made it on the Florida team. She talked about trying your hardest no matter what because you never know where you're going to end up, and she ended up on the U.S. National Team, not even thinking she was going to play in college, so I really looked up to her.”

At the conclusion of her first Breakthrough Series, Okedele looked back at what she expected her journey to be and was pleasantly surprised by everything she took away from this experience. In addition to training at the state-of-the-art facility that is the Jackie Robinson Training Complex, she made new lifelong friendships with fellow ballplayers across the country.

Halloween Classic & Trunk-or-Treat

Next Thursday, Oct. 27, the Texas Rangers Youth Academy will celebrate Halloween with its annual Halloween Classic and Trunk-or-Treat.

Festivities will take place during 18U baseball and softball programming when the athletes compete in the Halloween Classic exhibition games on Oates Field wearing their best Halloween costumes. The 18U baseball costume game will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the 18U softball game at 7:30 p.m.

Also happening Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. is the Texas Rangers Youth Academy and Buckner International Trunk-or-Treat Halloween event. Cars will line the Oates Field parking lot to pass out sweet treats to trick-or-treaters.

Those interested in attending the Trunk-or-Treat event can register at texasrangers.com/academy.