SPOTLIGHT ON SOFTBALL SHOWCASE,
Two States Softball Showcase full of surprises
Out at Hobo Jungle Park in Texarkana, Ark., the Two States Softball Showcase brought some surprises.
A foul ball hit a 2016 Ford F-150 and landed in its bed to signal how unpredictable the showcase can be.
A young female player might not expect to get a scholarship, but if she shows composure, ability and athleticism, her college tuition just might be paid for in full.
The parents of Samantha Umfrid, Marita and Larry Umfrid, were at the showcase to enjoy some Saturday softball and see their daughter perform. The Umfrids traveled from Humble, Texas.
Each game is timed at an hour and 15 minutes long.
“Texarkana is interesting in that there is a line down the middle,” Marita Umfrid said. “There are a lot of trees, and I like that. Seeing all of the other talent out there, not just what is in your own backyard, is interesting.
“I think the opportunity for my daughter to get a scholarship is great. The facility is big and a lot of games can be hosted here, so that is wonderful.”
The players show their skills in hopes of getting offers from colleges and universities across the 4-states area.
Samantha Umfrid is a sophomore at Humble High School, is looking to earn a college scholarship and wants to major in Pre-Medicine.
“I enjoy the exposure,” Samantha said. “I enjoy the opportunity to show my skills in front of college coaches.
“Texarkana is nice. It doesn't have a whole lot, but it's really pretty. The field is a little sandy and mushy, but it is OK compared to some of the fields in Humble.”
John Sisemore, a recruiter from Crowder College, traveled from Neosho, Mo., to check out the talented young women. Sisemore will be entering his fourth year as head softball coach, and his 2016 team went 45-16.
Sisemore is also the interim Athletic Director. Under his direction, the athletic program set a new record for academic All-Americans in 2015-2016 with 17.
“I am looking for quality kids who can compete at the next level,” Sisemore said. “I am looking for kids who have a good understanding of the game or some good ability to learn the game.
“I watch an athlete's demeanor, athleticism, and how she carries herself to see if she has potential no matter how she performs.”
Five aspects of the game that Sisemore looks for are the players' abilities to run, throw, catch, hit and their knowledge of the game.
“I also look to see if the player has a great attitude, how well she gets along with other teammates, and that she is having fun out on the field,” Sisemore said.
Approximately 1,500 athletes signed up for the USSSA Two States Softball Showcase, which concludes today.
Grady T. Wallace, Hobo Jungle and William Karrh Memorial parks host the games today from 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
“It takes incredible effort from the city of Texarkana to fulfill our showcase,” Showcase director Sandy Dickson said. “I have the best town in the country behind what we're trying to accomplish. Our city is blessed and the people are great.”