Taking The Field With The Bulldogs

TC Announces Opportunities for Area Youth Softball Players

Texarkana, TX, Jan. 30, 2006—Not all girls want to grow up to be Brittany Spears. Some want to play ball, hit .400 or pitch a shutout.

TC Softball has found a way to give young area girls with the same dreams a chance to glimpse what their futures could be. In “Dugout Run Out” program, youth softball teams can take the field from the TC Bulldog dugout at home games played at Spring Lake Park. They'll get their names and positions announced and stand at their positions as the college team lineups are announced and during the national anthem.

“I remember the first time I took the field as a TC Bulldog,” said sophomore first baseman Liz Hendricks who played at Arkansas High. “I was very excited to play college softball, but it was even more special to achieve that dream with my family and friends there.”

“We want young softball players to see what can happen if they work hard and play hard,” said head softball coach Leslie Messina. “They could end up having the fun of playing college ball and have a good chance of earning scholarships that pay much or all of their junior college expenses.”

The Bulldogs are offering another opportunity for individual softball players between the ages of 8 and 12. A player will be chosen to be batgirl for each TC softball home game and have her name announced before the game. “This is a great chance for young players to have an up-close view of what it takes to be a college level player,” said Messina.

High school softball teams are invited to come to “Our Backyard” to see the Bulldogs play. When they come as a team, the players and coaches will be admitted free.

The Dugout Run Out and Batgirl programs are free too. Coaches and parents can fill out the Dugout Run Out Flyer or call the softball office at 903-832-5565 ext. 3425.

“If we can encourage greater interest in softball, there will be even better competition and ultimately better players for us to recruit,” said Messina. “I'd also like girls to know what kinds of educational opportunities collegiate softball can provide.”