Hall of Fame

An original member of the Churchville Lightning and the first ever inductee into the Churchville Lightning Hall of Fame, Katie is known for her tremendous capabilities as a catcher and was respected by all of her opponents for her cannon arm as well as her outstanding in-game calling of pitches. Despite the demands of the catching position, Katie ends her career as the All-Time Lightning Leader in fielding PCT with a lifetime mark of .985.

Always a fantastic performer in the clutch, Katie concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in ten different offensive categories including hits, runs, doubles, home runs, runs batted in and batting average.  Always a team leader and a 5-time team captain, Katie led her teams to three (3) State Championships and five (5) Top-10 Finishes in World Series competition, including a 3^rd place finish in 2004.  

Honored as the first parent to be inducted into the Churchville Lightning Hall of Fame.   

As a parent and supporter of the program, Bill was always the first in line whenever the program needed help.  During his tenure with the Lightning, Bill assisted in the creation and construction of two Lightning indoor practice facilities.  He donated building supplies as well as gave freely of his time to our various construction projects.  

Amazingly, Bill participated in every Lightning fundraising activity for 5 years and always did more than his fair share to ensure that the program was able to achieve its objectives.   Whether it was supporting the bull roast, selling extra lotto tickets or working at a basket bingo, Bill could always be counted on to help.  His enshrinement honors him as well as ensures that his tireless efforts and loyalty to the program are never forgotten.    

Additionally, Bill was an “unofficial” coach for years, willing to hit fly balls to outfielders, pitch soft toss or do any other task to help out and get the team prepared for its events.  Never one to comment or complain about his child’s playing time, he was able to look beyond the involvement of his child and consider the needs of all.   Always rooting and cheering for the team and its players, Bill is a special friend of the program and is honored here as a member of the Lightning Hall of Fame.

An original member of the Churchville Lightning, Kaitlyn was respected for her intensity, hard-nosed play as well as her complete understanding of the game.  Playing like a coach on the field, Kaitlyn handled the hot corner for the Lightning and is recognized as one of the program’s best defensive players of all time.  Easily the best two strike hitter in Lightning history, Kaitlyn was a part of 20 tournament championship teams.   Along with teammate Katie McCauley, Kaitlyn was a member of the first team to win a tournament championship at each age group (12, 14, 16 and 18U) for the Lightning. Kaitlyn holds the distinction of being the only player in Lightning history to hit over .350 for 5 straight seasons.  

Adept with the bat in her hands, Kaitlyn was also one of the best bunters in Lightning history and she was called on to deliver SAC bunts over 30 times during her career.  Her suicide bunt hit against the NJ Hornets enabled the Lightning to win its very first tournament in 2001.  

Now enshrined as one of the All Time Lightning Greats, Kaitlyn concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in nine (9) different offensive categories including hits, runs, doubles, runs batted in and batting average.  A team leader and 5-time team captain, Kaitlyn led her teams to three (3) State Championships and four (4) Top-10 Finishes in World Series competition, including a 2^nd place at the USSSA Elite World Series where she was named to the All Tournament Team in 2005.

Chelsea was the original “big-game” pitcher for the Lightning as she pitched in 5 state championship games – winning 4 of them.  Known for her tremendous control as well as her wide array of pitches, Chelsea concluded her career as the All Time Lightning leader in Wins (102), Innings Pitched (872), Shutouts (8) and Strikeouts (599).  She’ll always be remembered by her teammates as the one pitcher they wanted on the mound in a critical situation as well as the player who so loved to compete that she pitched for two straight weeks with a broken forearm.

Her competitive spirit was on full display throughout her career but nevermore than in 2005, when the team ventured to Kansas for the 16U World Series.  Despite 110-degree temperatures, Chelsea pitched in six consecutive elimination games – all in one day – to lead her team to a 4^th place finish.  Chelsea has the only perfect game no-hitter in Lightning history and is the only pitcher in Lightning history to win 15 or more games in 5 consecutive seasons.  

Chelsea dedicated herself to pitching and forfeited a great deal of playing time to make sure that she was ready to pitch whenever called upon.  She had 4 straight seasons where her ERA was below 1.60 and her two greatest seasons were in 2003 when she won 17 games against only 3 losses with a sparkling 1.46 ERA and in 2006 when she was 19-6 with a 1.31 ERA.  Chelsea was a member of six (6) State Champion teams and her teams finished in the Top 10 at the World Series on six (6) separate occasions.

An original member of the Churchville Lightning, Megan was well respected for her competitive spirit as well as her ability to deliver in clutch situations.  One of her most memorable clutch performances was in 2005, when her 2 run double against the Riviera Beach Spirit propelled the Lightning 16U squad to a State Championship.  Megan was an integral member of 27 tournament championships – most in Lightning history – and she was on a record six (6) state championship teams during her Lightning tenure, including the program’s first two NSA State Championships in 2004 (14U) & 2005 (16U).

Additionally, Megan was a part of the most successful team in Lightning history (2006 16U squad) that won 53 games against only 8 losses.  That season, her team finished first or second in 8 of their 9 tournament appearances.  They only “failed” to finish in the Top 2 at the World Series, where the team finished 4^th in a 75-team field.  Megan was named to the both the USSSA and ASA All Tournament teams for her stellar play during World Series and Nationals competition during the 2006 season when she had her best overall season hitting .400 and fielding .932 from her second base position.   

Never one to have a voice left at the end of a tournament due to her nonstop cheering, Megan ends her career as one of the most consistent hitters in Lightning history.   She holds the record for most seasons batting over .300, and she accomplished that feat 8 consecutive times.  A team leader and a 3-time team captain, Megan led her teams to four (4) Top Five finishes in World Series competition, including a 2^nd place finish at the ASA Eastern Nationals in 2006.  

 Known for her outstanding control and fierce competitive spirit, Jackie concluded her career with the third most wins in Lightning history while finishing second all time in innings pitched and strikeouts.  Her lifetime ERA is 7^th best and she had 4 seasons where she pitched to a less than a 2-run average in her 5-year career.  Additionally, Jackie finished her Lightning career with 5 shutouts and 13 World Series victories in the circle.

Jackie’s finest season was in 2005 when she won 25 games including 6 World Series pitching victories to establish the Lightning mark for 14U performers in both categories.   Jackie’s most inspirational performance came at the 2005 World Series when she pitched 10 innings (a Lightning Record in a game), albeit in a losing effort, as the team lost a heartbreaker to the eventual National Champions.  Jackie was a member of three (3) State Champion teams and her teams finished in the Top 10 at the World Series on six (6) separate occasions including winning the 2009 USSSA World Series in Jackie’s final season.  

Kaela enters the Lightning Hall of Fame as the greatest offensive player in Lightning history.   She is the All-Time Lightning Leader in At Bats, Runs, Hits, Doubles, Triples, Home Runs, RBIs and Total Bases.   Kaela was only the second Lightning hitter to hit .300 or better in 8 consecutive seasons and four (4) times during her Lightning career she hit over .400, including personal high of .471 in her final season.  

A tireless worker that was always willing to improve, Kaela concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in fourteen different offensive categories (out of 15).  Additionally, Kaela was an accomplished first baseman and she finished her career with the 2^nd best all-time fielding PCT.  Kaela was a 6-time team captain, and she led her teams to four (4) State Championships and eight (8) Top-10 Finishes in World Series competition, including winning a national championship in her final season.   Kaela ended her Lightning career in style, befitting her lifetime offensive achievements, as she blasted a home run in her final at bat.

Lisa enters the Lightning Hall of Fame as a player known for her tremendous in-game intensity and competitive desire.  Her defensive versatility enabled her to contribute to the Lightning program as both an outfielder as well as shortstop during her career and she ended her career with an outstanding .935 fielding PCT.  But more importantly, Lisa was always willing to put the team first and thus, enters the Lightning Hall of Fame as a player universally respected and admired by her teammates and coaches.

Always a fantastic performer in the clutch, Lisa concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in eleven different offensive categories including hits, runs, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in and is the all-time leader in at bats.  Always a team leader and a 6-time team captain, Lisa led her teams to four (4) State Championships and eight (8) Top-10 Finishes in World Series competition, including winning a national championship in her final season.  Lisa handled the final play on the last play of her career to garner the assist that provided the Lightning with their first National Championship.

Undoubtedly the most versatile player in Lightning history, Chelsie enters the Lightning Hall of Fame with the highest lifetime fielding PCT of any middle infielder.  Known affectionately as “Have Glove Will Travel”, Chelsie exceptionally played 7 different positions during her Hall of Fame career and leaves the program as the Lightning’s All Time Best Defensive Player.   Chelsie’s career was marked by her total commitment to the team and that point is accentuated by being second all time in SAC bunts.  

One of the most intellectual in-game performers of all time, Chelsie concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in six different offensive categories including at bats, hits, runs, walks, and SACs.   While her most memorable Lightning moment was smashing a grand slam home run in the 2006 ASA Eastern National Championship game, Chelsie will best be remembered as an integral member of four (4) State Championships teams as well as having eight (8) Top-10 Finishes in World Series competition, including winning a national championship in her final season.  

An original member of the Churchville Lightning, Julia was well respected for her impressive capabilities as a hitter as well as her consistent defensive performances as an outfielder and first baseman.  Possessing tremendous power and an incredible throwing arm, Julia was a five-tool players that concluded her Lightning career in the Top 10 in eleven different offensive categories including hits, runs, doubles, triples, home runs, runs batted in, slugging PCT, OBP and batting average.  

Julia was the first Lightning player to attend a D1 college on an athletic scholarship and she still ranks in the All Time Top 5 in Batting Average, Slugging PCT and Extra Base Hits.   Always a quiet and unassuming leader, Julia led her teams to three (3) State Championships and five (5) Top 10 Finishes in World Series competition, including a 3^rd place finish in 2004.  Impressively, Julia was a member of 18 tournament champion teams during her 6 plus years as a member of the Lightning program.

 Amber is being recognized and enshrined into the Churchville Lightning Hall of Fame for her inspirational performance during the 2004 season.  Her 2004 season numbers represented one of the greatest single season performances ever compiled by a Lightning pitcher as she won 25 games against only 8 losses while pitching to a sterling 1.14 ERA.  However, her performance is magnified due to the fact that she played the entire 2004 season with a sore pitching shoulder and severely injured back.

Despite incredible pain and discomfort, Amber marched into the circle for her team’s most important games.   Amber won 3 games by shutout during the 2004 USSSA State Championship and pitched a 2-hit shutout in the final game as her team claimed the title by a 2-0 score over the MD Stars.  

However, the culmination of her exceptional and inspirational season occurred at the USFA World Series in Panama City, FL.  In the semi-finals, Amber started but had to be relieved after the first inning because of back spasms.  The Lightning fell behind but battled back late in the game to tie the score, but pinch hitters took away all available pitchers.  Despite the pain that had removed her from the game and forced her to lay prone for over an hour, Amber begged for the opportunity to finish the game.   She pitched 3 innings, in excruciating pain, as the game went into extra innings and amazingly, she saved the win by making an exceptional play to record the final out.

Certainly, no teammate who witnessed her effort will ever forget the heart and determination showed by Amber on that day or throughout that season.

 In recognition of his many years of service to the program, Jim is being honored and enshrined in the Churchville Lightning Hall of Fame.  Jim possessed a sincere passion and love for the game of softball that was evident each and every time he stepped on the field as a coach.  However, his greatest enjoyment was simply watching his players succeed both on and off the field.  

Jim maintained a place in his heart for every player and he thoroughly enjoyed giving the girls encouraging words before they stepped into the batter’s box.  His main goal was to ensure that players had a smile on their face and he worked hard to ensure that each player enjoyed playing with the Lightning.  

Off the field, Jim put time and effort into the equipment and uniforms that were needed and purchased by the program.  He worked tirelessly with our various vendors to make certain that Lightning players always looked “fashionable”.  Therefore, Jim is being honored for his many years of service as well as his contributions as a coach, friend, mentor, and devoted program participant.

Respected by all as an outstanding coach and mentor to the players of the Churchville Lightning Program, Norm was always fighting for every player to succeed.  Norm dedicated many years to the program and many of his greatest contributions came from his superior in-game knowledge as well as his ability to make quality decisions as a third base coach.  Always willing to argue a call for his players, Norm’s love for the game and for his players was immeasurable and his involvement with the Lightning has added to the rich tradition and history of the program. 

No matter how far the distance or who was playing, Norm always enjoyed supporting the various Churchville Lightning teams. One of Norm’s unique contributions to the players that he coached was his ability to look beyond their physical ability and focus on the development of their mental game, determination and heart. 

Always quick with a joke to lighten the mood or to put his players at ease, Norm’s other significant contribution was his off-field investment of time to support the college aspirations of the program’s participants.  Therefore, his induction honors him as a special member of the program and his enshrinement hopes to ensure that his efforts to the program are never forgotten. 

As a nine-year veteran of the Churchville Lightning program, Brittany’s fierce competitive spirit allowed her to be an integral member of 30 tournament championship teams – most in Lightning history.  She concluded her Lightning career by winning national championships in each of her last two seasons as she hit .472 and .462 respectively during those campaigns and led her teams to a 78-13 record (a 85% winning PCT), including a Lightning program record of 39 straight wins.

During her final two seasons, Brittany’s teams either won or finished 2^nd in 13 of the 14 events that they played in.  Obviously, no stranger to winning, Brittany concluded her career with the best winning PCT of any pitcher in Lightning history as she won 73 times (2^nd All Time) against only 7 losses for an amazing .913 winning PCT.  To further exhibit her pitching dominance, Brittany concluded her career with the program’s best All Time ERA and she also enjoyed the Lightning’s All Time longest personal winning streak as a pitcher as she won 19 consecutive games and incredibly had a second winning streak of 15 games.     

Brittany ends her career as one of the most consistent and versatile performers in Lightning history.   She finishes in the All Time Top 10 in 10 different offensive categories and holds the program’s career marks for stolen bases and SAC hits.  While her willingness to sacrifice herself for the betterment of the team set her apart, Brittany was honored at the 2010 USSSA World Series as the event’s Most Outstanding Offensive Performer.

Without question, Katie was the most fearless player in Lightning history.   Whether she was diving for balls, crashing into fences, or taking extra bases, Katie did more than was expected whenever she took the field.   Blessed with surprising quickness, Katie was an expert bunter and base stealer who created non-stop havoc from her leadoff spot.   A very versatile and talented athlete, Katie is the only player in Lightning history to start a game at 8 different fielding positions and she still holds the Lightning record for most hits in a single game with 5 hits.

Katie excelled as an OF during her Lightning career as she had great range as well as a strong and accurate arm.  But it was offensively, where Katie made her mark and she established herself as the quintessential leadoff hitter.  She batted over .400 in 3 of her 4 Lightning seasons and she remains as the All Time Leader in On Base Percentage with a .534 mark.  Never one to avoid being hit by a pitch, Katie’s walk and HBP percentage (18%) is also the highest of All Time.  Most importantly, when Katie got on base, she scored – as her lifetime scoring PCT of .598 ranks 3rd All Time and her lifetime batting average of .390 is in the Top 10 as well.

An original member of the Churchville Lightning, Cynthia was known for her passion, determination and team-oriented mentality during her 8-year playing career.  Cynthia was a winner throughout her Lightning tenure as she was a part of 26 tournament champion teams (3^rd best all time), including a record six (6) state championship teams.  However, Cynthia became the model for all future Lightning players when she uttered the phrase “What does the team need me to do?” during World Series competition back in 2003. Cynthia always put the goals of her team first and she worked hard to ensure that she was a complete player and an asset to her team.

Cynthia possessed a canon-like arm and she was a ball-hawking outfielder as well as a smooth fielding first baseman.  An aggressive base runner and expert bunter, Cynthia concluded her career with a .343 lifetime batting average and she still ranks in the Top 10 in six different offensive categories. Cynthia was a member of the 2006 16U Team that had the best single season performance of any Lightning team (53-8 with 8 championship wins in 9 events) and she was a member of the program’s first two NSA State Championships as well as helped lead her teams to four (4) Top Five finishes in World Series competition.

One of the original members of the Churchville Lightning, Allison was one of the most athletic players to ever play for the Lightning.  Additionally, she was one of the most competitive players and rarely did she leave a practice or a game without blood on her uniform.  Allison was a complete player who had a dramatic flair.  She would constantly electrify and amaze her teammates by making unbelievable diving catches.

A fierce competitor, Allison was one of the best clutch hitters in Lightning history and six years after concluding her Lightning career, she still ranks in the Top 10 in nine (of 15) offensive categories including at bats, hits, runs, doubles, TOB, triples, walks, ROE and RBIs.  Allison was a key contributor on the most successful team in Lightning history – the 2006 16U squad that went 53-8 and that season her team finished first or second in 8 of their 9 tournaments and was the ASA Class A National Runner-Up.  Allison was on a record six (6) state championship teams during her Lightning tenure, including the program’s first two NSA State Championships in 2004 (14U) & 2005 (16U) and she helped lead her teams to four (4) Top Five finishes in World Series competition. 

Known for her unselfish and reliable play, as well as her outstanding capabilities as a defensive player, Hannah completed her 8-year Lightning career with 58 wins in the circle, which ranks as sixth best in program history.  Respected by her teammates, who named her as their team captain on 5 different occasions, Hannah compiled the highest lifetime fielding average for a Lightning third baseman (.934) and she capped her brilliant playing days by being named the Most Valuable Defensive Player at the 2011 USSSA 18U Open World Series. 

A member of the Lightning’s 2010 18U National Championship team, Hannah was a favorite of her coaches because of her “team first” attitude.  A true testament of her attitude was that she willingly sacrificed pitching time during her last two seasons despite remaining one of the program’s top pitchers.  Her status as an elite pitcher was on full display in her final two appearances, as she pitched complete game shutouts during her last World Series competition.  Hannah concluded her career as a .307 lifetime hitter and she is 3^rd in sacrifice bunts and 8^th in at bats (all time).  As a pitcher, she finished her Lightning career in the Top 10 in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts.

Known for her fearless and aggressive style of play, Ashley was an extremely consistent performer during her six-year Lightning career.  She ranks in the Lightning’s All Time Top 25 in 9 different offensive categories and she was an asset to the team whether at the plate, on the field or on the bases.  She was a five-tool player that handled the hot corner (3B) and was virtually impossible to bunt against as her quickness to the ball and strong arm completely shut down the competition.

Ashley possessed a powerful bat and was able to hit .300+ every season.  But Ashley’s most noted contributions came in the clutch, as she was routinely her team’s leader in RBIs.  Ashley’s finest season was in 2006 when with hit .385 and had an OBP of .535 while leading the team in 2B, 3B, HR and RBIs.  Originally a #3 hitter, Ashley moved to the leadoff spot, later in her career, because of her keen batting eye and outstanding speed. 

Ashley garnered a soccer scholarship at D1 Coastal Carolina as testament to her athleticism even though during her softball recruiting year she performed at peak levels – batting .369 for the season and hitting over .300 at four top level Showcases.

As the Churchville Lightning’s Fundraising Chairperson since 2008, Kelley has presided over the most successful period of fundraising activity in the program’s history.  Since her leadership activities began, the program has increased its overall level of fundraising by over 100%.  Kelley’s impact to the program was immediate, as in her very first year she increased the fundraising in-take by over $10,000.  During her years of involvement, she has increased her own totals by more than 20% each year, which has allowed the annual fundraising to double as a direct result of her efforts.

Amazingly, the program has set fundraising records in each year of Kelley’s involvement and most importantly, for program stakeholders, the number of fundraising activities has decreased in each of her years as well.  But, her fundraising efforts only tell a part of the story of her dedication to the Lightning program. 

Kelley served as a team mom in each of her eight years and one of her greatest contributions has been in her role as the program’s unofficial photographer.  Kelley can be seen at most tournaments capturing action photos and she has been fortunate enough to capture some of the program’s greatest moments on film.  The Lightning web site is accentuated with photos from her but most importantly, she has taken the time to capture photos of each and every member of the team. 

Additionally, Kelley has handled such “enjoyable” activities as being the program’s credit card liaison as well as acting as the travel coordinator for the program.  Kelley became a member of the Lightning Board of Directors and serves as Board Secretary.  Whenever the Lightning has needed help, Kelley has been ready, willing and able to support the needs of the program.  Therefore, her induction honors her as a special contributing member of the program and hopefully, her enshrinement ensure long-lasting reminder of her efforts.

An outstanding coach, friend and mentor to the players of the Churchville Lightning Program since 2002, Dan has been an invaluable contributor whether serving as the organization’s primary pitching coach, its lead trainer or as a member of the Lightning Board of Directors. 

In addition to his on-the-field coaching duties (2002 – 2006), Dan has provided immeasurable benefit to the program in many areas including fundraising, sponsorship, player assessment, player development as well as supporting assisting and helping to develop the various team coaching staffs over the years.  Always an advocate for the players and parents of the program, Dan has also made himself available to be the non-bias “sounding board” to help understand and resolve issues within the program.

Involved in virtually every aspect of the Lightning program over the past decade, Dan has worked hard to open up lines of communications with all area high schools and has assisted in promotion of Lightning players to colleges as well.  Whether spending personal time to enhance a player’s college video, taking the time to provide a quality reference (job or college) for a player or working individually with a player,  “Mr. Dan” has always been there to assist players with achieving their various goals and aspirations.

Throughout the years, Dan has been an avid supporter of Lightning players and the pre-game cheer of “Intensity” was established to honor the passion, desire and determination that Mr. Dan displays in working with the players of the program.   His induction honors him as a special contributor of the program and his enshrinement ensures that his efforts are appreciated and recognized.

During her brilliant 8-year Lightning career, Savannah was undoubtedly the most feared and consistent hitter in the program’s history as she set numerous records and batting marks that may never be surpassed.  She is the All-Time Lightning Leader in eight of the Lightning’s 15 offensive categories including:  At Bats, Runs, Hits, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI and TOB.  Additionally, she is in the Top 3 All Time in Batting Average, OBP & Slugging PCT.

Savannah is only the 3^rd player in Lighting History to hit .300+ in 8 straight seasons, hitting over .370 every year and surpassing the .400 mark in 6 seasons – both Lightning records.  Impressively in 2012, she concluded her career by establishing the All-Time Lightning Single Season Record for Batting Average with a .538 mark.

In addition to her individual accomplishments, Savannah was a member of 27 tournament championship teams – 3^rd most in Lightning history and she is one of only 3 players to have won 2 national championships (2009 & 2010).  Additionally, she was on the 18U team (2010) that established the All-Time Record for Consecutive Wins By a Team as that squad won 39 straight games. 

Remarkably, Savannah played above her age group in each of her final 5 seasons, playing full-time at 18U during her final 4 seasons.   She was a consummate team player and showed her versatility by playing LF, 3B, C, 1B, & SS during her career that ended with her having the most defensive chances (1747) and fielding at a .943 clip. 

Recognized by USSSA in 2009 as the World Series Most Valuable Defensive Player and named to the All-Tournament Team for her outstanding play, Savannah may have saved her best for last as in her final tournament, the 2012 USSSA World Series, Savannah hit .618 with 21 hits in 34 at bats including 8 extra base hits, 8 runs and 14 RBIs to pace the Lightning to a 4^th Place Finish.

Desi finished her 6-year Lightning career near or at the top of every one of the program’s major pitching categories.  She concluded her playing days by compiling the 2^nd most wins (95), innings pitched (819) and games with 10+ strikeouts (14).  Desi is the All Time Lightning Leader in strikeouts (816), shutouts (10) and she also set the single game record for strikeouts in a game with 17.  Her lifetime ERA is 5^th Best All Time and she won 26 games in World Series competition during her splendid career.  Desi claimed 6 pitching victories at the 2011 USFA World Series in Panama City Beach, FL, which tied a program record for most wins at a single World Series event.

However, Desi’s most memorable event was at the 2011 16U USSSA MD State Championships.  During that event, she pitched the team to victories in 3 games, including the championship finale and she only allowed 1 total run in 18 innings.  She was equally impressive at the plate as she hit .714 for the event and she led the team in Hits, Average, OBP, Slugging PCT and RBIs as she took home MVP honors as she led her team to the State Title. 

Always an outstanding defensive player, Desi ended her career with a .960 fielding PCT, which is the top all time fielding percentage for a pitcher.  Additionally, Desi was on tournament championship teams on 18 different occasions and she is one of only 6 Lightning pitchers to ever register a complete game no-hitter.

Blessed with great speed, Aleta was groomed to become a bunter/slapper and after her first 2 seasons, she committed to slapping full time and she flourished in that role.  Beginning in 2010, her teams would go on a 3-year run, winning back-to-back-to-back USSSA State Championships and that year would become her breakout season as she won her team’s Offensive Player of the Year Award, as she hit .430, scored 48 runs, had 65 hits, reached base 88 times and had a phenomenal .550 OBP.

Over her final 5 seasons, she would hit .400+ in 3 of those seasons and over the total length of her career, she hit .300 or better six times during her 7 year career.  As a full-time slapper, her lifetime batting average was .385, which was nearly 30 points above her career average.  Aleta ranks in the Top 20 in most of the important offensive categories, including hits (20^th), runs (13^th), SACs (15^th), ROEs (3^rd) and scoring percentage (2^nd).  Aleta was a versatile defensive player, who was a solid middle infielder as well as an exceptional fly-chasing centerfielder.  She fielded .923 over her entire career and had an outstanding .950+ fielding percentage as a centerfielder, which is 3^rd best All Time for an outfielder.

A member of 24 tournament championship teams, Aleta scored 20 or more runs in every season during her fine career.  However, the element that made her special as a player was her ability to elevate her game in the team’s top events each season.  During her various State Championship appearances, Aleta hit .393 and she took her game up yet another notch in World Series competition, as she batted .395 in more than 50 games.  A fear inducing bunter and base runner, Aleta ended her career as one of the program’s top bunters and base stealers.

Perhaps the hardest worker in Lightning history, Amanda completed her amazingly consistent career by hitting .300 (or more) in all 7 of her illustrious seasons in a Lightning uniform.  A role model for all future Lightning players to emulate, Amanda’s extra efforts to improve as a player allowed her to hit .350 or better in each of her final 5 seasons and she proved to be equally adept with the glove as she fielded over .950 four straight times to close out her career.

Early in her Lightning career, Amanda was one of the program’s top pitchers and she won 35 games over a two-year stretch.  During her pitching career, she had a 10 strikeout game as well as a complete game shutout.  Her career totals for wins, strikeouts and innings pitched has her in the All Time Pitching Top 20 for these categories.

Amanda possessed a picture perfect swing and had a great batting eye as she concluded her career in the All Time Top Ten in walks and doubles.  Always quiet and unassuming, Amanda was the “silent assassin” during her team’s three consecutive State Championships.  During these 3 seasons, Amanda hit .363, .391 and .393 as a middle of the order hitter.  An incredible clutch performer, Amanda wanted the bat in her hands in the game’s biggest moment and her quiet confidence allowed her to excel whether she was in the field, in the circle or in the batter’s box.  Amanda’s in-game contributions allowed her to be a part of 24 tournament championship teams.

One of the most prolific power hitters in Lightning history, Jen concluded her career in the Top 10 of seven different offensive categories including AB, Runs, Extra Base Hits, Times on Base, Walks, ROE and of course, home runs.  Her home run total is the 3^rd Best All Time and she owns the 2^nd Best Single Season Home Run Total with 10 in 2009.  Additionally, Jen belted 7 home runs in World Series play but power and home runs describe only a small component of Jen’s total game.

A solid third baseman for the majority of her career, Jen was great at handling bunts from her hot corner spot.  However, she was versatile and athletic enough to play all of the infield positions during her career.  Jen possessed a keen batting eye and as a direct result, she leads all Lightning players in walks with 204 and her walk total is 53 more than the next closest player.  She is one of only 4 players to accumulate 300 hits, 300 runs and 30 home runs during her playing days.

Not only did Jen reach base 565 times, which is 4^th Best, she scored 54.8% of the time that she reached base, which is a testament to her base running prowess as well.  Jen hit .300 or better in 6 of her seven Lightning seasons but Jen will most likely be best remembered for her courage she showed in 2014 returning from a serious injury.  She missed one month of her final season because of injury but battled back and returned to the team and finished her career on the field – with her teammates – and set career highs in batting average (.357), OBP (.484) and Slugging PCT (.605).

From 2010 through 2012, Lightning teams won three straight USSSA MD State Championships and it was no coincidence that the team’s rise to championship prominence began when Kirsten became one of the team’s top pitchers.  During this 3-year period, Kirsten won 20 or more games each year and went a flawless 10-0 in USSSA State Championship appearances.  Her total record during this time span was 63-23 as she asserted her dominance over the competition that continued throughout the remainder of her playing days.

Kirsten concluded her 5-year Lightning career in the Top 5 of most pitching categories.  She ends her career 5^th in Wins, 4^th in Innings Pitched and 4^th in Strikeouts.  Her pitching resume includes 2 shutouts and 9 games with 10 or more strikeouts, which is 3^rd best in Lightning history. In Kirsten’s case, statistics really do paint the picture of her pitching excellence as she had a 1.0+ K/IP ratio, a 3.4 K/BB ratio, a superb 1.16 WHIP and a .685 winning percentage.

But the component that makes a player truly outstanding is based on their performances in big games and in big moments.  In addition to Kirsten’s incredible MD State Championship performances, she won 21 World Series games over her career against only 7 losses and she was 6-1 in Showcase appearances in her career.  However, she may have saved her finest performances for the end of her career as she won 14 out of her last 17 starts, pitching to a 1.03 ERA, which included a 10-2 mark in her final World Series competitions.

A disruptive force at the top of the Lightning batting order, Jenna made her mark in Lightning history by getting on base and scoring runs.  For the final 5 years of her career, she led her team in runs scored and over her entire career, she scored 58.4% of the time that she reached base.  Her scoring percentage is the highest of any player completing their career in a Lightning uniform who played in 5 or more seasons. 

Jenna was her team’s offensive catalyst and she was a member of 22 tournament championships during her outstanding career, which was highlighted by three straight USSSA MD State Championships.  She was far more than a prototypical lead-off hitter, as she combined a high average – 4 straight .350+ seasons – with tremendous power and great speed.   Jenna completed her career in the All Time Top 10 in Runs, Times on Base, 3B, Home Runs, Walks and Extra Base Hits.  In fact, she is one of only 4 players in Lightning history to have more than 300 hits, 290 runs scored and 100 Extra Base Hits.

Additionally, this ball hawking outfielder owns a number of unique Lightning records.  She is the only player to have grand slams in back-to-back games and she is one of only 3 players to have home runs in back-to-back at bats.  However, perhaps Jenna’s single most impressive accomplishment occurred in 2012, when she set the Lightning’s All Time Single Tournament Batting Average mark by hitting .929 as she went an incredible 13 for 14.  During that same event, she had 7 extra base hits including 2 home runs and she scored 12 runs as she led her team to championship honors.

Over her stellar 7-year career, Mackenzie was well-respected for her intimate knowledge of the game, her dedication to the team, her amazing defensive versatility as well as her uncanny ability to deliver in the “clutch”.  A tournament champion on 24 occasions, Mackenzie is the only player in Lightning history to start at least one game at every defensive position.  Not only was she able to play multiple positions, she played them at a high level as she compiled a lifetime fielding average of .943 and fielded over .950 in each of her final 5 seasons.

As a hitter Mackenzie had few equals and she completed her career in the Top Ten All Time in seven different offensive categories including AB, Hits, 2B, Home Runs, Extra Base Hits, SACs and RBIs.  Her RBI total is 4^th best in program history and on three different occasions, Mackenzie led her team in RBIs.  Three times during her outstanding career she had 5 RBIs in a game and 4 times she had seasons where she knocked in 40 or more runs.  In addition to her RBI prowess, she was a consistent average hitter and six times in her 7 seasons, she hit over .300 and she concluded her career with an impressive .341 batting average.

However, Mackenzie’s most meaningful and memorable moment came at the 2012 USSSA MD State Championships.  Mackenzie’s team was trying to become State Champions for an unprecedented 3^rd straight time but found themselves down 3-2 in the bottom of the 7^th inning against the Olney Cougars.  With two outs, Mackenzie stepped to the plate and delivered a game winning 3-run home run to propel the Lightning to the win and the team would go on to “double dip” the Cougars to claim the 3-PEAT.

Throughout her 8-year career, Molly was a major force both at the plate and from the catching position as she completed her career with a .372 batting average as well as a .974 fielding percentage.  “Goose” as she was affectionately called, finished her career with 21 tournament championships including 3 MD State Championship Titles.

As a hitter, Molly concluded her career with Top 10 placements in 7 offensive categories including At Bats, Hits, Doubles (2^nd All Time), Walks, Times on Base, ROE and RBIs. Additionally, she ranks 11^th All Time in Triples and Home Runs.  Seven times during her 8-year stint with the Lightning, Molly had a .300+ batting average – twice topping the .400 plateau.  On two occasions she led her team in batting average and three times she was her team’s RBI leader.  Molly’s most prolific season was in 2009 when she led her team with a .462 Average as well as a .564 On Base Percentage.  During that standout season, Molly had 91 hits including 35 extra base hits, knocked in 70 runs and sported an impressing .756 slugging percentage while reaching base 124 times.

As a defender, Molly was a scrappy and gritty catcher, who was willing to block pitches or the plate from on-coming base runners.  She completes her career as the All-Time Lightning leader in put outs with 1876 and total chances with 2141. 

As a coach for the Lightning program for 9 years, Jeff amassed 285 Wins against 126 Losses, which equates to a 69.34% winning percentage.  Always a relentless taskmaster who enjoyed scripting his practices down to the second, Jeff led his teams to 20 tournament championships.

Jeff has the unique distinction of being the only coach in Lightning history to coach at every age group – 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U.  During his 9-year tenure as a head or assistant coach, Jeff’s teams finished in the top 3 at the MD State Championship in each of his years of involvement.  Throughout, his teams were always competitive, as at least one of his teams was able to make it to the MD State Finals in every season except one and 4 times, he was able to emerge with championship honors, his last being at 18U in 2015.

He is one of only 2 coaches to win MD State Championship Titles from two different organizations in the same year.  Accomplished only 3 times, Jeff was the last coach to do so, when he led his 2012 14U squad to the ASA and USSSA MD State Titles.  Clearly, 2012 was his best season as he led his team to 64 victories – 6^th Best All Time – as well as to a 2^nd Place finish at the USFA World Series.  During that event, his team won 10 games – most by any single team in a World Series event – including 5 grueling victories in loser’s bracket to rally back to the USFA Championship Game.

His enshrinement in the Lightning Hall of Fame ensures that his tireless efforts and loyalty to the program are not forgotten.   

A 9-year member of the Lightning program, Jennifer concluded her career with a .329 Batting Average and was a tournament champion on 16 different occasions.  Jenn was an All Time Top 10 hitter in 4 offensive categories including At Bats, Triples, ROEs and RBIs as well as finished in the All Time Top 10 in 3 defensive categories including being 3^rd All Time in putouts and chances.

A team player, willing and able to play any infield or outfield spot, Jenn primarily made her mark as a first baseman, displaying great range and soft hands.  A three-time state champion, Jennifer fought through three years of 2^nd Place finishes before claiming her first State Title in 2012.  She finished 2^nd and 3^rd in 2013 and 2014 before claiming her final state championship in 2015.

Jennifer had 5 seasons where she hit .300 or better and had her first breakout season in 2012, when she helped lead her team to both the ASA and USSSA MD State Titles.  She hit .396 that season, blasting 6 home runs and knocking in 50 runs while slugging at an amazing .701 pace.  Her 2012 team was the last team to win State Titles in two classifications and was 1 of only 3 teams to accomplish that feat.  However, her most impressive event came in 2014 at the DE Gold Qualifier when she went 11 for 20 (.550), scoring 6 times, hitting 2 home runs with 6 RBIs to allow her team to achieve “Gold Status” for the first and only time in program history.

One of the most prolific power hitters in Lightning history, Kaylee concludes her Lightning career as only one of 4 hitters to have more than 400 hits, 300 RBIs and 25 Home Runs.  Throughout her 9-year career, Kaylee was a feared hitter that owns All Time Top 10 finishes in 7 different offensive categories including At Bats, Hits, Triples, Home Runs, ROEs, RBIs and TOB.  Kaylee, aka “Breeze”, completed her career with a solid .323 batting average and an impressive .959 fielding percentage.

Originally a centerfielder, Kaylee transitioned to becoming a full-time catcher in 2014 and showed her great feel for pitch calling and handling pitchers.  During her final 3 years as a catcher, Kaylee improved her fielding percentage to .983 and more importantly, her team’s pitchers performed better with Kaylee behind the plate. 

A three-time State Champion, who was a tournament champion on 16 different occasions, Kaylee’s most prolific season was in 2014 when she hit .373, while leading her team in hits, triples and Home Runs, in addition to being 3^rd in RBIs.  Ranking 6^th All Time in Putouts and 8^th All Time in Chances, Kaylee was a consistent and reliable performer, who finished in the Top 3 in the State each of her last 8 seasons and finished in the Top 10 at national events on six different occasions, including three 2^nd Place finishes.

A true force at the top of the Lightning batting order for her entire 5-year career, Cat concludes her playing days with a .414 Batting Average and a .547 OBP, which places her in All Time Top 10 in these key offensive categories.  An aggressive base runner and base stealer, Cat scored 53.3% of the time that she reached based and on multiple occasions, she was selected as her team’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Amazingly, Cat hit over .340 in each of her five years and has the unique distinction of having improved her batting average each and every year that she played – going from .340 to .486 over her 5-year span, which included hitting over .400 in each of her last three seasons.  As impressive as her offensive performances were, she was equally talented with the glove.  While able to play multiple positions, she was primarily a second baseman during her playing days and she compiled a .948 fielding PCT, which is one of the top All Time marks for a middle infielder.

With the game on the line, there was no one that you’d want at the plate, on the bases or in the field.  Cat won 10 tournaments during her Lightning career including 3 MD State Championships and she finished in the Top 5 on 6 occasions during her various World Series events over the years, including 3 Runner Up finishes.  Cat’s finest season may have been in 2014, when she hit over .500 in back-to-back national events to help lead her team to two impressive 2^nd Place finishes.

During her 9-year career, Hailey showed herself to be a complete and versatile player.  Defensively, she played six different positions during her Lightning tenure and finished her career in the Top 10 in three (3) different defensive categories and ends her career as the program’s All Time Assist Leader with 644.  As a hitter, “Bigs” closed out her career with a .366 batting average and is in the All Time Top 10 in nine (9) different offensive categories including Runs, Hits, At Bats, Doubles, BBs, ROEs, SACs, RBIs and TOB. 

In addition to her solid defensive play and stout hitting, Hailey also provided depth to the pitching staff, where she won 71 games during her pitching career.  Her win total is 11^th best in program history.  A remarkably consistent performer, Hailey hit .325 or better in each of her last 8 seasons and on two occasions she topped the magic .400 plateau.  Her best season came in 2012, when she hit .401 while winning 14 games in the circle as she helped lead the 2012 14U team to both the ASA and USSSA MD State titles as well as a 2^nd Place Finish at the USFA World Series.

Six times her teams were able to finish in the Top 10 at World Series events including five (5) times in the Top 5 and three times as a Runner-Up.  In 2014, she was named as the USSSA World Series Defensive MVP for her stellar play and she ended her career with 16 tournament championships.

A model of consistency throughout her 5-year career, Ginger was a fierce competitor that gave her team a chance to win each time she stepped into the circle.  She concluded her career as the 2^nd winningest pitcher of all time (134 wins) but the greatest measure of a player’s value to her team is how she performs in the big games and moments.  Ginger excelled in these situations as she won – a Lightning record – 30 games in World Series competition against only 5 losses.  Her World Series winning percentage as a pitcher was 85.7%, which exceeded her lifetime winning percentage of 82.2% (2^nd best all time).

The most memorable performance of Ginger’s career occurred at the WFC World Series in 2015, when she won 7 games without a loss, as she led her 16U squad to a World Series Championship.  She was equally as impressive in 2017 as she won 7 games at the USSSA 18U Open World Series and took home the Most Valuable Pitcher Award.  While no other Lightning pitcher has ever won 7 games as a World Series event, Ginger has amazingly accomplished this feat twice.  To show her utter dominance at the 2017 USSSA World Series event, she went 20 consecutive innings without allowing a run and she pitched the final 2 shutouts of her illustrious career.

A tournament champion on 22 different occasions, Ginger’s pitching accomplishments are overwhelming.  She completed her Lightning career in the Top 3 of most pitching categories as she is 2^nd in Wins, Innings Pitched, and Strikeouts.  Her pitching stat line also includes 15 shutouts and 22 games with 10 or more strikeouts, both of which are also 2^nd best in Lightning history.  She owns two Lightning pitching records by pitching the most no-hitters (2) and by winning 31 consecutive games as a pitcher over a two-season period from 2014 to 2015.

A twenty-plus game winner in each of her 5 seasons, Ginger capped off her brilliant career in 2017 as she set 18U All Time Single Season marks for Wins (32), Innings (225) and Strikeouts (285).  She even won 14 straight games during an impressive stretch in the middle of the season, while pitching her team to a USSSA State Championship in her final season. 

Serving the Churchville Lightning Program for more than a decade, Joe has been an integral part of the program in many capacities.  Always a willing volunteer, Joe has been a coach and a manager as well as one of the “go to” resources for all Lightning projects.   Virtually every major project that the Lightning Program has undertaken over the past 10 years has seen Coach Joe as a significant contributor.  Whether repairing pitching machines, helping to build the indoor facility, or helping to create (or prepare) fields for the players to practice and play on, Joe has always been one of the first to arrive and one of the last to leave.

Honored by the National Fastpitch Coach’s Association in 2017 as a member of their Coaching Staff of the Year, Coach Joe has always been dedicated to working to help every player in the program succeed.  As a coach, Joe has been a part of seven (7) MD State Championship teams, including four in a row from 2015 through 2018 and (3) World Series Championships during that same timeframe.  However, unlike most coaches, he has been one of the few coaches who has been fully committed to teams where he did not have a child involved and as a result has more than 50 tournament championships to his credit, which is 2^nd most in Lightning history.

Throughout his years of service to the program, Joe has been an avid supporter of all Lightning players and has gone to countless practices to help or to events just to be supportive, which makes him one of the most selfless and giving coaches ever to don a Lightning coach’s shirt. 

Joe’s induction into the Churchville Lighting Hall of Fame honors him as an extraordinary member of the program and his enshrinement ensures that his efforts to the program are long remembered.

Durable and reliable throughout her days with the Lightning, Hannah concluded her career with 24 tournament championships, 4 MD State Championships and 3 World Series Titles including winning the 2018 WFC World Series Championship in her final event as a player.  An expert pitch caller, Hannah was instrumental in her team winning 4 consecutive State Titles and her teams were victorious more than 87% of the time that she was behind the plate.  

A stand-out catcher during her 5-year career, Hannah finished her playing days with the Lightning’s All Time Highest Fielding Percentage as she posted a phenomenal .987 fielding average.  Team ERAs during Hannah’s tenure averaged 1.75 runs per game, which was a rate that could be directly correlated to her pitch selection and ability to read opposing hitters.  Amazingly, her teams went to the USSSA World Series finals in each of her first 3 seasons and she called pitches for 3 different pitchers who each won Most Valuable Pitchers in their respective events, which serves as a testament to her skills as a Field General.  However, defense was only a small part of her value and contributions. 

Typically hitting out of the cleanup spot, Hannah was a remarkably consistent performer in the middle of the Lightning order.  She hit .350 or better in each of her 5 seasons with the team, including a career high batting average of .460 in her final season.  She ended her career leading her 2018 18U team in 9 different statistical categories in a spectacular final season that saw her earn her first Most Valuable Player Award. 

In one of the most memorable ABs in Lightning history, Hannah’s toughness was on full display, as she got hit by a 2-strike pitch with the bases loaded in ITB to win a game that propelled her team to a 2^nd Place finish at the 2017 USSSA World Series.  Hannah was truly a 5-tool player that could not only beat you with her bat, glove, base running but most importantly, with her understanding of the game and her situational awareness.

Hannah started her Lightning career in grand fashion belting 2 long home runs and she ended her career equally well as she blasted a booming RBI triple, which provided the final margin of victory in the 2018 World Series Championship game. 

A highly versatile player capable of playing infield, outfield or catcher, Ashley possessed one of the best throwing arms in Lightning history that allowed her to be effective at any defensive position.  She used her strong arm along with her quick reflexes to win the 2015 USSSA World Series Most Valuable Defensive Player Award, while playing 3B.  Additionally, she moved in from CF and expertly handled SS duties during the final games of her career, which helped her team capture the 2018 18U WFC World Series Championship.

A highly productive offensive threat, Ashley was a member of 27 tournament championship teams and won 4 straight MD State Championships (2015 -2018) to end her career.  Always one of the team’s top clutch hitters, Ashley hit .714 in her final MD State Championship event to earn 2018 18U State Championship Most Valuable Player honors.  Ashley is one of only two players in Lightning history to ever hit for the cycle.

During Ashley’s career, she hit over .300 in 5 of 6 seasons. She finished in the Lightning All Time Top 10 in Home Runs by “smashing” 21 lifetime home runs.  Despite her slight athletic build, Ashley had tremendous power as a hitter, belting 91 extra base hits during her career including many of the most prodigious home run clouts in Lightning history.  Ashley’s most productive offensive season came in 2017 where she batted .417 while reaching base at a .503 clip and slugging at an astounding .674 pace to win 18U Offensive Player of the Year honors.

She enters the Lightning Hall of Fame with 3 World Series Championships and hit one of the most memorable home runs of all time, when she blasted a come-from-behind grand slam at the 2018 USSSA World Series to propel the team to a 7^th place finish.  Ashley saved some of her best for the end of her career as she “smashed” 4 home runs and knocked in 19 runs during her final two events as she left a World Series Champion.

A smooth fielding second baseman for her entire 11-year Lightning career, Kristin’s accomplishments on the softball diamond are virtually unrivaled.  Kristin is the All-Time Lightning Leader with 43 Tournament Championships.  Included are 7 MD State Championships and 3 World Series Championships. The pinnacle of her career occurred in her last season by winning the 2018 18U WFC World Series Championship.  Amazingly, Kristin won 6 MD State Championships during her final 7 seasons, including the last 4 consecutive MD State Titles and collected 3 World Series Titles in her last 4 seasons.

Kristin is in the Lightning All Time Top Ten in 10 different Offensive Categories (out of 15), including 2B, 3B, HR, and BBs.  Additionally, she is in the Top 5 All Time in AB, Hits, Runs, RBIs and Times on Base and is the All Time Leader in ROE with 118.  “Pooh” set the All Time Single Season Record for Home Runs in a season when she hit 14 home runs at 12U in 2012.  She was also an outstanding defender.  She used her incredible range to help her amass the 9^th most Defensive Chances in Lightning history. She ranks 3^rd in total Assists, while fielding at a lifetime clip of .917.

An expert base runner, Kristin was one of the few Lightning runners to have the “green light” to steal at any time and she was especially adept at delayed steals.  She was a threat to score every time she was on base and scored at a phenomenal rate of 57.5% over the course of her career.  A remarkably consistent hitter, Kristin hit over .350 during each of her last seven seasons, while topping the .400 mark in four of those seasons. 

Kristin had 4 hits in a game on 4 different occasions, had 3 games where she knocked in 6 runs and had a 2-home run game.  However, Kristin’s most memorable performance might have come in 2015 when she went 16 for 20 (.800) in a single event and impressively reached base in 20 out of 21 plate appearances (.952). 

Honored with 2017 18U Defensive Player of the Year Award, Kristin has won most of the programs top honors and is a 2-time World Series MVP, Most Consistent Performer, Clutch Hitter and Unsung Hero.  Unbelievably, 2018 marked the 3^rd time in her illustrious career that she claimed her team’s Offensive Player Award. 

Recognized as one of the hardest workers in program history, Amanda concluded her career with the 7^th most Wins in Lightning history (98).  Additionally, she finished in the Top 10 in Innings Pitched with 610.  But she will be best remembered for her outstanding 2017 season when she led her team to the 16U MD State Championship and was the 16U team’s Most Valuable Player as she won 38 games in the circle and set personal offensive single season highs in ten statistical categories. 

Amanda (“AC”) was a part of 32 tournament championships during her tenure with the program and she won four straight MD State Championships during her final four seasons.  She was a member of two World Series Championship teams (2016 and 2018).  The 2016 USSSA 16U World Series became AC’s coming out party as she responded to her coach’s challenge and finished the event with 5 hits in her last 10 at bats during the final three games of the tournament.  She knocked in five runs over that span including four runs in the Championship Final, which earned her the USSSA World Series Most Valuable Player Award.

Her tireless effort to improve allowed her to end her final four seasons as one of the best players to don the Blue and Yellow as she hit .375, fielded .934 and won 83 games over that time period.  

Kayla, a nine-year veteran of the Lightning, was one of the most talented defensive players to ever don a Lightning uniform as she earned Lightning Defensive Player of the Year awards a record four times during her tenure with the program.  A versatile defender who was able to effectively play many positions, Kayla ended her career with an amazing .967 fielding percentage.  However, her skills as a first baseman, with her exceptional ability to scoop or stretch for errant throws that saved her team and teammates on countless occasions, is how she’ll best be remembered as a defender. 

Kayla was a member of the 48 tournament championship teams and she was a part of three World Series Championship teams.  Her first World Series title was in 2011 at the 10U USSSA Eastern National Champions and her last title was garnered at the 2016 USSSA 16U Open World Series.  Kayla ended her career with a .365 batting average, 388 hits, 22 homeruns and 300 RBIs and she retires as only one of six players to achieve that level of offensive production.   

Kayla concludes here playing days with the 5^th most triples in Lightning history and she is 3^rd All Time in defensive put outs.  She won six MD State Championships and finished her career winning the MD State Title in each of her last five seasons. 

One of the most versatile players to ever play for the Lightning, Katie (“Murph”) was best known as a big game pitcher.   She won four games in the circle as a starting pitcher in MD State Championship Finals and twice was the winning pitcher in World Series finales.  Murph’s most memorable season was 2016, when she won the Most Valuable Pitcher Award at the USSSA 16U Open Eastern National World Series.

In that otherworldly 2016 season, Katie won 36 games as a pitcher as she pitched to a career best 1.30 ERA.  But outstanding seasons were commonplace for Katie as she was a three time Most Valuable Player for her various teams.  Murph was a tournament champion on 40 different occasions including 5 MD State Titles, which she won during the last five years of her playing career.

As a pitcher, Katie is 2^nd in Wins (162), 3^rd in Innings pitched and 4^th in Strikeouts.  Additionally, she owns a Top 10 ranking in 7 of 15 offensive categories including Hits, Walks, ROE and TOB.  A marvelous bunter, Katie is 4^th All Time is SACs and expertly advanced runners whenever called upon but still managed to rank 8^th All Time in RBIs, despite her willingness to sacrifice her statistics for the benefit of the team.

During her career, Katie showed her team first mentality as she played wherever she was needed.  In addition to pitching, Katie played all four infield positions and even spent a season as an outfielder.  Despite playing many positions, she ranks 6^th All Time in Assists and completed her career with a remarkable .924 fielding percentage. 

As a nine-year veteran of the Churchville Lightning program, Emily is recognized as one of the most complete and accomplished players in Lightning history.  Emily completes her illustrious career winning a total of 51 tournament championships, including seven MD State Championships and four World Series titles, each of which are the most All Time.

A State Champion in each of her final five seasons, Emily was team standout whether in the field, at the plate, on the bases or in the circle.  As a defender, she was an outstanding fielder with the uncanny ability to make exceptional plays.  She was sure handed as her lifetime fielding percentage of .915 denotes, but it was her strong arm, fabulous range and quick release which has allowed her to set the All Time Lightning mark in assists with 763.

As a hitter, Emily concluded her career with Top 10 performances in 14 of 15 offensive categories and is currently the All Time Leader in Hits and Triples.  On the bases, Emily was a force as well as she used her speed to be the All Time Leader in Runs Scored.  She scored 63% of the time that she reached base, which is the highest percentage for any player to reach base more than 500 times.

Emily first burst on the scene as a pitcher and despite limited appearances over the final three years of her career, she finished in the Top 10 in Wins, Innings and Strikeouts.  In 2011, she was the USSSA Eastern National World Series 10U MVP and in 2016, she had her greatest single tournament performance at the USSSA 16U Open World Series.  During that event, Emily hit .594 with 19 hits in 32 at bats and scored 18 runs.  She won two games in the circle, but it was her stellar defense that set her apart as a player as she had 37 plays in 38 chances with 23 assists as she led her team to the World Series Championship.

A ten-year veteran of the Lightning, Lauren was a tournament champion on 51 different occasions, and she won 6 MD State Championships and 6 World Series Championships over her illustrious playing career.  Additionally, Lauren won State Championships in 5 different age groups (10, 12, 14, 16 & 18U) and she bookended her career with
World Series Championships as she won her first World Series title in 2011 at the 10U USSSA Eastern National Championships and the last of her six World Series titles was garnered at the 2020 WFC 18U Open World Series.

A solid and consistent first baseman for the Lightning during her playing days, Lauren’s defensive skills got better each season.  She ended her career with a .973 fielding percentage and showed her growth and maturity as a defender by making only 1 error over her last 288 defensive chances during her final two seasons in a Lightning uniform. Defensively, Lauren completes her career as the Lightning’s All Time Leader in Put Outs (2925) and Defensive Chances (3211).

But her greatest impact was made when she had a bat in her hands.  Lauren hit over .300 on 9 different occasions and hit over .400 in 5 of her 10 seasons.  Her lifetime batting average was .410 and she is in the Top 10 in ten difference offensive categories.  Amazingly, Lauren concluded her career as the All Time Lightning Leader in At Bats, Hits, Doubles, Home Runs, RBIs and TOB.  She was 2^nd All Time in Runs as well as ROE and she was a feared hitter in the middle of the Lightning order.

Probably no single event epitomized Lauren’s value to her team more than the 2018 USSSA Eastern National World Series Championships.  During that event, Lauren put on one the best hitting displays of all time, as she hit .630, knocked in 13 runs and belted 5 home runs as she was named World Series Most Valuable Player.

A nine-year veteran of the Lightning, Kat was a consistent winner whether she was in the circle as a pitcher, on the field as a defender or in the batter’s box as a hitter.  She was a vital component on teams that won 47 tournament events over her tenure and her teams won 5 MD State Championships as well as 5 World Series titles. 

A multi-talented player, Kat won 147 games as a pitcher, which was the 4^th highest win total in Lightning history, and she won 19 or more games in 5 of her last 7 seasons.  Additionally, Kat won 30 or more games on two separate occasions and may have had her best performance as a pitcher in 2019 when she won 19 games against only 1 loss against 18U competition.  During her incredible 2019 season, she pitched to a sensational 0.92 ERA and she walked only 14 batters in 106 innings, which was under 1 walk per game.  Kat’s pitching performances has her in the All Time Top 10 for Wins, Innings Pitched and Strikeouts.

However, her prowess as a pitcher only tells a small part of her story.  Kat was a versatile defender who solidly played 2B, 3B, and OF in addition to defending her position when she was in the circle.  Kat fielded .925 over her career but as she settled in as her team’s second baseman, she increased her fielding percentage to .958 over her final 3 seasons.  Kat was quick to the ball, which was displayed as she amassed 459 assists, a total that is the 11^th best total for a defensive player.

But Kat’s skill level also extended into the batter’s box, as she is in the All Time Top 10 in At Bats, Runs, Hits, Triples and Times on Base.  Additionally, she concluded her career as the All Time Lightning Leader in Walks and Sacrifice hits.  Kat was an accomplished bunter and successfully executed 106 sacrifice hits over her storied Lightning career.  Her willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team is a testament to her unselfish play and her desire to win.

Brooke concluded her Lightning career as the longest tenured player in program history as she played for 11 full seasons.  During her illustrious playing career, Brooke was a key member of teams that won 58 tournament championships, 7 MD State Championships and 6 World Series titles and her tournament victory total in these categories equals or surpasses all other players in Lightning program history.   Simply stated Brooke was a winner and no player has been a part of more tournament championship victories.

A sweet swinging left-handed hitter, Brooke was a true force in the Lightning lineup.  During her 11-year career, she hit .300 or better 10 times, hit .400 or more 7 times and amazingly hit above .500 in each of her last two seasons.  Brooke is one of only two players to have ever batted above .500 more than once for an entire season.  Additionally, Brooke concludes her days in a Lightning uniform by being in the All Time Top 10 in eleven of 15 offensive categories and she is # 2 All Time in At Bats and Times on Base. Amazingly, three times during her career, Brooke was named as her team’s Offensive Player of the Year, as she was during her final season.

But her offensive achievements only tell a small part of Brooke’s story.  Brooke was a true 5-tool player that could execute all the skills necessary to help her team win.  She was an adept bunter as twice she won her team’s Best Bunter Award and she was also a smart and aggressive base runner once winning her team’s Best Base Runner Award.  She was a versatile and complete player as she was able to play multiple defensive positions and on seven different occasions, she fielded over .900, as she concluded her career with a .931 lifetime fielding percentage.

Brooke started her career in 2010 as a 10U player and was awarded the Future Potential Award.  Over the years, she was her team’s Most Consistent Performer, Clutch Hitter, Most Important Player and was a State, World Series and individual season Most Valuable Player.  Brooke truly lived up to her future potential projections from 2010 as she concluded her career as the winningest player in Lightning history and ended her final season as her team’s Best All Around Player.

Serving as a head or assistant coach for nearly a decade, Brian has been one of the most successful head coaches in Lightning history.  To date, Brian has accumulated 436 wins against only 121 losses.  His .783 winning percentage is the 2^nd highest winning percentage of All Time as are his 436 victories as a Lightning head coach.

Noted for his calm demeanor and quick wit, Brian has been a part of 47 tournament championships as a member of various coaching staffs, which includes 38 victories as a tournament winning head coach (2^nd Best All Time).  Additionally, Brian has been a part of six MD State championship teams and five World Series championship teams during his tenure.  As a head coach, he has directed his teams to three (3) MD State Titles and four (4) World Series Championships, which also rank as the 2^nd best all time.  Brian has won World Series Championships in 3 different age groups (14U, 16U and 18U) and is the only coach to accomplish that feat.

Unlike most coaches in program history, Brian has been one of the few coaches who has been fully committed to teams where he did not have a child involved and he has been willing to provide his knowledge as well as his expertise to any player wanting to improve.  Additionally, Brian has been an integral part of the program in many capacities.  In addition to his role as a coach, Brian has been a key resource as well as a willing volunteer for most Lightning projects and fundraising activities.  Whether helping to work on the indoor facility or helping to prepare fields for the players to practice and play on, Brian has been a tireless worker for the players of the Lightning program.

Throughout his years of service to the program, Brian has been an avid supporter of all Lightning players and is one of the most selfless and giving people to ever coach a Lightning team.  His induction into the Churchville Lighting Hall of Fame honors him as an extraordinary member of the program and his enshrinement ensures that his efforts on behalf of the program are not quickly forgotten.

Years of Involvement 2010 – Current (2020)

Working as an assistant coach for various Lightning teams over the past decade, Rich has been an important asset and sounding board for 4 different head coaches during his tenure.  As a coach, Rich has been a part of seven (7) MD State Championship teams and six (6) World Series Championships.  He has been a championship winning coach on 57 different occasions, which currently ranks as the 2^nd highest total in Lightning history.  Additionally, he is the only coach in Lightning history to be involved in winning a state championship level event at each age group and he has been a World Series Champion at 4 different age groups, which is also a Lightning record.

Throughout his years of service to the program, Rich has been an avid supporter of all Lightning players and he has conducted or participated in countless private practices to help Lightning players improve.   His extra effort on behalf of his players, also extended to the playing and practice field, where Rich used his upbeat and positive personality to win over his players in order to urge them to work towards a higher level of play and performance. 

Rich was also highly involved in Lightning fundraising activities and was always a willing to help whenever a project to upgrade the Lightning facility or practice fields required a volunteer.  Therefore, Rich’s induction into the Churchville Lighting Hall of Fame honors him as an extraordinary member of the program and his enshrinement ensures that his efforts to for the players of the Lightning program are long remembered.

Throughout her scintillating seven-year career, Dakota was the ultimate big game pitcher as she was the winning pitcher for three MD State Championships and four World Series titles.   “Momo” ended her career as the winningest pitcher in Lightning History with 263 Wins, which included a 15-3 record in MD State competition and a fabulous 49-10 mark in World Series action.   Remarkably, she was named as the Most Outstanding Pitcher for three straight USSSA World Series events (2018, 2019, 2020) as she pitched her team to the finals at each event.  However, maybe her greatest World Series moment came in 2020 when she pitched only the 2^nd perfect game in Lightning History as she dominated the PA Storm, while striking out 17 batters in that game.

Dakota was the quintessential winning pitcher as she won 40 or more games during 4 separate seasons, including the All-Time Single Season record of 49 in 2019 as well as the single team, single season record of 41 in 2016 as a 14U player.  Astonishingly, no other Lightning pitcher has ever reached 40 wins in a year and Dakota accomplished that feat four years in a row.  She was a tournament champion on 43 different occasions and completed her career with 12 shut outs, had 28 games with 10 or more strikeouts and she concludes her time in a Lightning uniform as the All-Time Leader in Wins, IP, and Strikeouts.

But her pitching prowess only tells a part of her amazing story because Dakota was an accomplished hitter and defender as well.  She is in the All-Time Top 10 in batting average, doubles, and RBI.  Additionally, she is ranked 13^th in Home Runs and Hits for her career.  Dakota topped the .400 batting mark during her final 5 seasons and had her best batting average during her final season, when she hit .471 and was named as her team’s Offensive Player of the Year, which complemented her being a team MVP on 3 occasions.

Victorious as a tournament champion on 47 different occasions, Emma was an offensive and defensive leader on teams that captured three MD State Championships and four World Series Championships during her 9-year playing career.  Emma was a calming presence who adroitly handled the Lightning pitching staff from her catching position.  She expertly called pitches which kept hitters off balance, and she curtailed the running game of her opponents with her quick release and accurate throws.

Defensively, Emma is 2^nd All-Time in total Put Outs (2651) and Chances (3042). She ranks 2^nd in total Assists (337) by a catcher and her ability to pick off or throw out a runner was key to killing many opposing team rallies.  Her defensive prowess was recognized during USSSA World Series play, as she was awarded the Most Valuable Defensive Player Award on three separate occasions (2017, 2018 and 2020) for her stellar performances.

However, Emma’s biggest contributions came with the bat in her hands.  Seven times during her Lightning career she hit over .400.   Additionally, she is 1 of only 5 players in Lightning History to have ever batted over .500 for a full season. “Hoss” is in the Top 10 in 13 (out of 15) offensive categories and is 1^st All Time in Doubles and Walks.  She also ranks 2^nd in Batting Average, Hits, Triples, Slugging Percentage, Times on Base (TOB), Home Runs and RBIs.

Incredibly, Emma owns four single team, single season batting records as she has the most Hits (122), Doubles (30), TOB (163) and RBIs (99) ever produced in a single season.  Amazingly, she is in the Top 5 in nine (9) of fifteen single season, single team offensive categories, which shows her versatility and consistency as a hitter.  A true team leader, Emma’s value as a competitor and as an inspiration was not lost on her teammates as she always came ready to battle.

A threat to score any time she reached base, Maddie used her exceptional batting eye, speed, and aggressive playing style as well as her bunting, slapping, and hitting skill to become a feared offensive weapon during her seven-year career.  A top of the order hitter, “Boz” concluded her playing days in a Lightning uniform with a .375 Batting Average and a .495 On Base Percentage, but most impressively, she scored over 60% of the time she reached base and finished with the 10^th most Runs Scored in Lightning History.

Amazingly, Maddie batted over .365 in each of her final 6 seasons and flirted with a .400 average on multiple occasions, as she hit over .390 three times before hitting .410 in her final season as a player.  With the game hanging in the balance, there was no one that you’d want at the plate, on the bases or in the field.  As proof of that assertion, Maddie played her best during her team’s biggest events as she hit over .500 during three separate World Series events and averaged over .500 for MD State Championships for a 3-year period beginning in 2018.  

A fleet-footed, ball hawking outfielder, Maddie concluded her Lightning career with 38 tournament championships, which included three MD State Championships and three World Series Championships.  Perhaps Maddie’s finest single event performance took place at the 2017 USSSA World Series as she went 13 for 24 (.565) and she reached base on 24 of 32 plate appearances for a miraculous OBP of .750.  During that event, she led the team in hits, runs, and walks, while helping her team reach the championship finals.

As impressive as her offensive performances were, she was equally as talented with the glove.  She fielded over .980 on 4 separate occasions and was willing to throw herself around on the field to make a play.  Maddie continuously worked hard to improve, and her effort paid off over the final 3 years of her career as she averaged over .400 as a hitter and handled her final 171 defensive chances with only 3 errors for a .982 fielding mark.

Acknowledged by her coaches and teammates for her high level of consistent play over her spectacular 9-year career, Meghan was a tournament champion on 46 different occasions.  She was a three-time MD State Champion and a three-time World Series Champion during her playing days, and importantly, Meghan shined brightly in her team’s biggest events.  Amazingly, she batted .538, .636, and .538 in her last three MD State Tournaments and she was equally impressive in World Series competition as she surpassed her career averages in 6 of the 10 national events in which she participated.

Meghan was a quiet leader and led through her diligent work ethic and exceptional in-game knowledge, experience, and softball IQ.  She worked hard to become a standout defender and over the final 5 seasons of her career, she fielded over .900 from the demanding shortstop position.  Meghan concluded her career with a .911 fielding average and ranked 6^th All Time in total Assists (with 606).

Regardless of whether she was on the field, on the bases or in the batter’s box, Meghan was a fundamentally sound player that could handle any game situation and a player that mastered all aspects of the game.  As a base runner, she made quick and intelligent decisions, which allowed her to score 58% of the time she reached base and as a result she ranked 6^th Best All Time in Runs Scored.  When the game situation called for a bunt, Meghan was an adept bunter and even set the single team, single season record for most SAC bunts in a year with 18 during the 2016 season.  To show her versatility as a hitter, she finished in the Top 10 All-Time in total Home Runs and set the single season record for home runs in a year with 19 and the single team record with 14 (both in 2019).

Finally, as a hitter, Meghan was rock solid as she concluded her career in the Top 10 in 12 of 15 offensive categories and was in the single season Top 5 in 7 (of 15) categories.   She was an exceptional opposite field hitter as she took the ball where it was pitched and hit with power and authority to all fields.  Her ability to use the entire field allowed her to finish with the 8^th Best Batting Average of All Time.  She hit over .400  seven straight seasons to end her career and is one of only 5 players to have ever batted .500 for an entire season.

One of only a handful of players to play for 10 seasons, Jessica developed into a 5-tool player during her Lightning career. As a 5-tool player, she hit for average, hit for power, played solid defense, ran well, and had a strong throwing arm. These tools made her an extremely versatile player as well as a valuable asset to all of her various teams and coaches. “Peanut” was an important and integral member of 43 tournament championship teams, and she was a 4-time MD State Champion as well as a 3-time National Event Champion.

Jessica always elevated her game at the biggest events, and she hit .495 (42 for 85) over her last four National Events. In 2022, she blasted 4 home runs at the USSSA 18U Open Eastern Nationals and set a Lightning Single Game Record by blasting 3 Home Runs and knocking in 8 Runs. In her final event at the WFC Nationals, she batted .591 and in her last ever Lightning plate appearance, she ripped a double, which was the 114^th extra base hit of her career.

“Peanut” hit .336 for her career and had 6 seasons in which she hit .300 or better, including two seasons where she hit over .430. During her career, she had a 4-hit game and, in addition to her historic 3-homer game, she also had a 6 RBI game. Defensively, Jessica was a career .905 fielder and she fielded over .946 in each of her last 4 seasons. She showed her defensively versatility even in her final season by playing 3 different infield positions in addition to playing in the outfield. However, she will be most remembered for her commitment to always trying to improve as a player, her high softball IQ, her willingness to do what was asked of her by her coaches and most importantly, her team first mentality.

Alesia was tough competitor that gave her team a chance to win each and every time she stepped into the circle. She concluded her career as the 3^rd winningest pitcher of all time (154) and a testament to her ability to lead from the circle was her lifetime winning percentage of 86.5%, which ranks as the 2^nd best in Lightning History. “Doc” ranks 3^rd in Strikeouts (1202), owns the 2^nd most 10 Strikeout games (29) and set the All-Time Record for Strikeouts in a game with 18. Additionally, she ranks 1^st All-Time with a mark of 1.35 Strikeouts per innings pitched.

Alesia lowered her ERA each season during her pitching career, and she saved her best season for her last, when, in 2022, she had arguably the greatest season ever by a Lightning pitcher. She won 33 games against only 1 loss and won her final 32 straight games, which set an All-Time mark for consecutive victories by a pitcher. Remarkably, she also had a 28-game winning streak earlier in her career, which is tied for the 3^rd best mark in Lightning History. She pitched to a career best 0.90 ERA in her final campaign, which was the 3^rd best in 18U History and she pitched her teams to 8 tournament championships during her final season, including the USSSA MD State, USSSA Eastern National and WFC National Championships.

Doc was recognized as the 2022 USSSA 18U Open Eastern National Most Valuable Pitcher and was named as her team’s Most Valuable Player for her season long dominance. Alesia won 30 or more games in each of her last 4 seasons, and she was also a 4-time MD State Champion and a 3-Time National Event Champion and was a member of a tournament championship team on 36 different occasions during her 6 full seasons in a Lightning uniform.

While she was best known for her pitching dominance, like setting the All Time 18U mark for Wins (77), IP (458) and Strikeouts (653), “Doc” was a complete player as she had a lifetime batting average of .359 and she hit .300 or more in each of her final four seasons. She was one of only a few players that had both a 4-hit and 5-RBI game during her career and she had a career best batting average of .419 in 2019. She batted .471 in her final event and showed her versatility as a player by having a lifetime fielding PCT of .936.

A tournament champion on 29 different occasions during her 8-year career, Rayn won 5 MD State Championships and was a National Event Finalist four times. Her greatest single season was during the 2015 season, when she led her 16U team to the Single Season mark for wins in a season (65) and consecutive victories (36) by a team. Rayn was the team’s key contributor during that historic season, as she won 39 games against only 3 losses, while pitching to a 0.95 ERA. Additionally, she batted .449, leading the team with 62 RBIs and setting the Single Season Record for Most Strikeouts with 385.

Rayn had many impressive performances like the 2012 season, when she competed as a 16U player despite being only 13 years old. She won 24 games that season and pitched to a remarkable 1.89 ERA. She won a game over the defending MD State Champions – Olney Cougars – to set up the 2012 MD State Championship finale and in the finals, she came on in relief in the final inning to earn the save in a tight 4-2 game. However, her most impressive performance came in the 2013 14U USSSA MD States when she pitched 4 games in a row as her team rallied to win by double dipping the Heartbreakers to claim State Championship honors.

As a pitcher, Rayn was 4^th All Time in Wins, 2^nd in Strikeouts and Innings Pitched as well as 9th in ERA. She was 1^st in Shutouts (17) and 1^st in Ten+ Strikeout Games (35). She owned winning streaks of 18 and 20 consecutive games and had a 16-strikeout game which is 3^rd Best All-Time. Rayn was equally successful as a hitter as she hit for a lifetime average of .419 and had 7 seasons in a row where she hit .300 or better, including hitting over .400 during her last 4 seasons. Defensively, she was solid as well and she fielded .915 over the entirety of her career. Rayn was undoubtedly one of the best players to ever don a Lightning uniform.

Over the course of her 9 remarkable seasons in a Lightning uniform, Mikayla’s career was highlighted by 40 Tournament Championships, five (5) Maryland State Championships, and three (3) National Championships.  However, her crowning moment as a Lightning player had to be her Most Valuable Player (MVP) performance at the 2022 18U USSSA Eastern National Championship. During that event, Mikayla boasted a .647 batting average as she blasted 3 home runs while scoring 15 runs after reaching base at a staggering .792 clip.  

This performance cemented her reputation as one of the Lightning’s finest leadoff hitters.  Her job, as a leadoff hitter, was to get on base and score, which she did at the highest rate in Lightning history.  Mikayla set the All-Time Scoring Percentage record with a lifetime mark of .707, showing her uncanny ability to capitalize on her on-base opportunities.

But in order to score, you must reach base and her consistency at the plate was displayed by her nine consecutive seasons hitting over .300, five which she exceeded .400, and she was also one of only ten players to ever surpass the .500 mark in a single season, when she hit a remarkable .565 for the entire 2022 season.  2022 was also a season in which she led the program in home runs.  Additionally, she is ranked in the All-Time Top 10 in 7 of 15 offensive categories.

As one of the most athletic players in Lightning history, Mikayla's baserunning exploits were nothing short of thrilling.  Renowned for her agility, speed, and seemingly magical slides into bases, she became a true maestro on the basepaths, navigating her way to safety score with flair and finesse.

Over a mesmerizing six-year stretch, Tai Turner proved to be one of the finest athletes to ever don a Lightning uniform.  She was an aggressive and capable base runner, a power hitter who left spectators and opponents breathless, and a sure-handed defensive virtuoso, who embodied the complete package of athletic excellence.  Tai’s performances were unmatched by any other player over a similar span and additionally, she helped her teams win 39 Tournament Championships including four (4) MD State and three (3) National Championship Titles during the playing days of her career.

In the grand tapestry of Lightning’s 23-year history, the feat of hitting .500 or better over the course of the entire season has been achieved less than 15 times. Remarkably, Tai has achieved this extraordinary feat five times in six seasons, which speaks volumes about her unparalleled batting skill. Her near-miss in 2020, when she finished at .497, stands as the razor-thin margin that separated her from hitting perfection.

Defensively, Tai was a wizard at third base.   An impregnable fortress impossible to bunt against, she was armed with a quick release and cannon-like arm that was as accurate as it was powerful.  Her high softball IQ and leadership qualities made her a phenomenal player capable of inspiring those around her to reach greater heights.  In her final season at the hot corner, Tai had an extraordinary fielding percentage of .979, she committed only two errors throughout the course of the season, which was accomplished at one of the game’s most demanding positions.

Second All-Time with 45 Home Runs, Tai finds herself in the All-Time Top 10 in a myriad of statistical categories including Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Home Runs, Slugging Percentage, Scoring Percentage, and RBIs.  However, her biggest hit – a walk off grand slam – which clinched the 2022 USSSA 18U Eastern National Championship stands out as one of her signature moments.  

For eight extraordinary seasons, Kyrsten graced the diamond in a career that was highlighted by 44 tournament championship victories. In 2022, she was instrumental in leading her team to victory at the 18U USSSA Eastern Nationals and this triumph added to her already impressive collection, which included five MD State Championships as well as the 2020 and 2022 WFC National Championships.

A true offensive force, Kyrsten's lifetime batting average of .447, which ranks 6^th best all-time, has etched her name into the annals of Lightning history and impressively, she ranks in the All-Time Top 10 in an astounding 12 out of 15 offensive categories. Her ability to deliver under pressure was showcased throughout her career as she hit over .300 in each of her eight seasons, and she ended her career by hitting .460 or better in each of her final five seasons.

A great athlete who possessed incredible strength despite her modest stature, Kyrsten stands tall as a gifted 5-tool player, who was capable of impacting every facet of the game. She was a ball-hawking outfielder with great speed and an unparalleled throwing arm. Kyrsten not only had the ability to steal bases but also possessed the power to launch towering home runs.  Her mark of 33 career home runs ranks her 7th all-time and is a testament to her remarkable strength and hitting acumen.

Beyond the statistics and championships, Kyrsten Coppage embodies the spirit of the Lightning softball program. Her dedication, leadership, work ethic and unyielding commitment to team has left an indelible legacy.

Over her 10-year career, Gretchen’s impact on the program has been nothing short of legendary.  Her legacy is marked by her extraordinary power at the plate, hitting an impressive 46 home runs, which makes her the All-Time Home Run leader in Lightning history. Her thunderous swings sent shockwaves through her opponents and made her a force to be reckoned with in every game.

Gretchen’s dominance, however, was not limited to hitting alone because her arm could be as lethal as her bat. With 90 pitching victories and a lifetime ERA of 2.75, she demonstrated her ability to dominate on the mound just as she did at the plate. However, it might be Gretchen’s defensive versatility that set her apart from her teammates.  She achieved the rare feat of starting and playing all nine positions during her decade-long career, which showcased her adaptability and team first mentality.  Despite playing multiple positions, her lifetime fielding average was outstanding at .948.

Gretchen's offensive prowess is further exemplified by her remarkable .435 lifetime batting average, which was a testament to her consistency and skill in the batter’s box. She is a well-rounded player whose name is etched in the All Time Top 10 in 11 out of 15 offensive categories, including Batting Average, Runs, Hits, RBIs, Triples, Walks, ROEs, TOB, Slugging Percentage, On Base Percentage and, of course, Home Runs.  

Astonishingly, “G” was a tournament champion 52 times during her career and was a MD state champion on 5 different occasions and she also won 3 National Titles.  She hit .470 or better in each of her final 3 seasons and she hit .517 in her final season in a Lightning uniform.