The girls in Taylorsville have many opportunities to play fast pitch softball, whether they feel ultra competitive or just want to learn the game.

“Our numbers are up this season,” Taylorsville girls fast pitch league president Natalie Mowbray said. “Our All-Star teams have been doing great. I am sure there is room to improve, though. We have so many amazing girls, and I am glad they are representing our community well.”

For girls in and around Taylorsville there are more than one option to play girls softball. The Taylorsville Girls Fast Pitch softball league or Taylorsville Recreation Center both offer leagues and there are several accelerated teams from the area.

The girls fast pitch organization had 240 girls participate in its spring season. The players are divided into five age groups. The youngest group consists of girls under 8 years old. The oldest age division is for girls 18 and under. The skill level varies, but most girls have some experience.

The recreation center offers the same age groups for its participants but is designed for players that are just beginning.

Accelerated teams are for more advanced players and usually require a tryout. They can also be more expensive and involve travel to tournaments all around the Western United States.

“Our league gives an opportunity for girls in sports,” Mowbray said. “There are not many sports or league designed specifically for girls. In baseball, a girl is an outsider. The game is made for the boys. As these girls get older, there are more chances for these girls to succeed in high school and college softball.

Mowbray said softball and baseball are similar sports. They both have pros and cons, but softball offers girls opportunities for college scholarships. She suggested girls try them both and see which sport fits them the best.

“Our teams have also become sorority for these girls,” Mowbray said. “They make friendships and develop a sisterhood that lasts a lifetime for many of the players. That can be irreplaceable in a girl’s life.”

The All-Star teams for the spring-based fast-pitch organization are scheduled to play in their state tournaments Aug. 10–12 in Orem. They will face teams from West Valley, Oquirrh Mountain (South Valley area), Grantsville and other leagues from around the state. 

Accelerated teams may qualify through the United States Specialty Sports Association for its national tournaments in Orlando, Florida, but first must advance through regional tournaments held in Chino Hills, California. 

The Utah USSSA governs the accelerated teams. It has rules for rosters and age divisions. These accelerated teams have more flexibility and are constantly looking for more skilled players. Many college coaches scour accelerated team rosters looking for the best available players.

“I had a college coach come and pull my daughter right off the bench one tournament game,”  said Derrick Jensen, an accelerated coach. “He wanted to talk to her and see what her personality was like. My daughter (Brooklyn) played baseball and now softball, and we think this sport could really help her go on to college.”

For more information about Taylorsville girls fast-pitch softball, visit its Facebook page or send an email to [email protected]