All posts by Christian Smith

NCSA SWING INTO SPRING EXTENSTION

BREAKING: NCSA REACHES EXTENSION WITH VISIT PCB AND PUBLIX SPORTS PARK

The NCSA is excited to announce that we have agreed to an extension through 2028 with Visit PCB and Publix Sports Park to continue hosting our annual Swing into Spring event each March.

Publix Sports Park is located in sunny beautiful Panama City Beach, Florida & features 5 fully turf fields.  Built in 2019, it’s a beautiful complex situated just miles from the beach which also provides a fantastic destination for Spring Break when away from the field.

2025 will be the 3rd straight year the event takes place in PCB as each year has brought 50+ NCSA teams down on their Spring Break.

If what you have read so far has not convinced you enough here is a list of the Top 10 reasons to attend this year’s event!

NEW ENGLAND REGION TEAM PREVIEWS

The New England Region has been dominated by Sacred Heart University the last couple of years.  They’ve won the region in 2023 and 2024 which qualified the Pioneers for the NCSA World Series.  As the top team heading into the 2023 NCSA World Series, Sacred Heart had a disappointing finish at the National Championship going 0-3 in Pool Play and 1-2 in the double elimination portion of the event.  That put a chip on Sacred Heart’s shoulder and coming into 2024 they finished  as a final four team losing to the eventual National Champions, Air Force.  Sacred Heart seems poised to win another conference title, but it will be no easy feat.  Who will win the Region this year?  Will it be Sacred Heart for a 3rd straight year, or will UConn take the New England Crown?  Lot’s of talented teams that should make the New England Region a fun one to watch during the 24/25 season.  Take a look at the New England Region Team Previews.

 

 

MID-ATLANTIC TEAM PREVIEWS

The Mid-Atlantic Region is no stranger to successful teams.  The 2022 and 2023 NCSA World Series National Champions, Virginia Tech are usually a mainstay at the World Series as a representative of the Region.  But this year could be different.  After realignment, the Mid-Atlantic North Conference may be the strongest in the country.  It features 3 teams that made the World Series last year in Virginia Tech, Navy and Maryland.  James Madison who qualified for the Regional last year is also in that conference.  So what two teams make it out of that conference to qualify for the Mid-Atlantic Regional?  The South Conference is also extremely competitive with UNC and NC State.  It will be fun to watch the Mid-Atlantic Region this year and who makes it to Columbus is anyone’s guess.  You be the judge.  Take a look at the Mid-Atlantic Region Team Previews.

 

 

MID-AMERICA TEAM PREVIEWS

The Mid-America Region is home to the 2024 National Champions, the United States Air Force Academy.  Air Force flew under the radar for most of the 2023/2024 year, never being ranked #1 despite an impressive conference record. They went undefeated at the Mid-America Regional capturing the Mid-America Regional Championship. At the World Series, they only dropped on game all together and claimed their 1st ever National Championship.  Air Force lost it’s World Series MVP, Lindsey Weber but return a lot of key players for 24/25.  Will they repeat in 2025 or will another team take home the Mid-America Crown?  You be the judge.  Take a look at the Mid-America Region Team Previews.

 

 

GREAT LAKES TEAM PREVIEWS

The University of Michigan won the Great Lakes Region in 2024 beating their arch rival and conference foe, Michigan State in the Championship Game of the 2024 Great Lakes Regional Tournament.  In 2025, the Great Lakes Region is filled with talented softball teams and the Great Lakes East Conference will be one of the most competitive in the country.  Who will the 4 teams be that represent the Great Lakes at the Regional?  Who will represent the Great Lakes in Columbus, GA?  Michigan and Michigan State again?  Wisconsin, GVSU, CMU?  You be the judge.  Take a look at the Great Lakes Region Team Previews.

 

GREAT AMERICAN TEAM PREVIEWS

The University of Illinois took home the Great American Region Championship last year and made it all the way to the National Championship Game, where they eventually lost to the United States Air Force Academy.  Illinois seems poised to make a run at the National Championship again in 2025, but maybe another Great American Team will upset the Fighting Illini?  You be the judge.  Take a look at the Great American Region Team Previews.

 

 

RECORDED LEAGUE MEETING

If you weren’t able to join us last night LIVE, not to worry!  Click here to watch the recorded version of the NCSA Annual League Meeting HERE!

SAVANNAH AHRENS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNER

After receiving dozens of nominations from NCSA teams across the country, the NCSA has awarded Alana Ganop from Michigan State University the 2024 Savannah Ahrens Sportsmanship Award.  The Savannah Ahrens Sportsmanship Award, given yearly, is an honor bestowed to a student-athlete who has distinguished themselves through demonstrated acts of sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

Michigan State Club Softball Head Coach and winner of the 2022 Savannah Ahrens Sportsmanship Award, Claudia Rea nominated Alana and had this to say about her.

“If there is anyone to be considered for this year’s Savannah Ahrens Sportsmanship Award, it is Alana Ganop. Alana embodies and exceeds all aspects of sportsmanship not only in softball, but also in her daily life.

Saying that Alana is a hard worker would be an understatement. Alana prioritizes our team and her teammates in the biggest and smallest of ways. She is constantly putting others before herself and making sure everyone is included. Her work ethic is admirable, and she leaves each practice knowing she gave it her all. She is the first to help carry equipment, ask for extra reps, and see if anyone needs assistance with anything whether it is softball related or not.

Alana’s love for softball goes far beyond the game. She brings intangible aspects to the table such as integrity, accountability, and always has a positive attitude. There is never a day where she doesn’t have a bright smile on her face and a car full of teammates that she drives to and from practices and games. She is incredibly kind to her teammates and opponents, setting aside differences and constantly uplifting others. Alana takes accountability without making excuses, which is a selfless and valuable skill to have.  

Off the field Alana is a well-rounded leader in the community and a frequent volunteer. She is the project leader for March for Our Lives at Michigan State, an undergraduate assistant for the Adolescent Diversion Program, a member of Empowering Women in Law, and currently works at the juvenile detention center in Ingham County. She has advocated on behalf of the Lansing area youth in a school, family, and community setting to utilize their strengths and skills to help them accomplish their goals. With plans to attend Law School after undergrad, Alana’s passion for her community is unrivaled and she doesn’t let adversity hinder her from making a difference in the community.

Alana also exemplifies great patience. I have never experienced anyone as patient with others as Alana. Even with her incredibly busy schedule, she is always offering help to her teammates, whether it’s giving them a ride or helping with schoolwork. She is the first to volunteer for any event the club must be present at and represents our team with great class. What sets Alana apart from others is that she makes time for people, without making them feel like they are burdening her. Her selflessness and sportsmanship are inspiring and something I think we can all look up to, and will take her far in life.”

NEW TEAM – CSU-PUEBLO!

Colorado State University-Pueblo officially joined the NCSA for the 2024-2025 season! The NCSA is excited to welcome the ThunderWolves who join the University of Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, Youngstown State University, University of St. Thomas, Yale University, University of New Mexico and Nova Southeastern University as the new teams for ’24-’25 thus far.

If your team is interested in joining the NCSA for next season, contact Lacie Lautner today!