As we were compiling the FAB 50 14U Club Rankings, one team that came up on most coaches’ “team to watch list” was the Victory USA team coached by Danny Moore.

Along with assistants Stefan Anderson, Dave Waco and Breanne Meyers, the team which used to be associated with the So Cal Choppers, is widely respected and should make a big impact in 2015.

We got with Coach Moore to learn about his team and players… here’s a closer look!

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FullCountSoftball.com: When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?
Danny Moore: This team was originally formed in 2012 comprised of kids throughout Southern California. This year we became known as Victory USA. Victory USA has a long history in Girls Fastpitch Softball recording five National Titles over the years. We are looking to add to the traditions of Victory USA by competing for a title once again this year. Our young ladies are not only top performers on the softball field, but equally as successful in the classroom. We pride ourselves on our strong values, softball fundamentals and aggressive play between the lines.

FCS.com: Where are you based?  Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)
DM: Our team comes from a wide range of cities throughout Southern California, spanning from the northern-most section of Los Angeles (Westlake-Agoura) to almost San Diego (Temecula).

FCS.com: What was the purpose of creating the team… was it to showcase players, win titles, develop skills or for other reasons?
DM: The goal of our team is to mentor these young ladies and help them realize their dreams of playing college softball at the University of their choice. Practices and our training regimen focus on fundamentals and game situations as well overall fitness and conditioning. We primarily participate in the top showcase events, but are focused on competing for a national title in 2015.

FCS.com: What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
DM: This past fall we mainly attended 16U and 18U events, including showcases in Northern California, Arizona, Florida and throughout Southern California posting a record of 57-10-3.

FCS.com: What, in your opinion, do you think makes the organization unique?
DM: Our organization is unique in that we take great pride in being an independent club that plays at such a high level versus needing to utilize the name of one of the larger organizations.

FCS.com: What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
DM: I have been around fastpitch softball for over 25 years, playing for 17 years and coaching top level girls fastpitch travel ball for eight years. Prior to the Victory USA organization, I led competitive travel teams for the Valley Tribe, Orange County Batbusters and the So Cal Choppers. Softball is my life as both of my daughters play (my older daughter signed with North Carolina State), my wife Kelly helps manage the organization and I am also the Head Softball Coach at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California.

FCS.com: How many teams are there in the organization overall?
DM: We currently have two teams within the Victory USA organization, a first year 14U team and our original second year 14U group. After Nationals this year we will be starting up a 12U team to the organization.

FCS.com: Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team’s history?
DM: There has already been many great moments this past fall competing at such a high level against so many of the top 16U and 18U teams. Our team cannot help to forget a game this fall against a top 16U team where we hit a record four straight home runs in one inning to end the game. The crazy thing is that one of our top home run hitters was on deck ready to make it five, but the umpire called the game early!

FCS.com: What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
DM: To make sure that every member on this team is able to play softball at the collegiate level. We impress upon our young ladies the importance of family, school and taking great pride in their team and teammates.

FCS.com: What do you think are the strengths of the team?
DM: Our strengths are our stingy defense, top notch pitching, aggressive play and dominating hitting and power! We are a “hitting machine” that consistently puts a lot of runs on the board, while our pitchers are some of the best in our age group. Our solid defense is led by the one of the best middle infield tandems in the country. Add to that solid corners and some outstanding speed in the outfield and this is a fun team to watch.

FCS.com: If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
DM: We believe we are unique in that we not only instill in our young ladies with the necessary work ethic, conditioning and desire to play softball at the highest level possible, but we have a great time doing it (we have fun!).

FCS.com: Anything else of note about Victory USA?
DM: We find it interesting that on a number of occasions we have had umpires tell us that it has been a “privilege” to call our games. As a coaching staff, it is very rewarding to watch these talented young ladies compete every weekend.   They pretty much demand your attention as they are so loud and bring so much energy to every game that you cannot help to stop and see what is going on with Victory USA.

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Here’s a player-by player look at the USA Victory – Moore team with comments by Coach Moore:

— P/IF Brissa “Breezy” Alvarado (2018, uncommitted)
“Breezy” is both a “shutdown” pitcher and third baseman who is a tenacious competitor. She’s a natural athlete with top level power and strength and is not only a top level pitcher, she can also play any position.”

— OF/2B Breeana Anderson (2018, uncommitted)
“Breeana is an athletic center fielder who does everything at the highest level. Diving catches in the outfield are a regular occurrence with “Bree.” Her positive attitude inspires her teammates on and off the field.”

— OF Gabriella “Gabi” Cirigliano (2017, uncommitted)
“Gabi posted some impressive hitting numbers in the fall and established herself as a top notch outfielder. Her robbing a home run and flipping over the outfield fence was one of our teams great memories this past season. She’s athletic, powerful and a steadfast competitor.”

— C/OF Drea DeFord (2018, uncommitted)
“Drea’s versatility in the field and timely hitting will be a key factor in our team to reaching its potential this year. She’s a strong and powerful player who continues to elevate her game every day.”

— OF/2B Summer Faille (2018, uncommitted)
“Summer is a clutch hitter who can play pretty much anywhere on the field. Her tremendous work ethic has made her a top outfielder and prospect.”

— P/UT Julia “JJ” Jackson (2018, uncommitted)
“’JJ’ is a “pit-bull” on the mound who has superb command of a multitude of strikeout pitches. As an infielder she shines at any position and as a hitter she brings it at the defense from both sides of the plate.”

— OF/2B Alex Loomis (2018, uncommitted)
“Alex is an all-around top performer and extremely versatile player for our team. With closing speed in the outfield and situational knowledge of the game on the bases, she is often the difference for us pulling out the victory.”

— 3B/OF Annie Moore (2018, uncommitted)
“Without a doubt, Annie is one of the top all-around hitters in her age group. With a batting average hovering close to .500 and 19 home runs this fall/winter, she is one of the most feared hitters in the country.”

— C/OF Camille Navarro (2018, uncommitted)
“Camille is one of the top catcher prospects in Southern California. She has total control of our staff behind the plate and intimidates opposing teams with her strong arm and big bat. Her charisma and will to win is contagious and unmatched.”

— P Gracie Newman (2018, uncommitted)
“Gracie finished her fall not only as a top producer on the mound for us, but showed off her athleticism in the outfield. She was on a roll at the plate putting up some impressive numbers there as well.”

— 1B/OF Kailee “KP” Powell (2018, George Washington)
“’KP’ leads Victory USA’s “murderers row” of hitters in the heart of our line-up. She hits with tremendous power to all fields and has been high on college recruiting boards for some time now. Her charisma and personality brings a smile to all our faces.”

— C Rebecca Rocha (2018, uncommitted)
“’Becca’ is a born leader on and off the field. As a very knowledgeable catcher, she is a coach on the field and demands that her teammates are always competing. She’s also a clutch hitter with power in addition to her rocket arm behind the plate.”

— SS/UT Mariah “Mya” Rodriguez (2019, uncommitted)
“’Mya’ is a five-tool player with ridiculous athletic ability. As our leadoff hitter, she sets the table for us with an incredible on base percentage and hitting ability. She is the other part of our “dynamic duo” up the middle (SS/ 2B) that we think is the best double play combo in the country.”

— P/1B Jessica Ross (2018, uncommitted)
“Jess is one of the top young pitching prospects in Southern California and is the cornerstone of Victory USA’s top-notch staff. She is a force to be reckoned with after only six months in travel ball and just keeps getting better.”

— 3B/OF Sarah Taylor (2019, uncommitted)
“Sarah is a gifted athlete whose incredible power and strength is getting the attention of college recruiters everywhere. Her towering home runs are a sight to see. Look out for this ‘diamond in the rough.’”

— MIF Ashley Waco (2018, uncommitted)
“Ashley is one of the “dynamic duo” up the middle (SS/ 2B) who is an absolute vacuum in the infield. Hitting in the two spot she hits the ball with power to all fields and possesses an incredible “IQ” for the game.

— C “Hot Rod” Zaffino (2018, uncommitted)
“’Hot Rod’ is one of our newest editions to the team. We are excited about her athletic ability and her ‘cannon’ behind the plate. We are expecting a lot of production from her as a hitter as she has displayed a lot of promise in her short time with us.”