Got some fun stuff today as we learn about a man in Tennessee who was instrumental in not only building a club organization, but facilities at high schools and colleges that have benefited thousands of young fastpitch players.  We have several verbals to report and also look at the 30 standout high school players who made the MaxPreps.com 2014 Preseason All-American list…

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CLUB PROFILE: FROST FALCONS

The Frost Falcon organization started in 1983 when Jim Frost, like many other proud fathers, began coaching his daughter, Stefanie, in Chattanooga, Tenn. softball play.

Before long the love and passion of the game and the chance for student-athletes to achieve their full potential led to additional teams joining the Falcons’ program.

By the end of his 10 years of coaching, Frost would accumulate a 527-86 record with the highpoint coming in 1988 when one of his teams would finish second at the ASA Nationals held in Broken Arrow, Okla.

The organization, which is currently based in Ooltewah, Tenn just outside the Chattanooga city limits, had one major benefit most organizations don’t have: Frost had the grand vision of building bigger and better facilities for his teams and athletes to use and better themselves.

Today, the coach’s legacy includes facilities he has built or had constructed which have played a large role in thousands of young athletes not only from the Frost Falcons organization, but other programs across the state.

This, in turn, has led to greater events, great exposure and great opportunities for the young athletes he’s helped get to the next level to play sports.

“These scholarships are what gives him the motivation to continue to promote and support numerous softball programs and facilities,” says his son, Steve Frost, who is a second generation coach and leads the Frost Falcons ’00 team today.

In 1988, with the help of the city of Chattanooga and the Chattanooga Parks and Recreation department, Jim Frost built a seven-field complex known as Tyner Recreation Complex.

This facility has had hundreds of fastpitch tournaments and has also served as a practice facility for several teams and organizations throughout the years.  Several teams from different organizations still practice there today, the Frost Falcons included.

Frost also hosted the 14U ASA Nationals at his the fields he built in Chattanooga in 1989.

The opportunities for high-level softball wasn’t limited to just high school and club, however; from 1989 to 1995 the elder Frost sponsored a Frost Cutlery Collegiate Tournament. Teams ranging from Florida State to South Carolina played in the tournament which still continues on today and is hosted by the Univ. of Tennessee-Chattanooga and is named the Frost Classic.

In 1996 the Frost Falcons were also granted an opportunity to play Mainland China’s Olympic Fastpitch team in Columbus, Ga.

In 1998 the facility expansion continued.  Frost spearheaded the development for a new stadium for the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to play in. The new venue also provided the opportunity to have larger tournaments in Chattanooga to benefit girls fastpitch.

Ralph and Karen Weekly—now the co-head coaches at Tennessee—were the head coaches at UT-Chattanooga at the time and with their help, as well as that of the community and multiple volunteers, the stadium was completed.

Originally, it was named the Stadium of 1000 Dreams but with the influence of the Weeklys the city of Chattanooga renamed it “Jim Frost Stadium.”

Frost has maintained a friendship with the Weeklys and continues to support their program at the University of Tenn., as well as the University of Tenn. at Chattanooga coached by Frank Reed.

But that’s not all-not only Frost helped construct fields and stadiums, he has also helped high schools and other colleges with their facilities too.

In 2008, Warner Park in Chattanooga made some renovations and Frost helped with the concession building and the restrooms.

Through it all, however, he hasn’t lost contact with his original project-the Frost Falcons fastpitch organization.

Throughout the years, the innovator has continued to help sponsor an average of six Frost Falcon teams yearly. These teams have not only won the Tennessee ASA State Championships, but have also had several top 10 finishes at ASA Nationals.

The most recent top finishes have been by the Frost Falcons ’00 finishing fourthin 2013 and third in 2011.  Currently, there are 12 Frost Falcon teams with Jim himself coaching his niece on the ’06 Falcon 8U team.

It’s not often that a team that young is coached by someone in the Tennessee ASA Hall of Fame!

According to Steve Frost, “Each team is handled individually  and no organization fees are charged.  Most teams draw players from Tennessee, Alabama and the North Georgia area.”

“The Falcon Academy is available for use by the teams and there is not a fee required for this as well.  Each team and coach is required to maintain sportsmanship, create a positive atmosphere and teach the fundamentals that will help these girls earn college scholarships.”

As time goes by, Jim Frost’s legacy will be remembered as his passion for the sport and the opportunities he provided for college scholarships to the young athletes fortunate enough to follow in his footsteps.

“My father has always said, ‘Those who seek, listen and utilize the intelligence of others are the wisest people in the world.’”

 

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Today, Jim can watch his son, Steve, led the Frost Falcons ’00 team which includes Jim’s granddaughter Emerald.

Steve began coaching what is the Falcons’ 00 team in 2006 when Emerald was in 5/6 year old softball.

“My Dad had teams when I was in high school and I would help out at his practices some,” Steve remembers.  “We only had batting cages in our warehouse at that time and I would watch them practice there some and listen and learn over the years. I’ve pretty much been around softball since I was 16.”

In 2009, the Frost Falcons ’00 team emerged as a national force, winning the USFA World Series in Florida after winning the Tenn. USFA State Championship a few weeks before.

“I made some life-long friends at the USFA World Series that year as far away as Texas,” the younger Frost coach says.  “I still see them and their daughters as we travel the nation playing.”

In 2011, despite being a targeted team all competitors were gunning for, the Falcons went 70-9-3 and finished the season third at the ASA Nationals.

“We were playing really well but Team Watley got us and we ended up in the loser bracket late in the tournament,” Steve reflects.  “They had a pitcher throwing 58 mph from 35 feet. We put the bat on the ball but couldn’t find a hole. Before the semi-final game against the Corona Angels two of my players needed medical treatment but decided to use the on-site medical team just to be able to play.”

“They were in pain but that showed me just how tough and how much these girls wanted to play. We were up by one run in the last inning and a hit and an error allowed the Corona Angels to score two runs and move on to the finals.”

“It was emotional but the girls played their hearts out and have always had a ‘never give up’ attitude. That’s actually one of our sayings: ‘Never Give Up.’

In 2012, the Falcons ended up winning the Tenn. ASA State Championship for the second time in a row and finished 25^th in the ASA Nationals in Moline, Ill.

“Most of that year, we had played 14U as a first year team and did really well. We won the Fall 14U ASA Eastern Elite Showcase as a 12U team,” says Frost.

Last summer, the Falcons started the season off by winning the prestigious Turf Wars tournament, one of the biggest tournaments in the Southeast with elite teams  there from Kentucky to Florida.

“This put an even bigger mark on us as the team to beat for 2013,” says Steve.  “We had a really good season and one of the highlights was winning the Oklahoma ASA Hall of Fame Tournament. What made it even more special was getting to watch the University of Tennessee play in the College World Series Finals just a few days before.”

The Falcons won the Tenn. ASA State Championship for the third year in a row and finished fourth in the ASA Nationals.

“We had been picked to be in the finals at the ASA Nationals but it just didn’t work out for us. We had played Texas Kaos in the Oklahoma ASA Hall of Fame Tournament and won but they got us in the ASA Nationals 1-0. That was a huge emotional loss to the girls.  They fought back and won a few more games but it was  GA Impact Lewis’s time to get us and we ended up fourth.”

“I was still very proud of them for their season and we ended with a record of 85-7-1, finishing the year playing a few fall tournaments and won the ASA 14U Eastern Elite Showcase for the 2^nd year in a row. In the Scenic City 14U Super Pools, we finished second to an outstanding team, Southern Force – Mardis.”

“We still have a goal of winning the ASA Nationals in the future and are working on getting each player exposed to earn a college scholarship.”

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*** Here’s a player-by-player look at the Frost Falcons ‘00 team with comments by Head Coach Steve Frost:

— SS/3B/OF Alexis Trimiar (2018, uncommitted)
“Alexis is one of the left side anchors to our middle infield. She has one of the quickest throwing releases on the team. She will fire the ball hard and precise. Not only will she beat you with her arm but with her feet as well. Speed and agility only adds to her excellent defensive ability. Alexis is great at covering the infield quickly, setting her feet, and rifling the ball for the out. You are going to have to be moving quickly to out run this young lady.  She brings that same speed to the plate and bases. With her bat in hand she hits the ball hard and long.”

— 3B/SS/OF Cheyenne Lindsey (2018, uncommitted)
“As a coach you don’t always get power, precision, and speed from a slapper. Cheyenne is a triple threat in the batter’s box and shares the leadoff position.  A defenses worst nightmare, no matter how you are set up. With a quick decision she can drop the ball in the hole, down the line, or take it off the fence. If you don’t field the ball clean you won’t catch her down the line to first. On defense Cheyenne is aggressive and quick to the ball at third base.   She also takes her speed and arm to the outfield as well. Her reflexes fielding are just as fast as her ability to run the bases.”

— P/1B Hannah Kincer (2018, uncommitted)
“Hannah is going to stand out no matter what position she is at. Measuring in at 5-foot-11, her contribution to the team is just as big. A part of our pitching rotation she hurls the ball into the mitt in the upper 50’s. Accompanied with Hannah’s off speed pitches and movement your batters will struggle to make solid contact. Outside the circle you will find her locking down first base. The agility she has at her height is amazing. She has the defensive ability and game presence to get the double play or that critical out. In the batter’s box Hannah generates a lot of power and range and is really hard to pitch around. She moves players around the bases with ease and is capable of a homerun at anytime.”

— 2B/3B Breanna Vinson (2018, uncommitted)
“Breanna may be the smallest athlete on our team coming in at a tall 5-foot-1, however, she makes up for it in big plays. Anchoring down the right side of middle infield, Bre’s agility gives her the unique ability to come up big on defense.  Time after time you will find that Breanna will go all out to make the play; diving, sliding, and running after every ball that comes her way. She is a consistent slapper finding the holes in our opponent’s defense with the capability to hit as well. One of Bre’s biggest attributes is a great attitude and the desire to edify her teammates.”

— C/1B Emerald Frost (2019, uncommitted)
“Emerald is a natural catcher and pressure player with one of the strongest work ethics on the team.  As catcher she brings a solid and dependable target with lightening reflexes ready for any situation. Possessing a strong and accurate arm our opponents stay close to their bag. In the batter’s box Emerald is one of the most consistent hitters we have on the team. She does what is needed with every opportunity on offense, whether it is a clutch power hit in the gap or a soft bunt down the line. Emerald is a talented athlete with a positive attitude on and off the field.”

— OF/P Trinity Liner (2018, uncommitted)
“Big things come in small packages. Trinity is a strong hitter that will set your defense back on their heels. With her bat in hand she has changed the tempo of the game and its outcome with just a hit. This modest young lady is more than just a power hitter. From the right side of the plate she is one of our overall fastest athletes. Her speed and ability to track a ball allows her to contribute to a solid outfield defense. With a strong arm she keeps your base runners honest and timid. Trinity also contributes to the pitching line up; once she steps into the circle she will throw with speed in the mid to upper 50’s and she has excellent movement.”

— OF Meagan Beasley (2018, uncommitted)
“Meagan brings a strong presence to our solid outfield defense. This lefty can rifle the ball from anywhere on the field. It will only take one throw to make base runners to think twice about tagging up. Meg is just that strong player that you want on your roster, full of potential on the field and in the batter’s box.  She joins our lefty attack from the plate and swings with power. At the plate she gives our lineup diversity and a bat that is hard to pitch around.”

— P/1B Shelby Walters (2018, uncommitted)
“Shelby Walters is a force. With a strong will and driven work ethic, this humble young lady is the pitcher that all coaches want. She is very determined once she steps in the circle and hitters will have a difficult time adapting to her. With a pitching speed of 60 mph and an arsenal of movement pitches, batters hope they can get the bat on the ball. Shelby doesn’t just throw hard, but she trains with intensity and she prepares for each batter with that same attitude. A student of the game, she has a developed understanding, which enables her to manage each at bat and situation as it is presented. When not in the circle she takes her defensive capabilities to first base and hits with power from the right side.”

— C/IF/OF Mallory Lowe (2019, uncommitted)
“Mallory is a wall behind the plate, a strong catcher. She has game presence and sees the whole field. The opponent’s third base coach is only going to test her once to see what kind arm Mal has. With her strong arm she will keep runners close to the bag. She brings the same tenacity as a catcher to other defensive positions on the field. Mal has a strong bat at the plate. She is able to pepper the field with consistent hitting game in and game out.”

— SS/3B/OF Shyanne Sheffield (2018, uncommitted)
“Speed, speed, and more speed. You cannot say enough about Shyanne’s speed and athletic presence on the field. Although she is new to the Falcons, she brings her speed and strong arm to any position infield or outfield. This past fall she contributed big to our team on offense and defense. She brings another strong bat to our lineup, is one of our leadoff hitters, and more speed on the bases. We are looking forward to watching her develop with all those great abilities as a Falcon. Shyanne is a  hard worker with a great attitude.”

— OF Haley Smith (2018, uncommitted)
“Haley brings a strong dependable bat to our lineup. She is a determined hitter with game presence in the box. At the plate she is a hard batter to pitch around; as a reliable power hitter she gives our lineup range and consistency to score runs. Haley uses her speed and agility from the outfield defense when base running. Contributing to our solid outfield presence, she has natural ability to track the ball, the speed to get to the catch, and an arm to rifle the ball from anywhere on the field. Haley is a talented fielder, teachable athlete, and brings a great attitude on and off the field to our team.”

 

 

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RECRUITING NEWS:

Several verbals have come in the last 24 hours… let’s get to them!

*** Morgan Byrn, a shortstop with the KC Zephyrs Gold team, has verballed to Missouri-Kanas City (UMKC).

Her father, Officer Michael Byrn of the Lawrence, Kan. police force, recaps how the recruiting process went for Morgan.

“In June of 2011 (summer prior to her freshman year) I took Morgan with her older sister (Lauren) to UMKC’s Elite Hitting Camp just to expose her to a one-day camp before sending her to an extended camp at KU (Kansas University) in July.”

“This is where Coach Merideth Smith first got to see Morgan and she performed well going against much older girls.  When Morgan attended KU’s summer skills camp she again got to work with Coach Smith who helped work the camp at KU.”

“Morgan won one of the camp hitting awards that summer and from that point on began her recruitment by both KU and UMKC.  Both Coach Smith and Coach Adam Roorbach (KU hitting coach) were regulars at her summer games.  She was asked to attend KU on her unofficial visit in October of 2012 and then had her unofficial at UMKC in December.  Morgan advised both coach’s she’d make her decision in the summer of 2013.”

“Following her sophomore high school season, where she hit .580, led her team in doubles, triples and total extra base hits, committed just one error in 21 games playing 14 at short and seven at third was named 1st team All-State, 1st team All-Sunflower league, 1st team All-Area and 2nd team All-KC Metro.”

“She weighed and considering both offers and made her decision in July and informed both coach’s of her decision.”

“Morgan loved both schools, but felt her greatest opportunity to obtain her degree in four years in either engineering or pre-med was at UMKC. “

Her coach with the Zephyrs, Rob Wade, is also the Head Coach at Avila University and has this to say about Morgan:

“Morgan is a middle of the diamond type player with a possesses a strong arm, great footwork and an advanced sense of defensive mechanics. Offensively Morgan has extra base power and has the ability to hit in the middle of the batting order. Morgan has a great work ethic and character and will fit in well at UMKC.”

 

*** Our longtime “friend of the program” Gerry Quinn, head of the Illinois Chill, tells us that 2015 infielder Shannon McKeon with the Illinois Chill-Edwards 18U team has committed to the Univ. of San Diego.

“Shannon is an excellent student and spent a lot of time during the recruiting process exploring schools that would offer her a great education,” Coach Quinn said today.

“She attended several of USD’s camps over the last two years getting to know the coaching staff and demonstrating her athletic abilities.”

“As a softball player Shannon’s best days are still ahead of her. She is tall and athletic and all of her softball ‘measurables’ are good. At the high school and club level she plays a good deal of shortstop but she may project more as a corner player at the next level.”

 

*** Thanks to Tim Soefje, the founder and Head Coach of the American Freedom Gold organization based in Texas for letting us know of two of his players who have committed:

— OF Kristin Watkins (2014, Abilene Christian)
— OF Abby Walsh (2016, Mercer)

 

*** Katie Chronister, a lefty pitcher from Gainesville, Fla. and a member of the Santa Fe Inferno-Hill team based in Alachua, Fla., has verbally committed to the University of Florida.

She committed on February 3, according to her family.

 

 

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HIGH SCHOOL: MAXPREPS 2014 PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS

Earlier this week, MaxPreps.com released its 30 players honored as preseason All-Americans for this year

Tom Mauldin of MaxPreps did a nice job in ID’ing top high school players to watch for the 2014 spring speason (remember, several states like Georgia and Oklahoma play in the fall).

Here’s the link to the bios on the 20 seniors and 10 juniors

Below is the complete list of all the standouts on the list…

 

MaxPreps 2014 Preseason All-American Softball Team

P – Jess Cummings, Northern (Owings, Md.), Sr.

P – Katie Brignac, Curtis (River Ridge, La.), Sr.

P – Johanna Grauer, Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.), Sr.

P – Miranda Viramontes, Chino (Calif.), Sr.

P – Allyson Frei, High Point (Sussex, N.J.), Sr

P – Samantha Show, East Bernard (Texas), Jr.

P – Rachel Garcia, Highland (Palmdale, Calif.), Jr.

P – Taran Alvelo, Bloom-Carroll (Carroll, Ohio), Jr.

P – Allie Wallsjasper, Sierra (Manteca, Calif.), Sr.

P – Andrea Kindrick, Russellville (Ark.), Jr.

P – Tatum Buckley, Masuk (Monroe, Conn.), Sr.

P – Elizabeth Moss, Greenwood (Bowling Green, Ky.), Sr.

C – Maddy Jelenicki, Saugus (Calif.), Sr.

C – Ashley Walters, Center Point (Texas), Sr.

C – Ari Samaniego, Desert Edge (Goodyear, Ariz.), Jr.

C – Kreola Moore, Parkland (El Paso, Texas), Jr.

IF – Savannah Horvath, Centennial (Las Vegas), Sr.

IF – Vanessa Shippy, Lake City (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), Sr.

IF – Jenna Lilley, Hoover (North Canton, Ohio), Sr.

IF – Kylee Perez, Alhambra (Martinez, Calif.), Sr.

IF – Brianna Tautalafua, Carson (Calif.), Jr.

IF – Taylor Wike, Alexander Central (Taylorsville, N.C.), Sr.

IF – Whitney Burks, South County (Lorton, Va.), Sr.

1B – Erika Underwood, Addison (Mich.), Jr.

1B – Kayli Kvistad, Columbia (Lake City, Fla.), Sr.

OF – Emily Griggs, Maize (Kan.), Sr.

OF – Alyssa Palomino, Mission Viejo (Calif.), Jr.

OF – Amanda Lorenz, Moorpark (Calif.), Jr.

UTIL – Kelsey Smith, Empire (Tucson, Ariz.), Sr.

UTIL – Ari Paulson, Payson (Ariz.), Sr.

 

 

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Players, parents and coaches:  want to know the best way to get us info on your favorite player?  Fill out our Recruit Form link and complete.  It comes directly to me (Brentt) and you very likely could see the info used somewhere on our site!

 

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If you’d like to submit information, forward to brentt@studentsports.com.  Also, follow us on twitter at @SS_Softball.