Just when coach Steve Jones stepped away from the field, his daughter reignited his love for coaching and developing young athletes. The Lady Stros have benefitted greatly from his expertise and instruction. Coach Jones shares the story of the Lady Stros from their humble beginnings.

When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?

Lady Stros Elite - Jones was formed in August of 2014 as a first year 10U select team. I was coaching young players in our local league and many of the girls I’d coached for years up to that point and they developed well — so much so that they outgrew league level play. Consequently, we wanted to transition to select ball and I was asked by several parents to coach it.

Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state)?

Our team is based out of Pearland, Texas. A majority of our athletes are from Pearland but we have added several others along the way but all from surrounding communities. We pride ourselves on our ability to coach players up versus focusing solely on recruiting.

What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?

Our primary goals were twofold in creating this team: (1) Most importantly it was and still is to develop our players into the best athletes, softball players, and young ladies they can be by providing elite level technical instruction and teaching life lessons along the way; and (2) The long-term goal was to ultimately become a travel ball club with developed players worthy of being showcased to top Division I level colleges.What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?

In our time as a select ball club originating from league play, we have greatly exceeded most people’s expectations. The first year of 10U we finished the season 75-50 seeking out tourneys with strong second year teams and we regularly placed in the top three of tournaments. Our second year of 10U we completed a 128-6 season winning several championships including the OKC USSSA World Series and Jennie Finch World Series along with every other tournament we played in with the exception of two of them. 

The first year of 12U we finished the season 82-20 facing primarily older 2022 teams, but won several tournament championships and placed in the top three of every tournament we played in except two. We placed 3rd in the Gold Bracket of the OKC World Series and finished 17th in the Colorado Sparkler. Despite several injuries/illnesses (many due to dual sports athletes) we have kicked our 2nd year 12U campaign off better than expected with a 42-2 record winning four of the five tournaments we played in, including a 14U tournament and the National Bracket of the TCS Ronald Mcdonald which included the top 12U teams in the surrounding area .

What makes the organization unique?

The primary reason I originally joined the Lady Stros Organization was that I wanted the freedom to shape the culture and focus of our team and parents. With travel ball becoming so much more commercialized and focused almost solely on winning tournaments and recruiting I did not want that distraction at the early age at which I felt development and life lessons should play a much larger role than team awards. 

That is the true uniqueness of the Lady Stros organization. As long as you do what is in the best interest of the players on the team you have a certain level of freedom.

What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?

I’ve coached youth sports for more than 25 years including 15 years of softball. I previously headed a strong travel softball team from 10U through 18U Gold. I hung up the clipboard, I thought for good until I had a daughter who showed strong interest and skill in the game. So I returned to coaching in 2010 and have been coaching since then.

How many teams are there in the organization overall?

The Lady Stros organization typically includes between 5 to 10 teams and is generally kept small by design. There are only six teams in the organization.

What is your primary focus or goal with this team?

Although player development will always be our primary focus, this season we are transitioning a lot our energy into recruiting activities as many of our players have developed to the point where it is clear that their prospects for college scholarships will be quite wide provided they continue to keep their academics up and are given the opportunity to showcase their skills. The recruiting process has moved to such an early age since my early days of coaching that certain types of athletes must begin the process at the point we are at now to ensure they maximize opportunities.

What do you think are the strengths of the team?

Our team has several strengths and I would be inclined to say that the balance we have in all areas of the game is our greatest strength. However, what generally stands out are a couple of things in particular: Our players are very sound fundamentally — offensively and defensively — and they know the game well. We also have some of the most athletic and smart players I’ve seen at this age.

Meet The Lady Stros

Aryana Cruz, OF | 2023, uncommitted

Cruz has been with the team since its inception. She is a naturally gifted athlete with exceptional speed. As one of the two converted lefty slappers, Cruz shows great hand/eye coordination with one of the quickest hands on the team. She is still refining her slapping skills but has held down the two hole in the batting lineup with an on-base percentage well above .500. She is also a speedy outfielder with a great glove and solid range.

Moriah Polar, CF | 2023, uncommitted

Polar is another Stros veteran. She is one of the top 2023 centerfielders in the country with ridiculous range. A natural righty with elite level speed, she converted to the left side developing into a premier slapper. As the leadoff hitter, she developed into a true triple threat. She has led the team in OBP since the team formed currently holding a .702 OBP. 

Polar has also carried the second highest batting average and is currently carrying a .590 average. She can hurt the opposing defense with power, finesse, and speed. Polar can strategically place the ball with great bat control. As a first-year 12U player in the CO Sparkler elite camp, she tied the second fastest time from Home to 1st in a field of more than 220 players, most of which were 2022s. She turns singles into doubles given her ability to steal bases.

Sa’Mya Jones, UT/P | 2024, uncommitted

Jones is the youngest player on the team, but one of the most skilled and fiercest of competitors in 12U. She is an exceptional athlete who possesses a rare combination of extraordinary speed, athleticism, explosiveness, and power. She can literally play every position on the field. However, she is most often called upon to play shortstop, third base, and pitcher. On the field, she has exceptional range at shortstop, a sure-handed glove and a nice arm to match and can cover ground outfield with the best of them. 

She is an offensive leader for the team and has led the team in batting every year we've been together, currently leading the team with a .609 batting average. Jones is a tough out who hits to all fields for contact or for power, but she is sneaky fast and wreaks havoc on the basepaths. As a first-year 12U player in the CO Sparkler elite camp, she posted the fastest home to 1st time in a field of over 200 athletes, most of which from the 2022 class. On the mound, she commands several pitches, including a drop, curve, change, and screw, regularly throwing in the 57-59 mph range in-game.

Gisselle Solis, P/3B | 2023, uncommitted

Solis is also an original player that transitioned from league play to travel ball and has become a dominant force on the mound. She commands a drop, curve, screw, change and a hard-to-resist rise ball throwing in 53-56 mph range. Solis’ strength is a combination of power and great spin resulting in some of the liveliest pitches you will see at this level. When she’s not on the mound, she can step in and play third base. Defensively, she is steadily improving and works extremely hard on all aspects of her game. Offensively, she can absolutely pound the ball with the best of them and is a hard hitter that typically sits in the four or five hole.

Bryanna Fuentes, 3B/SS | 2023, uncommitted

Fuentes joined the team this season bringing some exceptional defense and a powerful bat to the team.  Showing great skill at third base, Fuentes has the versatility to play shortstop and 2nd base well moving between the three positions with ease. Fuentes has quick reactions, a great glove, and a strong arm. Offensively, she has fast hands with a lot of pop having already gone yard a few times. Fuentes typically hits in the middle of the order.

Bella Perez, C/1B | 2023, uncommitted

Perez joined the team nearly two years ago as a raw talent with tons of potential. In that time, she has developed into a far more refined catcher with a great eye for the ball and framing skills that exceed most players in her age group. With her length and athleticism, she affords pitchers the comfort of letting it fly without the fear of balls hitting the backstop. She can command a field with the best of them. 

Her quickness, arm strength, and smooth transfer are constantly improving, making it difficult for baserunners to attempt to swipe bases. When not behind the dish, Perez often gets field time at first base and outfield. Offensively, she is a solid contact hitter who brings some nice pop to the plate and very rarely strikes out.

Paris Kimble, C/3B | 2023, uncommitted

Nearly two years ago, Kimble joined the team as a raw catcher with an uncommonly strong arm that deters most baserunners from attempting to steal. She is constantly improving at her position and plays a decent third base when not behind the plate. One of the most physically strong girls on the team, Kimble utilizes her strength when at the plate. She provides consistent power in the four through six spots. Kimble has some serious bat speed and has launched one of the longest home runs we've seen this season at this age.

Angelina Morales, 2B/OF | 2023, uncommitted

Morales is rock solid on defense. She came to the team with unrefined fundamentals but a clearly talented player. Morales grew into solid second baseman with good range and is an equally good outfielder. In the outfield, what she may not have in raw speed she makes up for with a great ability to read the ball off the bat. Morales has a lot of pop in her bat and when she connects the ball jumps. She continues her development into what we expect to be an elite hitter with power.

Lydia Njus, 1B/C | 2023, uncommitted

As one of the most talented first baseman in 12U, Njus has cat-like reflexes and a strong solid glove. She holds first base down like few players out there and is fearless when balls are hit her way. Njus also works behind the plate where she is one of the best at framing. Offensively, Njus rarely strikes out and is a solid line drive/ground ball hitter that often comes through in the clutch when needed. 

Briana Ramos, OF/2B | 2023, uncommitted

Ramos joined the team this season. She is a developing outfielder and second baseman that continues to develop a very solid work ethic and positive attitude. Ramos sees the ball well, rarely strikes out, and when swinging with confidence is a solid contact hitter.

Aubrey Graham, P/OF | 2023, uncommitted

Graham is another new addition to the team. She adds pitching depth in the circle. She brings a nice change of pace to the team in terms of velocity and spin. Graham does not overpower batters. Her strength lies in her spin, placement, and movement.

Caylee Berg, OF/3B | 2023, uncommitted

Berg just joined the team this year. She will likely play in the outfield with some time at third base. She has shown a good glove and a solid ability to react to and track balls hit to the outfield. Berg is one of the most physically strong 12U players with a wealth of unrealized offensive power.