CLEARWATER, Fla. (WFLA) — The softball world is kicking off the season in Clearwater.
The 16-team field for the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational is the best of the best. It features 13 teams that qualified for the NCAA Softball Championship, and five of those teams advanced to the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
“This is what we believe is the highest RPI tournament preseason tournament in the country we went from begging people to play in the tournament when we first emanated our first year to now we have a list of teams that are just dying to play in this tournament, the field is incredible It’s the highest RPI tournament in the preseason where you’re going to build your résumé towards the postseason,” said Meg Aronowitz Senior Vice President of production at ESPN.
For Crystal River native Jaden Vickers, playing ball in her hometown is a dream come true.
“I actually played on these fields growing up,” said fifth-year Kentucky Pitcher Jaden Vickers.
“I was here when the first-ever ESPN invitational started, and me and my mom, actually have a picture here, so when I found out we were playing here, I was like, ‘Yes, this is all I’ve ever wanted it off my bucket list.’ My mom has already been crying. My dad is a little bit more chill, not emotional, but I know he’s going to start crying once I start pitching, but yeah, my mom called me this week, she’s like, ‘Do you realize where you’re going, and what you’re doing?’ She’s like, ‘You’re going home, you’re coming home,” said Vickers.
The four-day invitational will play a total of 40 softball games.
“Impeccable softball with a tremendous vacation spot for fans to come. It’s a win-win, so fans can come watch softball all day, they can go on the beach, they can leave, they can come back. The City of Clearwater has been fabulous partners with us, and anytime it’s a vacation destination. It’s a win for families and fans everywhere in the teams, too,” said Aronowitz
