Here at FloSoftball, we get to meet all types of players, coaches and teams, from those just starting out in the sport to the legends who will always be remembered.

Sometimes we profile those who've been in the game for decades and other times it's new programs, like the one we spotlight today… a Florida club team that started just months ago.

But heading it is a familiar name to those who follow the sport at the highest levels: Kourtney Savarola, the former two-time All-Big East shortstop at South Florida who also played with the USA Softball National Team.

After Kourtney wrapped up her softball career, she worked for the city of Tampa in the summer of 2014 and was able to stay in the sport when the city decided to put together a developmental softball program and asked her to take over one of the teams.

Today, she teaches at an elementary school (5th grade) and continues to run Team Tampa while doing weekly instruction sessions with young players.

What makes the story more fun is Kourtney has a familiar face in the Team Tampa dugout: that of her father, Reese Kiple, who has been involved for years in club softball running teams in Wagner's program.

Coach Kiple is still involved with the Wagner's 3&2 18U team based in Tampa where the coach lives and includes players from as far away as Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virignia as well as those in Florida.

He'll continue to have a foot in the Team Tampa and Wagner's camps saying, "It's hard for new teams to get in on the national scene to get into the right tournaments and events so we may attach the Wagner name to some of the larger events this summer so college coaches can relate to the new team.  

Age-wise, Team Tampa is a second year 14U team but will play mostly 16U teams in qualifiers at that age division.  Some of the key events they'll take the field this summer include the Sparkler tournament in Colorado and the Scenic City Tournament in Tennessee.

FloSoftball got with Coach Kiple to learn more about his daughter's team and the players he's helping coach in a relationship he jokingly says "is like at Tennessee where you have Ralph and Karen Weekly serving as co-head coaches!"

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When did the Team Tampa program start and how and why did it come to be?
The program got its inception in the late summer 2015. The idea behind the program was to give everyone an equal opportunity to play softball by making it economically feasible.
 
Where is the team based?  And where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)
The program is based in the New Tampa area of Florida. Speaking for my team, we just added our first player from Georgia, but most players are Florida based.
 
What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?
The purpose of the organization is to create a developmental program that teaches players and coaches all aspect of softball from player development to recruiting. The direction for Team Tampa -- Salvarola is to play at the highest level with maximum exposure for recruiting.

What have been some of Team Tampa's successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
After less than one year together the team completed a Top 20 finish at the 14U ASA Nationals last summer. The team is making strides to gain attention from college programs. It is never easy for a new program to get traction on the national level, but the group we have assembled is one of the most talented teams in the state of Florida. Recent exposure in the power pools at Rising Stars has put all other programs on notice that Team Tampa -- Salvarola is worth watching!
 
What makes the organization unique?
The organization is backed by the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation. Having the support of one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. is very unique.
 
What's your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
I have been blessed to have this opportunity to coach this team with my daughter Kourtney. Kourtney is two years removed from a wonderful career at University of South Florida and three years of competition in the National Team program. I have coached the Wagner's/3n2 program for the past 15 years and relish the opportunity to help Team Tampa establish itself as a national power.
 
How many teams are there in the organization overall?
There are currently 10 teams ranging form 10U to 16U.
 

What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
The focus is to compete at the highest national level and prepare each and every player for the transition to college softball.

What do you think are the strengths of the team?
The team has a great family dynamic and is one of the tightest groups I have coached. The roster is deep with versatile players willing to sacrifice what is best for the team. They will be one of the most exciting teams to watch.
 
If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
I would say access to the best facilities in the area, because the program is backed by the city we have total support in providing the best for our players.
 
What's the future like for Team Tampa and Kourtney's team?
The team will continue to challenge itself this summer by playing a 16U schedule, even though they could play a second year at 14U. The team will also play the top teams in the country at Scenic City, Colorado Sparkler power pool, and the newly formed ASA 16U Junior Olympic Cup in Marietta, Ga.


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Here's a look at the Team Tampa -- Savarola squad with comments from Coach Kiple:

--- OF Lauren Lightbody (2019, uncommitted)
"Lauren is a slapper who bats leadoff for us and patrols left and center field. She has above average arm strength and led the team in assists in the fall. Lauren puts constant pressure on even the best defenses with her speed and ability to place the ball. She not only is a great bunter but has continued her development by incorporating a power slap to her arsenal."

--- SS/2B Natalie Zweig (2019, uncommitted)
"Natalie is one of the constant energy sources for the team. She is also one of the best all around athletes on the team. Nat is a mainstay at SS and a verbal leader on the defense. She also makes up one third of our pitching staff and has continued to improve in this area. A line drive hitter that works gap to gap she will find herself hitting in various positions in the lineup."

--- 2B/3B Ashley Nickisher (2019, uncommitted)
"Ashley is one of the hardest working players on the team and never is satisfied with her results. Ash is at the fields most nights of the week working on hitting and fielding. She has worked herself into hitting in the middle of our lineup and becoming one of the main RBI producers. Ashley plays third and second and has evolved into one of the vocal leaders on and off the field."

--- C/UT Sophie Sumner (2019, uncommitted)
"Sophie is the newest member to the team and the first player from Georgia. Sophie will team with Gabby and the pitching staff to create a formidable battery. Sophie has solid catching mechanics and will become comfortable with being a leader on the field. Sophie is a big bat that will hit third or fourth in the lineup. She has the ability to change a game with one swing and will be looked at for big RBI production. Sophie also has a cannon attached to her right shoulder and will shut down most running game."

--- P/1B Michelle Holder (2019, uncommitted)
"Michelle is a gentle giant that awakes every time she takes the mound for us. At nearly six feet tall Michelle is a presence on the rubber and throws the ball low to mid 60's. Physically she is probably the strongest kid on the team with incredible power at the plate as well. She joins Natalie and Kylee to complete our rotation. The coaching staff is excited to watch Michelle's continued growth."

--- P/OF Kylee Barry (2019, uncommitted)
"Kylee is the true meaning of a coach's kid. She is willing to sacrifice personal gain for the success of the team. Always has a smile on her face and as polite as they come. Kylee joins Nat and Michelle to make our pitching staff. Kylee uses a mixture of spin pitches and pinpoint location to keep teams off balance. Kylee also roams the outfield for us and get some of the best reads on fly balls amongst the outfielders. She hits in various spots in our lineup and is one of the best bunters on the team."

--- OF/UT Asia Thomas (2019, uncommitted)
"Asia has only been playing the game of softball for a little over two years, but is physically one of the most gifted players on the team. Asia has the combination of power and speed. She can play anywhere in the infield and also run down fly balls with the best of them. Asia has very quick hands that give her great bat speed and the ability to hit with power."

--- C/UT Gabby Burleigh (2019, uncommitted)
"Gabby has been a mainstay behind the plate for this team and does a great job with all the pitchers. Gabby relishes her role as field general and has continued to improve in her command of the game. Gabby is mechanically sound behind the plate with a great arm and solid blocking abilities. She continues to work on the offensive side of the plate as well and stands to hit in the middle of our order. Gabby also has the potential for some nice power numbers."

--- OF Grace Burleigh (2019, uncommitted)
"Grace will be returning to the team this summer after a season ending ACL injury sustained late last summer. Grace only knows how to play the game one way and that is full bore. She is aggressive and plays softball like a linebacker. Grace has great speed and power in her frame. Grace will return to our outfield this summer and add to the depth of a talented team. She keeps defenses on their toes with the ability to bunt for a hit or hit a line drive in the gap."

--- 2B/OF Lauren Hutcherson (2019, uncommitted)
"Lauren is a slick fielding infielder who plays second base. Lauren is always keeping the team loose with her crazy antics and great personality. She is very confident and employs smooth glove work. Lauren could probably play every position on the field if necessary. She is a line drive hitter who can occasionally catch you sleeping on her power. Lauren is the epitome of a true utility player."

--- OF/UT Glory Thompson (2019, uncommitted)
"Glory is a tiny bundle of enthusiasm that plays with great energy and passion. Glory is a slapper that can put pressure on any defense with her short game. She also continues to work to perfect the ability to beat defenses over the top when they play her to slap. Glory can play anywhere in the outfield and has a strong arm to compliment her tracking abilities."

--- 3B/OF Emily Barras (2020, uncommitted)
"Emily is relatively new to the team joining us late in the fall. She brings a toughness and grit to our roster that we were missing. Emily is not afraid to get dirty and plays every play like it is her last. She is a switch hitter that swings from the right side and slaps from the left. Emily will most likely bat second in our lineup. She gives us a lot of flexibility and can destroy teams with her surprising power. Emily will play mostly infield, but allows us added depth in the outfield."

--- OF/1B Jenna Gabrielli (2020, uncommitted)
​"Jenna is probably one of the most improved players on the roster and has done this through hard work and focus. Jenna plays mostly right field because of her above average arm strength and accuracy. She also is a solid option at first base because of her length and good hands. Jenna bats right-handed and has become a threat in the middle of the lineup. The coaches are looking for continued improvement in her power numbers this summer."

--- SS/1B Devyne Davis (2021, uncommitted)
"Devyne is the youngest of the team, but her ability cannot be defined her age. Devyne is a graceful athlete that commands attention even at her young age. She is fluid at SS and also a great target at first base. Because of her solid hands she is a favorite at first base for the other infielders.  Devyne has worked especially hard on her hitting over the last year and is starting to see consistent results on the field. She has started to show an increase in power, but remains a consistent middle line drive hitter."