​The Birmingham Thunderbolts 03 are making a big splash in the 12U division. They're among the growing organizations attracting players from Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida and Georgia. 

See where the Bolts rank in the FAB 50 12U Club Rankings

Crossing State Lines

Each player polishes their skills with lessons and practices and is responsible for keeping up with their strength regimens. In addition, the Bolts are encouraged to play games for their respective school teams throughout the early spring season.

Three of the Bolts' players include 7th-grade varsity starters on highly ranked high school teams (Alabama Class 3A ranked No. 3 and Class 7A ranked No. 9; Kentucky Class 3A ranked No. 5).

The Bolts 03 will kick off their season in a few weeks with stops in Chattanooga, Kansas City, Atlanta, Montgomery and Huntington Beach. 

Who’s behind the Birmingham Thunderbolts?

The vision and generosity of Richard Shea, chairman and principal of the Birmingham Thunderbolts, help set them apart from other teams. Shea personally selects the head coach for each team and holds them accountable for results on and off the field. His insistence on strict adherence to the Bolts' organizational policies and standards ensures that each Bolt team, from 18U Premier down to 8U, puts together a high-quality squad.

Throughout the season, coaches are evaluated, and asked to step down if necessary. The supervision of the coaching staff is a strong draw for parents who have seen “daddy ball” at its worst. 

Furthermore, Shea doesn't rent out the Bolts' name or allow franchises in other states, which helps ensure consistency and excellence. The Bolts’ home is Shea Softball Complex, a state-of-the-art, purpose-built practice facility, and every Bolts team must practice there. In addition, Shea employs top-notch, former collegiate softball coaches and players as full-time Bolts staff. 

Meet the Bolts 03

​#1 Acelynn Sellers (P, SS, UT): Ace is a performer who thrives under pressure both at the plate and on the mound. The bigger the game, the better she performs—both offensively and defensively. Ace is a right-handed power pitcher who moves the ball effortlessly. Offensively, she provides a big bat in the lineup and has good home-run hitting power.

#3 Kaitlyn Smithey (C, 3B, UT): Built like a catcher, Kaitlyn receives, blocks, and throws extremely well, and has the bat to complement her defensive game. A commanding player behind the plate with who throws with great accuracy from her knees, Kaitlyn boasts a strong arm and quickness from third base. Offensively, she's a very good contact hitter with power to send the ball deep.

#4 Stella Bruce (OF, 2B, UT): A long, lean, left-handed slapper/hitter, Stella brings power and finesse to the plate. She has the speed to play the short game and the pop to drive the ball. She swings a strong bat with both slapping and wing-away capabilities. Stella is also an excellent baserunner with good speed around the bases. Defensively, Stella is a top-notch outfielder with great arm strength, a wide range, and closing speed which give her the ability to track down balls.

#8 Grace Hiller (SS, 2B, OF): Grace has a coach’s instincts on the field with tremendous physical ability and skills to match. Her excellent softball knowledge and situational awareness are always spot-on. She is the ultimate utility player that can play multiple positions in the infield or outfield. An excellent hitter, Grace reads defense well and has the power to go yard if teams are playing in and can lay down a slap or bunt with her speed. She is a true five-tool player.

#9 Lauren Brock (CF, SS, 2B):  “Lulu” is a prototypical leadoff who excels in that position due to her speed. A high-energy player with an impressive softball IQ,  Lauren reads defenses well, which allows her to use her short game to her advantage. Defensively, Lulu has excellent range in the outfield and a strong arm. She is a talented outfielder who thrives on taking hits away.

#10 Taylor McKinney (P, OF, UT): As a pitcher and an outfielder, Taylor possesses great speed. On the mound, she has excellent movement on her fastball, which is complemented by her wicked off-speed pitches. Offensively, Taylor sees the ball extremely well and is one of the best hitters in the high school game. With Taylor’s skill set on the mound, in the outfield, at the plate, and on the bases, she's a strong asset to any team.

#14 Claire Anna Czajkowski (C, SS, OF): “Nanners” is a natural catcher with a great arm. She blocks, throws, and receives the ball very well and is a fierce competitor. When not in catching gear, she plays multiple infield and outfield positions at the highest level. Nanners is a strong hitter, has incredibly fast hands and a lot of power at the plate to send the ball deep.

#18 Kennedy Barron (P, 3B, UT): She has the levers for a great pitcher and hitter. Kennedy helps lead the Bolts both at the plate and on the mound. She is a hard-throwing pitcher with a live arm and very good command of multiple pitches. Offensively, Kennedy is a clutch hitter, with power to all fields, who can hit even bad pitches out of the park. A player with a high IQ both on the field and in the classroom, Kennedy is a tireless worker with a very bright future.

#24 Lily Kramer (1B, 3B): Lily is an exceptionally strong right-handed power hitter. She provides a lot of punch in the lineup and helps anchor the corners of the infield. Defensively, Lily is a great first baseman with an excellent glove to pick balls in the dirt. She is a strong hitter with warning track power.

#44 Riley Hull (C, UT): A newcomer to the Bolts from the Beverly Bandits organization, Riley provides a big arm behind the plate and excellent situational awareness. As a catcher, she is known for working to get strikes for her pitchers. Riley, like a true athlete, can play almost anywhere on the field. Offensively, she's a line-drive hitter who covers both sides of the plate. Riley brings great softball acumen to make the Bolts even better. 

#55 Crystal Maze (1B, 3B, UT): A tireless worker, Crystal shows glimpses of greatness as a left-handed power hitter. In the box, Crystal has a great swing with a lot of pop, and there's no doubt she has home-run power in each plate appearance. Defensively, Crystal can play multiple infield and outfield positions at a high level. Without question, Crystal possesses the qualities and work ethic that are synonymous with a great collegiate athlete.