Texas Blaze Bonola 16U Head Coach Nathan Rodriguez took a successful independent team and merged with Texas Blaze. The decision to merge can be a tough one, but this merge has proved to be a perfect match.

When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be? During the Fall of 2014 SA TapOut No Regret transitioned to TX Blaze South Fastpitch under the direction of Jim Bonola (South Director). We were a group of 12 players and knew that staying as an independent team would not be beneficial for recruiting in the next coming years. Myself along with assistant coaches did our research in where the best fit would be for this group of athletes and had a few other options. Blaze was the right fit not just as a team but as a family. Jim along with JB Slimp had a great track record in the past in regards to getting girls to play at the next level. I knew this is where I wanted my kid to be as well.

Where are you based?  Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state)? We are actually based out of South Texas. Majority of our team is from San Antonio, TX, but we do have players from Austin, New Braunfels, Eagle Pass, Bastrop, Corpus Christi and Wimberley.

What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?
The purpose of this team was provide these athletes with an opportunity to play ball at the next level. This game has definitely evolved and I know the struggle of paying for school, I can empathize. If these kids are able to utilize their talent to compete at the next level and receive a college education, then I am here to ensure they take advantage of opportunity.

What makes the organization unique? What makes us unique is our dedicated coaching staff. From 10U-18U, our entire coaching staff across TX Blaze (North and South) are dedicated and compassionate. We never settle; therefore we never let our players become content. We are always looking to get better as an organization and we all love to compete at the highest level. I think we have been able to make a name for ourselves as an organization in just a short time.

Blaze was established in 2001, and since then have committed 190 players to play college ball. Blaze South/San Antonio was established in 2012 and just had our 45th kid commit.

We compete no matter where we are at. Every competitive organization is always looking to get better, from the bottom up. Between Jim Bonola heading the South and JB Slimp running the north, the sky is the limit for TX Blaze.

What's your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team? My two little sisters actually played softball, so I would go watch them play and I was a baseball guy. I played in High School and did some bullpen catching for a AA Team here in San Antonio, so I was always around it baseball or softball.

While I was in college, I did catching lessons at a Fastpitch Facility from 2002 to 2005 as a part-time job as well. When my oldest daughter was about four, I noticed she was pretty athletic. She could run, hit and throw really well. My daughter and another girl actually played t-ball with an all-boy team and would do really well. After t-ball I knew I had to do something to keep her going.

In spring 2008, I created a coach's pitch team and looked for players. I really didn't know the game of softball other than what I saw at my sister's games, and at the facility or on TV. But I knew I wanted to coach fastpitch softball and was going to do what I needed to get my kid better as she started showing more interest.

My team was one of three 8U teams in the city of San Antonio. Instead of league night we had to travel to smaller cities around the area to play during the weekends. It was insane, everyone just skipped an age group and played 10U. But I knew doing that wouldn't benefit my kid fundamentally, and I was not all about winning. I wanted to teach my team and kid the right way. And learning myself if I wanted to keep this going.

How many teams are there in the organization overall? Currently we have one 10u team, two 12u teams, two 14U teams, one 16u and one 18u team with Blaze South.

Our premier teams here in San Antonio are the 14/16/18u Blaze Bonola teams. I also coach one of the 12u teams and these young girls are hungry and absorb all the info that comes their way. They really look up to their older sister teams and with the success we have had with those teams they seem more and more motivated to one day be that kid that can pursue their dream at the college level.

Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team's history? This past fall was huge and a defining moment for 16U Bonola. We had one D1 commit when the fall began; today we have 10 D1 commits with a few that have offers on the table and have not committed. But this summer was special as well.

We competed placing top 10 at TCS Sparkler Jr and won some key games at PGF. We lost a 3-2 ball game against So Cal Choppers that was one of the most exciting games I have ever coached. Though we lost, I think we were able to show everyone that this team can compete at any level.

What is your primary focus or goal with this team? Our Primary goal this year is to win PGF. I think that's everyone's goal though. We have what it takes to make it happen, it's just a matter of peaking at the right time. We have to find a way to make it happen.

What do you think are the strengths of the team? Our biggest strength is our athleticism. I believe the majority of our players can play multiple positions. I believe we have the strongest pitching staff. Each of our four pitchers can start a ball game and don't shy away from going into the middle of a ball game with bases loaded no outs. I think they actually dig much deeper and are always looking to be challenged.

Ryan Caldwell, who is our pitching coach, does a great job defining each pitcher's strengths. He does a fantastic job of pitch calling and reading batters. Our pitching staff is fearless!

If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
We're loyal, our coaching staff is always looking to get better and learn. With the game of softball evolving, so do we. We make sure to make adjustments as an organization that is going to benefit the girls most.

Meet Texas Blaze Bonola 16U

Nicolette Ramirez, IF 2019 (Lamar University) "Nikki" is definitely a heads up ball player. She can play anywhere we need her to play. Excellent baserunner and can hit for power. Ramirez always has her eyes up the field and loves to compete. She can lead off, bat 3rd or at the bottom half of the line-up. No matter where she bats, she usually gets it done.

Carissa Vasquez, SS/2B 2019 (Winthrop University) Vasquez has excellent defensive range. She's played on my team since 10U and responds well to adversity. This kid isn't scared of any competition coming her way, in fact that is what motivates her more. This kid can get down the line and is an excellent leader on the field. Lots of energy!

Sydney Belvin, SS/CF 2019 (McNeese State University) Belvin is a triple threat. She can hit for power, slap for a base hit and bunt when you least expect it. Sometimes she surprises me. Belvin covers plenty of ground in the infield and is an excellent outfielder. In centerfield, she gets a tremendous jump off the ball. Really game savvy!

Genesis Rodriguez, OF 2019 (Uncommitted) Rodriguez is one the most consistent hitters on the team. Her biggest asset is understanding game situations on offense. She usually bats in the two-hole. She isn't over powering, but does an exceptional job placing the ball and is a heads-up base runner. She has some D1 and D2 interest, but this summer is going to be a huge one for her.

Brooke Diaz, C/1B 2019 (Louisiana Tech University) Definitely the heart and soul of our team. This kid loves to grind and takes total control on defense. Just like Syd, really game savvy and wants the bat in her hand with the game winning run at third.

Caroline Cagle, P 2020 (University of North Carolina) Cagle throws in the mid 60s, and she is only a freshman in high school. She isn't scared to throw inside either. Hard pitcher to catch up to when she is throwing at your hands. Last summer she played 16U although she was still 14U eligible. She held her own and is just getting better.

Kailey Brown, P 2019 (Belmont University) "Brownie" loves to play. If there is one kid who has been better and better each season, it's her. I have seen her grow through the years and has become one of the most dominant left handed pitchers in the area. Brown spins the ball, and can swing the bat.

Malea Rodriguez, P 2019 (Texas Southern University) Rodriguez throws a deadly drop ball. She loves to compete and adapts extremely well to pressure. She is our "gentle giant" at 5'9", soft spoken and always smiling; but when she steps in that circle she's there to own It.

Kamryn Caldwell, P 2019 (Texas Tech University) Caldwell came to the Blaze organization in 2015 when her parents moved to San Antonio. She throws in the lower 60s, but gets plenty of movement on every pitch. What also makes her special is her ability to hit the ball extremely well. She's very patient at the plate.

Samantha Gaona, C/3B 2019 (Texas A&M Corpus Christi University) Gaona our team in late fall. We played against her for the last four years and has always been a tough out. She swings the bat really well and can hold down the catcher's position. We have high expectations for her this coming summer.

Arriana Villa, 2B 2020 (Texas Tech University) Everyone knows her as "Pecan". Turned a lot of heads this past summer. She had SEC and Big 12 offers before committing to Texas Tech in the fall. Many don't know that she's an outstanding basketball player too where she helped lead her high school team to the 6A Elite Eight Tournament in Texas. She has that "it" factor. Her presence is always felt on the field.

Dominique Faz, 3B/1B 2019 (Uncommitted) Faz is a really strong kid. She hits the ball really well and has to be one of the most coachable kids I have ever coached. Always looking to get better and will do whatever she needs to do to make her team better.

Jordan Alejandro, UT 2019 (Uncommitted) Alejandro left handed hitter that can slap and hit the ball in the gap swinging away. I think this is going to be a huge summer for Jordan. Her speed is deceiving and gets key hits when we need them the most.

Hannah Kinkade, 2B/SS 2019 (Uncommitted) Hannah actually has D1, D2 and D3 offers. She can play anywhere in the infield. She has a rocket of an arm and fields the ball really smooth.