During a one-week span beginning at the end of June and finishing up on the 4th of July, over 800 softball teams will arrive in the greater Denver area. This year the Colorado 4th of July tournament is celebrating its 52nd anniversary, and as always, will feature some of the top club softball teams from across the country.

There’s an intensity required of everyone fortunate enough to play for James Lamar’s Lady Dukes club few others can match. Whether it’s a practice, scrimmage or game, Lamar insists on creating an environment that will prepare players for the big moments.

Here's how to watch the 2021 Colorado 4th of July softball tournament.

It’s not unusual for a travel team to consistently change its roster from year to year. Coaches are often on the lookout for talent as players enter college or move to another organization.

When Kevin Shelton established Texas Glory Fastpitch in May 2000, the club was an informal structure consisting of a few teams. It wasn’t until 2007 that their full vision began to take shape.

Conquering a giant can sometimes be compared to a swimmer trying to avoid being pounded by a massive wave. Firecrackers Brashear infielder Nellian McEnroe-Marinas literally learned that lesson growing up in Hawaii.

Sooner or later, every coach experiences an epiphany, that moment when they discover their team’s true identity. For Texas Bombers Fastpitch coach Scott Smith, it happened eight years into the club’s existence.

One of the first things you’ll notice when scrolling through Kayden Henry’s Twitter feed is the post pinned to the top. It’s a quote from Bob Shipley, a former Texas high school coach and athletics director. The first sentence is particularly meaningful to Kayden, a left-handed-hitting outfielder for Texas Bombers-Smith:

Before the recruiting rules changed in 2018, the temptation to commit early was overpowering, especially for a player as highly sought after as Dakota Kennedy.

Living life to the fullest is more than a catchphrase for EC Bullets-Schnute 18U infielder Avery Fantucci. In a year filled with uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, having fun has become a necessary coping mechanism.