Last weekend, a select group of LASER athletes had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 2024 Lisa Fernandez Showcase and Camp in Noblesville, Indiana. This prestigious event, held at The Field of Dreams, brought together 16 elite teams from across the region, and our LASER girls were ready to make their mark.
The weekend began with a special camp led by none other than Lisa Fernandez herself—the UCLA Associate Head Coach and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist. A couple of our standout players, Makaree Chapman (pitcher) and Reese Loveday (catcher), had the privilege of attending a pitching and catching clinic with the G.O.A.T. Lisa’s high energy, passion for the game, and unparalleled expertise left a lasting impact on these young athletes. As Makaree shared, “Her high energy and love of the game is contagious. This is one weekend of softball that I will cherish for a lifetime.”
The showcase that followed was a unique event, featuring uncommitted players from various LASER squads, merged into one formidable team. It was a thrilling day, with our LASER team going 4-0, showing the strength and talent of these young women. Avery Stratton from Lasers Red reflected on the experience, saying, “I got a chance to meet players from Lasers Gray, Scarlet, and Green. It was a neat experience, and I’m glad I had a chance to get a few innings in to pitch and help the team to a 4-0 win.”
Reflecting on the weekend, LASER President Josh Moody expressed a deep sense of pride and commitment to the organization’s mission. “Our journey has always been about creating opportunities for our athletes,” he shared. “Being on the field and guiding these young women toward their goals is what drives us. The LASER board is dedicated to pushing our organization to new heights, always with the athletes’ best interests at heart.”
Josh emphasized that the success of the athletes is the ultimate reward. “It’s never been about individual recognition. The true satisfaction comes from seeing these girls succeed, knowing we played a part in their journey. We’re fortunate to have a strong board and a team of exceptional coaches who share this vision. This weekend, coaching alongside Glen Widner, who has guided so many players to their dream schools, was a reminder of what we can achieve together.”
Glen Weidner echoed this sentiment, noting the uniqueness of the event, “It was a great opportunity playing in a small venue that housed all 16 high-level teams in one location. The concept of bringing together uncommitted kids to form this talented roster of players was fantastic. We look forward to the future of this tournament.”
The showcase was more than just a chance to play—it was an opportunity to grow, learn, and be inspired by one of the greatest to ever play the game. Our LASER athletes displayed their skills with pride, and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.
A huge thank you to the LASER organization for making this possible and to all the players, coaches, and families who supported these young women throughout the weekend. The 2024 Lisa Fernandez Showcase and Camp was truly a weekend to remember, and we can’t wait to see where these experiences take our athletes in the future.
A big thank you to Craig Mays for capturing some amazing moments from our recent tournament. Your photos perfectly captured the energy and excitement of the event.
