On certain section of a street in north Idaho, there are two constants: softball and springers.

When Brian and Kathy Stranger started Coeur d’Alene Crush, that street became a place where girls learned how to throw, compete, and believe in themselves. What began as a single team grew into something much bigger. Hundreds of girls have come through the program. Many went on to play college ball. Coach Brian has since led club and high school teams to state, regional, and national championships, but more importantly, he has always led with excellence, fundamentals, and integrity.

Two generations later, that legacy continues.

After graduating with All-Conference Honors from Whitworth University, I fell in love with teaching the game. I coached summer camps, led club teams, and volunteered at tournaments. I married the most amazing man, Bill, and we soon found ourselves back where it all began, coaching an 8U developmental team in Coeur d’Alene alongside Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Brian. Before long, a new Crush team was born.

Since then, our family has continued to serve the local developmental league, supported local high school programs, and hosted the annual Crush tournament for teams across the region. Jenna, now in high school, volunteers as a coach, works with young pitchers, and loves pouring into the next generation. I coach Jenna’s club team, which has seen much success at the local, regional and national levels. Coach Brian still studies the game daily and shares his expertise through InMotion Playbooks. He is always willing to hit or help run a practice and will happily jump on any machine needed to get a field ready. Coach Kathy remains the steady heart behind it all, bookkeeper, encourager, doc, grandma, and the glue that holds us together.

And then there are the springers.

My parents live across the street from us. They have two Springer Spaniels. We have two Springer Spaniels. When players arrive at the shop in their backyard (known lovingly as “the dome”), they are greeted by an eight-legged welcoming committee. Umpires, coaches, and players all know the dogs. They are part of the culture, happy, loyal, always ready for action.

Springer Fastpitch was born out of deep gratitude for a game that has given me much. It brings together years of experience in education, kinesiology, youth development, coaching, and ministry. It is an opportunity to share the love, hope, and joy of Christ through relationships built on the field.

We believe every girl is a masterpiece, created with purpose, uniquely gifted, and deeply loved. No performance, no stat line, no scoreboard can change that. Our hope is that every player leaves our programs not only stronger in skill, but stronger in confidence and secure in her worth.

I hope that Springer Fastpitch will grow to serve many communities. But it started here, on this small section of street, with one family, a whole lot of softball, and a few very enthusiastic springers.