Bringing players and teams from around the country together, the National Softball Associations’ (NSA) World Series will once again be hosted throughout Northwest Indiana July 17-23.
For the last several years, the NSA has partnered with the Southshore Convention and Visitors Authority (CVA) to bring this event to life. Working seamlessly together, the NSA and CVA create a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thousands of girls.
“The NSA World Series represents the B and C class or age groups throughout the country,” Megan Goodan, Southshore CVA chief sports and leisure officer said.
Ever expanding, the 2023 World Series will include an additional 50 teams bringing the total to over 250 represented during this event.
Earning a spot in the World Series is no small feat. Teams prepare vigilantly through year-long training.
“The NSA World Series is an important part of the season for players,” said BK Siedentopf, Head Coach of 10u Lady Crusaders. “It allows the girls to showcase their efforts. It takes a lot of hard work to get to the coveted championship game.”
Teams hoping for a spot are created in the fall and then play and practice throughout the winter, spring, and early summer.
More than just a tournament, the NSA World Series includes events and activities of all kinds.
“There is a skills competition–which kicks off the end on July 18th at the Crown Point Sportsplex,” Goodan said. “There is also a big event or festival as well.”
Open to the public, skills events occur throughout the week for individual players and groups to also showcase their talent
“There is a skills competition where teams get together,” Goodan said. “This also includes a DJ and is a fun way for the girls to show off all of their skills such as running the bases.”
The players aren’t the only ones to get in on the action. All members of the team have opportunities to participate as well.
“Part of kicking off the event, the NSA coaches run the bases, and the CVA hosts the opening ceremony, celebration, and parade of teams, ” Goodan said.
“Teams hope to meet teams from other states and build relationships in the softball sisterhood,” Siedentopf said. “The World Series is a week-long event of team challenges, team bonding, and great competition that provide our players with life-long valuable lessons.”
Connecting with other players and teams is easily done during the NSA World Series.
“We'll have like 10,000 to 12,000 people visit the Region for the NSA World Series,” Goodan said. “These events are open to all as well. We encourage people to attend the opening ceremonies, visit the dog park near the fields, or enjoy the parade and DJ. The CVA is also supporting activities with a game truck and laser tag.”
Although the NSA World Series is a national event, local players and residents benefit from it as well.
“The NSA World Series is important to our community,” Siedentopf said. “It brings visitors from other states to our area, but it also provides a platform for local teams to compete against each other in our backyard.”
Attendees will not just stick to the ballpark. The Southshore CVA provides teams with information, coupons, and local activities to try and enjoy.
“The NSA could host their event anywhere,” Goodan said. “It’s a huge testimony to our partners, local businesses, and our local attractions that they want to come back here every year to host their largest event,” Goodan said.
To learn more about, the NSA World Series please visit the Southshore CVA information page at https://www.southshorecva.com/nsa/.
