USA Softball high performance program identifier visits the Rangers Youth Academy

• Texas Rangers Youth Academy athletes showcase skills at USA Softball pipeline program.
• Education is Freedom Series to prepare athletes for college application essays.
• Spring Training camp registration is open, with camp set to begin on March 2.

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy welcomed USA Softball in February for the Region 5 High Performance Program Identifier (HPP), known as the pipeline to the women’s national team. Nine Youth Academy Athletes showcased their skills across three age groups, with several athletes meeting or surpassing performance benchmarks.

HPP identifies a pool of athletes to train, compete and represent USA Softball through domestic and international competitions. The program focuses on providing an equal opportunity for players to show their talent while growing the game of softball in the United States and remaining inclusive to all that wish to participate and develop their skills.

Academy athletes in attendance spanned three age groups. Justyce Malone and Aaliyah Marquez participated in the 16U category, Kylee Gardner, Haleigh Jacobs and Amarianna Hill represented the academy in 17U, and the 18U age group featured Breona Benavidez, Iselah Johnson, Sadie Lomas and Gianna Orozco.

Aaliyah Marquez, 16U, recorded the highest exit velocity in her age group at 74 mph, tying the highest exit velocity recorded in the 18U division. Breona Benavides, 18U, notched a notable pitching velocity of 56-58 mph. Sadie Lomas, 18U athlete, recorded the fastest 40-yard dash in her age group, posting a time of 5.0 seconds.

QUICK HITS

Education is Freedom Series continues at the Academy

What is it: Education is Freedom programming at the Rangers Youth Academy provides free workshops focused on preparing athletes for college. This month’s 90-minute workshop will focus on college application essays, featuring example essays to help athletes strengthen their writing skills. The program is open to athletes ages 13 –18.

· When and Where: The College Application Essays workshop will be held on Saturday, March 7 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy Globe Life Training Center.

· How to Register: Registration is free and can be found at texasrangersya.leagueapps.com.

2026 Spring Training camp begins March 23

What is it: Spring Training Camp consists of six weeks of fundamental training broken down by age group. The Youth Academy Training Complex will be open to specific age groups for two-hour evening sessions, providing additional opportunities for athletes to refine their skill sets.

• Timing Breakdown: Training sessions run from 6:30–8:30 p.m., except for 8U baseball and 9U softball sessions which run from 6:30–8 p.m.
  • Monday: 15U Baseball, 9U Softball
  • Tuesday: 12U Baseball
  • Wednesday: 18U Baseball, 18U Softball
  • Thursday: 10U Baseball, 8U Baseball, 12U Softball
• Where to Register: Registration is free and available at texasrangersya.leagueapps.com.

Education & Buckner International Programming

The Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Bucker International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year. Register here for all Youth Academy classes.