- Professional softball players host clinic in partnership with Youth Academy
- Rangers Nike RBI Senior Baseball and Senior Softball Opening Day set for May 18
- Athletes Mark Ramos, Shearod Brooks and Jayden Phillips announce college commitments
The Texas Rangers Youth Academy hosted a clinic alongside players from the Texas Volts of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) on April 26, 2026. Volts catcher Michaela Edenfield, infielder Danieca Coffey and pitcher Alyssa Denham spent time with youth players, giving the 150 registered athletes the opportunity to learn from athletes who have competed at the highest levels of collegiate and professional softball.
“It’s fun to come out here and be a part of this and see these girls,” said Edenfield. “I see a bit of myself within them because I was once in their shoes. To stand and be here as a pro softball player is very impactful, because they can be us one day.”
The softball players registered for the clinic, where they rotated through stations focused on skill development while having conversations with the Volts players about recruitment and navigating the challenges of their softball careers.
Edenfield and her teammates emphasized the importance of building up the next generation of players so that they can eventually do the same.
“If you can see us you can be us,” said Hilary Meyer, Chief Impact Officer at Athletes Unlimited. “There’s so much more beyond this level that they can aspire to, and work hard to get there.
QUICK HITS
Athletes announce commitments to continue baseball and softball careers
- Mark Ramos: Youth Academy and Sam Houston High School baseball player Mark Ramos will continue his athletic career at Dallas College North Lake’s NJCAA program. Ramos, a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, competed with the Youth Academy during the 2024 RBI Regionals.
- Jayden Phillips: Skyline High School baseball player Jayden Phillips will continue his athletic career at Wiley University’s NAIA program. Phillips has competed with the Youth Academy over the past six years, participating in the Andre Dawson Classic, RBI Regionals, Commissioners Cup and Breakthrough Series.
- Shearod Brooks: Infielder Shearod Brooks will continue his athletic career at Wiley University’s NAIA program. Brooks, a Carter High School baseball player, started with the Academy in 2023 through Rangers Nike RBI and has participated in RBI ever since.
Rangers Nike RBI senior Opening Day quickly approaching
- What it is: Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) is a national program supported by Major League Baseball, Nike and the Texas Rangers. The program’s purpose is to maintain and promote fundamentals, sportsmanship, character and appropriate behavior among all participants. Rangers Nike RBI Senior Baseball and Softball games begin May 18, with the Rangers championship game scheduled for July 7.
- When it starts: Monday, May 18, first pitch at 6 p.m.
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.