The 2009 season has proven itself to be the one to remember for the Tampa Mustangs girls Fast Pitch Organization after its teams traveled all over the country participating in a number of national tournaments and qualifiers. Coming from the losers bracket to win its last five games in a row and defeating the Southaven Illusions from Mississippi twice to take the tournament. The Tampa Mustangs, under the direction of Head Coach Joe Bell, took first place in the Southern Nationals in Columbus, GA. According to Bell, winning the Southern Nationals means much more than just a tournament victory for the girls, as it gives the Mustangs-Bell a berth to the 2010 ASA Nationals in College Station, TX amongst 160 other elite teams from around the nation. "This is what the season is all about" Bell said, adding "Now the girls get a chance to be seen by college coaches for potential recruiting and scholarships."
"It was definitely a team effort," said Mustangs pitcher Bianka Bell as she reflected on her team's victory. "We were fortunate to make all the necessary plays, and I feel grateful to have won the chance to earn a berth for the 2010 Nationals." Many of the Mustangs' players reside in Eastern Hillsborough County including Brandon, Valrico, Plant City and Durant.
Other results from the the summer season include Coach Jim Ehlers' Mustangs 18U team, having also participated in it's Regional Nationals in Tallahassee. Losing in the final game, they also earned a berth to the 2010 18U Nationals in Hemet, California.
Mustangs-Walt, coached by Walt Rozanski, also earned a berth for the 2010 Nationals for his 18U team, with a great showing in Las Vegas, NV. Mustangs (Pasquale) competed in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the 16U Nationals over the weekend, making it through the first round.
Tampa Mustangs Fastpitch Organization is a premier youth fastpitch organization and is managed by Ray Seymour, current head softball coach for Hillsborough Community College in Brandon, FL.
Over the past 28 seasons, Mustang Teams have represented Florida in numerous National Championship Tournaments. With teams in each youth age group, from 10-18, they have won at least one National title in each age group.