College players help coach softball
By LINDA ANN McDONALD
Correspondent
Wakulla Girls Softball Association (WGSA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the opportunity for girls in Wakulla County and surrounding areas to have fun, build relationships and enjoy the sport of softball.
“There is not much to do in Wakulla for youth,” said Kyle Barnes, the president of the volunteer-based organization. “I wanted to do something that will give back to the community. The organization was started in 1995 and it was co-ed ball for 4–7-year-olds offering only tee-ball and a machine pitcher; we never really had a softball team for girls. When we took the organization over from Randy Trussell, we continued to push to grow and work very hard to go out and get sponsorships since we are 100% self-funded.”
“We run two seasons a year,” Barnes said, “both spring and fall. Any girl aged 8-16 at any skill level can join the team. I want to foster a growing environment, making friends, developing leadership skills, practicing commitment and provide an outlet to get outside off devices and just play ball.”
Bree Barnes and Anna Green, both participants of WGSA continued their passion for softball by playing at the college level. Because of their commitment to the association and love of the sport, both girls unselfishly donated their time to coach and mentor the younger girls on the team.
“They have helped at every single sports clinic we offered and both girls were dedicated beyond measure,” said Barnes.
Jared Green, vice president of the association said, “These girls spent their time that they could have been investing in themselves and their future, but because of their commitment to the WGSA, both girls chose to lead the next generation of ball players in Wakulla.
“These girls come back to help over the summertime because they remember how important the association was to them growing up,” Green said. “Anna and Bree came out here and really put on a show for the younger girls.”
“Bree and Anna introduced themselves, gave a quick background share and explained the different positions they played and what softball meant to them along with a questions and answers session, also tips on how to get recognized by scouts and work on earning scholarships by playing softball.” Green said.
“I want to give a huge shout out to Bree Barnes’ mother Shadon Barnes for being the softball mom who opened a lot of doors and donating a lot of her time to the association,” Green said.
Getting out in the community and teaching the girls the empowerment of giving back is a huge goal the association. “We have to rent the field from Wakulla County Parks and Recreation which costs several thousand dollars a year, that is not including uniforms and equipment. The association is slated to participate in community events such as the Wakulla Library’s Halloween Story Walk and Open House events.”
“We had 120 girls this past spring so the word must be getting out to the community and we must be doing good things,” said Kyle Barnes. “We want to play ball and give back to the community to build strong character and values in our girls.”
