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overview
The KC Diamonds represent the pinnacle of collegiate softball talent, competing as an elite all-star team against top-level professional competition. As ambassadors of the next generation of the sport, these standout athletes bring speed, power, and passion to every game. Formed to bridge the gap between college and professional softball, the KC Diamonds provide a unique platform for rising stars to showcase their skills, gain high-level experience, and compete on a national stage. Proudly based in Kansas City, the Diamonds are helping elevate the game and inspire the future of women’s softball.
Rosters
2025 Recap
Kansas City Pro Softball Series — June 11–13, 2025
Venue: Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, Kansas
Overview
The first-ever Pro Softball Series in Kansas City, hosted by Top Gun Events, featured a three‑day round-robin showdown between the newly formed Kansas City Diamonds, the Florida Vibe, and the New York Rise. Running concurrently with the Youth‑club‑focused Top Gun Invitational, the event marked a major milestone in elevating KC as a professional softball destination.
Team Lineup & Coaching
- Kansas City Diamonds: A roster of elite collegiate juniors and seniors brought together by Top Gun Events to celebrate KC’s softball heritage.
- Coaching staff featured Baseball legend Billy Butler, Olympic icon Monica Abbott, and assistants Rylee Jensen and Jessica Sherman, blending athletic prowess and mentorship roles.
Event Highlights
Game Structure & Key Matchups
- Over three nights, six games were held in a round-robin format.
- Wednesday, June 11: KC Diamonds vs. Florida Vibe (4 PM), Home Run Derby (6 PM), KC Diamonds vs. NY Rise (7:30 PM)
- Thursday, June 12: FL Vibe vs. NY Rise (5 PM), NY Rise vs. KC Diamonds (7:30 PM).
- Friday, June 13: NY Rise vs. FL Vibe (5 PM), KC Diamonds vs. FL Vibe (7:30 PM)
Fan Engagement Activities
- A Home Run Derby on opening night drew enthusiastic crowds.
- Autograph and photo sessions followed each game, giving fans close-up access to players from all three teams.
- Clinics and youth camps ran alongside the series, allowing fans and prospective players to interact with pro athletes in smaller-group instructional sessions.
Strategic Context
This series served as a proof of concept for long-term pro softball in Kansas City. With strong support from local leaders, experienced coaching staff, and grassroots marketing, it aimed to generate momentum towards an official Kansas City pro team in future seasons Jeremy McDowell, CEO of Top Gun Events, described the initiative as "more than a showcase—a proof of concept."
Broader Impact
- In tandem with the Top Gun Invitational, which featured over 300 youth teams from 31 states and drew 4,200+ athletes and 350+ college coaches, the series helped position KC as a softball hub, with economic impact estimated between $8–9 million.
- Media coverage from outlets like axios.com, Line Drive Media, and 810 Varsity emphasized KC’s emerging prominence in softball and the promising future for pro-level play in the region.
Summary
The Kansas City Pro Softball Series delivered competitive matchups, engaging community experiences, and a strong foundation for growing professional softball in the Midwest. Blending elite talent, legendary coaching, and robust fan programming, the June event exceeded expectations and underscored Kansas City as a rising center for the sport.
Looking ahead, Top Gun Events and local partners are already exploring expanding the KC Diamonds into an official pro franchise, with hopes of establishing a permanent home and seasonal schedule in the years to come.