Three from Dickinson selected to USA Softball team
Aug. 5—Three youth players from Dickinson were selected to the USA Softball All-American games in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Myah Merry, Kyndall Peterson and Hali Henke were chosen to represent the 12 & under Region 8 team in the national tournament. This regional team consists of players from North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Only five girls were selected from North Dakota.
Also making the trip to Oklahoma City will be their coach Nick Peterson, who has coached the trio for a handful of years in the summer.
"It's a great thing (to be a part of)," Peterson said. "They had to earn it. It wasn't something that was given to them. It's great to be around them. It's cool they get this opportunity. USA Softball gave it here in this state and these girls took advantage of it. They'll go down there and do well."
A tryout was held back in May in Bismarck to become a member of the team. About 20 girls were at the showcase but the three Dickinson girls were able to impress the most.
Their selection to this national competition speaks volumes about the softball programs in Dickinson, which have become successful ones at all levels in recent years. The Dickinson Midgets have made multiple trips to the Class A state championship game in recent years and won their first ever state title this past June.
At the youth level, the Dickinson Diamonds have built a strong foundation for softball players in the area. The 14 & under and 12 & under teams both won state championships a few weeks ago on July 15.
Peterson will be relishing the opportunity to be a part of the coaching staff at the sport's biggest stage. Oklahoma City, home of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, hosts the Women's College World Series, along with having the National Softball Hall of Fame and Museum.
It is widely regarded as the "softball capital of the world."
"I'll be a little starstruck," Peterson said. "You see it on TV every year when you watch the tournament. To be able to walk out on the field is going to be pretty cool."
The tournament begins on Friday, August 13 as 24 teams across 10 regions will compete in pool play in order to be seeded for bracket play on Sunday, August 15.
Over 300 athletes in total will represent the 24 teams. Being selected to compete in the USA Softball All-American games is one of the highest honors a youth softball player can earn.
