The travel softball industry is at a crossroads and it’s time to have a tough conversation about the direction it is heading.
Within a week, two scandals erupted out of Texas. One involved Illusions Fastpitch and the other, Athletics Mercado Academy – Texas.
Help shape what’s next for The IX Sports! Take our short reader survey:
The two incidents were not connected, as the Illusions incident involved two parents, a husband and wife named Kiarious Marshun Hall and Jazmine Hall.
Kiarious Hall was arrested on two counts of assault causing bodily injury, while Jazmine Hall was arrested on one such charge, according to Fort Bend County court records.
The incident took place on Oct. 24 in Sugar Land, Texas, when an argument escalated into a massive fight after Kiarious Hall hit a man with a metal water bottle, leaving him unconscious. Jazmine Hall began throwing punches after the victim fell to the ground. The man who was hit by the metal water bottle was treated for a broken jaw, a fractured skull and three brain bleeds.
Since news of the incident spread, the club parted ways with the parents and the entire team.
When it comes to Athletics Mercado, the situation is entirely different, as a former assistant coach accused her former head coach of sexual harassment.
Athletics Mercado Academy is based in Southern California, but has clubs in 18 states. The response to the public allegations has been disastrous for the organization, as more than 20 teams have cut ties with the brand completely.
The first public statement blamed the victim. Since then, the club has taken responsibility for its inaction and is implementing new protocols for future complaints.
As I researched Athletics Mercado, I came across another troubling storyline when a former coach in the organization was arrested in January for sexual assault. Michael Patrick Fitzgerald was passed around the Southern California travel ball scene without question.
At the time, Fitzgerald was coaching within the Southern California Explosion club and his victim played on his 14-and-under team. Before Explosion, he was with Athletics Mercado and the SoCal Breakers.
All three of these incidents have led me down a rabbit hole, wondering how this industry got here and how it can improve.
Listen now to The IX Sports Podcast and Women’s Sports Daily
We are excited to announce the launch of TWO new podcasts for all the women’s sports fans out there looking for a daily dose of women’s sports news and analysis. Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you listen to podcasts, and make sure to subscribe!
For some reason, travel softball is no longer about the kids. It’s about the adults who run these organizations, their egos and their bank accounts.
What is the point of having teams across 18 states? How can the head of an organization keep tabs on 400-plus coaches?
I believe the answers are simple: Follow the money.
Youth softball has become big business and the adults see an opportunity to make a buck by using the children the industry revolves around. If the kids didn’t play, the business wouldn’t exist.
But here’s the kicker: Bigger doesn’t always mean better.
Decades ago, organizations kept things small. There was one team per age group or one team per birth year. The “Gold” designation was earned, not paid for and not given.
Oh, and the only true “Gold” division was in the 16 and 18-and-under divisions.
Now, organizations all over the country are welcoming new teams in and for the right price; anyone can become a “Gold” team or part of an organization that they believe will get their kids a Power 4 scholarship.
Travel ball sells families a dream and it’s time those families start holding the organizations accountable.
More softball headlines from the week:
Oklahoma Softball changes exhibition opponent after men’s basketball loss to East Texas A&M
Athletics Mercado releases statement following sexual harassment allegations
Ciara Briggs returns to AUSL, Texas Volts following months-long health scare
Angus: Travel Softball sells families a dream. Who holds the organizations accountable?
Athletics Mercado teams leave organization amid sexual harassment allegations
Illusions Gold Fastpitch dismisses individuals involved in Texas youth softball fight
Private California university terminates all athletics, effective immediately
Two parents arrested after argument over cheering turns violent at Texas youth softball game
Your business can reach women’s sports fans who share your passion!
Here at The IX Sports, our audience is a collection of the smartest, most passionate women’s sports fans in the world. If your business has a mission to serve these fans, you should reach out to our team at BAlarie@theixsports.com to discuss ways to work together in 2026.
Soccer: Annie Peterson, @AnnieMPeterson, AP Women’s Soccer
Tennis: Joey Dillon, @JoeyDillon, Freelance Tennis Writer
Basketball: Howard Megdal, @HowardMegdal, The IX Sports
Softball: Maren Angus-Coombs, @Maren-Angus, The IX Sports
Golf: Marin Dremock, @MDremock, The IX Sports
Hockey: @TheIceGarden, The Ice Garden
Gymnastics: Jessica Taylor Price, @jesstaylorprice, Freelance Writer
