By Carl Holcomb
Moorefield Examiner
There is something under the Christmas tree and it’s not fruitcake.
A trip to the Sunshine State brought more joy for Moorefield youth Margo See than any Christmas present playing her favorite sport of softball on the national stage and ringing in the New Year at the beach.
See was one of 1,300 fastpitch youth athletes selected to participate in the USSSA National All-State Softball Tournament at the famous Space Coast Complex in Viera, Florida.
“It was a honor to play in these games. I couldn’t wait to play and my excitement was more than Christmas morning,” USSSA National 10U All-State Tournament player Margo See remarked.
See not only represented West Virginia, but her road to nationals went through the Old Dominion state.
See played for the Shenandoah Valley Swarm 10U Softball team in Winchester and helped her team win a qualifier tournament. See was nominated to play in the Mid-Atlantic Tournament and from there the rest was icing on the cake.
See was selected from the Mid-Atlantic Tournament to receive an offer to compete in the USSSA National All-State Tournament in Florida. Offer accepted.
“You have to win a Qualifier tournament and be nominated to play at the Mid Atlantic games and then from there if offered play at the National All Star Game,” See noted.
The Space Coast Complex features 15 ballfields and was once the site of Major League Baseball Spring Training games.
See showcased her talent on the Blitzen’s Buddies10U National All-Star team shelling strikeouts, playing shortstop and bating in Sunshine State with teammates from Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
See and her teammates not only played in this tournament, but became celebrities in their own right having trading cards made in their honor.
“I was able to make so many new softball players friends while at this tournament. We were able to exchange trading cards with players. I was able to learn about each player and of all ages 8-17. One of the players that I really connected too was Raylee Flinn from New Berlin, Illinois. We talk each day. On my team I played with players from Louisiana, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, Oklahoma, Illinois, Alabama. Our team name was Blitzen Buddies,” See explained.
These girls practiced twice together before the games commenced.
Being in Florida, there are going to be palm trees and sure enough they encompass the Space Coast Complex.
“Yes, Palm Trees were all around all 15 fields,” See added.
See was just one of two West Virginia girls chosen to play in Florida on the national stage.
“There were only two players there from West Virginia and one was me,” See excitedly reported.
“[This was] a stage that solid players come together to play in a All Star game.”
It was a true privilege and honor representing West Virginia at this level for See.
“It was a honor to wear blue and gold with West Virginia across my chest,” See stated.
One of the most thrilling things to happen on Space Coast field for See was throwing her first strikeout of the national all-state tournament with a big sign displaying the strikeout.
“My favorite moment was when I recorded my first (backwards K) Strike out in the tournament,” See commented.
See didn’t need to rely on her dad to call pitches as her confidence level and knowledge of the game has amplified to new heights.
“Something new that I did was not having my Dad call my pitches. I now have confidence that I can do it,” See remarked.
Beyond the softball field, there were all kinds of wildlife and one particular species stood out the most.
“I saw many alligators!” See stated.
The USSSA National All-State Tournament treated the teams to a parade of champions, clinics, a concert, meals and more, plus provided a special swag bag.
One of the biggest draws was a regular staple and softball concert phenom C.J. Beatty.
“I got to attend a concert and motivation session with CJ Beatty (The King of Softball Music),” See noted.
See’s new favorite food discovered there in Florida was a dish called the Boom Boom Shrimp.
See and her family stayed near the beach and did have fun going to swim in the ocean even though it was a little chilly.
“Yes, we stayed at Cocoa Beach (only 10 miles away from the field) . I had the chance to play in the ocean, do tourist things (Ron Jon Surf Shop, Kennedy Space Center, make memories and spent bring in New Years watching the shark drop at their local New Years Eve Event,” See commented.
Reaching this stage came from a strong work ethic, dedication and commitment to the sport along with tremendous support from her family, coaches and teammates.
“I would like to thank my parents for all the training and reps they do for me. My pitching coaches (Eddie and Dr.T) for all the time they put into me. The SWARM organization for believing in me. I enjoy working to get better and can’t wait to see what my career holds for me. Til then there is always work to be done to get better #33,” See concluded.
Say a hearty congratulations to Margo See as this Hardy County community takes pride in her representing the Mountain State at the USSSA National All-State Tournament in Florida.
Tournament and joined the Blitzen’s Buddies with girls from various states playing together at the Space Coast Complex in Florida.
