For the most part, my experience of lobbyists (and, in full disclosure, I was a registered lobbyist for almost a decade) are good ones. For the most part, they are open and friendly, and they share information. They help each other out. They’re competitive sometimes, sure, but they also know that your opponent on one […]
For the most part, my experience of lobbyists (and, in full disclosure, I was a registered lobbyist for almost a decade) are good ones. For the most part, they are open and friendly, and they share information. They help each other out. They’re competitive sometimes, sure, but they also know that your opponent on one bill could be your ally on the next, so there’s a sincere effort to act in good faith and not burn bridges. As a group, lobbyists are the least likely to have public stress-induced blowups. And, since credibility is currency, I’ve found them to be the most consistently truthful group of people in the State Capitol. (Seriously — lobbyists in Minnesota know that lying can end your career.)
Every year there are efforts to ban former legislators from transitioning into lobbying after they leave office. While critics frame it as “cashing in” on their service, the reality is more nuanced. Salaries and per diem hover around $60,000 per year for rank and file legislators — hardly sustainable long-term, especially given the year-round demands of the role. (Minnesota technically has a part-time “citizen Legislature” which means many have outside jobs. But many find it difficult to juggle both, and having outside employment can lead to questions of conflicts of interest, as we saw this year.) It’s unrealistic to expect people who choose to be public servants for a time to indefinitely cap their earnings at this level.
Beyond salary considerations, many former lawmakers become lobbyists just to stay connected to the work and the relationships they nurtured at the Capitol. They care about issues and don’t want to walk away from those efforts — especially for complex problems that take decades to solve. And, as some will tell you, they actually have way less power and access as a lobbyist than they did as a legislator.
Minnesota’s lobbyists aren’t shadowy figures manipulating policy for personal gain. They are professionals, advocates and community members working within a highly regulated framework to ensure that decisionmakers have the information they need to craft effective policy. Just as your favorite piece of legislation had legislative champions, there’s surely a lobbyist in that effort who helped get it over the finish line.
Let’s start talking about lobbyists as assets, not enemies — and maybe start including them in the thank you speeches too.
Shannon Watson, of Minneapolis, is founder and executive director of Majority in the Middle.
Local soccer coaches Alex Ornelas and Francisco “Paco” Andrade hosted the Gladiators Summer Soccer Camp over three days at Carpinteria’s Viola Fields. Youth from ages six to 13 put their skills to the test with three day-long sessions, with coaches Ornelas and Andrade running drills and training the future soccer stars in the region. The […]
Local soccer coaches Alex Ornelas and Francisco “Paco” Andrade hosted the Gladiators Summer Soccer Camp over three days at Carpinteria’s Viola Fields. Youth from ages six to 13 put their skills to the test with three day-long sessions, with coaches Ornelas and Andrade running drills and training the future soccer stars in the region.
The Gladiators Soccer Camp also hosts winter camp sessions. Reach out to coach Ornelas for more info: alexornelas60@gmail.com.
This story was originally published in LSJ’s June magazine. To see the PDF version, click here. By Nate ThompsonLocalSportsJournal.com Dave Sherman had a strong inkling that Emma Herremans was going to be a special player even when she was just scratching the surface of her potential in middle school. “I’m not going to lie, usually […]
This story was originally published in LSJ’s June magazine. To see the PDF version, click here.
By Nate Thompson
LocalSportsJournal.com
Dave Sherman had a strong inkling that Emma Herremans was going to be a special player even when she was just scratching the surface of her potential in middle school.
“I’m not going to lie, usually I don’t spend a lot of time watching or scouting kids in youth sports,” Sherman said. “But with Emma, I remember seeing her as a seventh-grader and hitting some shots at Conklin Park that hit the roof at the ice skating park. So yeah, even back then, you had an idea she had a chance to be special.”
Maybe her hitting skills were developed even years earlier when she hacked away as a kid at the training toy Better Batter Baseball with her dad, Scott Herremans.
Hey, it’s never too early to develop crucial hand-eye coordination.
Now more than a decade later, Herremans, the daughter of Scott and Marie Herremans, is in the closing stretch of a brilliant four-year career at Ravenna High School, one in which saw her hit at least .570 all four seasons. Amazingly, opposing pitchers have only been able to strike her out 15 times in four seasons.
Herremans takes a cut during the Division 3 state semifinals. Photo/Tim Reilly
More importantly to Herremans, she’s been a part of four-straight district championships and some incredible postseason runs. The Bulldogs were eliminated in the regional finals in 2022, reached the state semifinals in 2023, advanced to the quarterfinals a year ago. and made it back to Michigan State University’s Secchia Stadium on June 14 in this year’s Division 3 semifinals. The Bulldogs had to stomach another difficutl loss in the semifinals, this time a 2-1 heartbreaker to Clare.
While Herremans and her team had dreamed of a state title, the four years of achievements gave a little more a perspective to the adversity along the way. Herremans had to overcome a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her knee that cost her a good chunk of her junior season and required surgery and grueling rehab before she could return to the field.
Having the game taken away from her for several months has been the fuel to Herreman’s quest of leading the Bulldogs on another deep tournament run. But the Ravenna community has been key in carrying this team along the way too.
“With all the challenges and adversity this team has gone through, with injuries and changing positions, we’ve had so much community support these last four years, it is just so special.”
Herremans makes a throw from third base during the Division state semifinals. Photo/Jason Goorman
Ravenna took its first step in the postseason on May 29 and 31, when it got past Newaygo, 8-4, and steamrolled Kent City, 10-0, to win the district championship.
The challengers at Saturday’s regional tournament were met with more success with impressive victories over Central Montcalm and Grandville Calvin Christian. That gave the Bulldogs another regional title.
“This (district title) is the most special because it’s my last one with this team,” Herremans said. “It’s been amazing to be a part of four district championships. But this group has worked really hard in the off-season, both individually and we’d get groups of four together to do workouts.”
Herremans said before the season started, every player on the squad listed both a team and personal goal on a note card.
“Every single one said ‘Make it back to Secchia,’ Herremans recalled. “We made it to the quarterfinals last year and we all know what this team is made of and where we want to be.”
The Bulldogs were one win shy of Secchia a year ago, as they lost to Buchanan, 3-1, in the quarterfinals with Herremans stuck in the dugout. She suffered her torn ACL during the GMAA city tournament weeks prior.
Facing Reeths-Puffer ace pitcher Lainey McDaniel, Herremans pulled a ball that landed just foul in the outfield. While racing to first and keeping an eye on if the ball had landed fair or foul, Herremans accidentally locked legs with the Rockets’ first baseball, causing her knee to twist awkwardly.
“I felt a pop,” Herremans said. “And when I tried to get back up, my leg just gave out on me.”
In her true unselfish manner, Herremans said she was torn that Ravenna dedicated the rest of the season in her honor. Her teammates brought balloons to her house following her surgery on May 30, 2024.
“It was really sweet, but I also didn’t want them to think it was just about me, because it’s the whole team,” she said. “But I realized I had to step up and become more of a cheerleader. I still was at every practice and tried to help out the girls any way I could.”
Her next challenge was rehabbing the knee with physical therapist Nate Rosel at The Center for Physical Rehabilitation in Belmont. The initial two months involved mobility and strength exercises, as well as a practice called stem cell therapy, which involved injecting concentrated stem cells into the injured ligament. This process helps reduce inflammation, promotes tissue repair and blood vessel formation and overall, speeds up the recovery process.
Sure enough, after nine months of work, which included going to the rehab center twice weekly during the final stages, Herremans was cleared to get back onto the softball field a month early. She still relies on injury prevention stretches and wears a knee brace during action.
Herremans admitted that early on, the thought of re-injuring her knee crossed her mind, especially when rounding the bases, but any hesitation surely hasn’t slowed her down on the field.
Sherman admits that she rarely sees multiple good pitches to hit during her at-bats, and that might be why she’s hitting a career-low .573 batting average this spring.
“There was a doubleheader earlier this year when I walked five times,” Herremans said with a laugh. “At some point, I think I’m being too selective, and I shouldn’t be as picky. But I know I should stay patient and wait for my pitch to hit.”
But Herremans is still on pace to come close to her career-best of 73 runs batted in, which she tallied as a sophomore. Through the regular season this year, she had 53 RBIs, scored 44 runs and hit a career-best nine home runs.
Photo/Tim Reilly
“I’d label her as the best hitter in the area, not just power hitter,” Sherman said. “She was hitting .717 when she got injured last year.”
Added Bulldogs’ assistant coach and statistician Penny Sherman: “Not only that, but she’s just a great kid. She’s taken on a huge leadership role. She’s more likely to lead by example, but she’s also a positive role model. She shows the younger kids the right way to do things, but in a respective way.”
Aside from her hitting prowess, Sherman said Herremans is also outstanding with the glove. With her range and tremendous throwing arm at third base, Sherman said she eliminates the opposing team’s ability to play small ball, as she can simply mow down any hitters’ bunt or slap attempts. Combine that with Ravenna’s two outstanding pitchers in senior Addison Gillard and sophomore Natalie Rosel, and the Bulldogs are keen at keeping opposing bats silent.
Emma also was a vital part of the Bulldog bowling team that captured a state championship this past season.
When faced with the decision on which school she wanted to continue her softball career at the next level, Herremans said it was an easy choice. She’ll be joining Gillard at Ferris State University, and the duo will also rekindle with former teammate, Ravenna grad Emma Gillard, a sophomore middle infielder for Ferris.
“Ferris always felt like home to me,” Herremans said. “I was way more comfortable with the coaching staff and all of the players than any other school. Plus, it’s closer to home, so my friends and family can watch me play more often.”
Ferris State has a local feel on its coaching staff as well, as Jake Schumann and his wife Sharon, are the head coach and associate head coaches. The duo coached at Oakridge in 2020 and 2021 before longtime coach Joe Colletta returned in 2022.
That reunion in Big Rapids will cap a vision started by both the Herreman and Gillard families.
“When we were younger, this group of girls all started playing together,” Emma Herremans explained. “My dad and Coach (Mike) Gillard all got us into travel ball and I think that’s a big reason why we’ve been so successful now.”
Herremans always took it a step further, playing on regional-based teams with players often a year older than she was, such as the Rockford Crush and West Michigan Sabercats. She also traveled to tournaments nationwide with the squad OC Batbusters Michigan.
And the success shouldn’t slow down in Ravenna with Emma Herremans and Addison Gillard departing, although Sherman said they’ll be very difficult to replace.
Ravenna’s roster had nearly double-digit freshmen or sophomores, including Herreman’s younger sister Reese, a first-team all-conference selection.
“She’s better than me than when I was a sophomore,” Emma said.
To build long-term stability, IU coach Darian DeVries wants to ‘simplify’ the process Indiana basketball coach Darian DeFries describes how he see building long-term stability. BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball landed its first commitment for its 2026 recruiting class on Friday night. New IU coach Darian DeVries landed a verbal pledge from 2026 four-star guard Prince-Alexander Moody […]
To build long-term stability, IU coach Darian DeVries wants to ‘simplify’ the process
Indiana basketball coach Darian DeFries describes how he see building long-term stability.
BLOOMINGTON — Indiana basketball landed its first commitment for its 2026 recruiting class on Friday night.
New IU coach Darian DeVries landed a verbal pledge from 2026 four-star guard Prince-Alexander Moody on June 27, a rising senior out of Bishop McNamara who was recently on campus for an official visit.
“I’m blessed to continue this journey with the cream and crimson—I’m a Hoosier!” he posted on Instagram.
According to 247 Sports composite rankings, the 6-foot-4, 180-pounder is the No. 170 ranked player in the 2026 class and No. 5 ranked recruit in Maryland. The Terps were one of his nine scholarship offers alongside the likes of Illinois, Michigan State and Virginia Tech.
Indiana’s new coach Darian DeVries turned his attention to next year’s signing class in recent weeks after signing 12 players (10 transfers and two freshman) to build out his 2025-26 roster. The staff has hosted a series of camps and been out on the road recruiting.
Moody had a built in relationship with the staff having played for IU assistant coach Kenny Johnson on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) circuit for Team Takeover.
Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.
Courtesy photo Bob Holland with his grandson, Carter, has been coaching youth baseball for 50 years. Bob Holland Jr. was just a couple years out of Altoona Area High School back in 1977, when his father, Bob Holland Sr., due to a change in shifts at his job, asked his son if he wanted to […]
Courtesy photo
Bob Holland with his grandson, Carter, has been coaching youth baseball for 50 years.
Bob Holland Jr. was just a couple years out of Altoona Area High School back in 1977, when his father, Bob Holland Sr., due to a change in shifts at his job, asked his son if he wanted to take over as the manager of the former Patriots team in the East End Little League.
Holland Jr., who had helped his father coach the team for the previous couple of seasons, agreed, and the late Bob Cummings, who at that time was the league president, put the young first-year manager on a one-year probation period.
Holland Jr. passed with flying colors, and this summer, he is celebrating his milestone 50th season as either a youth baseball manager or coach in this area. He is currently in his 40th season in the East End League, coaching his grandson Carter, age 8, on the Barton’s Plumbing team in the East End’s Minor League (for players ages 6-9) that is currently in the playoffs and bidding for its third consecutive league title.
Holland, who will celebrate his 68th birthday this fall, is actually pulling double duty this summer, also serving on the coaching staff for the Caporuscio’s Plumbing team in the East End’s Major League (for players ages 9-12). His grandson is a batboy for the Caporuscio’s team.
Despite his retirement from the paid workforce in 2023, Holland Jr. isn’t finding himself with too much time on his hands this summer.
“I’ve been pretty busy,” Holland said.
And it’s been a labor of love for Holland, who has also put in another decade as a manager in the Altoona Area Baseball Association, where his Drayer Physical Therapy-sponsored team went 33-0 and won its league championship in 2009, as well as the title in the Dean Patterson Little World Series that year.
“I still love doing it,” Holland Jr. said about teaching the game of baseball to youngsters. “I have sometimes thought that it might be time to get out, but then some 9-year-old kid who I see has a lot of potential as a ballplayer always comes along and I talk myself into staying to coach him until he turns 12.
“I believe that Little League baseball is a great institution,” said Holland, who estimates that he has coached or managed in at least 1,000 youth baseball games over the past half-century. “I was the former president and vice president of the East End League, and I was also on the league’s board of directors. But coaching and managing teams is what I love to do and what I want to do.”
Holland admits that youth baseball has endured plenty of transitions over the past half-century, though.
“It’s harder now,” Holland said. “Little League has changed. Of course, you have the aluminum bats now instead of the old wooden bats, and now you have travel ball, where you might have a kid missing one of the league games because of a travel ball game. I really don’t like that. I think that if you’re going to commit to a (youth baseball league) team, then (you’ve got) to commit to that team.”
Along with the fundamentals of the game, Holland tries to impart those valuable life lessons such as commitment, dedication and punctuality to his young charges.
“I try to teach them the fundamentals like the correct way to hit, throw and catch, but probably the biggest thing that I teach them is not to quit,” Holland said. “I tell them to show up for practices and to show up on time because when you become an adult and you have a job, you’ve got to show up on time and give 100 percent.”
Holland said that it is important to recognize the personality differences as well as the differences in athletic proficiency among the players.
“Obviously, in some cases, Jimmy might be better athletically than Joey, but you also have to get to know the different personalities of the kids,” Holland said. “Even though I push my players pretty good and I try to make them the best players that they can be, you can’t automatically treat one kid like you treat another kid, because their mindsets can be completely different.”
Over the years, Holland has earned the respect and admiration of probably thousands of current and former players, coaches and officials in area youth baseball circles.
“Bob is a tremendous guy, he’s been great for the Little League baseball community here,” said Jason McGinnis, who is in his sixth season as the president of the East End League. “He deeply cares about children and their well-being, and he’s been part of Little League baseball here for 50 years, and that’s a testament to what he brings to the table, as well as to his passion for the game, and to his passion for helping kids to learn the game.”
East End vice president Josh Klausman has known and admired Holland for three and a half decades. Klausman played in the East End League in the mid-1990s, on a Dean Patterson-sponsored team that was managed by Klausman’s father, Jim. The Dean Patterson squads and the Miller’s Corner teams then that were managed by Holland were the best in the league at that time and enjoyed a great rivalry.
“I believe that Bob Holland is one of the pillars of Little League Baseball in this area,” Josh Klausman said. “He’s put in countless hours for the kids, and some of them who are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s are still reaching out to him and coming to see him. If I don’t know anything else about a person, that says enough. He is just a genuinely good human being.”
But like any human being who has spent nearly seven decades on this planet, Holland has sustained his share of battle scars.
He underwent surgery for prostate cancer this past January and said that he feels OK now.
“I had prostate cancer, and I had my prostate removed this past January,” Holland said. “Luckily, (the doctors) caught it early and luckily they got it all, and I’ve healed up pretty good. So far, so good.”
A deeper, much more painful wound for Holland and his wife, Linda, was the passing of their son, Bobby III, at the age of 39 back in 2020.
Holland Jr. coached both of his sons, Bobby III and Chris, in youth baseball competition, and Holland Jr. has also coached both of his grandsons, Carter and recent Altoona Area High School graduate Keldon, 18.
Bobby Holland III regularly pitched batting practice at the games for his dad, and his death has left a void for his family that will always remain.
“When my son died, it took something out of me,” Holland Jr. said. “I’m not the same person that I was before my son passed away — something in me just died with him, and it’s hard for me to explain.
“Bobby threw batting practice for me, and to be honest, it’s tough for me even to this day to go down to the field. When he passed away, it was so tough for my wife and me. It was something that I wouldn’t wish on anybody.”
Coaching his grandson Carter now is a way for Holland — who has coached or managed a team to at least one championship in both the East End and Altoona Area leagues — to preserve his beloved late son’s legacy.
“I don’t know if I’d have stayed in coaching 50 years were it not for my youngest grandson,” Holland said. “And whether I’ll be back next year, I don’t know. I probably will be, but I’m not going to give anybody a 100 percent guarantee.
“I’ve coached a lot of kids. I’ve met a lot of great people and made a lot of friends through coaching, and I’ve also had a lot of great coaches to work with through the years. Coaching is my way of giving back to my community.”
Hartselle, Municipal election news, News Richie Nagel has announced his candidacy for the Place Two seat on the Hartselle City Schools Board of Education. Nagel graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. He completed […]
Hartselle, Municipal election news, News
Richie Nagel has announced his candidacy for the Place Two seat on the Hartselle City Schools Board of Education.
Nagel graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial and systems engineering. He completed a master’s degree in systems engineering in 2014. He currently works for UAH as a research scientist.
“But day-to-day I work as an assistance engineer supporting [the Army’s] new future vertical lift aircraft,” Nagel said. He has been contracted to the U.S. Army for nearly 15 years.
Nagel is a Hartselle native. He and his wife, Abby, moved back to Hartselle from Auburn after the birth of their first child.
“Hartselle City Schools is the heart of this community,” Nagel said. “Hartselle has a rich tradition of excellence across the board. I want to make sure that we continue that tradition of excellence. I want my kids and my kids’ kids to have the same opportunity I did.”
Nagel has volunteered with several local organizations including Cub Scouts, Trail Life and College Street Players. He has coached youth sports teams and supported the PTO alongside his wife.
“Me and my wife have talked about me joining the school board for a few years,” he said. “I’m just at the place now that I feel able, I’ve got the time and energy to be able to commit to the community and to run and hopefully be a proactive member for the school board… I want to represent and be the voice for the community.”
Nagel and his wife have been married for 18 years. They have three children, two of whom have graduated from Hartselle High School.
Nagel is one of four candidates seeking the Place Two seat on the school board. He is facing incumbent James L. Joy, John Griffith and Chris Warnick.
Tennessee is a slam dunk when it comes to keeping kids happy and engaged in youth sports. By Ford Sanders on June 27, 2025 iStock/LizPop11 Tennessee has cemented itself as a welcoming and family-friendly place to live with tight-knit communities and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Indeed, Tennessee has a thriving youth sports landscape, providing a […]
Tennessee is a slam dunk when it comes to keeping kids happy and engaged in youth sports.
By Ford Sanders on June 27, 2025
iStock/LizPop11
Tennessee has cemented itself as a welcoming and family-friendly place to live with tight-knit communities and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Indeed, Tennessee has a thriving youth sports landscape, providing a foundation for raising active and engaged children.
This commitment to youth development is evident in the variety of school, club and league sports available statewide. Communities across Tennessee consistently prioritize these programs and provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, supportive environments and easy access to participate.
But even more? These youth sports programs provide children with an outlet to burn off some energy and make lifelong friends. Data shows that participating in sports offers numerous benefits for kids, ranging from physical to mental and emotional. These spots across the state are paving the way for participation and leading the way for youth sports programs in Tennessee.
Tennessee’s emphasis on sports for kids of all ages is apparent in the sheer number of programs available and the caliber at which their athletes play. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) regulates and promotes interscholastic athletics in both public and private schools across the state. Beyond traditional school sports, a healthy culture of club and league sports offers more specialized training and opportunities for young athletes. This comprehensive approach allows children and youth to find their favorite extracurricular activities.
From practices to field play, families invest a significant amount of time, energy and resources into youth sports and recreation programs. Protecting these investments, both on and off the field, is a top priority. The daily logistics of a busy sports family are intensive. From driving minivans filled with teammates and equipment across cities or tired siblings to tournaments, Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee can provide families with peace of mind. Whether it’s auto coverage for the family car or home or renters insurance for protecting equipment or personal belongings stored at home, they offer peace of mind and personalized guidance so families can pursue their passions with confidence and security.
iStock/matimix
The Greater Nashville area, including Davidson, Rutherford and Williamson counties, is a hot spot for families. Cities like Nashville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville and Franklin have experienced rapid expansion in their youth sports programs that perfectly complement a family-friendly atmosphere. From soccer leagues to Olympic-winning swim clubs, the area has a wide array of options, including more traditional and niche sports. Organizations like the West Nashville Sports League (WNSL), i9 and YMCA offer a league experience.
Soccer is a standout in Nashville sport’s culture, thanks to the city’s own MLS team: Nashville SC. However, for years before the arrival of the pro team, the Middle Tennessee area had a strong history of youth soccer and is home to several strong club leagues. Known for their elite levels of coaching, indoor/outdoor facilities and greater club opportunities, Tennessee Soccer Club, Nashville FC Youth, Murfreesboro Soccer Club, Franklin Soccer Club and Brentwood Soccer Club are recognized for their exceptional standards.
iStock/gilaxia
A bit more surprising is the growing popularity of hockey in the Middle Tennessee area. The Nashville Youth Hockey League offers both recreational house leagues and competitive travel hockey programs for both boys and girls. In 2019, the city of Nashville completed the Ford Ice Center, a 110,000-square-foot facility with two NHL-sized rinks, 12 locker rooms, a dry-land training facility and more.
Middle Tennessee swimmers excel, and Davidson and Williamson counties are home to the swim clubs that raised some impressive award-winning athletes. The several standout swim clubs in the area include Nashville Aquatic Club (home of Olympians Alex and Gretchen Walsh), Excel Aquatics and the Williamson County Swim Team, to name a few. These programs regularly feed into NCAA Division I programs, elevating youth swim initiatives in Nashville and surrounding areas.
There are tons of ways to get involved with youth sports in the Middle Tennessee and Greater Nashville areas. Here are a few resources for parents:
iStock/chadster
The Greater Knoxville area is a Power T powerhouse for youth sports, heavily influenced by the University of Tennessee’s strong athletic programs and the city’s passionate fan base, who never shy away from a little healthy competition. High school sports, in particular, thrive here.
An added bonus is that Knoxville is less than an hour away from Rocky Top Sports World, a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor sports campus. Set on more than 80 acres in Gatlinburg, Rocky Top Sports World has half a dozen astroturf fields, 14 youth soccer fields, six hardwood basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts and plenty of team rooms. The complex also hosts a variety of year-round events, including both regional and national tournaments, camps and leagues.
Football is a way of life in the South, and it’s no different in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Leagues like Knoxville Youth Football League, Farragut Youth Football, Maryville Jr. Rebels and Oak Ridge Youth Football provide the foundation and training necessary to feed into the competitive TSSAA high school teams.
Knoxville has a long history of prestigious baseball and softball programs, and with the Vols Baseball team clinching the 2024 NCAA National Championship title, interest has only increased. This East Tennessee region is known for its competitive high school and travel ball leagues, and the presence of the Knoxville Smokies, a Double-A Minor League Baseball Team, adds to the allure of participating in America’s favorite pastime. Programs like the Farragut Baseball League, Farragut Baseball Inc., Knoxville Area Baseball Association (KABA) and the West Knox Softball Association are known for hitting it out of the park.
iStock/LeoPatrizi
Dive into the competitive swimming scene of Knoxville – home to strong club teams and state-of-the-art facilities, many of which are connected to the University of Tennessee’s Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center. The Aquatic Center elevates Tennessee as one of the nation’s best swimming and diving programs and houses a full-size 50-meter competition pool, a separate competition diving well, a strength training center, a sports medicine facility and team rooms. The center also hosts several events throughout the year, including the TISCA High School Swimming & Diving State Championship. Numerous USA Swimming clubs operate in the area, including Pilot Aquatic Club, Tennessee Aquatics and Webb School of Knoxville Aquatics.
There are tons of ways to get involved with youth sports in the Greater Knoxville area. Here are a few resources for parents:
Chattanooga sports are geared toward kids with a strong sense of adventure. With its convenient location positioned next to the Tennessee River, Chattanooga’s sports scene extends beyond land. Of course, familiar favorites like football, soccer and basketball are popular here, but youth sports in Chattanooga offer families a walk on the wild side.
Chattanooga is a rower’s dream with its easy access to the Tennessee River, offering unique opportunities for youth involvement. The Chattanooga Junior Rowing Association (CJRA) caters to rowers and water bugs of all experience levels. Primarily geared towards high school-aged kids, CJRA offers programming that includes learning to row, skill development and competitive racing. Chattanooga hosts the annual Head of the Hooch Regatta, a rowing competition, and has several youth heats as part of the competition.
iStock/LizPop11
The outdoors are calling in Chattanooga, and the city’s rugged terrain makes it an excellent spot for more unexpected sports, like mountain biking and trail running. These endurance sports are growing in popularity, and organizations like SORBA Chattanooga (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association), the Chattanooga Track Club and Wild Trails all offer youth programming. Many high schools in the Chattanooga area also have mountain biking teams that compete in the Tennessee Interscholastic Cycling League (TICL), which is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA).
Chattanooga is home to several private schools, including Baylor, McCallie and Notre Dame, all of which are known for their elite athletic programming. Football is a way of life, and the rivalries between schools here are intense and have garnered national attention. But other TSSAA-affiliated schools in Chattanooga have also produced some of America’s greats, including Reggie White, John and Charles Hannah and Pro Bowler Bob Johnson.
There are tons of ways to get involved with youth sports in the Greater Chattanooga area. Here are a few resources for parents:
Ball is life in Memphis and the surrounding areas. Basketball culture is deeply ingrained in the city’s identity, as it is home to the Memphis Grizzlies; however, kids across Memphis can participate in a variety of youth sports leagues.
Young athletes benefit from the city’s electric basketball culture with several robust programs, including the Junior Grizzlies. The Junior Grizzlies are geared towards boys and girls of all skill levels, from ages 6 to 14, and the program works to create a fun, educational and safe environment for its participants. Additionally, the Memphis Youth Basketball Association and AAU teams in the city aren’t just some of the best in the state but also nationwide.
The University of Memphis’ football program has seen success in recent years, so it’s no surprise that some of the youth football programs in Memphis are among the best. Competitive high school and youth football leagues in Memphis are well-established and have a strong reputation for producing well-rounded players. Organizations like the Memphis Youth Football League offer structured play that prepares players for participation in TSSAA-supported high schools.
iStock/PeopleImages
The tennis scene in Memphis is a grand slam. The city hosts a variety of tennis tournaments, including the Memphis Open, an ATP Tour event, and invitationals like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis Tennis Invitational and the U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships. In November 2023, the Leftwich Tennis Center opened in Memphis, becoming one of the nation’s premier public tennis centers with 24 outdoor courts and 12 indoor courts. Tennis Memphis offers year-round development, clinics and USTA programming for youth.
There are tons of ways to get involved with youth sports in the Greater Memphis area. Here are a few resources for parents:
‘I’m always weary of Donovan Mitchell-led teams’ 
| First Take
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