MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Marshfield’s Farrah Phillips is set to compete in the 2024 USSSA Fast-pitch All American Games will take place on July 29 – August 4, 2024 in Viera, Florida. Phillips is understandably excited for the opportunity to compete and noted tryouts for the team were very competitive.
When I went to try out, it was very competitive. I have not see that type of talent together before. Everyone was as good as one another,¨ Phillips shared. ¨At my tryouts, there were about 50 in my age group, and three of us were selected.¨
Farrahś mom, Renee, added the waiting while tryouts were being conducted was nerve-wracking.
“There were 23 tryouts nationwide, and they waited until all of them were completed. They waited to invite girls to join the teams until all of the tryouts were completed.”
Farrah demonstrated early on that she had a talent for softball.
“At three, Farrah was in a rec T-Ball League. She did well, and when she was 5, we moved back to Marshfield. She had a coach, Danny Costa of Marshfield, that told us we needed to get Farrah into competitive softball. He was her 8U coach, and he has been coaching her now for eight years,” Renee explained.
Farrah loves pitching, and has been working hard to improve her craft for about six years now. She has four solid pitches: four seam and two seam fastball, changeup, drop curve, and is now working on adding a riseball to her repertoire.
Phillips is excited to pitch on the national stage.
“I think pitching will be my strong suit, I have been doing this for years. With a great defense behind me, I trust our defense to do their thing,” Farrah shared.
“I grew up around sports, playing all sports. I have always been the sports driven mom. You really have to be dedicated as a parent, as a family, have everyone on board to support. When she tried out, I walked in , and was like WOW…. I wasn’t sure she if she could make it. The process was very serious. When the tryout was done, we were to pack up and leave. It is just amazing that Farrah has reached this level,” Renee explained.
Farrah aspires to pitch at the college level for Baylor University, and a big step in her development is competing at the national level. ¨I’ve been working towards this since I was little, This is the first time I’ve been selected for an honor like this, ¨Farrah shared proudly.
With a glowing smile that shows reverence for the game of softball and competition, Farrah was quick to praise everyone for supporting her.
“I get asked by friends to do things, and there are plenty of times I have had to sacrifice, devoting time for softball. It is awesome that everyone supports me, supports our family so that I get to compete,” Farrah added.
“Farrah has missed out on basketball opportunities because of her commitment to softball. Softball has come first. However, during the school year, when basketball is in season, basketball comes first,” Renee explained. “We want to thank Columbus Catholic Schools, when she was in second grade, she played on the fifth grade team. In 6th grade last year, she played up on the 8th grade team. The school has always been supportive. Troy Zimmerman(varsity coach) has been fantastic.”
Renee added Farrah competes on a travel team from Oshkosh, Oshkosh Extreme, and that experience has been invaluable.
“She plays on a travel team Oshkosh Extreme, practices in Oshkosh, twice a week. She has a teammate from Marshfield who is on the team, and that helps with travel to practice. Her coaches with Extreme are fabulous: Eric Lund, Shannon Reetz. they have done an incredible job of coaching. Both were a great fit for Farrah.”
“I appreciate them – they encourage us to do it right the first time, to do our best,” Farrah added.
Farrah is well aware of the attention to detail that is needed to excel at a high level, particularly as the competition gets tougher.
“Pitching is like no joke. You have to learn how to hit your spots, any mistake and good hitters can hit it out of here. Location is most important.”
Renee is grateful for all of the support for Farrah and her family, but has special praise for her parents.
“My parents have been great for Farrah. They help take her to practice, to compete, talking with her about competition, just phenomenal support.”
Renee went on to share the value of sports.
“Sports matter because it teaches children character, how to lose gracefully, accept accountability and responsibility, to not let your team down,” Renee said. Sports teach kids to push themselves. If an athlete really wants it, the time, effort and research, will be put in.”
Farrah is a young athlete who has learned so much about softball, but the impact sports has had on her life goes far beyond the field.
“I feel like everyone should try sports. If you don’t, you are missing out. Sports teach you how to be a leader,” said Farrah. “I am such close friends with the girls on my team. Friendship matters. Sports are so much fun, with your friends.¨
“Sports are about a kid learning how to dig deep. Sports are about situations where you have to pull things together. That is what sports allow athletes to learn,” Renee concluded.
Teamwork, dedication, friendship and support are all in Farrahś success backpack. Looks like the All-American games are about to see a competitor who is ready to shine.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
