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PYAA fastpitch softball: A league going 40 years strong in the Powhatan community
Courtesy: Rudy Elder and Baylee Nunnally

PYAA fastpitch softball: A league going 40 years strong in the Powhatan community

POWHATAN, Va. — PYAA Fastpitch Softball has been a part of the Powhatan community for over 40 years. During that time, the league has boasted numerous state championships across six age divisions and has sent multiple teams to the Dixie Softball World Series.

Courtesy: Rudy Elder and Baylee Nunnally

More importantly, however, PYAA Fastpitch Softball has provided the opportunity for thousands of girls in Powhatan to fall in love with the sport of softball and create lasting friendships and relationships that have lasted a lifetime. The efforts do not stop there, PYAA Fastpitch Softball has contributed to teaching their players the importance of service to the community and has been able to offer players opportunities to be involved through volunteering and supporting those in need. They’ve also had a lot of fun too by participating in events like local parades and events. You may have seen them and their AWESOME Whoville themed float in the 2021 Christmas Parade! 

PYAA Fastpitch Softball franchises with Dixie Girls Softball and offers a true recreational league program for the girls of Powhatan County. The organization is 100% volunteer run and funded and Powhatan County Parks and Recreation facilities (Turner Field Complex) are used, allowing the league to remain organizationally and financially independent The program affords girls of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn solid fundamentals while having fun! From first time players to those with more experienced skillsets, the commitment remains the same – to offer fun and competitive play with the opportunity to compete at the state and national levels. There are six age divisions for ages 4-17, including softball tee-ball for ages 4-7, coach pitch for ages 8-9, and kid pitch starting at age 9. Because of the local sponsorships, the league will soon be able to enjoy updated equipment, skills clinics, and an ability to lower registration costs for those who would otherwise not be able to participate.  

Courtesy: Rudy Elder and Baylee Nunnally

In addition to fundraising efforts for the league, PYAA Fastpitch Softball held a special fundraiser this year for Kayleigh (Kota) Lewis. Kota played in the Debs division this spring, and after a very successful spring season, was selected for the All-Stars team. At one of the All-Star practices in June, Kayleigh approached her coach after finding a lump on the side of her neck. Concerned, Coach Bryant encouraged her to see a doctor. Unfortunately, the biopsy results came back as cancer, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, ending her softball season. Everyone involved in PYAA Fastpitch Softball wanted to help, so a fundraiser was held for Kayleigh in conjunction with the fall opening ceremonies. Thanks to overwhelming support from the community, $6250 was raised in one day to help offset her medical expenses. 

In January of 2021 the league saw a change of leadership, electing a new commissioner, Rudy Elder. Rudy brought a fresh perspective and new ideas to the organization and his excitement and energy has been contagious. Before the 2021 season was over, the league more than doubled its number of players and active volunteers compared to recent years. Over 170 girls across six age divisions participated in the 2021 spring season, and a similar number played in the fall season as well. PYAA Fastpitch Softball had a strong showing during the 2021 All-Stars season, winning division runners-up in the Darlings Division, division champions and state runners-up in the Belles Division, and sportsmanship awards in the Angels and Belles Divisions. The momentum has not slowed down, and the number of players and volunteers continues to grow exponentially as we head into the 2022 season! 

Messages from PYAA Fastpitch Softball

“We’d like to give a huge thank you to Watkins Nurseries, Clean Cut Sawing and Drilling Inc, Mabel’s Restaurant, Dicks Sporting Goods, and Disco Sports for their support of the 2021 season. We’re expanding our community partnerships with more sponsorship opportunities for the 2022 season, so please email us today if you’re interested in partnering with us to continue to serve our community! 

Caption: Rudy Elder and his youngest daughter, Bailey. (Courtesy: Rudy Elder and Baylee Nunnally) 

We have high hopes and big expectations for our 2022 season! We have some great coaches in the league, and we’re expecting a strong showing during the spring season and All-Stars.

We appreciate our partnership with Powhatan County Parks and Recreation department. They have made many significant improvements to the Turner Field Complex over the last few years, and have approved renovations to the concession stand and bathrooms at the Turner Complex in 2022. We appreciate their hard work and look forward to the improvements to the complex that serves so many girls in this county”. 

“We are so proud of Kota and her strength and courage in her battle with Cancer. Her cancer is now in remission! Our organization is humbled and honored to be part of such a wonderful softball community in Powhatan.”

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