Testimonials
We would love to hear from you! Submit your own testimonial to hangtuffastpitchclub@gmail.com.
What people are saying...
HangTuf Testimonial – Jacquie Joseph (Assistant AD/Sports Administration & Former MSU Hall of Fame Head Softball Coach)
“I respect the HangTuf organization, they have been around a long time. During the course of HangTuf’s relationship with MSU I was always impressed by the efforts and hard work of their coaches and administrators. They are all about doing their best for the players and families. That’s why I agreed to be a part of their Chalk Talks is because I respect that! I know they are not a fly by night operation and that they are real professionals making a difference in young peoples lives.”
HangTuf 11U Testimonial
We’ve been part of the HangTuf family for two years now, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the impact this organization—and especially Coach Stacia—has had on our daughter Kendall.
Stacia is truly an incredible coach. She pours her heart and soul into these girls, holding them to high standards while supporting them every step of the way. She challenges them to grow—not just as players, but as young women—and it shows both on and off the field. The bond between the girls and their families is something special. It’s more than just a team; it’s a softball family.
Coach Stacia has had a huge influence on Kendall’s confidence and growth. When Kendall would sometimes compare herself to others, Coach would gently remind her: “I don’t need another player copy—I need Kendall.” That message has stuck with her and helped her believe in her own unique strengths.
Kendall has developed into a confident, consistent hitter, and her pitching has improved tremendously under Coach’s guidance. We’re proud to be committed to another year with Stacia and the HangTuf organization. Her passion, dedication, and belief in each player truly make a lasting difference.
We are so thankful for this journey and excited for what’s to come!
— The Barkley Family
HangTuf Testimonial – Daniel Mitchell Jr
(18U Player – Mackenzie Mitchell)
“My daughter and I struggled to find the right combination of coaching, environment and organization. Having lost my wife, her mother, my daughter’s confidence was hit and miss. And, I felt like an outsider. HangTuf has been a refreshing organization to be a part of. My daughter and I felt at home and were welcomed like family. I wish we would have found them sooner. As a good athlete and former coach, I recognize and appreciate softball fundamentals. HangTuf has an excellent stable of coaches. More importantly, it’s all about the girls with a focus on improvement and fun. They’re reputation of preparing girls for college is rock solid and speaks for itself. But, it’s not cut throat. It’s a great organization truly focused on a quality experience for the athlete. They’re fairly priced with a lot of benefits and resources for the girls. I can’t say enough about this organization.”
HangTuf Testimonial – Caroline Hollern
(11U Player – Ella Hollern)
“As our daughter embarked on her second year of travel softball, we were eager to see how her new organization, HangTuf, would compare to the previous one. It quickly became clear that this was no ordinary club simply focused on collecting player fees – HangTuf was genuinely invested in the growth and development of each and every athlete. Throughout the season, our daughter was presented with a wealth of valuable opportunities that far exceeded the typical travel team experience. Whether it was listening to inspiring chalk talks from college players about their softball journeys, bonding with teammates through fun team-building activities, or honing her skills at the multiple skills clinics offered, she was constantly engaged and motivated to improve her game. The coaches, who were clearly knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, put an exceptional amount of effort into crafting productive, skill-building practices, even when inclement weather forced them indoors. No matter the conditions, our daughter’s team always had dedicated practice time to work on refining their abilities. Beyond the on-field support, the communication from the HangTuf organization was refreshingly clear and honest, leaving us as parents feeling informed and confident in our decision to be part of this program. It was evident that this club was about so much more than just playing softball – it was about cultivating well-rounded athletes who were given every opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.”
HangTuf Testimonial – Tamara Hebert
(11U Player – Rachel Herbert)
“Being part of the Hangtuf softball club over the last 2 years has been an incredible experience for our daughter. From day one, we’ve seen her grow not just as a softball player, but as a confident, resilient young girl. Hangtuf and Coach Stacia put emphasis on developing mental toughness, physical skill-building and just having fun. She’s learning how to bounce back from challenges, set goals, believe in herself, and support her teammates—on and off the field in every sport she plays.
One of the most unique and beneficial programs that Hangtuf provides to the club are multiple Chalk Talks and Skills Clinics with College and Professional Softball Players. These sessions give the girls access to role models who talk openly about their journeys, struggles, and successes. It’s powerful, motivating, and it plants seeds of big dreams for these young athletes.
Coach Stacia has created something truly special with her softball team. Stacia doesn’t just coach softball—she builds character and friendships. Her focus on team building and relationships between the girls makes Hangtuf feel more like a family than a team. The girls have fun, they work hard, and they truly care about one another. It’s clear Coach Stacia has a huge heart and genuinely wants the best for every girl on her team. When they hurt she hurts!
We are so grateful for the impact this team and her coaches have had on our daughter. Hangtuf is shaping strong athletes, strong teammates, and strong young women. We strongly recommend the Hangtuf program to anyone interested in softball for their daughter. Hangtuf is not a program to be overlooked in the local softball world. Go Hangtuf!”
Thank you Tamara we appreciate your testimonial! Coach Stacia and HangTuf are focused on making a positive impact in our softball community. It’s important to invest in all of our young ladies and support them to reach their BIG dreams in life both on and off the field.
HangTuf Testimonial – Jeff Nowaczyk
(Owner/Director of RISE Softball)
“RISE Softball has worked with the HangTuf organization for the last 3 years. During that time, we have seen first hand how committed HangTuf is to player development and always putting their girls first! Scott and HangTuf are dedicated to the college recruitment process, partnership with RISE Softball, and have launched many players onto the college level. We at RISE fully endorse HangTuf and look forward to continuing to work together for many more years to come!”
Thank you Jeff and RISE Softball for endorsing our HangTuf softball program. RISE Softball is a premier scouting service that promotes female softball players across the Midwest. HangTuf is excited to work with you to help provide additional college exposure opportunities for our players.
HangTuf Testimonial – Phillips Family
(10U Player – Stevie Phillips)
“We just finished our first year with the Hangtuf 10U Team. Coming from another team the previous year, we have such an appreciation for The Hangtuf Way. We had NO IDEA that this was what we were searching for all along. HangTuf’s focus is on the “Girls'” growth as a human, a teammate, a friend, as well as a softball player.
Our daughter feels like she has learned so much more this year, and has become so much more confident in her abilities. She loves meeting previous players and coaches and learning from them and hearing their stories in the many Chalk Talks HangTuf provides.”
HangTuf appreciates your testimonial Phillips Family! Stevie has grown and improved so much over the past season due to her playing opportunities and hard work. Too often the development of youth sports athletes are neglected because of a coach or travel club being overly focused on wins. While winning can provide immediate gratification, it is no substitute for the long-term benefits of developing player skills.
HangTuf Testimonial – Powell Family
(10U Player – Addilynn Powell)
“This was Addilynn’s first year playing travel softball—and our first as a family entering this world—and we truly didn’t know what to expect. What we found with HangTuf Fastpitch was so much more than a team; it was a family that saw her potential, believed in her heart, and lifted her up when she needed it most.
Addilynn has grown in every part of the game this season. Her swing has power, her instincts on the field are sharper, and her passion is undeniable. She’s especially blossomed as a catcher, thanks in large part to her lessons with Coach Cam. But as any softball family knows, growth comes with challenges, and this year, we watched Addilynn battle through some tough emotional moments on the field, swinging the bat, and behind the plate.
One moment in particular stands out: She was struggling during a game, feeling overwhelmed and stuck in a spiral. But Coach Scott and Coach Andrea didn’t give up on her—they saw her, they spoke to her heart, and they pulled her out of that dark moment with calm, care, and belief. And Addilynn responded! She gathered herself, dug deep, and ended the inning with an out at home plate. It was a turning point—not just in the game, but in her confidence. That moment captured everything HangTuf represents: trust, heart, and never giving up on each other.
We’ve watched our daughter grow stronger, more resilient, and more in love with the game than ever. We are so grateful to Coach Andrea, Coach Scott, Coach Stacia, and Coach Cam for their dedication, love, and guidance. HangTuf gave Addilynn more than just softball skills—it gave her strength, purpose, and a second home.”
Thank you Powell Family! We post testimonials every season so families inside and outside the organization can see what HangTuf represents. It means more hearing honest testimony from others than an organization just boasting itself. We strive to be a positive influence in our softball community and whether a player stays with us for their entire softball journey or just a season we are forever there to support them both on and off the field in life.
HangTuf Testimonial – Troy Sparks
(16U Red Player – Shelby Sparks)
“We have been with HangTuf going on 4 years now and really enjoy the atmosphere and all the things that they do for the softball community. HangTuf goes above and beyond for the girls whether it’s the clinics, chalk talks, or just team bonding. One of the things I, as a parent, like is when subs are needed HangTuf pulls from players on teams within the organization to help out providing more playing opportunities. Thank you coaches for always putting the girls first!”
HangTuf appreciates your testimonial Troy! HangTuf’s WHY Factor, revolves around putting our young ladies first, they drive our Board/Coaches decision making process… We make every effort to invest in and provide our players more learning, development, playing, and exposure opportunities than any other travel clubs. We hope every family can see this by the actions we take…
HangTuf Testimonial – Faith McCarthy
(12U-18U Player)
“For the last 6 years I’ve spent with HangTuf have been nothing but amazing. I can’t believe my time here playing with this organization has come to an end. Almost every weekend in the summer for the past 6 years has been playing softball with some of my best friends. I couldn’t be more grateful of this organization for supporting me and all the opportunities it has provided me with. Half of my entire softball career has been playing and growing with this organization and it all ended yesterday. You have shown me what a true TEAM is and how to be a TEAM PLAYER. You have not only helped me become a better player but grow into a better person. This chapter in my book is finished and now I’m onto the next. HangTuf you will always have a special place in my heart 
”
HangTuf and everyone in it loves you Faith! We appreciate all of the hours you have volunteered working with our younger players at practices and clinics. And we will always be here to support you off the field as well with your future endeavors. We are all so proud of the young woman you have become…
HangTuf Testimonial – Sierra Romero
(AUSL Professional Athlete and College Softball Hall of Fame Player)
“I love what HangTuf is doing to enrich their athlete’s travel experience. They are making a positive impact on the softball community.”
HangTuf appreciates your endorsement of our softball program Sierra! Your generosity and continued support of HangTuf over the past 4 years has been special. Our girls have a unique opportunity to share in our relationship with a softball living legend. We are looking forward to our upcoming chalk talks and clinic with you in the 2025/2026 season.
HangTuf Testimonial – Keith Kniffen
(12U Red Player – Mackenzie Kniffen)
“This was my daughter’s first year in travel softball and she was very nervous about playing travel ball. HangTuf made it a great experience for her and now all she is talking about is coming back to play again. This organization’s main focus is putting the girls first and even when a situation/challenges comes up, they handle it quickly and professionally.”
HangTuf appreciates your testimony and support Keith. We make every effort to honor our commitment to our teams and players, and never give up on them. Player Development doesn’t happen overnight and requires a travel club to investment time in each player’s future so they can succeed both on and off the field. Unfortunately a lot of travel clubs, coaches, and parents want instant gratification/win at all cost philosophy which is typically detrimental to player development.
HangTuf Testimonial – Evan Gray
(16U Navy Head Coach)
“I am honored to write a testimonial for HangTuf. As the 16U Navy Head Coach and Owner of Grays On Deck, I have seen firsthand the positive impact HangTuf is making, not just in developing players but in uplifting the entire softball community. Their passion and professionalism are unmatched.”
HangTuf appreciates the endorsement of our program Evan and the potential future opportunities we will have to build a pipeline that gives our athletes broader exposure. We are better together!
I am SO proud to be a part of the travel organization that we belong too! HangTuf is amazing, caring, attentive and has given us so many opportunities for growth and knowledge. Thank you HangTuf Fastpitch for always supporting our girls and having our backs!
- Alicia Knox
I got to spend today at Michigan State’s softball practice. I love that I get to coach for an organization like HangTuf Fastpitch that sets up opportunities like this so we can become better coaches.
- Rebekah Wolff
First let me say thank you and your organization for a great time at the clinic. I know Vivienne learned a lot as well she loves the coaches she interacted with! Honestly when we left she wanted to go back and join your team, Maddy was by far her favorite so you can imagine her response when I told her that she would be coaching! From what I saw your organization it’s highly organized and very knowledgeable, both of which I am looking for in a team/organization for my daughter.
- Terry Bennett
We love this organization! The coaches are great, communication is amazing, and the people are the best! We have been with HangTuf for three years and absolutely love it! If you are looking for a softball organization that is family oriented, HangTuf is an excellent choice!
- Ranae Ricord McCarthy
Ya’ll this organization is phenomenal. We are so happy that Madelynne Thrush found a family in this program. Thank you for all of what you do for these young athletes.
- Jody Thrush
We came to HangTuf after spending a long couple of years at another organization that left much to be desired. We wanted to make sure we made the right decision for our daughter and family as a whole. We needed a place where she could not only compete, but grow and develop as both an individual and as something bigger than herself. The coaching staff is knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated to the success of each player and team.
One of the things we appreciate the most is that they do more than preach the “all about the girls” motto, they put it into action. HangTuf really invests in the girls’ futures and provides opportunities they might not be afforded elsewhere: training, camps, working alongside collegiate athletes and coaches and creating a platform to prepare for the next level.
Leadership’s commitment to the growth and improvement of the organization as a whole is admirable and speaks volumes about the integrity and authenticity of HangTuf. We are so thankful to be a part of a travel softball program that makes us feel so welcome, valued and part of the family.
- Stefanie Olney
“HangTuf Fastpitch molded me into the player and person I am today. It was a huge part of my life that I will always cherish and I will never forget all of the wonderful memories and friendships HangTuf has brought me.”
- Evy Lobdell (Former Player & Assistant Coach at Saginaw Valley State University)
“My daughter joined HangTuf 4 years ago as a substitute, she had never been interested in the full-time commitment that a travel softball team requires. She was warmly welcomed to the team by both players and coaches. What was supposed to be 1 or 2 tournaments turned into the remainder of the season. The following year she subbed for a different organization and there were some very apparent differences from HangTuf. After that experience she decided to put all her concentration on softball and tried out for HangTuf. The first thing that my entire family noticed was that this was not the same team she had played with before. Many of the players had changed and there was a new assistant coach that had joined the team but most importantly their level of skill far exceeded the previous team. This team had potential to be contenders at every tournament, something we would not have said about the team 2 years prior. Even the coaches seemed a bit more knowledgeable about the game. They again warmly welcomed my daughter to the team. She is now on her 2nd year with team (as a committed player) and I have seen huge improvements with both the team and my daughter. The coaches have done an excellent job of exposing the players to college coaches, even outside of exposure tournaments, and making sure that they are ready for the ultimate goal of playing at the college level. I am extremely excited that my daughter has become one of HangTuf’s success stories and will continue her softball career with Lansing Community College in the Fall of 2021.”
- Jen Powers
“We have only been with the Hangtuf for a short period of time but it already feels like a family. We had been with another organization for three years and I feel this was the best decision we have made for our daughter and her growth as an athlete. Hangtuf has worked really hard to get to know my daughter and her needs and wants as a player and leader. The coaches have been great to work with and consistently advocate for my daughter and her teammates. In my short time here, they have brought in different college coaches to lead practices and work with the girls on team and self-development skills. Win or lose in games, coaches have reinforced the positives and built on their shortcomings but have continually stayed motivated and encouraging growth throughout the process.”
- Ricky Vasquez
“As parents within the organization, we can personally attest to the extreme level of professionalism and effective coaching provided by the HangTuf staff. We as a family have been involved with HangTuf for more than five years in which we have observed the continuous development of our daughter and other fine young ladies within the organization. Although the team structure changes each competition year (from parents relocating, additional skill sets acquired, and parents/players electing to play for other teams), the team dynamics has always developed into the correct chemistry structure required to foster a positive environment towards the personal and athletic development of the players fully committed to the core values fostered within the organization. This is a feat difficult to replicate year after year. However, it is a testament of the fair and equitable processes utilized by the organization to ensure each of the players achieve the skills necessary to compete at the next level.
What we value most concerning the HangTuf organization:
- Commitment and dedication of the coaching staff with high level of involvement and honest feedback.
- Leadership opportunities, mentorship and development gained from past players and staff.
- High level competition achieved through traveling to multi in-state and out of state events.
- Fair and competitive program focus on the personal growth and development of the whole athlete.
- Life-long relationships achieved amongst players.
In addition, the evolution of the leadership and board structure of the HangTuf organization continuously improves, in which the present and future initiatives hold unlimited opportunities for the players and parents. The competitive reputation, high level of sportsmanship, and college coaching staff relations from Division 1 colleges to statewide community colleges combined with relationships fostered within multiple communities and statewide sponsors promotes an extremely sustainable program.”
- Will and Crystal McFadden
“HangTuf, to me, is a value added and family focused fastpitch travel softball club. I have three daughters that have played for this program. Two are currently playing and my oldest is now an assistant coach on the 14U team staff. Whether you’re striving to increase your skill level for your community school or trying to get to the next level and play in college, HangTuf Fastpitch Softball Club has great coaches that care about players on and off the field and have excellent connections to assist players in all of their goals.”
- Darius Knox
“HangTuf softball taught me the boundaries of softball both on and off the field, it taught me that your teammates can become family and that made me want to win games and compete for my teammates rather than myself. HangTuf taught me how strong the bond between teammates can be. HangTuf meant a lot to me in learning how to compete on a premier softball level.”
- Grace Lehto (Starting Pitcher at Central Michigan University
“Thank you for the invitation to the zoom meeting. With the high school season starting, my schedule has been crazy this week. I appreciate you thinking of me for these types of events and I am always trying to learn more to make myself a better coach. Please keep me in mind for future events if you don’t mind. I also would like to say how much I like the HangTuf approach to travel ball. The more my kids get involved in travel sports it seems the profit part is what drives it.”
- Rich Bradford
“My daughter joined the HangTuf program last year. Her experience has been nothing short of phenomenal. The coaches were warm and welcoming right from the day of her tryout, and she has become great friends with many of her teammates. In addition to the tournaments, the program has offered her many learning opportunities – including camps, clinics, and virtual talks by collegiate athletes. The HangTuf players are exposed to college players and coaches throughout the year at various events.
As a parent, I have appreciated the HangTuf coaches. During her high school season, my daughter developed injuries in her elbow and shoulder due to overuse of her muscles. She was informed that the only way these injuries would improve was if she stepped away from softball for a significant period of time. She was devastated by the news and did everything she could to try to improve her circumstance. Unfortunately, nothing worked. When she informed her HangTuf coach of her situation, he was very supportive to her as an individual. He made it clear to her that she was far more important to the organization as a person than as a player. Wow….what a first class response!
I am so grateful for the experience that my daughter has had with the HangTuf program. She has felt welcome and valued. She has grown as a person AND a softball player.”
- Courtney Pierce