Glory National Mertz-Griffith (18U)

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Glory National Mertz-Griffith teams participate in the nation’s top college showcases and national tournaments.

From the 2017 grad class on, 100% of our team alumnae have been recruited to play in college. Our teams have produced six PGF High School All-Americans and 18 PGF All-American finalists. In 2021, three players participated in the Women’s College World Series. Three players have competed on the world stage for USA, Puerto Rico and Israel.

In 2021, Coach Mertz was recently ranked #27 club coach in the country by ExtraInningSoftball.com and is a 2024 USSSA Virginia Hall of Fame inductee.

The team overall GPA is 3.9 which has allowed many players to earn academic scholarships as part of their packages. Excellence in class, and class on the field.

 

Coaches & Staff

Headlines

APRIL 2023 - Kurland Making the Most of Short Time in Athens

"I had already known Ally, so I was ready when the call came. It was probably the easiest recruiting choice ever." — Tony Baldwin, Head Coach - Read Full Article

APRIL 2023 - Sandercock drafted to Women’s Professional Fastpitch

On Monday night, Kathryn Sandercock and Mack Leonard both got the call to play professionally. Women’s Professional Fastpitch held their annual college draft, selecting the nations best college seniors. Sandercock was drafted in the 2nd round, and 6th overall. - Read Full Article

JUNE 2022 - Glory Mertz Alum To Finish Final Year at Georgia

After a historic 2022 season and her undergrad degree from Penn State, Kurland will attend grad school at University of Georgia and play it out for the Bulldogs. - Read Full Article

MAY 2021 - Three Team Alums in College World Series!

Congratulations, Kathryn Sandercock (FSU) and Michelle Sullivan and Bella Smith (JMU)

AUGUST 2019 - Figueroa Leads 19U World Cup in Hitting

Victoria Figueroa (Puerto Rico / Glory Mertz-Griffith '18 / JMU '22) ends the 19U Softball World 🌎 Cup, leading all countries in batting Ave (.611), on base percentage (.632), and third in overall hits (11). #FIGSONTHEMOVE - Read Full Article

JUNE 2019 - Two Glory Mertz-Griffith Alums Make National Team

Congrats to Kathryn Sandercock (USA) and Victoria Figueroa (Puerto Rico) for making their 19U national teams. Look forward to seeing the two of you battle on the world stage! #GloryGirls #IronSharpensIron

NOVEMBER 2018 - Fall Highlights for New Glory Mertz-Griffith Team

Our 2018 Glory Mertz-Griffith fall season came to a close at Champions Elite in Marietta, GA. Fall highlights included incredible competition versus some of the nation's top-ranked teams. Wins over Beverly Bandits DeMarini Helbling, Louisville Lady Sluggers Huecker, Atlanta Vipers Gold Jiles, PA Strikers National Hayes, and very closely contested losses to 2018 PGF 16U National Champions, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier (6-4 loss) and 2018 PGF 18U National Champions, GA Impact Lewis (8-5 loss). We faced several strong pitchers including the top ranked player in the country, Kelley Lynch (Washington), and commits to Alabama, Auburn, Washington, Mizzou, Duke, Ohio State and Wisconsin. We enjoyed the highest level of competition and we believe that pressure is a privilege! We look forward to our winter training and taking our TEAM to the next level. #WeCanWeWill #IronSharpensIron

JULY 2017 - USA Softball World Cup Update

Sandercock starts game one for USA Jr. National team vs Puerto Rico and goes 3 1/3 scoreless; throws one perfect inning vs USA team; allows just seven hits in complete game loss vs Japan, the #1 ranked team in the world

JUNE 2017 - Player of the Year!

Kaitlin Beasely-Polko was named Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year; Raina Cooper and Kathryn Sandercock named to 1st Team.

JUNE 2017 - Arizona Does It Again!

Junior shortstop, Arizona Ritchie, makes 1st Team All State (5A) for the second time following her freshman year honors.

JUNE 2017 - It's Pouring Gatorade!

Kathryn Sandercock and Kaitlin Beasley-Polko both awarded Gatorade Players of the Year for VA and MD

NOVEMBER 2016 - Undefeated Fall Season

Congrats to Glory Premier M-N for going undefeated at Southern Force Fall Showcase in Watkinsville, GA and finishing their fall season 26-0-1 (0-0 tie vs DeMarini Aces). The team hit .400 for the fall with 26 HRs with a 1.099 On Base+Slugging%, a staff ERA of 1.90 with 185 Ks in 132 INN and committing just 0.63 errors per game. Highlights also included a USA Elite Select NE Championship and national berth. The team begins conditioning and practicing NOV 20th and will train through the end of FEB.