Life Behind the Plate
Every great youth softball tournament has one thing in common beyond the competition: the people who make it run. At Connect Sports events, that includes a crew of umpires who show up season after season, not for the spotlight, but for the love of the game and the athletes who play it.
We asked our umpires to tell us, in their own words, what keeps them coming back. What they shared paints a picture of a community defined by dedication, growth, and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way.
An Umpire Crew as Diverse as the Game Itself
Our umpire roster spans generations, backgrounds, and experience levels. Some are stepping behind the plate for the first time. Others have worked NCAA Division I Super Regionals, National Championships, and professional-level events. Some are retired. Some are personal trainers, collegiate coaches, officiating directors, and active military veterans. Several are former players who made the move from cleats to the blue.
What connects them is not a resumé. It is a belief that the game matters, and that showing up with integrity matters even more.
"It's my Happy Place. It's the one place I can leave my problems behind and just focus on one thing."
— Tonya Cash, Georgia resident
That kind of investment does not happen by accident. At Connect Sports, we actively recruit, develop, and support umpires who share that mindset, and we work to retain them because experience on the field is something you cannot manufacture.
Giving Back to the Game That Gave Them So Much
When we asked what keeps our umpires coming back season after season at Connect Sports tournaments, the answer was nearly unanimous: the athletes.
"I do it for the girls. Going from player to umpire gives you a different type of appreciation for the game. I love giving back to the sport that gave me so much growing up."
— Rayne Gray, Tennessee resident
There is something powerful about a group of umpires who define their own success by someone else's growth. That orientation, toward the athlete first, aligns directly with what Connect Sports is built to do. Our softball showcase tournaments are designed to put athletes in front of opportunity, and our umpires are a meaningful part of creating that environment.
Experience That Shapes More Than Calls
Being an umpire teaches you things the game does not make obvious from the dugout. The perspective our umpires bring goes far beyond balls and strikes.
"Helping to instill life principles such as integrity and accountability. Encouraging sportsmanship and cooperation while managing emotional highs and lows are cornerstones of what these athletes will face as they move through life, on and off the field."
— Tommy Williams, Georgia resident
These are not just lessons for the field. They are the kind of perspective shifts that happen when you take your role seriously, and when the organization you work with takes you seriously in return.
Building Umpire Presence On and Off the Field
Connect Sports supports our umpires in more ways than game-day logistics. We believe in helping the people behind our events grow their own voice and visibility, the same way we do for the athletes competing at our Connect Sports events.
Kendall Thiery, known online as @callthegame_kt, is a great example of what that looks like in practice. Kendall uses Meta glasses during events to capture content and build a genuine online presence around umpiring. Connect Sports engages with and encourages that work, because we know that when our umpires are seen and respected, it elevates the entire experience for everyone on the field.
"Social media has allowed me to show my skills to the world and build real relationships on and off the field. It's bigger than just making calls. It's about representing the game the right way and growing through every experience."
— Kendall Thierry, Tennessee resident
KT is truly one-of-a-kind. When he captures highlights on his glasses, whether a homerun or a huge strikeout, he takes the time to connect with the athlete after the game to ensure that they are tagged in the content. A win, win for everyone and encapsulates how we all strive to put the athlete first.
Advice From the People Who Know the Plate Best
We also asked our umpires what they would tell someone thinking about picking up the mask for the first time. Their answers say a lot about the culture we are building.
"Be patient with yourself and stay consistent. You're not going to get every call right at first, but if you show up, learn, and stay confident, you'll grow fast. Most importantly, don't be afraid of the moment. Own it."
— Kendall Thierry, Tennessee resident
"Seek excellence, not perfection."
— Tommy Williams, Georgia resident
"Calling is an art. You're the creator."
— Rayne Gray, Tennessee resident
"Be open, listen, study the game and the rules, work hard but have fun."
— Tonya Cash, Georgia resident
That is the kind of wisdom that only comes from real reps, and real community. It is what we try to build at every Connect Sports event, for umpires and athletes alike.
Connect's Mission Is Felt on Both Sides of the Plate
Connect Sports exists to empower, encourage, and uplift women in sport. Our umpires notice that, and they said so directly.
"From the leadership and staff, to all the participants in these events, the mission is promoted and expressed to create an environment of inclusion and understanding that shines through!"
— Tommy Williams, Georgia resident
That is not a coincidence. It is the result of intentional hiring, event design, and a culture that starts at the top and reaches every corner of the field.
Interested in Joining Our Umpire Team?
Whether you are a seasoned umpire or someone who has never put on the gear, we want to hear from you. Connect Sports is always looking for umpires who bring the right attitude to youth softball tournaments and want to be part of something that matters.
Visit Our Umpire Page to Learn More and Submit an Interest form