Collegiate softball players across the country will now have the opportunity to play in a Kansas summer league, as the Sunflower Summer Collegiate Softball League (SSL) begins play in 2022, league commissioner Casey Walkup announced in a press conference.
Walkup anticipates the SSL will bring nearly 100 student-athletes to South Central Kansas each summer. The SSL will consist of six teams, with the opportunity for future expansion. Interest has been expressed to host games at facilities in Derby, Hutchinson, El Dorado, Valley Center, Goddard, and Wichita at both Newman and Wichita State University.
“Working together as a league, and not just individual teams allows us to provide a cost-effective opportunity for college softball players to compete in summer softball,” Walkup said. “Our founding collegiate baseball experience with an interest in providing women the opportunity to both compete and grow during the summer.”
Established as a non-profit 501(c)3, the SSL will run for approximately four weeks from June 17th – July 17th. The league’s six teams will have a roster of 16 players. The SSL plans a mixture of single-game and doubleheader formats, with all teams participating in a weekly showcase on Saturdays at Wilkins Stadium on the WSU campus.
Player fees are $1,200 for the summer, $200 of which is returned if the player leaves in good standing. A $500 player deposit will be due by February 1 to reserve a roster spot. The remaining balance is due on May 1. If players become injured, fees can be prorated accordingly. Player selections will be made based upon team need, and if a player is not offered a spot on the team the deposit will be refunded. Players will also receive a health club membership and access to indoor batting cages. Players will be hosted by local volunteer host families who will provide the player two meals per day. The SSL will carry secondary medical insurance and liability insurance, and an athletic trainer will be on site for all games. Players will also have the opportunity to work or volunteer in South Central Kansas and engage in life skills activities/programs as well as Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) revenue opportunities.
Interested student-athletes can fill out the prospective player form at https://forms.gle/L18wFxXnbt262yS47. Once the form has been completed, players have until February 1 to submit their deposit. If players become injured or no longer wish to participate prior to February 1, no financial penalty will be assessed, but players are encouraged to complete forms now for league planning purposes.
“The country is saturated with summer baseball leagues,” Walkup said. “However, in softball, currently only one established league exists, and it resides in Florida. This is an opportunity for young women in our region to compete throughout the summer, and an opportunity for South Central Kansas communities to support women’s sports as well.”
Local sports leaders are also excited for the league to be established in the Wichita area.
“We’re thrilled to welcome dozens of student athletes to the heart of the country this summer,” said Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development at Visit Wichita. “Centrally located and overflowing with a passion for sports, we’re sure they will enjoy competing at Wichita’s top notch facilities and exploring the city’s 50-plus attractions and more than 1,200 restaurants while they are here.”
“As the home for summer collegiate baseball, Wichita is on the cusp of being the home for summer collegiate softball too”, said Kevin Jenks Interim President/CEO of the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission. “Casey has a proven track record and knows what it takes for his league to be successful. The GWASC looks forward to supporting the SSL’s efforts and watching its impact on women’s softball.”
Players and fans can follow the SSL on Facebook @SunflowerSoftball, @sunflowersoftballleague on Instagram and @SummerCollegeSB on Twitter.
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