Diamond Fever
Sportsplex
5147 Kentuck Road, Ringgold, VA
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After Diamond Fever
Players continue careers at college
Diamond Fever Softball is dedicated to helping our athletes become better players and helping them earn opportunities to play fastpitch in college.
All of Diamond Fever players who wanted to play softball in college have been able to live that dream—and that is a testament to the Diamond Fever mission, the parents, and the coaches. No other softball organization in the area can make that same claim. Since Diamond Fever’s beginning in 1998, the organization has developed 65+ girls who were able to earn athletic scholarships to play softball for their respective colleges. Diamond Fever has given immeasurable confidence, athleticism, and motivation to every girl who has dedicated her time to the sport, and currently, 18 Diamond Fever girls play at the college level. Overall, Diamond Fever has had eleven former players return as coaches! We also have two active Diamond Fever girls and several former players coaching for high school teams. They understand the invaluable skills Diamond Fever has offered, and in turn, they want to give back and help those younger athletes from our area.
We are extremely proud to have played a role in the following players' development and recruitment.
Congratulations, ladies! Keep working hard!
Diamond Fever Alumni
Heather Bullington
Dan River High School, Class of 2002
Virginia Intermont College
Lori Beth Collins
Dan River High School, Class of 2002
UNC-Greensboro
Megan Gilbert
Dan River High School, Class of 2002
Campbell University
Melanie Gilbert
Dan River High School, Class of 2002
Averett University
Sonya Francis
Dan River High School, Class of 2002
Averett University
Kesha Venable
George Washington High School, Class of 2002
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Sarah Montgomery
Chatham High School, Class of 2004
Randolph College
Ashley Taylor
Dan River High School, Class of 2004
Radford University
Lindsey Hastings
Halifax High School, Class of 2004
Meredith College
Ashley Salmon
George Washington High School, Class of 2005
University of South Carolina
Jennifer Bowles
Martinsville High School, Class of 2006
University of Virginia
Casey Pyron
Dan River High School, Class of 2007
Barry University
Kelly Montgomery
Chatham High School, Class of 2008
Gardner-Webb University
Bri Ritchey
Dan River High School, Class of 2008
Pitt Community College
Gwen Turner
Dan River High School, Class of 2008
Lafayette College
Kara Buchanan
Home Schooled, Class of 2008
Gardner-Webb University
Emily Atkinson
Tunstall High School, Class of 2008
Averett University
Jennifer Slaughter
Tunstall High School, Class of 2008
University of Virginia
Sarah Smith
Tunstall High School, Class of 2008
Lynchburg College
Brooke Short
Altavista High School, Class of 2009
Longwood University
Hannah Shumaker
Bartlett-Yancey High School, Class of 2009
Ferrum College
Tessa Law
Bassett High School, Class of 2009
Radford University
Carrie Dudley
Gretna High School, Class of 2009
Bridgewater College
Ingrid Joyce
Patrick County High School, Class of 2009
Greensboro College & Radford University
Susanne Plaster
Patrick County High School, Class of 2009
Greensboro College & Ferrum College
Brittany Arnn
Tunstall High School, Class of 2009
Campbell University
Jenna Rudder
Tunstall High School, Class of 2009
Averett University
Amber Marstin
William Campbell High School, Class of 2009
Bridgewater College
Courtney Burner
George Washington High School, Class of 2010
Ferrum College
Nina Compton
Gretna High School, Class of 2010
Virginia Tech
Johanna Spencer
Halifax High School, Class of 2010
Elon College
Megan Day
Halifax High School, Class of 2010
Elon College
Stephanie Clark
Halifax High School, Class of 2010
Roanoke College
Taylor Nunn
Westover Christian High Academy, Class of 2010
North Greenville University
Rachel Shumaker
Bartlett-Yancey High School, Class of 2011
Ferrum College
Nichole Mills
Gretna High School, Class of 2011
Bravard College
Morgan Jones
Tunstall High School, Class of 2011
Averett University
Amber Sulter
Westover Christian Academy, Class of 2011
Lynchburg College
Brittany Lawhorne
William Campbell High School, Class of 2011
UVA-Wise
Skylar Seals
William Campbell High School, Class of 2011
Lynchburg College
Taylor Dix
Bartlett-Yancey High School, Class of 2012
Averett College
Kayla Malkos
Cave Spring High School, Class of 2012
Virginia Wesleyan University
Rhyan Scearce
Dan River High School, Class of 2012
Averett University
Mary Beth Smith
Bartlett Yancey High School, Class of 2012
Averett University
Shelby Wray
Franklin County High School, Class of 2012
Emory & Henry College
Kelsey White
Halifax High School, Class of 2012
Bluefield College
Katherine Shumaker
Bartlett-Yancey High School, Class of 2013
Catawaba College
Holly Eckard
Dan River High School, Class of 2013
Emory & Henry College
Kelsey Meadows
Dan River High School, Class of 2013
Patrick Henry Community College
Kimmie Meadows
Dan River High School, Class of 2013
Patrick Henry Community College
Emily Lawrence
Gretna High School, Class of 2013
Roanoke College
Brianna Pierce
Halifax High School, Class of 2013
Virginia State
Miyana Ross
Halifax High School, Class of 2013
Ferrum College
Courtney Rudd
Western Alamance High School, Class of 2014
Ferrum College
Jordan Whitcomb
Franklin County High School, Class of 2014
Emory & Henry College
Lauren Marstin
Brookneal, Virginia
Lourdes University
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Janelle Sanford
Person County High School, Class of 2015
Meredith College
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Rebekah Burner
Dan River High School, Class of 2015
Longwood University Club Ball
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Dominique Mulero
Tunstall High School, Class of 2015
Virginia State
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Kaitlyn Lipscomb
Chatham High School, Class of 2016
University of Virginia Club Ball
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Marlene Carlson
GW Danville High School, Class of 2017
Roanoke College
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Bailey Kirby
Class of 2017
North Carolina A&T
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Brianna Mills
Gretna High School, Class of 2017
Radford University
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Kendall Varner
Bassett High School, Class of 2017
Emory & Henry College
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Meagan Puckett
Chatham High School, Class of 2017
Patrick Henry Community College
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LaNae Wilson
Gretna High School, Class of 2017
Radford University Club Ball
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Caitlyn Wiles
Dan River High School, Class of 2018
Ferrum College
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Carly Cobb
Reidsville High School, Class of 2019
Methodist College
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Mackenzie Lanphear
Southern Alamance High School, Class of 2020
Methodist College
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Harley Hearp
Tunstall High School, Class of 2018
Patrick & Henry Community College
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Grace Watlington
Bartlett Yancey High School, Class of 2021
Averett University
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"Diamond Fever helped me make most of my best friends. Many of the girls I played with from 10 and under and up, I still talk to on a regular basis. It provided me with the opportunity to strengthen my softball skills and eventually to help me play in college and meet more of my lifelong friends. When I think of my childhood, Diamond Fever softball is what stands out. It helped shape me into the person I am today and taught me many skills that I need in the real world, such as leadership, communication, problem solving, and teamwork. There is no doubt in my mind that if I hadn't played softball for the exceptional Diamond Fever organization, my summers would not have been as amazing as they were and I wouldn't have such wonderful memories to last me the rest of my life."
"Diamond Fever has been an organization that not only helped me to grow as an athlete, but also as a person. It is centered around being a family and always playing for the girl on your left and your right. Playing for this organization has taught me many lessons about the game of softball and lessons off the field. It is a great organization, and I have many, many memories I will cherish for a lifetime with the wonderful teammates, coaches, and parents who watched me grow as a player and also as an individual."
Nichole Mills
Gretna, VA
Gretna High School
Brevard College Softball Team
"Diamond Fever has had such an impact on my life that I know I will never forget it. For the past twelve years of my life, playing softball for the Diamond Fever organization has shaped me into the young woman I am today. It gave me the opportunity to find not only the softball player I could be, but also the person I could be. After years of working hard under the supervision of multiple Diamond Fever coaches, I have been able to make many accomplishments, such as being a two-time Virginia ‘A’ State Champion, the All-Metro Player of the Year, a QDSS All-Tournament Third Baseman, a player in the European World Cup held in the Netherlands, and a FCSAA (college) First Team and Player of the Week. Being able to accomplish these things has taught me self-confidence, hard work, humility, and dedication among many other attributes that defines me as a person. Diamond Fever has also given me the opportunity to meet new people and to share the name of Jesus on and off the field. Without the Diamond Fever organization, I would not know where or who I would be today."
Hannah Shumaker
Blanch, NC
Ferrum College Softball Team 2008-2012
"I joined the Diamond Fever family at the age of 15 and started on the 16u team with Bobby Clifton and Tim Bray. I started with basic softball skills that were developed over the years in the Diamond Fever organization. Because I was older when I started, the 16u and the 18u teams gave me the opportunities to play in tournaments that college scouts would attend. I learned strategies and gained experience that helped prepare me to play in college. After I finished my last year playing DF softball, my sister and I coached the 10u team for two years. Coaching made me really appreciate the coaches I had growing up. Overall, being a part of the Diamond Fever family has brought me many life-long friends and lasting memories!"
Tessa Law
Axton, VA
Bassett High School
Radford University Softball Team
"I moved to the area as a junior in high school, looking for a reputable team with a family atmosphere. I found all that and more with Diamond Fever. Playing with the Diamond Fever family was one of my most memorable softball experiences. I grew as a player, gained much knowledge of the game, and earned the friendship of many teammates. Fever softball showed me the advantages and glory of hard work, all while enjoying the game I loved. They are a family that will stick with me for a lifetime."
"Playing for Diamond Fever has not only given me skills inside the fence but also outside of that fence. [This organization] has taught me discipline and how to give 100%. Most people don’t how much effort they are capable of putting forth. Diamond Fever has brought out that characteristic in me that any family member, friend, or employer would love to see in someone. I can, without a doubt, say I would not be as successful in softball or in life if it hasn’t been for this organization."
Lauren Marstin
Brookneal, VA
Lourdes University Softball Team
"Diamond Fever is an organization that taught me so much about softball and even more about life. It helped me discover my love for softball and taught me many life lessons. I will never forget the many friends I made through this organization and I will never EVER forget Bobby Clifton. He is and always will be the most AMAZING coach I ever had. He taught me so much about the game of softball and the game of life. I am so thankful for the memories, the friends, and all the softball skills I have gained through Diamond Fever! Without these years in my childhood, I would not be the person or the softball player I am today!"
Rachel Shumaker
Blanch, NC
Ferrum College Softball Team
"Diamond Fever has been such a big part of my life over the years and has helped shape me, not only as an athlete but as a person. Having such wonderful coaches taught me the value of hard work (through many of Layton's famous practices) and has helped me make so many friends I will never forget. Diamond Fever was not only a team, but it was also a family because together we made it through many victories, many tough losses, and personal battles together. It has always been a place to turn to for support and love, and I will never forget all the wonderful people I shared my travel softball experiences with both as a player and as a coach for the 10U team during the 2012/2013 season."