A SUN-DRENCHED FIELD shimmers in the morning light, crisp air crackles with anticipation, and a joyous symphony of cheers erupt as a young girl rounds the bases, pure triumph etched on her face. This is the world that Marybeth, her husband Doug Byers, and Matthew Wild inhabit. It’s a world where softball is more than a sport. It becomes a platform for building character, forging friendships, and igniting a spark that surpasses the boundaries of the field.
Marybeth’s journey into the world of softball began with her childhood fascination. Growing up, she admired legendary figures like Pat Summitt, drawing inspiration from their coaching styles and the teams they led. However, her passion evolved into something more profound once she had her three children.
“I started out loving softball when I was a child, and it evolved from there. And then when I had my children, we got them playing, and then I just loved it even more,” Marybeth enthuses.
Originally from Ohio, the Byers family relocated to Tennessee about a decade ago. The move resulted from Doug’s military service, and the family discovered a welcoming community in Middle Tennessee. Marybeth, a nurse by profession, got involved in the local community to connect with others and found her passion in coaching softball.
“Some of our best friends down here are people that we celebrate relationships with through softball,” she explained.
Finding personal fulfillment and a sense of belonging within the community, Marybeth channeled her passion for forming connections into building a supportive environment for her players.
Marybeth’s parents coached her during her formative years. Their inside jokes, infectious laughter, and victorious gestures have impacted the trajectory of her own coaching career, leading her to make softball a memorable experience for young athletes.
“I remember my mom and dad coaching me and making it fun, doing silly dances on the field with us. If we got home runs, they’d lay on the ground and roll around,” she remembered fondly.
Marybeth translated the lessons of the diamond into a philosophy that prioritizes growth and inclusivity.
As the president of the Fastpitch League, Marybeth aims to go beyond the conventional boundaries of sports. Her goal is to provide an outlet for children who may not have the means to participate in travel leagues. The league organizes various events, from movie nights to equipment swaps, creating a space where every child has an opportunity to play and flourish.
One of the league’s largest assets is the tournaments it hosts, which are not exclusively held for elite travel teams. It’s for those who may not have experienced competitive play before.
Events like these allow children to build friendships, create memories, and discover their passion for the game.
“This is something that we can give them, two times a year, that keeps them out of trouble and gives them a focus. And then they can have fun and make friends. The Fastpitch League serves to get kids off the couch and give them a passion,” she explained.
Challenges are inevitable, even for this multifaceted coach, from supporting girls who are dealing with personal hardships to ensuring that every child, regardless of financial constraints, can participate.
“There [are] obviously girls [who] are dealing with difficult times in their lives. It’s about ‘how can I get them through that?’ Or we may have kids who cannot get to practice, and we pick them up.”
Time and energy are also significant barriers, but immense support from Doug, Wild, the board, and volunteer coaches propel her forward.
Looking back on her journey, Marybeth advises her younger self and young girls to find what they’re passionate about and pursue it endlessly.
“Find a love and a passion, whether that be sports or something else.”
The community has found a dedicated leader in Marybeth, whose love for softball positively impacts the lives of young athletes and forges community bonds that last beyond the field.\
“There are times when we don’t practice. We might play games, or my husband might take a player who’s going through a hard time and walk laps around the field talking about whatever they’re going through. It’s so much more than ‘just softball.’ It’s about trying to influence their lives, to make better decisions to be better humans. And you can use softball to emphasize teamwork and make better employees and better people in the future.”
Community involvement is crucial for the league’s success. They encourage locals to support upgrades to the local park and get involved in various capacities, from coaching to volunteering. GN
