Club Spotlight: Tampa Mustangs 16U TJ
The Tampa Mustangs – TJ were previously known as the Suncoast Storm 02 in 2010. Carrying 32 tournament titles in just six outstanding seasons, the Suncoast Storm and Coach T.J. Goelz decided to join the Tampa Mustangs organization. Increasing the girls’ exposure and competition, the newly formed Tampa Mustangs kept their same core values by being “ultra-competitive and classy at the same time.” Apparently, the move for exposure worked, as the team has twelve college softball commits.
Avery Goelz
Avery Goelz 5’7, 1B. A Lakewood Ranch resident who as a Freshman was named the State 8A Offensive Player of the Year. As a sophomore, so far, she’s been named the Softball Player of the Year and is considered one of the top recruits nationally.
Katie Kistler 5’7, CF. Sophomore committed to Florida. From Oakleaf High School. All-State as a freshman and won the High School State Championship.
Kaia LoPreste 5’4, C. Junior committed to Florida State from Riverview High School. Three-time All-State selection and a top prospect.
McKenzie Clark 5’5, CF/C. Committed to Clemson. Lakewood Ranch High School. Clark is a two-time all-State selection.
Claire Davidson 5’9, P/DP. Sophomore committed to Auburn.
Brooklyn Lucero 5’10, P/DP. Committed to NC State. A sophomore attending Lakewood Ranch High School.
Jada Smallwood 5’5, 3B/OF. Committed to the University of Maryland. Newsome High School sophomore.
Payton Kinney 5’6, P/DP. Committed to UCONN. Lakewood Ranch High School Class of 2020.
Jade Moy 5’4, MIF. Committed to Purdue. Sophomore. Braden River High School.
Kali Reis 5’7, MIF. Sophomore Committed to UCF. Lakewood Ranch High School.
Taylor Woodring 5’10, 1B. Committed to East Carolina. Lakewood Ranch High School.
Emma Anthony 5’7, 3B. Committed to East Carolina. Lakewood Ranch High School.
Head coach Goelz and staff won the NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year Award in 2015 winning one of his four National Championship appearances. Finishing 73-15 in the 2017 season, the Tampa Mustangs- TJ finished first at the Triple Crown Sparkler Power Pool TV Bracket, second place at the Triple Crown Sparkler Juniors (power pool), third at the Demarini Invitational, and completed the season with a fifth-place finish at the PGF Premier Nationals.
With a bright outlook for the 2018 season, the Tampa Mustangs have a very athletic team and a potent line-up offensively. Adding a lefty slapper with good speed, Jillian Herbst (2020) from Lakewood Ranch High School, brings depth to the line-up and middle infield. Another newcomer, Mari Stephens (2021) of Bartow High School, is a strong, fast, athletic player who will push the returnees and can play both outfield and third base. Their opponents can expect the whole team to put the pressure on as this offensively strong team comes loaded with talent. Their hopes for the tournament season are to get better, make memories, and the ultimate goal of winning a National Championship. The Tampa Mustangs will be attending the Birmingham Thunderbolts Invitational, Scenic City Tournament in Tennessee, Independence Day Tourney in Colorado, the USA Elite World Championship in Kansas, and PGF Premier National in California.
