Italy 2026: More Than Softball

Mizuno USA 14U & 23U Friendship Series

This summer, Northern Light Sports had the privilege of taking the Mizuno USA 14U and 23U softball teams to Italy for an unforgettable International Friendship Series.

Our athletes proudly represented the USA while competing against Italian teams, experiencing a different style of softball, and building friendships that went far beyond the field.

Having our 14U and 23U teams travel together made the experience especially meaningful. Younger players learned from the older athletes, families shared the adventure, and two teams quickly became one traveling family.

But this trip was about much more than softball. Our players experienced the history, food, people, and culture of Italy while discovering just how far their sport can take them.

Years from now, they may not remember every score or at-bat, but they'll remember wearing a USA uniform in Italy, traveling with teammates and family, and forming friendships through the game they love.

The games brought us to Italy. The experience is what we'll remember.

— Coach Tony Dress
Northern Light Sports

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The beginning of the fall semester is a fresh start. For student-athletes, it’s the perfect time to ask a simple question: Where do I want to be when this semester ends?

Success rarely happens by accident. Whether your goal is becoming a better hitter, earning more playing time, improving your grades, transferring to a four-year school, or simply becoming a better teammate, it starts by establishing a direction.

At the Northern Light Sports Player Academy, we encourage athletes to set goals in five areas: mechanical and skill development, performance, strategy and execution, mental preparation, and personal growth.

But writing down a goal isn't enough. Every goal needs a pathway.

Make it specific and measurable. Develop an action plan. Set short-, medium-, and long-term targets. Most importantly, establish goals for your daily practice and preparation, because those are the things you can control.

Don't be afraid to adjust along the way. A bad game, difficult practice, or disappointing result doesn't mean the goal has failed. Failure is information. Learn from it, make an adjustment