GREENVILLE – The Greenville Girls Softball Association celebrated its 54th Opening Day on Saturday at Stebbins Field Complex, welcoming players, families, coaches, and community supporters under beautiful skies and chilly spring temperatures.
The ceremony opened with a season prayer by Pastor Nick Good of Greenville’s Reverent Church. Greenville American Legion Post 140 Color Guard presented the Colors, followed by Greenville seventh grader Lucy Daniell singing the National Anthem.
Greenville Mayor Jeff Whitaker praised GGSA for its longstanding impact on the community and its role in developing future Lady Wave softball players.
“This is probably one of the greatest organizations in Greenville with all these young kids participating and on their way up to play for the Greenville Lady Wave Softball program,” said Whitaker. “More than 250 kids, unbelievable, and all the families who are involved. What an outstanding facility we have. This is second to none around the Miami Valley.”
“This is where it starts,” Whitaker added. “That little girl there may be pitching like Ella Oswalt someday – you never know.”
Whitaker also noted the economic impact GGSA brings to Greenville through weekend tournaments.
“The weekend tournaments mean a lot economically to our city,” he said. “We get a lot of people coming into town, staying in hotels, eating at our restaurants, spending money, and enjoying the City of Greenville.”
GGSA Vice-President Kierra Rogers welcomed the large Opening Day crowd and thanked the many people who keep the organization strong.
“Thank you to all of you who make GGSA what it is today,” Rogers said. “Without you, the player, parent, coach, officer, and supporter, this organization would not be as strong as it is today.”
“Look around you,” Rogers added. “The Stebbins Field Complex and Lady Wave Stadium are a great example of what a community can do when the goals become very clear, and the people with those goals come together to make those goals a reality.”
Local businessman Joe Wintrow of Wintrow Signs was honored by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Wintrow has been a longtime supporter of GGSA, often donating products and labor to help the organization.
“It was a good feeling when I was invited to throw out the first pitch,” said Wintrow. “I don’t expect the recognition for what I do, but I was surprised. It is very nice. The community is very important to me, and little things like this are very appreciated.”
Rogers also introduced longtime Lady Wave High School assistant coach and former GGSA President Denny Ruble, who received recognition from the crowd. Ruble has been involved with the association since the days when the diamonds were located on Ohio Street in Greenville.
GGSA Fast Pitch Coordinator Shawn Shaffer said the 2026 season is shaping up to be another strong year.
“Another great summer of fun,” said Shaffer. “Great to have the kids out. We have six t-ball teams, 22 teams altogether, and it’s the young kids, 14 and under, and we focus on having fun.”
Shaffer said GGSA continues to make improvements to the facility, including new netting and new playground equipment.
“We are always trying to make improvements,” Shaffer said. “It always takes a little bit behind the scenes to make things right, like keeping the fields in shape for the large tournaments and other events.”
One of the biggest events of the season will once again be the GGSA Summer Smackdown tournament.
“The Summer Smackdown tournament is completely sold out,” Shaffer said. “It is a huge weekend for us, a huge weekend for the community. It’s 50 teams, and they stay, they go to the restaurants, and have a lot of fun while they’re here.”
The success of GGSA continues to be built on generations of players, parents, coaches, officers, trustees and supporters who have volunteered countless hours selling fundraisers, working concessions, coaching bases, preparing fields and helping provide young ladies from Greenville and surrounding communities a positive softball experience.
2026 GGSA Board of Officers
President – Eric Fellers
Vice-President – Kierra Rogers
Treasurer – Lindsey Beatty
Secretary – Tiffany Shaffer
Munchkin Coordinator – Kelsi Taylor
T-Ball Coordinator – Sheiann Vore
Fast-Pitch Coordinator – Shawn Shaffer
Slow Pitch Coordinator – Lexi Kincaid
Tournament Director – Jason Christman
Concessions Manager – Stephanie Shell
Assistant Concession Manager – Stacy Fellers
Equipment Manager – Open Position
Grounds Manager – Daniel Myers
2026 GGSA Board of Trustees
Jean Branson
Matt Hinkle
Chris Norris
Tom Cromwell
Josh Fletcher
David Youndt
Ryan Benge
