Based out of the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area, the Gametime Stars have blossomed into 18 teams from tee ball to 18U. 

Finishing in the top 20 in the Sparkler Juniors Power Pool and the USA Elite Select WFC, Gametime Stars Lyons are raising the level of competition in Oklahoma in the best way.

We chat with Coach Jerrin Lyon about this special group of players and how they came together.

When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?

The team came together in the Fall of 2017. We had a few athletes who were moving up to 16U after the Summer of 2017. We added a few players who were in the 2021 and 2022 class. We felt like we had a group of young ladies who could go out and compete on the national stage.

What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)? 

We have several athletes who have played together for 3 to 4 years. We felt if we could find the right young ladies to add to this team they could be very successful. Our goal was to give our athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college coaches and at the same time compete on the national stage.

What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?

Last fall, we finished 3rd in the Top Gun Elite Club Challenge and then went out to the PGF Early Thanksgiving Showcase in Huntington Beach, CA and went 2-2-1 against the top level competition. We opened the 2018 season by winning the USA/ASA The Preview at the OKC Softball Hall of Fame. We also placed 1st at Triple Crown OKC during the NCAA Softball National Championship. We competed in the 14U Power Pool at the Sparkler Juniors and finished 17th out of 90 teams which included many of the top-ranked 14U teams in the nation. We just got back from the USA Elite WFC and placed 17th in it also out of 77 teams.

What makes the organization unique?

The Gametime organization has been a true blessing to our young ladies. They have provided a world-class facility for our athletes to train and work to reach their goals. We have unbelievable support from our organizational heads Scotty Smith, Kevin Carwile, Mike Spain and Tony Allison. Our trainer Ron Brown works with our athletes year around and really gets them in peak performance shape for this time of the year.

What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?

Assistant Coach Jerry Jennings and I had the opportunity to lead these young ladies back in the fall of 2017. We have been with this group as assistant coaches since 2016. Both of our backgrounds were in baseball as I have two older sons who played that I coached.

How many teams are there in the organization overall? 

Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team's history?

We have had several but if I had to point to one thing for this year it would be at the TCS Sparkler Juniors Power Pool. We had come off a tough loss and went to the loser's bracket. It was a win or go home situation. The team would just not quit and it was unbelievable watching each and every player step up and pick each other up. Every game it was someone different. Either a walk-off win after being down 3-0 in the 7th or an outstanding pitching performance. We faced several great teams during that run and I think that’s when it really all came together.

What is your primary focus or goal with this team?

To provide opportunities and an environment that allows our athletes to fulfill their goals of becoming a student-athlete at the collegiate level.

What do you think are the strengths of the team?

Definitely our defense/pitching and power at the plate. 10 of athletes have hit home runs for us this year. We have scored 461 runs this season and given up 177.

If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?

I believe it’s the support we receive. From the parents, family, hitting/pitching coaches and the organization as a whole has been unbelievable. We are just one big family and it really shows in our play.

Anything else interesting or fun that I could use to portray your team as a top organization?

Year in and year out the Gametime Organization consistently have teams that finish in the upper half of the elite tournaments and showcases. Being from Oklahoma, we do not really get the publicity that many of the top organizations receive from California or Texas. It really starts at the top with the amount of support we receive.

How has the team competed this summer?

We really have come on strong here late in the biggest tournaments and showcases that we have attended with 2 top 17 finishes in the Sparkler Juniors Power Pool and the USA Elite WFC.

What are your goals and expectations for USA JO Cup?

Our goal is to go out and compete to the best of our abilities game in and game out. I believe we have shown the ability to do just that and I would expect no less at the JO Cup.

Meet Gametime Stars Lyon

Kaylee Lyon, SS/UT | 2021 (Texas Tech)

Lyon has been with the Gametime organization since she was 8 years old. She has a very high softball IQ and hits for average and power. She was selected as a Top Gun All American this year and played in the All-American games. She recently tested with AthPro360 and had an API score of 89. She committed to Coach Gregory at Texas Tech University in October of 2017.

Jade Sanders, P/1B | 2022

Sanders joined our club in the winter of 2017. She made an immediate impact with her all-around game. She has been the workhorse of our pitching staff this season and also hits for average and power. Sanders is a great team player and does everything for the good of the team. She was selected as a Sparkler Juniors All American after her play in the Sparkler Juniors Power Pool All Star game.

Karson Jennings, C | 2021 (Texas Tech)

Jennings has been with the Gametime Organization for five years. She has an elite arm behind the dish and power at the plate. Jennings is one of the leaders on the team who can provide a spark by her play or her words in the dugout. She was also selected as a Top Gun All American and played in the All American games. She committed to Coach Gregory at Texas Tech University in July of 2017.

Aynslee Linduff, P/OF | 2022 (uncommitted)

Linduff has been with the Gametime Organization going on five years. She is considered one of the best pitchers in her class and consistently hits in the top of the line up with her high average. Linduff is a tireless worker who is a gym rat and is always working to get better. Her work ethic is second to none. She was selected as a Top Gun All American and played in the Prospect All American games. 

Malorey Outon, 2B/UT | 2022 (uncommitted)

Outon is a top-level athlete with elite speed as her home to first is 2.8. She is a 5 tool player that has it all. Hitting, power, speed, throwing and fielding. She hits in the leadoff spot and gets on base multiple ways. She can lay down a bunt and run it out for a base hit or she can hit it over the fence. She was recently tested by AthPro360 and came in at #6 on their overall leaderboard with a 95.49 API.

Harley Sturm, P/1B | 2021 (University of Nebraska Omaha)

Sturm joined in the Fall of 2017 and made an immediate impact. She has been the four-hole hitter and has a knack for coming through in the clutch. Sturm provides great leadership on the field and has been a true team player. She committed to the University of Nebraska Omaha in March of this year.

Ashtyn Barrett, C/UT | 2022 (uncommitted)

Barret is the do everything player. Her athletic ability allows her to play any position on the field and be very successful. She has a great work ethic with speed and power. She was recently clocked with a 1.69 pop time by AthPro360 and had an 89 API.

Emma Curry, 3B/OF | 2021 (uncommitted)

Curry has been with GT since the Winter of this year. She has elite power at the plate as evident by her four home runs in the Sparkler Juniors Power Pool this year. Curry has a great glove and is fearless at the hot corner. This season has really been her coming out party and we are excited about her future with Gametime and beyond.

Emma “Gizmo” Simonich, OF | 2021 (uncommitted)

Gizmo, as she's called, is the backbone in the outfield. She is a fearless leader who covers so much ground and always makes the catch. She is a lefty slapper who can also hit for power when called on to do so. She takes pride in being an Outtie. She lives and breathes it. Gizmo provides the team with energy and resilience and gives them that spark they need.

Raigan McKee, 1B/C | 2021 (uncommitted)

McKee is the coach on the field. Her understanding of the game is superior and provides guidance to our pitching staff. She shows great leadership and is a very hard worker. She has come up big this season in some really clutch moments. She also displays great fielding skills at first base.

Ayzia Shirey, OF | 2021 (uncommitted)

Shirey is a speedy lefty who always makes the over the shoulder basket catch look seamless. She covers a lot of ground in a hurry with her speed. At the plate, she is a lefty power hitter with good discipline that gives her the ability to draw walks and has a high on-base percentage.