07/23/2022
It's that time of year where moves are made and players move on to the next step. I hate this time of the year. But on the other hand this is why I still coach and the Illinois Force keeps going.
To the 18u team. Congratulations on a memorable season to say the least. Weather you played one year, 2 years, or your career here you are Force Family. This group had swagger. They were not arrogant nor cocky they just were confident and had fun.
MIke and Kim you done a tremendous job coaching this group of student athletes.
To the original gangsters. Some of you were here for the USA Softball 12u National Championship team. Others came in at 14s where I got to coach you. It has been a awesome ride. Ups and downs but you all ended it with yet another national title at the World Fastpitch Championship for USSSa elite select. I am so proud I got to be a small part in such a big career. As you are now finished with your travel ball career keep those memories close to you. Some came to tryouts and found us that way. Some we found through others. One found us by simply coming up to me out of the blue at a tournament and introduced herself to me and said this "hey coach I have seen what the Force is about and I want to come play for you and your program"
To these six original gangsters that road the highs and lows for the entire ride I thank you for representing the Force, your team, and yourself with pride and dignity. Remember where you came from because there is youth out there that will always need guided by great players with big hearts because they have dreams too!!!!
Good luck to the entire 18u team in college . You leave this organization as champions and hopefully you will come back some day as coaches !!!!!!!
Scott Hutchinson
Illinois Force Director