Naturally warm weather, pristine sandy beaches, and 123 of the nation’s best golf courses normally lure families to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, seeking a fun-filled vacation. In 2015, the sunny paradise will host some of the most competitive softball of the summer.

 

More than 150 teams are headed to Myrtle Beach for this year’s TCS East Coast Summer Nationals, July 30-August 2. The crop of talent this year stems from 22 different states from up and down the East Coast as well as the rest of the country. The full list this year includes Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

Aided by the City of Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas, six different facilities will be utilized throughout the entirety of the event. Even Coastal Carolina University in Conway has provided space for these elite athletes to showcase their talent.

Taking advantage of the scenic backdrops of South Carolina’s Northern Shoreline is almost inevitable. However, in its sixth year, the opening ceremonies have moved to the Oceanfront Parcel, allowing players and their families to fully engulf themselves in the atmosphere of Myrtle Beach on Wednesday, July 29. Parked between the Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Jurassic Miniature Golf, teams can trade away a multitude of pins and discover new friends from distant places while enjoying everything the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk has to offer.

An impressive index of elite club softball teams not only brings excitement to South Carolina but also draws a plethora of college coaches. Each of the eight colleges on the list of attendees thus far (Marion Military Institute, Florida International University, Univeristy of Georgia, Northeast Mississippi Community College, Shaw University, Southeastern Community College – Whiteville, Broome Community College, and Tennessee Wesleyan University) are all looking to bolster their rosters with talent.

Three pool play games across Friday and Saturday lead to a double elimination bracket format in each of the four divisions (12u, 14u, 16u, and 18u). Sunday, and specifically the championship game, is target of each of these teams traveling to South Carolina. Whatever the outcome, Myrtle Beach will be the site of an exciting weekend of fun and fastpitch.

 

— Courtesy of Triple Crown Sports