Redding Easton Softball is keeping pace with a national interest in the sport, as participation grows both locally and across the country.
Softball is now the fastest-growing sport under the National Collegiate Athletic Association in the United States, fueled in part by its return to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. According to Statista, about 9.2 million people played softball nationwide in 2024, while the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reports annual growth rates between 3% and 6%.
Locally, that momentum is reflected in the Redding Easton Softball program, which continues to expand opportunities for young athletes across a range of ages and skill levels.
“It serves a wide range of age groups and abilities, from first-time players learning fundamentals to experienced athletes advancing their skills, with patient coaching and encouragement that make new players feel welcome and supported,” said Andrea Theodore, a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Redding-Easton.
The league’s mission is to provide a positive and inclusive softball experience. a goal that closely aligns with the club’s broader focus on helping young people reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
The 2026 spring softball program offers divisions for players in kindergarten through eighth grade, with PreK T-ball handled through a separate registration. The season runs from the week of April 20 through June 6, with most games held on Saturdays against teams from surrounding towns.
For players, that sense of community is just as important as competition.
“All my teammates, I like them and I think we work really well as a team,” said Sarah Lipman, who has played in the program for three years.
The program, which has been a fixture in the community for years, continues to evolve with an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship and character-building at every level.
“It’s really a great group of kids, and as they rise up the ranks of the different levels, it’s nice to see them gel together,” said Eric Lipman, a coach and parent in the program.
Looking ahead, organizers hope to build on that foundation by expanding access, strengthening community ties and continuing to empower girls through sport. Increased awareness in Easton, they say, will help attract new families, volunteers and sponsors, ensuring the program’s continued growth.
More information about the program is available through the Boys & Girls Club of Redding-Easton website.
