The Dublin Diamonds 8u softball team is shining bright as they head to state competition next month
“In a way, it’s really emotional because it’s my daughter [on the team] and all my girls practice a lot,” said head coach Clarence Loflin. “Some people say I’m crazy but we practice five days [per week].”
This high level of practice has produced results.
The ticket to state comes as the team is sitting at first in district following an 8-1 season in Comanche league play and an undefeated run in the Stephenville league play. (They were set to play the Stingers in the final game of the season on Tuesday, June 20. The results of that game were not available at presstime.)
The Diamonds are heading to Ennis Sunday, July 2 for the state appearance and spending the week so they are raising funds and taking sponsorships for food and lodging.
Loflin said support is coming quickly and stated his appreciation to sponsors Dublin Dairy Queen, Dublin Bottling Works, AccelHealth, Prime, Dublin Livestock Auction, JJ Construction, Dublin Baseball and Softball Association, Jarhead Fabrication and Cruede Services.
Loflin is also grateful to his fellow coaches: Alvaro Lopez (first base), Malik Williams (third base), Brenna Dominguez (dugout) and Armando Martinez (pitcher).
“We do stations,” said Loflin. “That’s why I have so many coaches. To me, they get better coaching. I hate to see somebody just standing there. [Players also get] more one-on-one time with the coach.”
Loflin admits he got lucky in the draft with his players, but their dedication as players and support brought them to where they are.
“The team has made me very proud,” he said. “[I’m proud] to see the girls grow from the first day I met them. They’ve grown together as a team and as a family. They watch out for each other.”
The trip to state marks a milestone for Loflin who has been coaching youth basketball and football for 16 years and started baseball and softball four years ago. Although he’s been in several championship games, this is the furthest that any of his teams eve ever gone and the fact that his daughter, Allison, is on the team makes it even more special to him.
Although he’s proud of their accomplishments, Loflin said winning is not the main lesson for his players.
“They will carry the life lessons more than whether they won or lost game,” he said. The lessons include being respectful, being a team player and learning to lose and win.
“What makes you a strong player is what you do after the mess-up,” he added. “They learn actions have consequences.”
Loflin said he strives for each of his players to know they are just as important to the team’s success as the other players they rely upon.
“My goal is for them to have a love of the game and want to come back,” he said.
Dublin Diamonds players include: No. 7 Allison Loflin, No. 18 Azelia Mireles, No. 12 Scarlet Salazar, No. 14 Ariana Luna, No. 8 Yesenia Robledo, No. 1 Mona Mendoza, No. 5 Emery Lopez, No. 0 Madison Garcia, No. 22 Ariyana Dominguez, No. 10 Emma Miller, No. 11 Mia Martin, No. 32 Zen Hunter and No. 94 Zora Hunter.
Those who would like to help with the team’s trip to state can call Loflin at (254) 964-8067 or send money to DBSA on CashApp: $DBSAConcessions.