
Fostering Athletic Excellence
Empowering young athletes through skill development, team culture, and competitive play.
Premier Softball Matthews proudly partners with the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA). Together, we create pathways for young athletes to thrive in competitive softball. This partnership unites MARAโs community-focused approach with Premier Softballโs elite training and competition. We empower players to build skills, confidence, and character, representing Matthews at top levels of travel softball.
Our Community
Premier Softball has built on the longstanding MARA legacy, enhancing youth sports in Matthews since 1956. This partnership brings new competitive opportunities to athletes while upholding MARAโs values of community and development, creating a vibrant, supportive environment for players to excel.
Meet Our Coaches
Explore our team of expert coaches dedicated to nurturing young athletes with skill and passion.

Bobby Young
Head Coach – Mustangs

Brad Rippetoe
Head Coach – Crush

David Heath
Head Coach – Missfits

Becky Smith
Head Coach – Chaos

Joe Gardner
Assistant Coach

Allen Gunn
Assistant Coach

Mike Lane
Assistant Coach

Jeff Miller
Assistant Coach/Leadership Guide

Remy Wallace
Assistant Coach

Nathan Linkous
Assistant Coach

Rob Johnson
Assistant Coach/Strength Training

Lynnie Heath
Assistant Coach
Front Office
This team is dedicated to supporting Premier Softballโs mission, handling logistics, team coordination, and player development with professionalism and care.

Justin Vandergrift
President

Lauren Benjamin
Executive Director – MARA Affiliate

Alyx Dill
Program Coordinator

Danielle Danner
Strategic Advisor – Recruitment

Chris Danner
Strategic Advisor

Kate Planow
Leadership & Strategy

David Bunkley
Business Consultant

Marissa Gunn
Uniform Consultant
Empower Athletes, Cultivate Success – Support Us Today
Take a swing today and shape the future of young athletes. By supporting Premier Softball Matthews, you become a mentor for growth and a source of inspiration. Let’s build a community where every player thrives and discovers their passion for the game.