The Scotts Valley Girls Softball league raised more than $21,000 during a successful Hit-a-Thon event at Siltanen Community Park in Scotts Valley on March 28.
The fundraiser was in support of the league’s initiatives, including snack shack upgrades, a new junior umpires program and practice equipment, according to a press release.
The event brought together players, families, coaches and sponsors for a day of spirited competition, teamwork and community celebration.
The players themselves felt the excitement throughout the day, including 11-year old Olivia Simmons, Power Hitter co-champion in the Juniors Division and member of the Giants.
“It was really fun to see how far I could hit the ball,” said Olivia Simmons. “I love playing softball, and the Hit-a-Thon is even more special because I get to cheer on all my friends and all the teams are together and having a great time.”
The Power Hitter event was a test in which batters could smack the ball the furthest, and measured by stopping point.
Charlotte Sklar of the Banshees won the Seniors Division with a final mark of 225 feet, while Olivia Simmons and Harper Anderlite of the Lucky Clovers tied with 200’ for the Juniors title.
Elaine Smith (165’) of the Huntrix won the Ponytails Division, while Penelope Luttrell (85’) of the Glitter Girls won the Tee Ball Division.
This year marked the first time the Hit-a-Thon was organized as a large standalone event, according to the press release. The effort paid off with strong participation and enthusiastic support across all divisions.
“The participation of SVGS families in this year’s fundraising was crucial and much appreciated,” said Alexandra Sklar, Hit-A-Thon lead and coach in the Juniors Division. “We know this is a big ask, especially since many other local organizations also need support, and this community truly showed up for our players. It was incredible to see everyone come together to make the day so fun and successful.”
The Gold Bat Fundraiser award went to the winners for the top fundraiser in each division.
In the Seniors Division, Madison Davis of the Venom raised the most with $1,265, followed by the Black Magic’s Emma Wilkins with $1,265 in the Juniors, the Sluggers’ Marlowe Silver with $1,000 in the Ponytails and the Turtles’ Raven Van Brunt with $620 in the Tee Ball Division.
The Team Fundraising award was given to head coaches in each division with the team who had the highest funds raised per player average.
Venom head coaches Emily Payne and Jackie Disperati had averages of $231 per player in the Seniors, while Banshees head coach Eric Schottgen was at $219 per player in the Juniors.
Sluggers head coach Chris Runo finished with an average of $308 per player in Ponytails, while Turtles head coach Alan Van Brunt was at $193 per player in the Tee Ball division.
SVGS extended a special thanks to the volunteers and coaches who helped bring the event to life, according to the press release.
They were also grateful for generous sponsorship from IOOF Santa Cruz Lodge No. 96, Athena Camps, Empowering Hands Massage, Pacific Flow Swim School, Rossy’s Training, Rocket Mortgage, Lotus Management Inc. (Four Points Sheraton Scotts Valley), Play It Again Sports Soquel, Modern Bay Painting and Sports Design Screenprinting.
SVGS hopes the Hit-a-Thon will continue as an annual spring tradition for years to come. Next up, tryouts for the Trouble fastpitch competitive softball team are at Siltanen Park on April 26 at 1pm.
Hit-a-Thon 2026 winners
Power Hitter Award
Seniors: Charlotte Sklar (Banshees), 225 feet
Juniors: Olivia Simmons (Giants) and Harper Anderlite (Lucky Clovers), 200’
Ponytails: Elaine Smith (Huntrix), 165’
Tee Ball: Penelope Luttrell (Glitter Girls), 85’
Gold Bat Fundraiser Award
Seniors: Madison Davis (Venom), $1,265
Juniors: Emma Wilkins (Black Magic), $1,265
Ponytails: Marlowe Silver (Sluggers), $1,000
Tee Ball: Raven Van Brunt (Turtles), $620
Team Fundraising Awards
Seniors: Venom coaches Emily Payne and Jackie Disperati, $231 per player
Juniors: Banshees coach Eric Schottgen, $219 per player
Ponytails: Sluggers coach Chris Runo, $308 per player
Tee Ball: Turtles coach Alan Van Brunt, $193 per player
