Naples Knights softball celebrates 5 years of empowering young female athletes

NAPLES, Fla. — For many young athletes, the love of a new sport starts with a simple feeling. For the Naples Knights, that love is built in an environment designed to help young girls grow both on and off the field.

Founded by head coach Ashley Spencer, the nonprofit softball program brings together players from across Southwest Florida with a focus that goes beyond skill development.

"Females coaching other females that have played it and know what it's like to be in their shoes is just such a special thing for them to grow as leaders in whatever they want to be when they grow up. And if they can learn that through softball, then that's what I’m hopefully here for," Spencer said.

The Naples Knights emphasize confidence, friendships and leadership, creating a space where players feel supported as they develop.

"Some of them are a little crazy, but that's OK. And they’re funny," one player, Keagan Childress, said.

"I kind of wish that we had more practices so I can be with my friends more. But yeah, it's very amazing," said player Charlee Mersch.

That sense of belonging is intentional.

"I'm encouraging them and that I coach in a way that is positive so that they can see that, you can, you can get the best out of kids by asking the best of them," Spencer said.

Players say that positivity shows up every time they step on the field.

"It's just there's so much support of my teammates and my coaches. They-- When I do a mistake, they're not just, 'Why did you do that?' It's like, 'OK, so you need to do this.' So it's not like argumentative," Mersch said.

As the organization celebrates its five-year anniversary, its mission continues to expand. The Naples Knights recently launched a scholarship program aimed at supporting the next generation of female student-athletes in college.

"We've really just built it on how can we give back? And so that'll be an inaugural player this year," Spencer said.

For Spencer and her players, success is not just measured in wins, but in the confidence and character being built along the way.