In the beginning: Fusion

The Fusion Organization started in the early spring of 2002. Scott Powell’s 12u Adkins Drywall team combined with Dave Nielsen’s 12u Lewis team. All the girls were friends on both teams but always played against each other. The team needed a new name and Scott’s daughter Alyssa who was also a part of his team came up with the name Fusion. The name has stayed but faces have come and gone. Here is a picture of the very first Fusion Team in 2002:

We had a great year that first year:

• Sioux Falls City Champions
• ASA, AFA, USSSA National Tournament Qualifier
• White Bear Lake Classic Champions
• 2004 Invite to Hall of Fame Tournament
• ASA State Champions

The End of the First Fusion Dynasty

This picture is of the 2006 Fusion Team. This team is one of the best teams that will ever come out of South Dakota. These young ladies could play some ball! They were a lot of fun to watch! When they stepped on the field, it was all business but off the field you will never find a nicer bunch of ladies. We are hoping the new bunch of Fusion ladies will keep up the tradition!

Accomplishments:

• Norfolk Golden Girls Champions
• Beatrice Tournament 2nd place
• Quakes Classic Champions
• Hall of Fame 8th place and bid to ASA Nationals in Seattle WA.
• Ringneck International Champions
• ASA National Qualifier 2nd place to
  California Explosion 1-0
• League Champions
• State Champions
• ASA Nationals, Seattle WA

Past Fusion Players:

Mel Johnson - USD, Division I – Pitcher

Taya Upkes - UMKC, Division I – Pitcher

Breanna Konz - NDSU, Division I – Shortstop

Taylor Mortensen - NDSU, Division I – Shortstop, 3rd, outfield

Shelby Thompson - will play Division I somewhere

Champions Train:
To succeed as a player, as a leader, as a team, you’ve got to be committed… You must be willing to pay the price of success… That’s a great big chunk of what teamwork is all about; “Commitment”. Being committed to each other. Being committed to winning. Being committed to a dream. Commitment makes it happen.

Preparation is the Key:
“NO greater gift can one player give a teammate then selfless dedication of preparation for victory and support vital to team achievement, sacrificing personal glory and accolades to become champions and most importantly teammates for life!”

Keys to Self-Confidence:

• Focus on your strengths
• Put in quality preparation
• Remember past successes
• Remember the praise from teammates, coaches, and parents.

“Things to Remember”

Happiness begins when selfishness ends.

Never mistake activity for achievement.

Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.

Be quick, but don’t hurry.

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.

Don’t measure yourself by what you have accomplished but what you should have accomplished with your ability.

Failure to act is often the biggest failure of all.

Winning is a direct result of preparation.

Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.

It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.

Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s the courage to try that counts.