Queen of Diamonds Showcase South

QDS was not only an athletic event it was a culture event as well. The games, organization, and opportunity were positive. The cultural exchange was an added bonus. Playing with kids from different parts of country can only be a future benefit. I'm sure my dd will always remember explaining livermush, poochie gravy, and coon hunting to folks from NY City.

 

I agree totaly, my dd went last year and had a great time. We didn't worry about things like how much they were makeing or if they truely had that many girls try out or not, she got to meet alot of people from other states and gave her the chance to see how the next level would be by playing with girls she had never seen.Great event, if you haven't ever been, take the time to sign your dd up it will be money well spent!!!

 

Agreed !!!

I met Kirk for the first time this past weekend, great guy that is just having fun...so what if he is making money...do you go to work for the fun of it and not make money???...thougt so !!! It was fun seeing different kids from all over the USA playing together for one common goal !!! Also got to see lots of my buddies before the Winter season sets in... kirk is doing a great thing...do wish the games were a little longer though !!

Guru

 

These last few posts say more than anything else I read into this thread. I always shake my head when people bring up the money aspect. Why would anyone care if the man is making money? If the tournament has value then people will attend, if not, people won't. What's the big deal? I've met some gnarly people in the showcase business amd I've met some outstanding one's. The amount of money one makes has never been a factor in determining who the good one's are.

I don't know who runs this tournament, but I've read several members post congratulatory notes and have spoken highly about his character, That says a lot.

I believe RobMills post was taken out of context. From what I read is that he was happy with the event and made his observations and formed an opinion on how to make it even better. To me that is great feedback. It doesn't mean one has to take that advice, but I thought he was trying to be helpful...not to sling arrows at the tournament.

It's been my experience, for those that are looking for inexpensive tournaments, an element of cheapness will creep in or envelop that tournament at some point; either through poor umpiring, lack of organization, pompous attitudes, poor facilities or a combination of all mentioned.

I don't know what this gentleman has done to some of you that would cause you to take shots at him. But if he hasn't done anything to you or your family and he tries to put on a tournament that is helpful.....God Bless him. The showcase circuit needs as many good guys as it can gather.

 

There ya go...and I think the suggestions on how to improve is just as important.

If one wants to focus their anger towards something that makes a killing off of softball---direct it towards the bat companies. They've convinced you to pay 3-400 on the latest technology laser heated meteor particled bat that will turn a can of corn into a HR. If you don't get one, your daughter will be left behind....and forget about ever playing at the next level.

 

Thank you pal....

...for your kind words. I'd like for you to review my post #33 please.

To summarize, you'll see that I was not bashing this event.
For that matter, I reccommend it!

Also, I know that there has been MANY quality coaches give their time to help make this event special.

You are certainly one of the givers to the kids.

I do not think that Kirt should plan and direct such an event as QDSS for no pay. And, BTW, I have no idea what $ he's making, nor is it any of my business. I do however reiterate as to post #33, we all should be happy to have folks like you and the other coaches, and Kirt, and his family helping our kids.

Thanks for supporting our kids.

JDub............Mr. January

 

It's definately not the money

I have watched the chain on this one and feel I had to respond by telling you a little about my daughter's experience with Kirt and his programs.
My DD is now playing college ball and we owe some of her success to Kirt.

She played for the QDSN at Kent state in 2006 and went to the Netherlands with Kirt and his team in January 2007. She played in the first QDSS tournament in Rock Hill and even went last year after she was already committed. She went because she loves Kirt and his organization and just wanted to be around his energy again.

First and foremost, Kirt LOVES softball. He had two daughters that played college ball and he has a passion for this sport and all the girls who want to go to the next level.

My daughter had the great fortune to play for Doc Montgomery in three different QDS events. Doc shared Kirt's passion and both have been known to sponsor teams and pay for girls to play out of his own pocket just so they could have a chance to be seen. Doc passed away a few months ago he will be missed. I believe he is running a team up there.

Kirt does not do any of this for the money. He doesn't need it. He does it for the love of the game and all the girls who want the chance to play college ball. He pushes the girls to market themselves and provides them with all the marketing tools they need to get seen. He is teaching them to market themselves and in my opinion is a wonderful life lesson they have the opportunity to learn. They will have to market themselves their whole life with college interviews, job interviews and beyond.

I commend Kirt and all his family for the time and energy they put into these showcases and would do anything they ask to help even after my DD has graduated and is playing in college.

Kirt--if you are reading this, thank you for all your support over the last several years, and I am greatful for the opportunity know you and your family. Keep up the great work as you help others like my daughter.

Patti Taylor

 

College coaches at the QDSS

I got this list from someone who watched every game this past weekend. Some, she was not sure of the name...just the letters...help determine if you can. If you seen more, please add.

WMU (who is this?...Western Methodist?...what Div?)
SMC (who is this?...Possibly Saint Mary's in CA, Div. 1?)
LMU (who is this?...Possibly Layola Marymount in CA, Div, 1?)
MO (who is this?...Possibly Missouri Div. 1?)
Brown (who is this?...Possibly Brown in Rhode Island Div 1?)
MDC (who is this?..Possibly Miami Dade in Florida, NJCAA?)

NC-UNC-Charlotte D1
NC-UNC Greensboro D1
NC-Campbell D1
NC-High Point D1
NC-Wingate D2
NC-Catawba D2
NC-Guilford D3

Va.-Liberty D1
Va.-Longwood D1
Va.-Lynchburg D3
Va.-Virginia Intermont NAIA

TN-Tusculum D2

SC-Charleston D1
SC- Charleston Southern D1
SC-Coastal Carolina D1
SC-Winthrop D1
SC-North Greenville D2

WV-Marshall D1
WV-Fairmont State D1

OH-Wittenburg D3