Top Texas Lightening player becomes Southeast Region Elite

    There are more and more young people making decisions about their future earlier in life, whether it be choosing to play one sport or deciding on a career choice. What becomes of it is a better understanding of life, commitment and dedication.
    Makala Barnes, daughter of Edna’s Leonard Chico Barnes and Kyna Robinson-Barnes of Houston, is one of those young people. At 14 years old she’s been playing softball since she was eight, and isn’t stopping anytime soon.
    She may be small, but not at all weak, and she may be a quiet type, but speaks volumes with her playing on the softball field.
    Her biggest accomplishment to date is making the Southeast Region USA Elite Select All-American roster as an outfield player. North America is split into eight regions and had tryouts all over the USA. The Southeast region, consisting of players that tried out in Houston, Birmingham, Alabama and Russellville, Arkansas, will compete in a tournament from July 13-16 in Orlando, Florida.
    Makala was rated as a Top Performer at the Houston tryouts and was one of the top 15 chosen to play in Florida and represent the Southeast in the 14 and under category.
    When her name was mentioned for the All-American roster, Makala was noted as being the type of outfielder that can make game-changing catches.
    Her coach, Robert Ferguson, of the Texas Lightening 14U Ferguson travel team, has been working with her for three years, and said she is the ultimate competitor and a lead-by-example player.
    “When I first watched her play I saw that she has an uncanny ability to judge the ball, she reminded me of a wide receiver in football,” Ferguson said. “She’s just like any other kid who tries to be perfect, and when it’s not perfect you can see it on her face. Makala comes out with a purpose at every single practice to be great at what she does.”
    Her dad is her biggest fan, and he was the one to find the Elite Select tryouts through Facebook.
    “I’ve been connecting to all types of former players, professional fastpitch teams and softball organization and learned of the tryouts,” he said. “We missed the Houston tryouts (near where the family lives), so Makala tried out in Drippings Springs on Feb. 8.”
    She lives in Missouri City with her family and will be entering Hightower High School this fall.
    Makala started playing softball with the Missouri City Girls Softball Association in 2009 before moving to the Sugarland Girls Softball Association in 2011. She moved onto her Select Team Softball team with the Tomahawks before joining the Texas Lightening team.

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