June 5, 2025
As arguably the most consequential early-season recruiting event in youth fastpitch, Zoom Into June (powered by Triple Crown Sports) will deliver 460 teams from 14u through 18u to Southern California from June 6-9, with showcase games drawing a relentless parade of college coaches to assess the collection of talent.
But that’s hardly the only impact on event customers that can be tied to college coaches. They are also tasked with running camps and clinics, as well as coaching players in various game settings as student-athletes look to improve their profiles.
Craig Fuentes, head coach at Grossmont College in El Cahon, CA., will mark his fourth year at Zoom in 2025 and has found plenty of utility in tracking the action at the event.
“For me, the value comes from being able to see a lot of the players in my backyard, the greater San Diego area, on their travel teams and all in one spot. It's efficient for me and I get to see other talented players who are open to moving to San Diego from the greater LA area,” said Fuentes, who has been coaching for eight years and was part of the re-start at Grossmont after it was shuttered during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I enjoy the format at Zoom as well. Being able to coach the showcase games and interact with the players themselves is always fun. That is also a great time to network with other coaches, especially the four-year schools.
“As a JUCO, I want to make those connections to help my student-athletes who wish to keep playing, find a home at the next level. Having the freedom to drive from field to field is helpful. With the interest we are getting as we become another option, I can't always make it to some of the recruits I really want to see because of the schedule I agree to with Triple Crown. I get it, though.”
This past season, Grossmont starting pitcher Gracie Johnston tallied 114 strikeouts in 120.2 innings, giving her 210 over two seasons. Centerfielder Kate Manes led the roster in batting average, home runs and RBI as the Griffins improved on their win total.
To keep that talent pipeline humming, Fuentes jumps into the Zoom Into June programming with both feet.
“I am always looking to work camps and showcases. I love that part of my job. Interacting and teaching a thing or two about our game with the players that we serve is immeasurable," he added. "Yes, the pay helps and more is always better. If anything, my level of where I coach, the JUCO level, should pay us more than other divisions. I don't collect a glamorous D1, D2, etc. paycheck. Nor can I or some other JUCO's host other on campus camps as another way to get paid. Sometimes we are limited to what the institution or district allows.
“Camps and showcases are a fantastic way to connect with the players. It gives them a chance to get to know us as coaches and visualize themselves being a part of our programs. Generally, us actually signing players it doesn't happen at Zoom, but it has led to getting a commitment from the student-athlete.
Another coach keeping Zoom close to the heart is Michelle Connors, assistant coach at Siena College in Loudonville, NY. She coached 12 years at Union College in Schenectady, NY., taking over as head coach in 2014.
“Zoom Into June is the kickoff to summer recruiting and the excitement of it being opening weekend is felt all across the divisions and complexes. Triple Crown presents a unique opportunity for players and coaches to gain valuable experiences from the exposure aspects to networking and everything in between,” said Connors, whose team set a program record for victories in 2025. “What separates Triple Crown events is how easily accessible it is to be in front of prospective student-athletes and vice versa for teams to have guaranteed exposure to coaches from all levels. Zoom into June kicks off the recruiting process of getting to follow an athlete throughout the summer.”
“Having Triple Crown add college showcase camps prior and after the tournaments allows us coaches to get a better understanding of the prospective student-athlete. The ability to interact, coach and learn about the players, go beyond the field. Camps are the best way to separate yourself in the recruiting process. It is a way to show interest in the institution and get to interact with coaches and other players.”
Connors has been able to maximize her time at Zoom Into June by connecting with many players who eventually signed, and she’s a steadfast believer in how Triple Crown Fastpitch handles the many moving pieces of this sprawling event.
“Many of the prospective student-athletes that we have signed and/or have committed to our institution, including my previous institution, ended up competing and attending camp at Zoom into June. It starts the relationship building aspect of getting to know the PSA and whether or not our institution academically and athletically is the right fit,” Connors said. "Triple Crown provides incredible opportunities not only for prospective student-athletes and coaches at all levels, but also for the growth of our sport.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Triple Crown throughout my entire coaching career, and it has opened the door to countless opportunities to recruit, connect with other coaches and building lasting relationships. These experiences have truly been unforgettable, and I hope to see more coaches get involved. I have met some of the best people through Triple Crown, connections that simply wouldn’t have happened otherwise. The organization’s communication, structure and accessibility are key reasons I continue to return year after year.”
Fuentes agreed that the bonds formed at Zoom Into June are hard to ignore.
“You know, I started with Triple Crown when Autumn (Anderson) and Taylor (Cox) were my point of contact. I really enjoyed them and their communication. They did a lot for us all and really tried to make every coach happy,” Fuentes added. “It is a tough task. I enjoy what Triple Crown has to offer. The perks that are built in are nice and appreciated. Triple Crown has been loyal to me, so I would like the return the favor and keep a great working relationship.”
