Fury Softball, a volunteer-led nonprofit organization from Lake Havasu City, achieved national recognition this summer, with its 10U and 12U teams earning wins on the national stage. The organization's teams participated in the 2026 National Tournament in St. George, Utah, from June 9 through 14, and concluded their season at a final tournament in Prescott, Arizona, on August 29 and 30. According to Fury president and coach, Travis Tweten, this achievement represents playing at a level likely unprecedented for a local Lake Havasu team in softball.
More than just traveling softball teams, Fury Softball aims to make a difference in the lives of young girls and their families. Coach Tweten emphasized that the organization is “bigger than softball” and committed to fostering community. Brandon Blum, a coach and secretary on Fury’s board, explained that the program focuses on keeping girls out of trouble, teaching adversity and teamwork, and developing leadership skills. “Really, we’re just trying to build character,” Blum noted. The organization is founded on Christian faith-based principles, with the belief in God and Jesus’ teachings guiding its philosophy. Tweten highlighted the challenge of running Fury faithfully to its values while upholding high standards for players, coaches, and families.
The initiative began three years ago when Travis and Persie Tweten moved to Lake Havasu and identified a critical need for competitive fast-pitch opportunities for girls. Travel softball was “nonexistent in Havasu” at the time, according to Tweten, who brought experience from competitive baseball and softball backgrounds in Southern California. Starting the organization involved overcoming hurdles such as generating community awareness, securing financial resources for equipment and tournament fees, and covering insurance and field costs. All individuals involved in Fury operate as volunteers, balancing their commitment with jobs and family responsibilities. Tweten credited supportive friends made through coaching a recreational season for helping bring the vision to fruition.
Tweten explained that this summer's success was a result of the “foundation started to show,” pointing to the core values instilled and the team's perseverance through various tests this year. Coach Blum observed that “all of our girls have gotten better from day one.” Fury’s teams train year-round, meeting three to five times a week for two to three hours per session. The program prioritizes fundamental skills, with Tweten stating their aim is “to be good by process, not good by luck.”
Each of Fury’s age-divided teams had distinct experiences at the national and final tournaments. The 10U girls demonstrated their capability to compete at high levels, securing significant wins on the national stage and culminating their season with a final tournament victory. This was described by Tweten as a “beautiful and gratifying milestone.” The final tournament for the 10U team included an unexpected turn of events, with a Saturday rainout that saw families gather together during a severe thunder and lightning storm. Despite this, tournament directors managed to prepare fields for a full elimination bracket championship on Sunday, where the team “went the distance” to win.
For the 12U girls, the final tournament offered a moment of vindication. Two weeks prior, they had gone undefeated and secured the top seed, only to lose a semifinal game on a missed call during their tying run in the bottom of the last inning. Their opponents' unsportsmanlike conduct added to the heartbreak. Tweten recounted asking the girls what they believed God would have them do, to which they responded with wisdom taught throughout the year: to “stay quiet, stay humble” and resolve to outperform questionable calls in the future. Remarkably, two weeks later at the semifinals of the final tournament, they faced the same team. Despite aggressive behavior from their opponents, the Fury girls maintained their composure and encouraged one another. Tweten described a pivotal moment during the final inning where he huddled the team and prayed for peace, which he felt was divinely appointed and transformed the team's mindset, leading to a joyful victory.
Operating as a nonprofit, Fury Softball consistently faces financial challenges. The organization relies on community support to sustain its programs. Individuals can help by spreading awareness about the opportunities Fury offers to girls in the area, or by volunteering as coaches, which Tweten described as a highly rewarding experience. Consistent financial support through sponsorships and donations is also crucial. As a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no one involved in Fury receives payment, ensuring that all support directly funds program costs. Donations are tax-deductible and enable the organization to offer confidential scholarships to families experiencing financial difficulties. Businesses or individuals interested in contributing can contact Fury Softball through their Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].
