 Triple Crown Sports, the premier youth sports organization, is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated Triple Crown World Series is making its way to the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado. The world-class tournament will captivate the towns of Snowmass, Aspen, Basalt, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, and El Jebel, bringing together top-tier youth baseball teams from around the nation for an unforgettable championship experience.
The Triple Crown World Series is renowned for its exceptional level of competition, attracting talented athletes and passionate baseball enthusiasts from all corners of the country. Taking place July 18-23, this thrilling event promises to showcase the very best talent in youth baseball, creating memories and fostering a true sense of camaraderie among players, coaches, families, and fans. Teams and their families can look forward to an array of exciting activities and attractions throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. From the unparalleled vistas surrounding Snowmass and Aspen to the soothing hot springs of Glenwood Springs, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Carbondale, Basalt and El Jebel offer their own unique charm, with an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, local cuisine, and cultural experiences to discover. "We are thrilled to bring the Triple Crown World Series to the Roaring Fork Valley for the third year," said Roland Rivera, Triple Crown World Series Director. "This region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and top-notch facilities, creating an ideal environment for our young athletes to compete and create lasting memories. We are grateful for the warm welcome from the towns of Snowmass, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Basalt and El Jebel, and we are confident that this event will be an incredible success." Local officials and organizations are equally excited to host the Triple Crown World Series, recognizing the tremendous economic impact it will have on the area. The tournament will showcase the Roaring Fork Valley's ability to host major sporting events and highlight the region as a premier destination for sports tourism.  The Indy 500 is in the record books for this year, but the call of “Start Your Engines!” still holds true for thousands of families getting ready to attend the largest youth baseball event on the calendar, the Triple Crown Omaha SlumpBuster.
By bus, RV, car or airplane, folks will be arriving in droves for the event, held over three sessions in June in and around Omaha, Neb. Session 1 (June 14-18) and Session 3 (June 21-25) are anchored by their Festival Nights, held at the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex and featuring music, vendors, skills challenges, inflatables, pin trading, an appearance from baseball comedian Domingo Ayala and the notorious Burning of the Bats, a fireworks/explosives show that draws thousands of fans and reliably takes your breath away with its scale and volume. Now in its 21st year, the SlumpBuster (9u through 14u) runs parallel with another trusted Triple Crown offering, the Pathway Omaha event serving ages 16u (June 16-19) and 17u/18u (June 22-26). In partnership with Iowa Western Community College, teams will stay on campus and be immersed in a college environment with strong competition while college coaches direct and educate along the way. In total, we’ll welcome 670 teams from 37 states and book more than 20,000 hotel room nights during the month. As many as 150 umpires come to town while action takes place on 71 fields at 25 complexes – for the 1,900 games on the docket, about 8,700 baseballs have been ordered as teams work their way through the brackets. Teams who play in the SlumpBuster come to town knowing their pool play slate will be scheduled to allow time to attend a College World Series game at beautiful Charles Schwab Field in downtown Omaha. Did you miss out? Here’s a quick way to get on the radar for 2024: https://bit.ly/45EE03W “Our professional staff gets to work early on the details for the next SlumpBuster to come – the event has earned its position as a must-attend moment in youth sports, and we don’t take chances when it comes to preparation and planning,” said Jason McCoy, SlumpBuster event director. “When you see the energy at Festival Night, the enjoyment teams get at soaking in the environment around the CWS, and the determination of these athletes as they play the game they love, well, it’s a huge payoff for all that we put in during the offseason.”
Family: Father is Doug, who survived a heart attack at age 40; taught me everything I know about Donkey Kong. Mother is Deb, a teacher for 20 years, became a lawyer, a total bad mamma jamma who shares our passion for hurdling. Two sisters, Jordan (older) and Kendall (younger) – Jordan has three boys, Kendall has one girl. Jordan lives in Mead, likes to spend time playing Spiderman and soccer with my nephews. Brother is Kyler, a mega nerd who scored 35 on his ACT and is going to engineering school. Don’t forget Mia, my kitty/daughter, age 7, big chonker who loves cuddles and playing fetch.
College attended/graduated: University of South Dakota / 2017 Sports background, proudest moment and most humbling defeat: Played lots of sports growing up including baseball, soccer, football, track, cross country and wrestling. Was AAU wrestling state champ at 65 pounds in fifth grade; two-time All-State high school soccer, proudest of winning 110-meter hurdles state championship in senior year. Humbling defeat was overtime loss in first round of the state soccer tournament as the No. 1 seed during a snow storm. Hobbies: I enjoy playing pick-up sports and going on hikes. I coach youth soccer for United SC, playing video games – like to attend concerts at Red Rocks and attend Nuggets, Broncos, Rapids and Rockies games (but will cheer for the Phillies). Favorite trip: In third grade, my dad took my older sister and me to Disneyland while he was on a work trip, and we got to spend three days in the park by ourselves and ordering all the room service we wanted. How did you learn about Triple Crown Sports?: Drove by once and saw the field on the side of the road. What intrigues you the most about Triple Crown Sports?: Being able to help create memories for kids and families that will stay with them for their entire lives.
Family: I am the youngest of three boys – my mom and dad had their hands full between shuffling us to all of the sports practices and repairing the drywall in the house. We grew up as a tight close family full of love and respect. The most important thing that my mom and dad taught me was the value of hard work and that people always remember the way you make them feel.
Sports background: We played sports constantly between Little League baseball, football, golf and hockey. We were first and foremost a hockey family; my oldest brother Lee played D-I hockey and ended up playing pro hockey for the Colorado Eagles for five years, and he led the way for us to follow. I learned how to ice skate when I was 2 years old and my hockey career took me all across North America and led me back to my hometown as a co-captain for the ACHA Division I Men's ice hockey team at Colorado State University for four seasons. I will always remember scoring the game-winning goal with 3 seconds left my freshman year against our archrival. Fortunately, we had a lot of good moments against them during my career! Hobbies: I love to spend time with my family and friends. I have a dog named Beth who is my pride and joy, and I enjoy traveling and experiencing other cultures around the world! Favorite trip: After graduating college I went on a six-month solo backpacking trip through Western Europe – it was one of the best experiences of my life and I have done several other trips since then. How did you learn about Triple Crown Sports?: Being originally from Fort Collins, I used to hit in the batting cage and play on the basketball court (now the shipping and receiving department). I have attended many events throughout the community put on by Triple Crown. What intrigues you the most about Triple Crown Sports?: The team and family-first atmosphere, being a part of the team to help make a difference for our company and sponsors and vendors – I am beyond excited to officially join the team!  We are excited to announce Home Chef is the Exclusive Meal Prep Partner of Triple Crown Sports! Home Chef is offering a special discount to all Triple Crown families: Get 19 Free Meals! Take 50% off your first box, 30% off your second & third boxes, and 25% off your fourth & fifth boxes. Use Code: SPORTS19 Home Chef is bringing affordable family faves right to your door with their NEW Family Menu. Enjoy delicious, 4-serving meals starting at just $3.50 per serving. Home Chef’s Family menu has convenient options like easy-prep, no-cleanup Oven-Ready meals that save you time and energy when you’re cooking for the whole family. Sign up now and get 19 free meals!  FORT COLLINS, CO – Determined to press on with the message about the critical shortage of sports officials and the need to reset how officials are treated by players, coaches and fans, Triple Crown Sports and Officially Human have announced they will continue their partnership during the 2023 TCS event season to best highlight how players, parents and coaches can assist in fortifying this essential aspect of competitive sport.
Officially Human will be regularly provided with multiple platforms at TCS events to share the message about the crisis affecting youth and college sports in terms of fielding enough officials to play the games. Triple Crown has formalized its own “no tolerance” policy regarding treatment of officials at TCS events, and Officially Human will assist in spreading the word about the revolution needed in terms of appropriate behavior in the stands, on the sidelines and in the field of play. Triple Crown will welcome Officially Human to its top events, including the Colorado 4th of July softball event in Colorado that will feature 1,100 teams in 2023. Other events include the Omaha SlumpBuster baseball tournament (650 teams) and the 2024 TC Volleyball NIT, arguably the nation’s most competitive club tournament that will have about 565 teams in action at the Kansas City Convention Center. Points of emphasis for the partnership include, but are not limited to, encouraging all involved to remember that officials are invested in what they do. Many officials have regular, full-time jobs, and they are sacrificing time away from their families. Better treatment of sports officials is the best way to ensure these key members of our sports ecosystem work in an environment where they feel comfortable and safe. Officially Human was founded by Brenda Hilton, a current employee in Division I college athletics who has spent most of her over 20 years working in low/mid/high major collegiate officiating, collaborating most closely with the assignors and the officials at the highest level of Division I men’s basketball. “The renewed partnership with Triple Crown Sports and the leadership of Keri and his amazing team further proves their commitment to addressing the continuing officiating crisis at the youth sports level,” said Hilton. “Attending several events this past year gave Officially Human the opportunity to witness some of the best youth sports competition in the country as well as see the entire TCS team and their superb event execution. We look forward to furthering the mission of ‘humanizing’ sports officials around the country this coming year.” “Our partnership with Officially Human has been a perfect fit during this critical window where honest discussion is starting to be appreciated about the treatment of sports officials around the country,” said Keri King, CEO of Triple Crown Sports. “In extending our agreement through 2023, Triple Crown clearly sees Officially Human as the ideal messenger for this moment. We stand together with determination to eliminate the terrible behavior we sometimes see in competition.” About Officially Human Based in Lombard, IL., Officially Human was founded to restore respect to, and positive treatment of, sport officials through increased education and communication to all stakeholders (administrators, coaches, athletes, and fans.) Founded in 2019, OH is the leader in addressing the growing crisis in officiating that touches every sport, official, and level of competition. OH offers tailored solutions to athletic host organizations of all sizes that improve the stakeholder experience at each of their sporting competitions. The comprehensive OH solutions package includes digital education, awareness building, event host communication strategies, and organizational support in addressing poor fan behavior. About Triple Crown Sports Based in Fort Collins, CO., Triple Crown Sports has been producing youth, high school and college events for more than 40 years. TCS runs both the preseason and postseason WNIT basketball events and produces the men’s and women’s DI Cancun Challenge tournaments in November. Triple Crown is also powering “WNIT” concept events in D-I softball (NISC) and volleyball (NIVC), with those two events debuting in 2017. Triple Crown’s PV College Challenge features 8-10 of the top DI college softball teams in the country each year in Puerto Vallarta, MX. TC fastpitch tournaments (including the 1,000-team Sparkler/Fireworks event) draw the nation’s finest club programs, and hundreds of college coaches attend TCS events for recruiting purposes. TCS produces one of the largest youth baseball events in the world with the 650-team Omaha SlumpBuster during the College World Series. The Triple Crown Volleyball NIT has become the top-recruited club volleyball event in the country each February when 550 teams compete in Kansas City, MO.  Win a $2,500 prize package from DICK’s Sporting Goods
Are you a bracket master with a feel for the college baseball scene? Get ready to take your best shot with the 2023 Triple Crown College Baseball Challenge – enter for FREE! Fill out your bracket once the D-I bracket goes live on May 29 – the top entry will take away a $2,500 prize package provided by DICK’S Sporting Goods. Featuring our all-new interactive bracket, select your winners from the opening regional rounds all the way through the road to Omaha! Important dates to remember: NCAA Selection Show: Monday, May 29, Noon ET Fillable Brackets Go Live By: Monday, May 29, 5 p.m. ET Brackets Close: Friday, June 2, 10 a.m. ET The winning bracket gets a $2,500 prize pack from DICK’S Sporting Goods!
CONTEST PAGE  FORT COLLINS, CO – Unexplained hurdles continue to keep YouTube and social media standout Domingo Ayala from securing his spot in the big leagues, but Triple Crown Baseball understands a great opportunity and eagerly welcomes the multi-tool, all-category All-Star to two sessions of the Omaha SlumpBuster in June 2023.
Look for Domingo to handle the countdown for the Burning of the Bats fireworks moment at both SlumpBuster festivals, June 15 and June 23, at the Council Bluffs Recreation Complex. Ayala, who burst on the baseball scene at age 2, commands respect for his game today as (approximately) a 17-year-old phenom of the highest degree, with shocking pitching and batting stats to go with these other impressive numbers: Facebook: 330,000 followers Twitter: 75,000 followers YouTube: 215,000 subscribers, 40 million total views Instagram: 250,000 followers Ayala has performed in a variety of baseball settings over the years, from MLB clubhouses to youth fundraisers to corporate events. This will be the seventh year Domingo has displayed his wit and wondrous skillset at Triple Crown tournaments. “Greatness is hard to define in the world of baseball, although Domingo Ayala is certainly happy to tell you how he checks all the boxes. His inspiring and amusing take on the sport is one of our highlights at Festival Night,” said Jason McCoy, SlumpBuster event director. “There’s no one better to handle the Burning of the Bats countdown, and he’ll be happy to stick around and visit with his adoring fans.” About Triple Crown Sports Based in Fort Collins, CO., Triple Crown Sports has been producing college and youth events for 40 years, with more than 90 events scheduled for 2023 in the arenas of youth baseball, fastpitch, basketball, lacrosse and volleyball. The TCS footprint includes both the preseason and postseason WNIT basketball events and the men’s and women’s Cancun Challenge tournaments in November. Triple Crown is also powering “WNIT” concept events in D-I softball (NISC) and volleyball (NIVC), with those two events debuting in 2017. TCS youth fastpitch tournaments (including the 1,100-team Sparkler/Fireworks event) draw the nation’s finest club programs, and hundreds of college coaches attend TCS events for recruiting purposes. TCS produces one of the largest youth baseball events in the world with the 650-team Omaha SlumpBuster during the College World Series. The Triple Crown Volleyball NIT has become the top-recruited club volleyball event in the country each February when nearly 600 teams compete in Kansas City, MO  FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Triple Crown Sports is excited to announce an agreement through the 2023 event season to join forces with PRIME, which is now the official hydration partner of TCS.
PRIME has already delivered the goods at a couple of TCS events in 2023; here’s a list of where you can enjoy the PRIME experience for the rest of the event season: West Coast Invite (volleyball) – June 2-4, Sandy, UT Zoom Into June (softball) – June 9-12, Riverside, CA Texas State Championships (softball) – June 9-11, Dallas Metroplex SlumpBuster (baseball, three sessions) – Omaha/Council Bluffs Colorado 4th of July (softball) – Colorado Front Range Summer Nationals (baseball) – July 6-24, Myrtle Beach, SC East Coast Summer Nationals (softball) – July 19-30, Myrtle Beach, SC Pathway Arizona (baseball) – Sept. 15-18, Phoenix Fall Nationals (baseball) – Sept. 24-25, Las Vegas Ronald McDonald (softball, two sessions) – North Houston Pathway Fall Classic (baseball) – Oct. 27-30, Tucson, AZ Arizona Fall Showcase (softball) – Nov. 3-5, Phoenix Don Battles On (softball) – Nov. 17-19, Riverside, CA *Schedule subject to change “We’ve had a great time meeting the Triple Crown Sports community and keeping them hydrated with PRIME Hydration” said Matt Zucco, VP of Marketing at PRIME. “We look forward to heading out to more events this year and continuing to help fuel their athletes around the country.” “We’re excited to name PRIME as an official partner of Triple Crown Sports and look forward to having their team activate at many of our top events in 2023,” said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Hansen. “PRIME is one of the fastest growing sports drinks on the market and we will be able to get their product into the hands of the thousands of teams and players who compete in our events around the country.” About PRIME Founded in 2022 by entrepreneurs and influencers, Logan Paul and KSI, PRIME is a global lifestyle beverage brand focused on providing better fuel for any endeavor. PRIME offers their highly coveted flagship product, PRIME Hydration, on-the-go PRIME Hydration+ Sticks and new PRIME Energy beverage. PRIME can be found at Target, GNC, The Vitamin Shoppe, Walmart and Kroger Family Stores nationwide as well as select retailers in the U.K., Canada and Australia. Please visit drinkprime.com for additional information and follow PRIME on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. About Triple Crown Sports Based in Fort Collins, CO., Triple Crown Sports has been producing youth, high school and college events for 40 years. TCS runs both the preseason and postseason WNIT basketball events and produces the men’s and women’s DI Cancun Challenge tournaments in November. Triple Crown is also powering “WNIT” concept events in D-I softball (NISC) and volleyball (NIVC), with those two events debuting in 2017. Triple Crown’s PV College Challenge features more than 10 of the top DI college softball teams in the country each year in Puerto Vallarta, MX. Anchored by the 1,100-team Colorado 4th of July event, TC fastpitch tournaments draw the nation’s finest club programs, and hundreds of college coaches attend TCS events for recruiting purposes. TCS produces one of the largest youth baseball events in the world with the Omaha SlumpBuster during the College World Series. The Triple Crown Volleyball NIT has become the top-recruited club volleyball event in the country each February when 550 teams compete in Kansas City, MO.  Name: Kelsea Thompson
Job title: East Coast Baseball Director Email: kelsea@triplecrownsports.com Hometown: Farmingdale, NY Family: I was born and raised on Long Island, NY in Farmingdale. My mom, Christine Nelson, now resides in Van Etten, NY and is a school teacher. My dad, Gregg Thompson lives in Oyster Bay, NY and is a retired NYPD officer. I have two older siblings — Taylor Thompson (26) and Kaitlyn Woodland (28). College attended/graduation: SUNY Oneonta (2019) Sports background: I grew up as a multi-sport athlete. Starting out my athletic career, I was an elite gymnast with my sister, then I began playing travel soccer, basketball, tennis and track and field. My proudest moment was ending up on the podium in front of my family and coaches my senior year of high school at the New York State Track and Field Championship for the pentathlon. I made it to the State Championship three years in a row and to finally medal my last season was icing on the cake. I was offered a DI track and field scholarship to Sacred Heart University where I competed in the heptathlon. I transferred to SUNY Oneonta where I switched my athletic pursuits to rugby. Never playing the sport, I was happy to end my college career as an NSCRO Heart and Soul winner at Regionals in Wayne, Nebraska circa 2017. We were a student-led team so while we lost in regionals; making it all the way there and coming up shirt will always be my most humbling defeat. Since graduating I have coached women's rugby and still play as well. Hobbies: Outside of work I enjoy playing rugby, pickleball, disc golf, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, trying new coffee shops and breweries, as well as hanging out with my two cats, Chicken and Nug. Favorite trip: My favorite was going to Norway where most of my step family is based. How did you become associated with Triple Crown?: I have been following Triple Crown for a while. During my senior year of college I started looking into different sports companies, trying to figure out where I wanted to intern and work in the future. I have always known I have wanted to work for a bigger sports organization that also focuses on the importance of family. When I saw the opening I knew I had to jump on it and take my shot. What intrigues you the most about Triple Crown?: Everyone has a positive mindset to continue creating and growing high quality sporting events for a wide range of age levels. Triple Crown has shown over and over again it can keep breaking barriers and keep pushing more sports and events out while at a professional level, while maintaining a comfortable, safe and fun environment for all attendees including staff. I am thrilled to be joining the team! |
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