Quaker Valley's Mya Eshenbaugh relishes experience at USSSA All American Softball Games

Mya Eshenbaugh enjoyed a unique summer sojourn.

The Quaker Valley Middle School student participated in the USSSA All American Softball Games during the week of July 31 through Aug. 5 in Viera Beach, Fla., at the USSSA Space Coast Complex.

“It was a great experience for me,” Eshenbaugh said. “I was challenged by the weather, the players and myself. The weather went from being hot to humid to rain, and I had to adjust my playing style.”

Playing on an all-turf surface increased the heat index for the participants.

“It was extremely hot and humid, and it did rain and or thunderstorm every day,” the 13-year-old Eshenbaugh said. “The humidity was a challenge for handling and gripping the balls and bat. You had to wear batting gloves because your hands were sweaty from the high humidity. And you had to use a hand towel similar to the pitchers.”

The All American Games were established in 2011 and were created to help youngsters display their skills in front of some of the country’s top college recruiters.

USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) primarily focuses on amateur sports involving youth baseball, youth softball and adult softball. USSSA relocated to the Space Coast Complex, located 30 minutes from Florida’s Disney World, in 2017.

“The complex was amazing,” Eshenbaugh said. “They had two professional stadiums and 12 other playing fields that were all turf.”

Eshenbaugh primarily played catcher, first base and in the outfield for the 13U USSSA Rams at the All American Games. She said the highlight for her was smacking a three-run inside-the-park home run against the 13U USSSA Bluejays.

“It was a fun and exciting event with a lot of talent,” Eshenbaugh said. “It was great to play with some of the country’s top talent. I enjoyed my time meeting and competing with girls from across the country.

“Girls on my team traveled from Minnesota, Texas, Washington, New Jersey and many other places. I look forward to trying out next year.”

Eshenbaugh’s traveling party included her mom (Maria), dad (Tom), brother, Gavin, and his girlfriend, Rylie.

“As a family, we went to Universal Studios before we came home,” said Eshenbaugh, who will be in eighth grade this year.

She began playing softball at age 4 as a T-ball participant. Along with competing for QV’s middle school team, Eshenbaugh plays travel ball for Valley Rage, where she is coached by her dad who she said has been her biggest influence in her promising softball career.

“He believed in me enough to suggest trying out for travel ball,” she said.

Eshenbaugh actually is multi-faceted when it comes to sports. She participates in football, basketball and lacrosse along with softball.

QV softball coach Jason Cappa is looking forward to instructing Eshenbaugh throughout her varsity career.

Cappa, who’s also in charge of the QV football program where he coached Mya’s older brother last year, is looking forward to working with Eshenbaugh on the softball field following her eighth-grade season.

“I have not coached Mya yet but I have watched her play a lot,” Cappa said. “Her father, Tom, is our middle school softball coach.

“She has many strengths. First of all, she outworks everyone. She is a very good catcher. She regularly puts time in with a catching instructor. She also works with a hitting coach. She has a great arm, a powerful bat and a mind for the game. She is an outstanding leader not only by helping her teammates and making them better but also through her actions as she is a very coachable player.”

Eshenbaugh is a former All-American javelin thrower and state champion wrestler, as well.

The talented middle school athlete placed fourth in the turbo javelin event at the 2017 AAU Junior Olympics.

Eshenbaugh also competed with the Stallions track club and still holds the local USATF Three Rivers Association record (16.58 meters) in the javelin event in the eight-and-under division.

Eshenbaugh captured the state championship in wrestling in 2018, the first year a female category was recognized by Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling.

She is the only state champion ever to represent Quaker Valley on the mats.

“Mya actually was the very first woman’s (state) champion,” said her dad proudly, “as she pinned her opponent in the finals prior to anyone else.”

The young teen was rewarded for her efforts by spending time at the Outer Banks in North Carolina to relax with her mom and Uncle Phil.

“Mya is a good student and wonderful person,” Cappa said. “Any interaction with her and you can see she radiates a positive attitude.

“Mya is the last Eshenbaugh athlete coming through Quaker Valley. She not only excels in the classroom and on the field; she is also a standout athlete at many other sports, as well.”

Eshenbaugh has followed in Gavin’s footsteps, as he was a two-time AAU Junior Olympian All-American in the javelin event in 2016 and 2017.

Her older brother competed in football at QV last season as a 5-foot-10, 185-pound running back/linebacker and co-captain.

He was a four-year letterman and now is attending the University of Tampa.