The 2025 ISC Guide is here! Featuring reigning ISC MVP Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs, on the cover, the Guide has 150 pages of photos, stories and stats covering last year's ISC World Tournament. Fans will remember Alan's Championship Saturday performance as one of the best in ISC history as he went 6-9 with four 2-run home runs and nine RBIs to lead the Chiefs to their sixth ISC World Tournament title. There's plenty of coverage of the first international team - Sydney Tropics - to win an ISC Championship in ISC II, along with Cobourg Force's come-from-behind walk-off win in ISC Legends. You can order your copy today on the ISC Webstore for $18.50 including shipping.

At just 21 years old , Ryan Earley is already turning heads as a rising outfield talent with the STK squad heading into the 2025 season. Wearing jersey #24 , Ryan’s blend of speed, athleticism, and genuine passion for the game is hard to miss. Born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand , he’s been around a ball diamond his whole life—and now, he’s gearing up for what he calls the “coolest event of his life”: his first ISC World Tournament . A Diamond From Day One Ryan’s connection to fastpitch softball started almost from birth. “I’ve been around the diamond since I can remember,” he says. “My dad and brother were both involved, so it was always part of my world. I fell in love with the game, the community, and especially the mates I’ve made along the way.” Growing up, his brother Max and his best mate Oscar were constant motivators. “They’ve always pushed me,” he says. “And of course, playing with guys like Cole Evans and Nathan Nukunuku —who also coached me—was huge for my development.” Goals for 2025 and Beyond Ryan’s goals for the upcoming season are as team-focused as they are personal. “I just want to be as impactful as I can to help the team win ,” he says. “If I can lock down a starting spot and become a go-to guy , that’s a huge win for me.” He’s focused on his mental approach at the plate , simplifying at-bats, staying in the moment, and learning from every pitch. “Confidence is everything. I’ve been guilty of putting too much pressure on myself before, so now I’m working on trusting my game.”

At just 21 years old , Corie List already brings veteran poise and international experience to the field. As a pitcher and utility player wearing #14 , he’ll be taking the mound—and a leadership role—for the Southside Stingers in their ISC debut. Based out of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia , Corie has grown up immersed in fastpitch softball, and now he’s set to guide a young and ambitious team through one of the sport’s toughest stages. Fastpitch in the Blood Corie’s journey began at age 5 with T-ball , and he was playing U12 by the time he was 8. “I’ve played every year since,” he says proudly. His biggest inspiration? His mum . “She coached all my junior club teams right up to Open Men’s. We’ve got a batting cage in our backyard that our whole club used to use. She even organizes teams to travel overseas—and has done so since before I was born.” That early exposure to travel and competition left an imprint. Corie’s first trip to the USA came at just 2½ years old , with one of his mum’s teams. And while his path wasn’t always easy—having to switch associations because boys couldn’t play past U14 in his original league—he never stopped pursuing the game he loved. 

5th Annual Orlando & Darrell Spencer Memorial Tournament in Gallup, NM

Buy Your Tickets Now for the 2025 ISC Hall of Fame Breakfast

At just 24 years old, Gian Paolo Ferrari is poised to make a major impact on the international fastpitch stage. Wearing jersey #48 , Gian Paolo heads into the 2025 ISC season with the Sandlot Merchants after playing with the NW Braves last year—bringing a powerful arm, sharp focus, and unshakable determination to every outing. A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Career Gian Paolo’s journey into fastpitch began unexpectedly. A Guatemalan pitching coach saw him casually trying pitching motions and told him, “You’ve got some wood to work with.” That invitation to the coach’s academy set Gian Paolo on a path toward elite competition. Inspired by his dad and mentored early by respected names like Sergio Vargas and Alain Roman , Gian Paolo learned the value of persistence: “Keep working, even if things don’t go as expected.” Personal and Team Goals for 2025 For Gian Paolo, the upcoming season is all about solidifying his role as a reliable starting pitcher and helping the Sandlot Merchants break into the ISC Top 10. He’s focusing on hitting specific spots with the ball, refining his pitching precision, and growing stronger alongside his teammates. “We’re developing together, and that makes us dangerous,” he says confidently.

2025 ISC Pre-season Rankings - check out the teams that qualified for this year's World Tournament in North Mankato, MN and see their pre-season rankings.

At 40 years old , Scott McDonald is the definition of a seasoned competitor. A pitcher for the Walton Brewers , Scott has spent decades around the game, and in 2025, he’s not just lacing up his cleats—he’s helping guide the next generation of talent in one of fastpitch’s most storied tournaments: the ISC World Tournament . A Life Built Around the Game Scott’s journey in fastpitch began before he even truly understood it. “My parents took me to games from a young age—my dad Rick McDonald played,” he recalls. “I was just five years old when I started.” Following in his father’s footsteps, Scott found himself drawn to the competitive fire of the sport. Over the years, that competitive nature helped him thrive on the mound and build a reputation as a player who not only performs under pressure but also leads with purpose . A Pitcher, Mentor, and Builder of the Game Now one of the most experienced players in the Brewers’ dugout, Scott sees his role shifting. “I’m doing less playing and more coaching ,” he says. “I want to grow the team , help develop younger players, and pass on what I’ve learned.” He’s focused on teaching the finer points of the game—especially how to approach challenges mentally and tactically. His on-deck routine and superstition—“ Right cleat on first ”—might be a small detail, but it represents the kind of structure and preparation he instills in others.

This past weekend, two major ISC qualifier tournaments took place — showcasing top-tier talent, fierce competition, and memorable moments on the road to the ISC World Tournament. Clark Evans Memorial ISC Qualifier (US West Qualifier) Location: Newberg, Oregon The Clark Evans Memorial saw a strong field of competitors battling for the top spot. After a weekend of intense matchups, the Grass Valley Greens emerged victorious, edging out K-Club in a tense 1-0 final. Pitching and defense ruled the day, as both teams put on a masterclass of tight, disciplined play. Final Standings: 1️⃣ GV Greens 2️⃣ K-Club 3️⃣ Westside Jacks 4️⃣ NW Braves 5️⃣ MT Pine Bettles 6️⃣ MT Young Guns Congratulations to the Grass Valley Greens on their impressive tournament run! Joe Santos Memorial Tournament Location: Pueblo, Colorado In Pueblo, the Pueblo Bandits claimed the Joe Santos Memorial title with a decisive 3-1 victory over Shock . Bandits’ starting pitcher Gus Valdes was dominant, going the full six innings and surrendering only three hits. The big blow came in the third inning when catcher Alex Del Valle launched a crucial 3-run homerun , ultimately sealing the win. Shock managed to push across a single run in the fourth, but Valdes closed the door, finishing the game in style with a strikeout.  These tournaments continue to highlight the competitive spirit and talent across ISC fastpitch. Stay tuned for more qualifier results as teams battle for their place at the ISC World Tournament ! 👉 Follow all the action at: iscfastpitch.com

Two months to go for #ISCWT2025 at Caswell Park in North Mankato, MN! Streaming by Softball Premier on ISC YouTube . Follow all the action here and on our social media channels!

At 34 years old , Jon Gwizdala has cemented himself as a cornerstone pitcher for the Midland Explorers —wearing #11 —thanks to a lifetime spent around the diamond. Off the field, Jon is a college softball coach , passing on his passion to the next wave of players. Here’s an inside look at his journey, challenges, and aspirations. A Family Game from Day One Growing up in Michigan , Jon was introduced to fastpitch at the age of eight , often serving as a batboy and absorbing knowledge in the dugout. “Pitching softball came naturally,” he recalls. “It’s been a family game for as long as I can remember.” Mentors like his uncle Tom Stasik and father Ron Gwizdala helped cultivate the local fastpitch scene, while Don Petro, Del Benson, and the late Clint Beane also played pivotal roles, especially during Jon’s time with the Junior Explorers. Trials and Triumphs Early in his career, Jon faced the challenge of finding teams to pitch for, sometimes traveling the Midwest alone to join squads in other states. His dedication paid off, culminating in a stint as one of the Midland Explorers’ marquee arms. But a knee injury and surgery derailed his 2024 season . “My goal now is to rebound strong,” he says. “I want to stay consistent and healthy, and that starts with strengthening my knee and honing my mechanics.”