Head Softball Coach- Heather Hupke and Head Baseball Coach- Jimmy Lizarraga are presented checks by Fusion Forward, LLC president Mike Hamilton.

June 5, 2019 (Independence, Iowa)- The Independence Mustang Baseball and Softball Programs received a generous gift from Fusion Forward, LLC on Monday night at their “Mustang Way Season Opener” event. The two programs were each presented a check before their games from Fusion Forward, LLC President, Mike Hamilton.

The baseball and softball teams partnered with Fusion Forward, LLC to create their first annual program. The program aims to promote both athletic teams with team photos, rosters, all time-stats leaders and much more. Local and outside businesses helped make this possible by purchasing ad space within the program.

Fusion Forward, LLC dedicated time and effort into making this program stand out. Creative Designer, Terra Gissel went above and beyond to produce a product that knocks the ball out of the park. Mike Hamilton stated, “When Coach Lizarraga came to us with the idea for this year’s program, it was an easy decision to make to be involved. There is great energy and excitement around the Mustang Baseball and Softball programs and we are proud to be a part of it and thanks to the many great business sponsors in the area we were able to bring this beautiful program to life. We are proud to give back to the programs and hope to do more of these fun projects in the future for the kids and the community. Go Mustangs!”

Fusion Forward, LLC, is an Independence, Iowa based design and marketing firm that offers a multitude of design, marketing and PR services to many industries throughout the Midwest. For more information please call 319.334.9300 or email info@fusionforward.com. Visit us online to learn more about our services.

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Media Contact
Fusion Forward
319.334.9300

Congratulations to the following athletes on their senior awards voted on by the varsity coaches:

Gary Mast Award- Is given to a male or female who has made positive contribution to the athletic department at Independence. — Drew Evans

Bernie Saggau Award- Is given to a student who exemplifies qualities of honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship. — Kaden Howard

E. Wayne Cooley Award- Female athlete who must have played two sports her entire career and has leadership skills and citizenship.—Mackenzie Hupke 

Ron Smith of USA Sports Tours & Events announces tour schedule, teams and coaches for upcoming USA D-2 Volleyball Teams – Brazil Tour 2019.

The USA D-2 Volleyball Teams have invited NCAA Division II women’s players from across the country.  These two teams (RED TEAM & BLUE TEAM) are comprised of players recognized as All Americans, All Region and All Conference.

The RED TEAM is made up of 10 players representing 6 different colleges and universities and come from 7 different home states.  The BLUE TEAM is made up of 9 players representing 6 different colleges and universities and come from 8 different home states.

“This is an outstanding group of young women.” says Ron Smith.  “Many of the players on this year’s USA D-2 / Brazil Tour team had great individual seasons and led their teams into post season play.”  “This tour is designed to expose players to a great volleyball experience while providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for educational, cultural and social growth.”

The USA D-2 Volleyball tour will run from May 13 through May 22.  The teams will begin with orientation in Orlando, Florida on May 13th before the team departs for Sao Paulo, Brazil that evening.  The teams will practice on May 14th in the city of Jundiai, before matches on May 15th and May 16th versus professional and club teams.  The two USA D-2 Teams will play double headers each night in the cities visited.  The teams will then fly to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on May 17th.  In Rio the teams will be a part of an “International Challenge” on Saturday, May 18^th.  The “International Challenge” will be two matches versus club teams from the city and state of Rio de Janeiro.  The two USA D-2 Volleyball teams will be competing against top U22, adult and professional club teams from the States of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on this tour.

While in Brazil the teams will experience educational, cultural and social aspects of Brazilian life through city, school and sports club visits.  While in Rio the team will be staying on the famous Copacabana Beach (location for the 2016 Rio Olympic Beach Volleyball Stadium) and touring the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain, two of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.  The team will visit the popular international market in Ipanema and Ipanema Beach.

During the teams’ time in Rio the TEAM will be conducting a youth clinic at the Marina Barra Clube / Ripper Volei as part of their “social project”.  This popular outreach opportunity for the USA D-2 Volleyball Team is already filled to capacity.

USA D-2 Volleyball Teams’ Rosters

USA D-2 RED Volleyball Team

Isabelle Barnes                                                  University of Alabama – Huntsville

Abby Brooks                                                       University of Alabama – Huntsville

Sabrina Duncan                                                 University of Alabama – Huntsville

Amanda Guasti-Nugent                                University of Montevallo

Sadie Hough                                                       University of West Florida

Emma Lenoir                                                      Christian Brothers University

Katie Placek                                                        Ferris State University

Miaya Smith                                                       Christian Brothers University

Evelina Teran                                                     University of Montevallo

Taylor Vaneekeren                                          University of West Florida

USA D-2 RED Volleyball Coach

Cade Smith (Head Volleyball Coach)         University of Alabama – Huntsville

USA D-2 BLUE Volleyball Team

Madi Cooler                                                       University of West Alabama

Audrey Fisher                                                    University of Central Missouri

Kaitlin Niedert                                                   Upper Iowa University

Morgan Olson                                                    Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mara Quam                                                        Minnesota State University-Mankato

Kylie Smith                                                          Southern Nazarene University

Abby Tiesman                                                    Colorado School of Mines

Kassie Till                                                             University of West Alabama

Bailee Turang                                                     Southern Nazarene University

USA D-2 BLACK Volleyball Coach

Jeremy White (Head Volleyball Coach)    Southeastern Louisiana University

(formerly at Northwestern Oklahoma State University)

Kaden Howard signed to play golf at Buena Vista. Way to go Kaden!