It's Wednesday evening in Boerne, and the warm air surrounding Northrup Field carries the sound of a bat cracking. The cheers of teammates and spectators swell. Tonight, the softball league isn't just about playing a game. It's about a community, a gathering where experienced players and rookies join forces to play hard, have fun, and share their love for softball.
Teresa Widner's passion for the game runs deep. As a consistent thread throughout her life, softball is not just a sport to her. "I've never stopped playing," she says. "The only time I did was when I was pregnant, for obvious reasons." Her experience stretches back to high school and college. While she mainly occupies the catcher's position these days, she's played almost every position on the field for the Servpro team. And while the competitive spirit is there, it's the community she enjoys most. "They're my friends, my family," she says of her teammates. "We've been through a lot together—divorces, new marriages, new kids. They've always been there."
Like Widner, Krystle Hartley has spent much of her life with a glove in hand. She started in T-ball as a child and played high school and college ball before returning to the sport through Boerne's co-ed league. She now plays first and second base for “Famigos,” a team that originated as a family venture and has since grown into a tight-knit group. "It's kind of been fun," Hartley shares. "My husband and I use it as a date night during the school year. In the summer, it becomes a family event, and the kids love it."
Hartley's experience in co-ed softball has been an adjustment from her years in fastpitch. "The speed of the pitch was a big change," she laughs. "And the speed of the ball coming off the guys' bats—it's definitely different playing with them." Still, she finds that the women on the field can hold their own. "We've got some strong, fast women in this league. It's nice to earn that respect from the guys who might not expect it."
Softball was a sport Megan Gagliano left behind after high school—until a friend invited her to join the Boerne league. Now a “Low Expectations” member, she plays catcher and second base. "It's been a lot of fun," she says. "I hadn't played in a while, but getting back into it was great. It's a good mix of competition and social time." The league has helped her form new friendships and connect with the community. "You meet so many people—whether they're from Boerne, San Antonio, or Fredericksburg. It brings people together."
The co-ed dynamic in the league is unique and adds challenges and camaraderie. "Co-ed is actually way more competitive," Widner explains. "For whatever reason, the girls can make or break the team. The guys will swing for the fences, and sometimes it's the women who are consistently getting on base."
Beyond the games, the league fosters an appreciation for community beyond the playing field. Widner remembers a moment when tragedy struck a fellow player's family. "We lost a teammate last year, and we were able to come together for a memorial," she says. "At the end of the day, we put all the competition aside and just supported each other."
Hartley affirms that sentiment, observing that the friendships forged in the league carry over into daily life. "We'll run into each other around town and catch up," she says. "During the off-season, we still keep in touch, and we even do dinners or hangouts outside of softball."
As the league grows, players look for more opportunities for area tournaments and increased field space. However, Boerne's co-ed league will never leave its core purpose of bringing people who love the game together.
The message is clear for those on the fence about joining: give it a shot. "You don't know if you don't try," Gagliano says. "It's fun, it's social, and it's a great way to meet people." Widner agrees, adding, "It's not just about playing. It's about friendships, memories, and having something to look forward to every week. This league has been a part of my life for nearly 20 years, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
For many, the league is more than just an athletic outlet—it's a way to stay connected with old friends and forge new relationships. Hartley points out, "A lot of us grew up playing together, and now we get to bring our families into it. Our kids play together, our spouses come out and watch. It's not just a sport—it's part of our lives." Gagliano adds that the sense of belonging extends to new players, too. "It doesn't matter if you've played your whole life or if you're just starting. If you show up, you're part of the family."
The players hope to see more growth opportunities, perhaps even an expansion of the league. "It would be great to have more teams, more games, maybe even a women's division," says Hartley. "I'd love to see this league continue to thrive."
In Boerne, where community reigns supreme, the co-ed softball league is as much a means to an end as anything else. It's an opportunity to join together for the love of the game, the continuation of the tradition, and a reminder that some of life's most memorable moments happen under the lights of a softball field.
Boerne Parks and Recreation ci.boerne.tx.us/102/Softball | 830-248-1635
“It’s not just about playing. It’s about friendships, memories, and having something to look forward to every week. This league has been a part of my life for nearly 20 years, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” —Teresa Widner