On September 19, The Eve Fries Foundation partnered with the Chicago Bandits and the Gompers Park Athletic Association for a special clinic that brought together 50+ young female athletes from more than a dozen Chicago neighborhoods.
While the day focused on the fundamentals—hitting, fielding and throwing—it was just as much about the intangibles that help make better athletes, better teammates and, ultimately, better people: confidence, leadership, resilience, relationships and the importance of showing up for one another.
Rain may have forced us indoors, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of the day.
We’re grateful to the Bandits, Abby Ramirez and the Gompers Park Athletic Association for helping make it possible.
Because we believe softball can do more than develop athletes. It can create spaces where confidence grows, leadership takes root and character is forged.
Partnering with the Chicago Bandits to teach more than softball.
DAY @ LITTLE GOMPERS FIELD
On June 6, Little Gompers Field was filled with the joy, kindness, and competitive spirit that defined Eve, as hundreds gathered for the inaugural BeliEve Day.
Working alongside the Gompers Park Athletic Association and the Chicago Park District, we installed a new electronic scoreboard, sunshades for the dugouts, and a commemorative plaque in Eve’s honor. The improvements were unveiled during the inaugural BeliEve Day, where families, athletes, supporters, and 39th Ward Alderman Samantha Nugent came together for softball clinics, games, food, music, and fun. More than a celebration, the day reflected our commitment to creating opportunities for young female athletes and investing in the places where they learn, grow, and lead.
GPAA Travel Teams
Girls frequently drop out of sports by the age of 14. Some leave to join expensive travel teams and others just lose interest or confidence. Our goal is to keep girls in softball longer and at Gompers Park. By sponsoring the travel team program and training facility we’ll help build opportunities that nuture confidence, leadership and character as we invest in the future of the leaders of tomorrow.