Lindenwood University's NCAA Division I Softball program teamed up with the St. Louis Cardinals this summer to take part in a St. Louis tradition—the Cardinals Kids Clinics. Now in its 20th year, the clinic introduced softball-specific sessions for the first time. To help launch this new chapter, the Cardinals invited Lindenwood Softball student-athletes to serve as guest instructors.

Tori Hatton, a rising senior who plays first base for Lindenwood, was one of the players selected to assist with the clinics. Hatton, who recalls taking part in the baseball-focused clinics as a kid, felt a full-circle moment at the 2025 clinic. "My brother and I went to that camp," Hatton said. "I was the only girl there, and we were using baseballs. So, it's cool to see how the game has grown to where they're able to host softball-specific clinics with all girls."

She also had the opportunity to talk softball with some of the Cardinals alumni who taught her as a child. These former players were curious to learn about softball from her. "You could tell it was kind of their introduction to softball," Hatton said about the baseball players. "They said they were going to start watching the pro games," she added.

For Hatton, the most rewarding part was working with the next generation of softball players. Having memories of looking up to college players as a kid, Hatton has seen the role reversed. "It's crazy to see the little girls want your autograph or want your poster," Hatton said.

Lindenwood Head Coach Erin Brown was excited when representatives from the Cardinals reached out about the partnership. Brown believes these clinics are an opportunity to help softball's popularity grow within the region. "It is exciting for the sport to grow and develop," Brown said. "Not necessarily for everyone to become an Olympian or play pro softball, but just to be able to enjoy the game and learn all the things that you learn from sports," she added.

Lindenwood positioned itself as a leader in the region's youth softball community. Hatton notes that many kids at the clinic have come to Lindenwood games and followed the team and players' performances on social media. Hatton said the team's strong local fanbase is a result of Coach Brown's recruiting approach. "Most of the girls on the team now are pretty local," Hatton said. "We have a stronger community that comes and watches our games."

Brown sees Lindenwood's involvement as recognition of the University's status in the sport and an opportunity to continue momentum. "Hopefully this is just the beginning of some of the things that we can work together on. We feel blessed that they came to us because there are other colleges in town. So, we're really excited and want to honor that relationship as much as we can," said Brown.