AYSA reports record spring season of 445 players, warns of field-space limits

Shannon Gill, AYSA commissioner, told the Rec Board that spring 2026 was the league's largest season on record, with 445 girls participating and roughly 84% living in Alpharetta. “As you guys know, AYSA is a nonprofit girls' youth softball league run by volunteers,” Gill said, and added that the league fielded 89 volunteer coaches across five age divisions.

Gill outlined the league structure — a recreation (rec) division, an all-star "attack" program and a travel "fire" program — and said the attack division included about 70 players across five all‑star teams. She said attendance and roster growth have pushed the league toward capacity: “I think this is capacity for us,” Gill told board members when asked about registration limits.

Board members pressed for details about coaching recruitment and long-term needs. Gill said some younger age groups were doubled up on fields to accommodate participants and that recruiting has largely succeeded through parent outreach. She thanked North Park staff and volunteers for recent improvements, and she credited partners — including local coaches who host pitching clinics and a Braves pregame parade for the players — with helping retention and development.

Why it matters: The league's growth increases demand for field time, lights, storage and minor facilities upgrades (batting cages, dugout cubbies) that Gill said would make practices and game days easier for families and volunteers. Gill and board members discussed light‑pole replacements, the North Park restroom project and parking changes as parts of longer-term capacity and access solutions.

Next steps: Gill said AYSA will continue planning before fall registration and will work with city staff on field scheduling and minor facility improvements. The Rec Board did not take any formal action on funding during the meeting.