Ruston High’s Wilson chosen for USA Softball Showcase

Ruston High senior Cala Wilson will represent Lincoln Parish on a national softball stage.

As part of the USA Softball High Performance Program, known as the pipeline to the Women’s National Team, Wilson, along with over 100 athletes from across the country, will participate in the High Performance Program National Selection Event — an invite-only opportunity for athletes who have advanced through various HPP Identifiers over the last year.

The event will take place Thursday through Sunday at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, the official training facility of the USA Softball National Team.

Wilson was one of 28 athletes selected out of Region 4 — made up of players from Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi.

“It feels really good and it’s something I feel like will help me drive my softball career forward,” Wilson said. “I’ve been thinking about that and just how this opens up things for younger girls in Ruston and they can have an opportunity like this.”

Wilson, along with other top players, will showcase their skills in a series of on-field evaluations and scrimmages in front of the U.S. Junior Women’s National Team Selection Committee and HPP evaluators — including U.S. Olympians and professional softball athletes — for a chance to be selected to age-specific U.S. Junior Women’s National Team rosters based on scheduled events for the 2024 season. Among the nine evaluators at the showcase includes 2020 Olympic Silver Medalists Ally Carda, Haylie McCleney and Michelle Moultrie.

In 2023, Wilson hit .419 for the Lady Bearcats with 12 singles, 5 doubles, 4 triples, 5 home runs, 15 RBIs, and just 3 strikeouts over 73 plate appearances.

Wilson announced her verbal commitment to play college softball at Lamar University, a member of the Southland Conference, in January as well.

“We are excited for her,” Ruston softball coach Lauren Garvie said. “We are praying for not only her safety but her to relish in the moment a bit. As a program, we are excited to celebrate this accomplishment for her.”