The women of the Gammertingen Royals are currently dominating the Baden-Württemberg softball league. Eleven games, eleven wins. Everything looks like they will win the championship again, which will qualify them for promotion to the Bundesliga. Last year, the Royals decided against this rather big step. The Royals currently do not have a field suitable for the Bundesliga, and the majority of the team was very young and inexperienced.
From young to experienced: broad age structure
The current composition of the team around player-coach Miriam Schmidt is probably unique. Mothers play together with their daughters. The age range currently extends from 14 to 46 years. And the young girls in particular are increasingly developing into the top performers in the team.
The U15 national players (from left) Marie Strobel (15), Pauline Haule (15), Georgina Kallenberger (15) and Jana Gerling (14). (Photo: private)
The Royals currently have four U15 national players: Jana Gerling, Pauline Haule, Georgina Kallenberger and Marie Strobel. A month ago, they were part of the national team at the U15 European Championships in Prague, where they achieved a respectable fifth place. Anna-Lena Haule (17) is currently playing with the U22 women at the European Championships in Kutno, Poland.
In addition, Katharina Baltisberger, Mia Knaus, Lea Koch and Doro Szabo are other U16 players who have impressed this season. The team is rounded off by the experienced Konstanze Hammer, Katja Haule, Uta Knaus, Melissa Müller, Miriam Schmidt and Franziska Weimer.
Five games still to go
After the summer break, the women from Gammertingen still have five competitive matches to play. The semi-final of the BW Cup will also take place on September 1st. There, the Royals will face the winner of the match between Karlsruhe and Mannheim.
Bundesliga would be a financial feat
“We are currently seriously considering a possible promotion to the Bundesliga. We know full well that this is a very big step,” says Miriam Schmidt. The TSV Gammertingen department submitted these ambitions to the city of Gammertingen several years ago and is hoping for a positive signal from the town hall soon.
Anna-Lena Haule (17), U22 national player of the Gammertingen Royals. (Photo: private)
Because without the appropriate infrastructure, promotion is not possible. In addition, the Royals would face significantly higher costs for game operations and longer away trips. Deputy department head Christoph Dieminger knows that “these costs can only be covered with higher income from sponsorship.”
Strong Gammertingen youth with goals
The Royals’ “foundation” is also impressive. The U16 team of Gammertingen softball players is currently leading the league and looks set to win the championship here too. In addition, an all-girls U12 team plays alongside the boys and holds its own there. With around 30 players under the age of 18, the club from the Swabian Alb is more than well positioned in the softball junior ranks.
Tournaments await the Royals
After the season, there are still national tournaments to come in October. There, the Royals have a good chance of competing for the top places in the German championships for U16 and U19 girls. In addition, some players will play for Baden-Württemberg in the U13 Germany Cup.
But by then, the Royals must have decided whether to embark on the Bundesliga 2025 adventure.
