Welcome to "The Cup" 2025!
The Ultimate High School Fastpitch Softball Tournament Experience.

This is your exclusive chance to be a part of something truly extraordinary, available only once a year for select US High School Fast Pitch Softball Athletes.

Picture yourself on the grand stage, competing against the best talent from Europe, proudly representing the USA on a global platform.

Are You Ready?

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime!

For 25+ years, our European Fastpitch Cup Trip has offered passionate US high school fast-pitch softball athletes the chance to learn, play, and enjoy an experience that few others can boast.

If you have what it takes to join us and compete for “The Cup” – the largest and most prestigious Fast-Pitch Softball tournament in Europe – you’ll have the opportunity to train and battle against some of the world’s top talent while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Every year, our aim is to gather the best talent to represent our team and country while giving you the chance to explore the stunning sights of Paris and Amsterdam.

Prepare for an awe-inspiring journey filled with invaluable life lessons and unforgettable memories. You’ll represent your country, The Qsport, and yourself as you visit and compete in Europe for “The Cup”!

Selected athletes (and their families) will embark on an eight-day guided adventure with our experienced staff, kicking off with the world’s most distinguished indoor fastpitch softball tournament, followed by a tour of the enchanting City of Love, Paris. This trip will create memories that last a lifetime.

Are you up for the challenge? If so, Apply Today to begin your journey. We look forward to speaking with you!

Play against countries all over the world!

We are looking for athletes who love the game!

What Can You Expect From The Cup 2025 Experience?

We’re in search of a select group of exceptional athletes to join our team. Could you be the one?

Connect with us today to learn more!

What Past Players Said about the most recent trip in 2024

See why our players proclaim that this is the BEST trip they have ever taken!

SPACE IS LIMITED!

Take a moment to watch this brief video. If you possess the determination to give it your all, the aspiration to play and explore the world, and the knack for forging connections, then this journey is tailor-made for YOU! Submit your application today to find out if you have what it takes.

We're on the hunt for athletes with a burning passion for the game! Our ideal candidates are exceptional players seeking opportunities and embracing novel experiences. You must be ready to forge new friendships, create lasting memories, and venture beyond your comfort zone.

Attitude Matters

While possessing exceptional skills is fantastic, maintaining a positive attitude is crucial. We're searching for high-energy individuals with a bright outlook to become part of our team. Are you prepared for the challenge? Submit your application today, and let's start the conversation.

How Do We Select Our Players?

First and foremost, we choose our athletes based on their personality, attitude, and social skills. As we’ll be spending a significant amount of time together both on and off the field, these attributes are essential in forming our teams.

Regardless of your skill level, you have the chance to display your abilities and participate in The Cup.

Previously, we’ve selected 1st team all-league players, 1st team all-state players, and numerous individuals who simply adore the game. Don’t hesitate – Go ahead and submit your application now for consideration.

We are seeking a few high-energy individuals with an optimistic outlook who want to…

JOIN US For "A TRIP OF A LIFETIME"

The QSport Founders

Meet The Whitesides

While raising our daughters in central Ohio during the ’80s and early ’90s, it became evident that their love for softball was nearly as strong as my passion for coaching. To accommodate their enthusiasm, we set up return nets in our barns for practice sessions, even when the weather was too cold or snowy for outdoor play. Our modest indoor space soon welcomed other families who wanted their daughters to practice with us year-round.

Over the years, we organized clinics and tournaments, building a vast network of friends that evolved into an extended softball family. As my daughters grew older, got married, and began their own families, we all remained committed to supporting young athletes and continuing our Queen of Diamonds tournaments in the US.

In 1996, we had a breakthrough idea. Being a blended family of Europeans and Americans (with Mom Whiteside hailing from the Netherlands), we decided to experiment with a softball tournament we dubbed ‘the Cup.’ With family and friends spread across Europe, we held the inaugural event in Lyon, France, assembling a French team of high school-aged female softball players.

Now, as we celebrate our 26th year, we have witnessed countless success stories – and we want YOU to be next.

Meet THE COACHES

To me, softball is about supporting the incredible young women I've had the privilege to coach – helping them set and achieve their goals both on and off the field. I hold my players to high standards, pushing them to reach their full potential and consistently compete at an elevated level. We treat all opponents with respect, demonstrating humility in victory and graciousness in defeat. I also expect my players to excel academically and contribute positively to their communities. While we've won numerous tournaments, the achievement I hold in highest regard is receiving the MVT at the 2017 All Sanction World Series, selected from over 100 teams. This award recognizes the team with the most outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and their communities.

Rich LeViere serves as the President and Head Instructor for the Pittsburgh Spirit Travel Teams. He founded the organization in 1998, after a successful coaching career at the high school level in the region. Over a span of 20 years, Rich has developed hundreds of athletes and provided guidance to countless pitchers, from beginners to advanced players. Under his mentorship, more than 500 athletes have earned college scholarships, with two going on to play professionally for the Akron Racers. In addition to founding the Pittsburgh Spirit Organization, Coach LeViere has amassed 20 years of experience coaching at the World Cup of Softball for Team USA. In 2006, ESPN recognized him as one of the top 12 travel softball coaches in the country. Since 2011, Rich has been affiliated with the TheCup.NL and has coached four teams to date.

I joined The Cup.NL staff formerly known as "The Q Sport" in 2008, initially coaching in the Queen of Diamond events.
In 2010, I embarked on this INCREDIBLE journey when my oldest daughter participated in "The Cup." Since then, I've continued as a head coach in The Cup every year.
In 2014, my youngest daughter also took part in the event. Both of my daughters described it as "an experience of a lifetime," referring to a trip we might never have taken without The Cup. They cherished not only the softball experience but also the personal connections they made, having formed lasting friendships with people they met along the way.

Read and Hear What Players Just Like You Are Saying About Us

Marjolein Merkx

Marjolein will help you understand by joining us on the Cup Trip how you can improve your game, refine your skills, and really benefit from this 5-Star Experience!

Rhonda Norby

“A mere two weeks ago, Anna and I set out on an unforgettable journey. Taking part in the International Cup 2018 was an extraordinary experience for both of us – as a parent and a player.

Competing in fastpitch softball against international teams, forming friendships with amazing families and players, establishing future connections, and exploring Amsterdam and Paris were all elements of an action-packed week that will remain etched in our memories. We wholeheartedly encourage all young women with a passion for the game to consider participating in future Cup events. It is worth every single penny!”

The 2025 per traveler fee is $4250; however, we can guide you on how to reduce this cost to ZERO Out-Of-Pocket, just like many others have done before you. We offer proven fundraising opportunities to assist you in achieving this goal.

The travel fee covers nearly everything for your trip, including airfare, hotels, transportation, and uniforms. Our exclusive White Glove Travel Team will handle all these arrangements, ensuring that your experience is as seamless and accessible as possible. You’ll only need to budget for a few dinner evenings and some snacks – everything else is taken care of!

Over the past 25+ years, we have developed numerous fundraising opportunities that we can readily share with you. These strategies enable our athletes and families to participate in the trip with ZERO out-of-pocket expenses and without affecting the family budget.

Time and again, we have found that these fundraising opportunities alleviate stress and empower ANYONE with determination and enthusiasm to seize the opportunity to join us for The Cup!

Watch and hear from another past player on why you should apply and join us on the next trip!

Play Video