Since its founding in 2021, the Ray Seymour Invitational (RSI) has rapidly established itself as one of the premier events on the fall softball calendar. What began as a heartfelt tribute to a legendary coach has blossomed into a national showcase, bringing together elite teams from across the country, college coaches eager to scout talent, and a sense of tradition that runs deep within the Tampa Mustangs organization. The event will take place from October 25-27, 2024, at Champions Park in Newberry, Florida, with additional games hosted at nearby locations, including the University of Florida’s softball stadium.
We caught up with David Handler, a longtime Tampa Mustangs coach and one of the masterminds behind RSI, to learn more about the event’s origins, growth, and its impact on the softball community. Here’s what he had to say about the tournament that’s become a can’t-miss event for players, coaches, and fans alike. We will break down each age division pool over the next two weeks! Check back regularly to get all the details!
Honoring a Legend
RSI isn’t just another showcase—it’s a tribute to Ray Seymour, the founder of the Tampa Mustangs and a man whose influence on travel softball in Florida can’t be overstated. Handler, along with fellow Mustangs coach TJ Goelz, wanted to ensure that Seymour’s legacy lived on, not just within the Mustangs organization, but throughout the softball community.
“RSI was started in 2021 to honor the legacy of Tampa Mustangs founder and travel softball icon Ray Seymour,” Handler explains. “Coach Ray put the Tampa Mustangs and the state of Florida on the travel softball map by competing in 21 National tournaments and earning an ASA 18U National Championship in 2009. Under his leadership, the Mustangs went on to win over 27 national titles since its founding in 1981.”
To put it mildly, the man knew a thing or two about winning. But it wasn’t just the success on the field that defined Coach Seymour’s impact—it was his philosophy that molded generations of players.
“Coach Ray always preached ‘PAL’—Play like a Champion, Act like a Champion, Look like a Champion,” Handler recalls. “That’s something we’ve carried forward with this event. It’s not just about winning, it’s about respecting the game, respecting your opponents, and representing the brand with class. Oh, and looking good while you do it, of course.”
A Premier Event in a Competitive Market
In just four short years, the Ray Seymour Invitational has gone from a regional competition to a nationally recognized event that draws top talent and, just as importantly, top college coaches. How did it rise so quickly in the ranks of elite softball showcases?
Handler believes the success is due in part to the event’s structure, which blends top-tier national competition with opportunities for local and regional teams to prove themselves on a bigger stage. “Over the first three years, RSI has garnered a reputation for featuring national-level competition with top elite clubs, as well as providing Florida organizations with a high-caliber showcase event in their home state,” Handler says.
The numbers back it up. In 2023, 104 college coaches representing 57 different schools—spanning NAIA to Division 1 Power 4 programs—attended the event. “It’s become a magnet for college scouts,” Handler notes. “Schools from all over the country fly in to attend, which is great not only for the national teams but also for the local players looking to get noticed.”
The showcase now hosts teams from 12 different states, giving Florida players the chance to measure up against top-tier competition without having to leave their home turf. This blend of national competition and local access has helped the event flourish.
Growth and Expansion
The Ray Seymour Invitational started in 2021 with 55 teams—a respectable turnout for a new event, but nowhere near the scale it’s reached today. In 2024, the tournament will host over 150 teams at five different locations, including the iconic University of Florida softball stadium. For Handler, the event’s growth reflects not only the demand for a high-quality showcase but also the meticulous planning that goes into making sure it remains a top-notch experience for both players and coaches.
“We pride ourselves on putting on an elite event, but we also make it as accessible as possible for regional and local teams,” Handler says. “We’ve built a loyal following because we offer elite competition without the exorbitant price tag you see at some other showcases.”
Part of that success, Handler explains, is due to their operational partner, Connect Sports, a company that brings experience and expertise in marketing and event management. “We partner with Connect because they run elite events with knowledge and expertise,” he says. “They’ve done an excellent job promoting RSI to college coaches and top-tier clubs.”
The growth isn’t just measured in teams and locations, though. For Handler and his team, it’s about building something lasting—an event that teams, players, and college coaches mark on their calendars year after year.
Tradition Meets Innovation
While the Ray Seymour Invitational pays homage to a coach whose career spanned decades, it’s also forward-thinking. Handler and Goelz have made it a priority to create an event that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of travel softball, while still maintaining the values that Coach Seymour instilled.
“Everybody at RSI would like to thank all of our softball partners, vendors, clubs, and teams for an incredible first four years,” Handler says. “We look forward to growing this event while continuing to offer a top-level showcase where teams can compete at the highest level and college coaches can be sure they are seeing the best talent.”
For Handler, this isn’t just lip service. The focus on creating a space where elite talent and regional up-and-comers can compete side by side is central to the event’s mission—and something that will continue to define RSI for years to come.
Looking Ahead
As RSI gears up for its 2024 edition, the excitement is palpable. Teams from across the country will descend on Champions Park and other locations around Newberry, Florida, ready to showcase their skills in front of hundreds of college coaches. The event has quickly become a staple of the fall softball schedule, and with each passing year, it seems to gain even more momentum.
Handler, for his part, remains humble about the rapid success of the event. “We never could’ve imagined how quickly it would grow,” he says with a smile. “But we’re not complaining.”
And as the Tampa Mustangs continue to uphold the values of Coach Ray Seymour, the Invitational that bears his name will no doubt continue to grow, creating opportunities for the next generation of softball stars—one inning at a time.
So whether you’re a college coach looking for the next breakout star, a player hoping to make a name for yourself, or just a fan of the game, the Ray Seymour Invitational promises to be a showcase of not just skill, but tradition, competition, and above all, respect for the game.
And if you play like a champion, act like a champion, and look like a champion—well, you might just walk away with more than a trophy.
