Texas coach shot during youth baseball game

In my house, sports are more than games. They’re how my daughter builds friendships, learns leadership, and figures out how to pivot when encountering challenges. The ballpark is a safe place for tons of families, but gunfire in Katy disrupted that peace.

Over the weekend, youth baseball games were being played at the Ameripark youth baseball field in Katy, Texas. Around 9:45am, bullets began to fly around the ballpark. In a split second, coaches, parents, and children ran for cover.

Thankfully, no children were injured, but a 27-year-old baseball coach was struck in the shoulder by a stray bullet.

In a strange discovery, the Waller County Sheriff’s Office said three people had been identified. The individuals had been target shooting in the area. Although it may appear that there was likely no malicious intent behind the gunshots, it was still incredibly unsafe and irresponsible. All three individuals will face charges of Deadly Conduct and other related offenses.

Coaches Alex Smith and Corbin Geisendorff of the Texas Colts described the terrifying scene:

The Rac has suspended all games and practices for now, saying, “We are deeply shaken by what happened, and our focus remains on supporting the coach who was injured, his family, and everyone who was affected.”

Victoria is full of families whose lives revolve around youth sports and see the ballpark as a safe place where they watch kids grow, compete, and belong.