Clara Edwards is synonymous with softball in Monahans. And, now, a city softball tournament will bear her name.
The Clara Edwards City Tournament will begin May 8 and run through May 19. Edwards, who turned 95 in April, will throw out the first pitch of the championship game on Friday, May 19, at 6:00 p.m. The tournament will be held, fittingly, at the Clara Edwards Softball Park. Teams from Monahans and Wink will compete in divisions 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U.
“I had no idea they were naming the tournament after me. It was a complete surprise, and it’s just wonderful,” Edwards said.
Edwards was instrumental in bringing softball to the young women of Monahans in 1967. Since then, she’s coached numerous teams, started the high school girls’ program, and coached the Special Olympics team.
Her love of softball began at an early age. As a teenager, she was a pitcher on a recreational team her father coached. Edwards’ daughters and granddaughters played the sport, and now she watches her great-granddaughter play. Edwards goes to all their games unless, of course, she is busy coaching her great-great grandson’s t-ball team.
“I enjoy teaching the children and being out there with them. There are always two or three of them crying for some reason, but I just do my best to teach them the game,” Edwards said about this year’s t-ball team.
For more information on the Clara Edwards City Tournament, contact Aaron Armendariz, President of the Monahans Softball League, at 432-940-2470.
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