About Norfolk WUSA
The Women’s United Softball Association (WUSA) was established in 1982 for the people of the Hampton Roads and Richmond areas to play softball in a safe, friendly environment. The league was established thanks to Smitty (Coach of Spontaneous Combustion and former WUSA Commissioner) and Deb (Coach of Jokers and former WUSA Commissioner) to provide a place to go for people with alternative lifestyles. Since its inception, the league has strived to provide a fun, safe and friendly atmosphere for both men and women whether gay, transgendered or bisexual! It became a place for everyone to come together as a community on a Sunday and cook out, enjoy each other and play softball!
The WUSA mission:
1) To organize and promote participation among members, regardless of playing ability,
2) To develop character, skill, and sportsmanship among members, and
3) To promote unity in the LGBT community.
In 1994, the women split from the men and Smitty and Sheila (Push Play) ran the league with little to no funds. They laid the lines, acted as umpire and had 4 teams at that time. Thanks to Karen’s (coach of the Riptides and former WUSA Commissioner) and Laurie’s (coach of the CREW 2001-2004 and WUSA Treasurer 2001-2004) hard work and dedication, WUSA became involved with the national organization, NAGAAA/ASANA. In 2003 the league became part of NAGAAA (National American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance), an amateur gay softball association with member cities from all over the country and Canada. NAGAAA sponsors a World Series hosted in a different member city every year. WUSA’s first World Series was in Washington D.C. (2003).
In 2008 NAGAAA split into ASANA (Amateur Sports Alliance of North America) and NAGAAA. ASANA is all women divisions. NAGAAA remains men’s divisions and open divisions. The two are still affiliated but have their World Series in separate cities each year.
The WUSA season starts in April and generally runs through August. We have 8 teams for the 2010 season. They are: 3-BOC, ANYTIME FITNESS, CREW, JOKERS, LAGERHEADS, PUSH PLAY, RENEGADES, SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.
Past names to remember: CURVES, RIPTIDES, ALL THE WAY MAES, STRAGGLERS, and WINNING EDGE.
Hershee Bar, located in Norfolk VA, is the league’s patron saint. Annette and Billy, the owners, have supported the league since its inception. They provide a place to go after the games, offer free buffets to the players, supply discount drinks, provide an opportunity for socialization, open up their bar for league fundraisers, provide sponsorship funds and so much more.
To become a part of this league simply contact us, find us on Facebook or come out to the fields. Games are played every Sunday (except holidays), 9a – 12p at Northside Park in Norfolk.