The Metro Sports Report and KCRG 9.2 are happy to announce that the local ABC television station will broadcast two of the doubleheaders in the new Iowa Women's Softball League this summer.

KCRG 9.2 will offer live broadcasts of the twinbills that will be played at Coe College on Sunday, June 25 and Sunday, July 2 at 2 p.m. both days.

The new league has been formed by the Metro Sports Report to give active college players a league of their own. A few former college players will be playing as well.

"We are delighted that the folks at KCRG have decided to broadcast two  of our doubleheaders," said Metro Sports Report president Jim Ecker. "Thanks to 9.2, the players will get a chance to showcase their skills on TV and get the recognition they deserve.

"In addition, having the games on KCRG will help publicize the league and help us continue to grow."

The Iowa Women's Softball League is the only summer collegiate league in Iowa and has been well-received by players, coaches and the community.

There are currently 45 players in the program, including 12 players from NCAA Division I schools. There also are players from NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA schools and junior colleges.

The league will run for 10 straight Sundays, with opening day set for  Sunday, May 28 and extending through Sunday, July 30, with doubleheaders each day at Coe and Kirkwood Community College.

There will be four teams in the league and each team will be featured  on one of the TV broadcasts. The broadcasts will include live interviews with players while the games are in progress to enhance the shows.

There are currently players from 21 different colleges and 33 different high schools in the league. Nearly all of the players were named all-conference or all-state as high school players, and many of them have earned high honors in college as well.

The Kirkwood Eagles, who are ranked No. 2 in the nation, have nine current players in the league, including 2016 Junior College Player of the Year Taylor Nearad.

"We're really excited about the new league and anxious to get started," said Ecker. "It should be a lot of fun and really good competition."

Local youth softball teams will be invited to attend the games, free of charge, to watch the college players and mingle with them between games and after the doubleheaders.

The four gold-medal sponsors for the Iowa Women's Softball League are  Ironside Apparel, Construction Materials, Emil's Hideaway Restaurant  and Hawkeye Convenience Stores. Play It Again Sports of Cedar Rapids is a silver medal sponsor.

The final rosters will be announced in mid-May. There are still a few spots available. Contact Ecker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you are interested in playing.