Story by HaLeigh Abbott
Photos courtesy of Shannon Van Zyl

In January 2017, what began as a simple desire to improve a struggling Little League softball team has blossomed into one of Oxford's most inspiring youth sports success stories. The Oxford Diamond Divas, created by Bob Van Zyl with help from the late Nick Sloan, has transformed from a winter training program into a comprehensive softball organization that's reshaping the future of girls' softball in the community.

The journey began when Van Zyl and Sloan, unhappy with the direction of the area Little League, decided to extend Van Zyl's high school winter workout program to younger players. What they expected to be a modest turnout of 15 girls quickly grew to 17 on the first night, and within a month, swelled to 40 young athletes eager to improve their skills.

However, tragedy struck just three weeks into the program when Nick Sloan was killed in a car accident, leaving Van Zyl to carry on alone. "I had already started it, so I kept going for him," Van Zyl reflects. "I only knew him for a few months, but I saw all of the good he was able to do." Rob Logan, a friend of Nick's, stepped in to help for the next two years, helping to establish the program's foundation.

The organization found its footing in the Brandywine Valley Girls Softball League, starting with 10U and 12U teams. Success came quickly – by 2018, the 12U team went undefeated in the BVGSL. Many of those same players would later form the core of Oxford High School's 2023 district championship team, which made two appearances in the state tournament. "I tend to forecast where things are going," Van Zyl notes, "and in 8th grade when I was coaching the middle school, I saw this team and said they're special and they're going to dominate."

Today, the Diamond Divas boasts an impressive 126 registered players, with 80-85 participating in recreational leagues and 36 in tournament play. The program offers opportunities for girls aged 5-16 in recreational ball, with tournament teams at the 10U, 14U, and 18U levels. Plans are already in place to add a 12U tournament team next fall.

What sets the Diamond Divas apart is their unwavering focus on girls' softball. "When I first started it, people would ask what the difference between us and Little League is, and the answer is we don't do baseball," Van Zyl explains. "We focus completely on softball, so 100% of the money goes towards the softball players. I always felt like girls sports would get the short end of the stick next to boys sports, and I wanted to prevent that from happening."

This dedication to excellence extends to every aspect of the program, from high-quality uniforms to specialized training. But perhaps most meaningful is the organization's emphasis on family, symbolized by the word "Ohana" emblazoned on every jersey – a tribute to Nick Sloan's legacy and the program's founding principles.

The origin of this tradition is particularly touching. After Sloan's passing, Van Zyl personally called every parent to ensure their children wouldn't hear the news at school. Practice continued the next day because, as Van Zyl puts it, "Nick wouldn't want us to cancel our workouts." During that emotional session, the group discussed the importance of leaning on each other as family, referencing the concept of "Ohana" from the movie "Lilo & Stitch." The word, along with Nick's initials, was incorporated into the team's logo and has become their battle cry at the end of every game.

The Diamond Divas' commitment to inclusivity is evident in their approach to both recreational and tournament play. "Tournament ball is a luxury and a higher level of softball than rec, but the heart of the program is still in the rec teams. It creates a strong base for the softball community," Van Zyl emphasizes. The organization welcomes players of all experience levels and even provides equipment for those who need it. Their reach extends beyond Oxford's borders, welcoming players from throughout the region.

The program's growth led to the creation of Southern Chester County Sports, a facility born out of necessity during COVID-19 when school facilities were unavailable. This space now serves multiple sports programs and hosts community events, further cementing the Diamond Divas' role in local athletics.

Van Zyl, sometimes playfully known as "Coach Cheater" for his practice antics like intentionally throwing balls over players' heads (resulting in good-natured extra push-ups), maintains that success isn't measured solely by athletic achievement. "It doesn't matter if you make great athletes 100% of the time," he says. "My measure of success is when a kid is having fun and enjoying the sport and they're making good memories."

As the Oxford Diamond Divas continues to grow, it stands to show how a community's commitment to its youth can create something truly special. With its blend of competitive excellence, family values, and inclusive spirit, the organization is not just developing better softball players – it's building stronger, more confident young women who understand the true meaning of "Ohana."