From Virginia to Ghana: Bayley Bonso-Bruce’s mission to grow the game of Softball - MyJoyOnline (2025)

At just 15 years, Bayley Bonso-Bruce is already a standout in the world of softball. The Riverside High School student from Leesburg, Virginia, has spent nearly half her life honing her skills on the diamond. Now, she’s ready to take her passion beyond home plate, all the way to Ghana.

Bayley’s journey in softball began at the age of eight. Her dedication and natural talent have since propelled her through the ranks, making waves in every team she’s played for.

As a freshman, she led Riverside’s junior varsity squad in hits, batting average, and RBIs before earning a spot on the varsity team that went on to clinch the Virginia State Championship. Her performance caught the eyes of coaches and scouts alike.

She also plays travel softball with the elite Virginia Glory organization, where she’s spent the last four years sharpening her craft.

Though her primary position is first baseman, Bayley’s versatility allows her to also play as a catcher and outfielder, showcasing a well-rounded game that few at her age can match.

In 2024, her hard work paid off on a national level. The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) named her a Select30 athlete for the High School AA Group, a recognition reserved for the top-tier talents in the country.

The Select30 National Training Camp is widely considered one of the most elite events for individual athletes in USSSA Fastpitch Softball, an acknowledgment of Bayley’s high ceiling and future in the sport.

But Bayley’s story is not just about home runs and accolades—it’s also about heart. Off the field, she’s just as passionate about giving back to the game that has given her so much. She regularly offers coaching and mentorship to younger players, finding joy in nurturing the next generation of athletes.

This year, Bayley is taking her love for the game to new territory—literally.

She is partnering with the Ghana Shock Softball Team to host a clinic in Ghana, aiming to introduce the sport to young girls in a country where softball is still finding its footing.

Giving back to the game & young players in Ghana. That is what @BayleyBB2027 is to this spring break! She is bringing loads of gear she collected to the @GhanaShock, hosting a clinic, & teaching young players this incredible game! We are so proud of you BBB!!! Amazing… pic.twitter.com/XcyAWMDdRM

— Riverside Rams Softball (@RiversideRamsSB) April 10, 2025

Through the clinic, Bayley hopes to spark interest and offer young girls the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of softball in a supportive and empowering environment.

But more importantly, she wants to help them develop leadership skills, determination, and a passion for physical activity that can serve them both on and off the field.

Our amazing 1B/C @BayleyBB2027 will be going to Ghana in April 2025 to help grow the game of softball for girls! Bayley will host a one-day clinic, giving young Ghanaian girls the chance to learn new skills and ignite their passion for

We are so proud of you!!! pic.twitter.com/K9GH0X8O1C

— VA Glory Hills (@VAGlory_Hills) April 6, 2025

In an era where youth athletes often focus solely on their own paths to success, Bayley Bonso-Bruce is charting a different course—one that reaches across continents and connects cultures through sport.

Her story is that greatness isn’t measured in stats and trophies, but in the impact we make on others. And for Bayley, this is only the beginning.

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