Dear Miller Grove Softball Team,

Congratulations on making the Elite Eight in fast-pitch softball this year! Your team's achievements this season are truly commendable, and you should all be extremely proud of what you've accomplished.

I wanted to take a moment to personally thank you for the opportunity to meet with you during the Elite Eight tournament. I also want to sincerely apologize for the issue that occurred during the opening ceremony. The song Hooked on a Feeling by Björn Skifs and Blue Swede was played during the introduction of the Miller Grove Softball Team, which was both inappropriate and offensive to your team. This action did not reflect the standards upheld by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA).

At the GHSA, we are committed to continuously improving our events and providing the best possible experience for our schools. In response to this incident, our office met with our fast-pitch softball partners and implemented several changes to our opening ceremonies. Starting next year, teams will be seated in the stands and introduced as a group, with walkout music chosen by each team. This change is part of our ongoing dedication to ensuring the best experience for our athletes and schools. Furthermore, we have addressed this issue with those responsible for the song selection, as their actions did not meet the professional standards we expect.

Once again, I apologize for any negative impact this situation may have had on your experience during the opening ceremony. I wish each of you the very best as you continue your high school careers.

Tim Scott

Executive Director