History of SGSA
The Sterling Girls Softball Association (SGSA) was first formed in Sterling in 1974 and was commonly referred to as the Sterling Lassie League. This original league consisted of 40 girls forming 4 teams playing the slow pitch variation of softball. During this early period, wooden bats were mandatory and only women would coach. As the league matured and the number of teams expanded, men also started to coach. Eventually, aluminum bats were introduced and became standard.
In 1999, the girl’s softball league switched to fast pitch and began participating in inter-town play by joining the area fast pitch association known as the Wachusett Softball Association (WSA). The WSA consists of 6 area leagues representing the towns of Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton, Holden, Rutland, and Sterling / Princeton.
In 2015, to address issues caused by lower participation, Princeton merged its softball league with Sterling. The merger has provided increased opportunities for competitive play for Princeton and Sterling girls, and the merger should continue to provide a strong program for residents of both towns.
Though Sterling participates in the WSA, the SGSA is currently and will continue to be an independent league. At present there are 5 teams and over 60 players in the SGSA.
In 2015, SGSA renewed a long standing tradition of awarding the Carmen Camusso Award. This award is dedicated to the memory of Carmen who was one of the league biggest supporters in the 1970's and 1980's. Even when her daughter no longer played and when Carmen was battling health issues, she could be found at the fields cheering on all the players and recognizing great play and sportsmanship. The award is given to a Senior Division player whose character, hustle, attitude, and sportsmanship reflects Carmen's dedication to Sterling Lassie League.
In 2024, Sterling Girls Softball Association is celebrating 50 years of success. We invite all past and current players to join us this season to cheer on all the girls that that have made the SGSA what it is today.