Winning isn't everything, claims Greg Powell, coach for the 23-under DownRiver Diamonds fast-pitch softball team.  Maybe so. But the formula the Diamonds are using seems to be a successful one anyway. The team, consisting of college-age players, won the first two tournaments it entered this season. Most recently, it won the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) state championship tourney in Canton Township. The Diamonds also captured the Toledo Tune-Up Tournament crown. The Diamonds are a locally based organization with teams at the 23-under, 18-under, 16-under, 14-under and 12-under level. But at all levels, Powell said, there is a common theme.

Everyone plays. Even the so-called stars have to sit. And if it costs a game or two along the way, so be it. "Our philosophy is winning is not the primary thing," said Powell, who lives in Trenton. "Showing development for the next level is. Winning might be a byproduct of it, but that's not at the top of the list. We won't allow one kid to play all the time. "The concept sounds noble, but it does have a specific purpose for every player, no matter how talented. "I've rarely seen a freshman in college be an all-star," Powell said. "So you've got to learn how to win as a team, and how to lose as a team."

Many of the players at the top-level team have come up through the Diamonds' program, which has been around for about a decade. Admittedly, there is more emphasis placed on skills at the lower level, but it gradually changes until the players get to 18-under and 23-under levels. For the first time this year, the Diamonds have a 23-under team.

"It's a growing age group. We didn't know what to expect," Powell said. "We just qualified for the USSSA World Series, which is going to be in Toledo" Thursday through Sunday. Ten college programs are represented on the 23-under roster and a majority of girls in that group volunteer to help with the 12-under players. The 23-under roster includes Sam Thacker, Lincoln Park; Rachele Pasquali, Trenton; Lindsey Perry, Taylor Kennedy; Amanda Leal, Woodhaven; Meghan Powell, Gibraltar Carlson; Katie Shurkus, Woodhaven.

The 18-under also has a couple of players who have signed college letters of intent. Rhea Flores from Southgate Anderson signed with Ferris State University, Missy Smith from Stockbridge signed with Spring Arbor University, Melissa Pruitt from Gibraltar Carlson signed with Mott College, and Lindsey Clark from Wyandott signed with Henry Ford College.

While there is a bit of teaching done at all levels, Powell isn't trying to pass himself off as some sort of coaching genius with the 23-under squad. Far from it. "There's not much coaching at this age," he said. "I make out the lineup, and they do the work."