Official Announcement · June 11, 2026
The Knoxville Miracle Begins
The Knoxville Miracle has officially launched, introducing a professional women’s softball organization built for Knoxville, the softball community, and the next generation of players.
Professional women’s softball is coming to Knoxville.
Eugene Bleecker, Founder and CEO of 108 Performance and General Manager of the Knoxville Miracle, officially announced the launch of the Knoxville Miracle Professional Softball Organization, marking a major step forward for the city, the sport, and the next generation of players growing up in East Tennessee.
For Bleecker, the launch is both professional and deeply personal. Since moving to Knoxville in 2021, his family’s connection to the city and the game of softball has continued to grow. His daughters’ love for the sport, combined with 108 Performance’s expanding work in softball, helped shape the vision that has now become the Knoxville Miracle.
“I want my daughters, and every young girl who loves this sport, to grow up in a world where the opportunities are bigger than they were for previous generations. A world where professional softball isn’t an afterthought. A world where young girls can see a future inside this game.”
The Knoxville Miracle is being built around a clear belief: softball deserves a stronger professional future, and Knoxville is the right place to help build it.
Bleecker pointed to the city’s connection between family, faith, sports, and community as one of the reasons Knoxville is uniquely positioned for this moment. He also recognized the foundation laid by the University of Tennessee softball program and the passionate softball community that has helped make Knoxville one of the sport’s strongest homes.
The Miracle will be built as more than a team. The organization’s long-term vision is to connect professional softball, youth development, athlete training, community engagement, and storytelling into one Knoxville-based softball ecosystem.
“This franchise belongs to Knoxville. This franchise belongs to the people who have spent decades supporting this sport. And today we’re taking the next step together.”
The organization has also introduced its initial leadership and coaching staff, including Bleecker as General Manager, Craig Snider as Head Coach, Stephanie Sanders as Assistant Coach, and Nate Headley as Hitting Coach.
Fans, families, athletes, coaches, and members of the Knoxville softball community can follow official updates through KnoxvilleMiracle.com and join the Founding Fan list for future announcements.