About Us
The New Lenox Lightning, founded and led by Jim Abbott, is a distinguished fast-pitch softball organization based in New Lenox, Illinois. We offer competitive teams across a range of age groups, including 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, and 18Gold. Our teams travel nationwide to compete in the most challenging tournaments at both Class A and Gold levels. Participating in prestigious competitions such as PGF, ASA, Triple Crown, and an array of elite College Exposure events is a staple of our program. Each year, we aim to qualify for and participate in the PGF Nationals or ASA Nationals, as well as the ASA Junior Olympic Cup.

While college recruitment is a primary focus for our coaches in the 14U to 18U age brackets, our organization boasts an exceptional record in placing our student-athletes in colleges and universities that align with their academic and athletic goals. Whether in NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, or JUCO, we are exceedingly proud of our student-athletes’ achievements.

We also take pride in the connection to Alicia Abbott, daughter of founder Jim Abbott, who is a North Carolina State alumna and the current head coach of Loyola University Chicago. Her success serves as an inspiration for our student-athletes.

Mission Statement
The New Lenox Lightning Girls Fastpitch Softball Program is committed to instilling fundamental skills in the sport of fast-pitch softball at an elite level, while simultaneously nurturing high moral values, personal growth, and character development in all our student-athletes.

Our organization promotes an ethos of self-discipline, team loyalty, and exemplary sportsmanship. We prioritize personal integrity and the cultivation of a strong work ethic, focusing on goal-oriented hard work and motivation. We celebrate the personal achievements of each student-athlete, encouraging them to take pride in their individual accomplishments.

Education is the cornerstone of our program. We emphasize that our participants are “student-athletes” rather than “athlete-students,” highlighting the primacy of academic achievements. It is our sincere ambition for each student-athlete to realize their fullest academic potential, as we firmly believe that educational excellence is the foundation for future success.