ERA,
That was a great post! You have a right to be very proud.
Now as far as college teams and playing HS softball in the fall....
It is a competitive world. The competition is not limited to our particular little corner in Tennessee. Why is it that most colleges are going after players from the sunshine states? THESE PLAYERS HAVE MORE EXPERIENCE! THEY HAVE MORE PLAYING TIME! Does this matter to the TSSAA or to the local school administrators. No. Why not? Because all they are concerned about is following the established rules, reducing conflicts, and leveling the school ball playing field. It is not TSSAA's concern whether or not your little Susie or Johnny gets a college scholarship. IMO, TSSAA should have student/athlete representation to give the athletes a voice, but that's for a different thread.
To summarize, to be competitive you need to play as much as possible. The best chance for good weather is in the fall. In Tennessee we are already behind because of our winters and the wet spring weather. I guess the serious baseball and softball players could move to California or Arizona.