DFW Fastpitch is led by a dedicated team with deep roots in Texas softball. Get to know the people who work behind the scenes to bring you top-quality tournaments.

Darren Darracq

DFW Fastpitch Founder · USSSA Regional & North Texas State Director

Darren’s involvement in Texas softball began in 2005 coaching recreational league in Keller. Over the next decade, his experience grew from coaching select ball with “All Mixed Up” to serving as a non-parent coach for the Texas Glory and acting as a tournament director in North Richland Hills.

After serving as the State Director for VTD, Darren joined USSSA in 2014 as the Assistant State Director, eventually moving into his current roles as the North Texas State Director and Regional Director for Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

Parallel to his work in softball, Darren served a 25-year career in law enforcement, retiring in 2017 from the Fort Worth Police Department. He spent 20 of those years as a Detective, including seven years in the Robbery division and his final six years in the Fraud unit. Prior to his police career, Darren served four years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer (MP).

Since retiring from the police department, Darren has focused full-time on running tournaments in the DFW area. He has been married since 1993 and has two daughters who played through high school and are now teachers in Texas.

Makenzie Espinosa

DFW Fastpitch Program Director · USSSA Assistant State Director

Originally from Joplin, Missouri, Makenzie Espinosa joined the team in May 2023. She serves a vital dual role as the Program Director for DFW Fastpitch and the Assistant State Director for USSSA in Texas. A 2016 graduate of Joplin High School, Makenzie brings a wealth of elite playing and coaching experience to the North Texas softball community.

Makenzie’s collegiate career began at Tyler Junior College, where she was a standout performer, earning two-time All-American honors under Coach Maria Winn-Ratliff. She continued her career at Pittsburg State University, where she garnered both Softball and Academic All-MIAA honors. After graduating in 2022 with a degree in Hospitality, Human Performance, and Recreation, she transitioned to the coaching ranks at Northeastern State University. During her two seasons there, she contributed to a 30-win season

Now a key leader in tournament operations, Makenzie’s favorite event of the year is the Texas All-State event held every August. She takes great pride in running this event, providing a premier platform where the state’s top talent can be celebrated and showcased.

Makenzie lives in the DFW area with her husband, Matt, and their two dogs, Kash and Yoda.Kash and Yoda.

Oscar Ross Jr

USSSA State UIC and onsite Tournament Director

With over two decades of dedication to the game, Oscar is a respected leader in the world of fastpitch and baseball officiating. As Co-Owner of Impact Officials Association, he has played a pivotal role in providing high-quality umpiring services for more than 30 years, helping to uphold pride, integrity, professionalism, consistency, and excellence across every level of competition.
He brings 22 years of umpire experience, paired with 12 years of service as an Area UIC (Umpire-in-Chief) at the local, regional, and national levels. His leadership has been trusted time and again, earning him 12 State and National UIC assignments, a testament to his expertise, credibility, and steady command of the field.
From serving eight years as the USSSA State of Texas UIC to acting as UIC and Coordinator for both the DFW Fastpitch Association and Impact Officials, Oscar has been instrumental in shaping officiating standards across Texas. He currently oversees the training, guidance, and overall management of USSSA Texas umpires, ensuring officials are not only rule-ready, but confident, professional, and prepared.
Beyond the diamond, Oscar is a retired U.S. Army veteran, having completed two tours of service. His military background informs his leadership style, rooted in discipline, accountability, mentorship, and respect.
Known for his calm authority, deep knowledge of the game, and commitment to developing officials, Oscar continues to make a lasting impact, training the next generation, strengthening officiating programs, and protecting the integrity of the sport he se

Marissa Perez

Social Media Director | DFW Fastpitch

I have proudly worked with DFW Fastpitch since 2015, officially stepping into a social media and marketing role in 2018. As Social Media Director, I lead the organization’s digital presence by creatively showcasing tournaments, team successes, and individual athlete achievements. Outside of DFW Fastpitch, my primary career is in education and coaching, where I have spent the past five years mentoring and developing student-athletes. I am passionate about storytelling, creativity, and shining a spotlight on the talented athletes who fuel the game of softball.

Mike Powell

Onsite Tournament Director

Mike Powell is a dedicated and experienced leader in the fastpitch softball community, bringing extensive on-field expertise and organizational commitment to DFW Fastpitch. He also proudly served in the US Marines for 13 years.

With 8 years of coaching experience and 15 years of umpiring experience, Mike possesses a comprehensive understanding of the game—from player development and strategy to rules enforcement and fair play. His deep involvement has made him a respected figure in Texas fastpitch circles.
LaManuel Jackson
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Mike has been with DFW Fastpitch for 7 years, where he actively contributes to tournament operations, event management, and the growth of the sport across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. He frequently serves in key roles such as tournament director and division contact for major USSSA events, including the Battle of DFW MVP, Southern Nationals, and STATE MVP tournaments.

In addition to his softball passion, Mike has built a successful career in technology, serving as IT Service Desk Director at Gold’s Gym for 10 years. In this role, he oversees IT support operations, drives efficient service delivery, and supports staff and members with reliable technology solutions.

Mike’s unique combination of athletic knowledge, officiating integrity, event leadership, and professional experience makes him an invaluable asset to the DFW Fastpitch team and the broader softball community.

LaManuel Jackson

Onsite Tournament Director

LaManuel Jackson is a dedicated Onsite Tournament Director for DFW Fastpitch, bringing three years of localized expertise to the organization and a lifetime of commitment to youth sports. A proud U.S. Army Veteran, LaManuel integrates military precision, leadership, and integrity into every event he manages, ensuring a high-quality competitive environment for athletes and families.

His deep understanding of the game is rooted in over 10 years of coaching experience and more than 15 years as a seasoned sports official. This dual perspective allows him to bridge the gap between competitive play and fair officiating, fostering an atmosphere of sportsmanship and growth.

Off the field, LaManuel continues his mission of service as a Middle and High School Social Studies teacher. Whether in the classroom or at the ballpark, he is passionate about mentoring the next generation and building community through education and athletics.