St. Louis Gatekeepers Launch New Franchise, Announce Exhibition Series Against KC Diamonds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2026
For additional information, contact:
Ava McKelvey
346-387-5643
St. Louis Gatekeepers Launch New Franchise, Announce Exhibition Series Against KC Diamonds
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A new era of professional softball is coming to St. Louis. The St. Louis Gatekeepers officially announce the launch of the franchise and its inaugural exhibition series this summer against the KC Diamonds, one of the premier organizations in professional women’s fastpitch.
The Gatekeepers will be led by an all-star coaching staff featuring former St. Louis Cardinals standouts Matt Adams, Trevor Rosenthal and Kyle McClellan. Together, the trio brings major league experience, strong ties to the St. Louis community and a shared passion for growing the women’s game.
The exhibition series schedule includes games July 13-16 in Kansas City against the KC Diamonds, followed by games July 29-30 at CarShield Field in O'Fallon and July 31-Aug. 1 at The Corn Crib in Normal.
The St. Louis Gatekeepers roster will primarily feature current collegiate players competing during the summer. The series will provide those athletes an opportunity to test themselves against professional competition while gaining exposure in front of pro organizations.
The franchise is being built with a long-term vision of joining a fully professional structure as part of the PSL in 2027, positioning St. Louis as a major hub for the continued growth of women’s professional softball.
“This series is about more than just games, it’s about building the future of professional softball,” Jeremy McDowell, president of the KC Diamonds, said. “We have to keep creating opportunities for women to play at the highest level, and that means investing in new markets, new teams and new pathways. Partnering with the St. Louis Gatekeepers allows us to grow the game, expand visibility and give these athletes a chance to see how they stack up against professional competition.”
For Gatekeepers coach Kyle McClellan, the opportunity carries an even deeper meaning.
“As a dad of a softball player, this means everything to me,” McClellan said. “To be able to lock arms with Matt and Trevor and now pour into growing the women’s game is incredibly special. We want to help create real opportunities for these athletes and be part of something bigger than all of us.”
About the St. Louis Gatekeepers
The St. Louis Gatekeepers are a newly formed softball franchise committed to developing elite talent and expanding opportunities in women’s professional softball. With deep ties to the St. Louis sports community and a vision toward full professional status, the Gatekeepers aim to become a cornerstone organization in the next generation of the sport. Learn more at https://www.thestlgatekeepers.com/.
About the KC Diamonds
The KC Diamonds are a professional women’s fastpitch organization based in Kansas City dedicated to growing the game, empowering athletes and creating a lasting impact both on and off the field. Learn more at https://thekcdiamonds.com/.
