emmie uitts

Founder of The PlaygroundIndoor Softball Facility

Emmie Uitts graduated from USF with a degree in Entrepreneurial Studies and a desire to open her own business, a dream she had since high school. A Nebraska native, Uitts believed the Sioux Falls area was missing an indoor training facility for female athletes. She started building The Playground while she was still a college student, and went full time with the indoor softball training facility as soon as she graduated. The Playground’s permanent home is now a new facility located in Tea, SD. As a successful catcher on the USF Softball team, Uitts understands what it takes to train young softball hopefuls, and employs instructors who are all NCAA athletes.

Vessel reporter Connor Aldrich sat down with Uitts to talk about how her dream became a reality. To see the interview, please visit the Vessel Youtube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@usfcollegeweek) or scan the QR code.

Interviews by: Dawson Davito & Connor Aldrich