Demi Chaney wants to be a leader at this summer’s MLB Elite Development Invitational, the annual gathering of the top softball and baseball players in the country. 

It’s the Homewood-Flossmoor senior-to-be’s fourth time being invited to the event at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. She remembers being one of the younger kids, feeling nervous. 

“I just want to be a mentor for all of the younger ladies that are coming in,” Chaney said. “I’ve been really using my voice because when I was younger, I didn’t really speak too much. But now that I’m older I’m a lot more comfortable. It’s really fun.”

Chaney is one of 128 girls — 64 for baseball and 64 for softball — from around the country invited to develop physical and mental skills with some of the country’s best coaches. She was invited with the baseball players. 

The camp runs from June 24–26. 

“(EDI) gives you a lot of exposure but it also gives you a family that you can always be connected to,” Chaney said. “There’s nothing like this event. I think it’s really special. It all being connected to MLB makes you feel like you’re a big leaguer.” 

Many of the faces in the Florida sun are familiar to Chaney. This isn’t the only big time baseball or softball she’s been around. She started playing baseball at seven and has been a fixture at major national and regional tournaments and events since not long after that.

“The main thing for me is just to keep positive energy and keep a positive mindset in front of all the coaches,” she said. “I think it’s going to give me really good results.” 

Getting in the right headspace is important to Chaney. She said her dad, Fred, instilled that in her.

Three older players also helped in that area during her first year or two at EDI, Chaney remembers. A’lana Martinez, Janelle Calvet and Peyton Coria were there when she needed somebody.

“When you’re in things like this, sometimes your mental (state) can get really bad,” Chaney said. “When you first come here, you’re intimidated by all the coaches but you learn they’re just here to help you and they’re not going to judge you. They’re just going to make you overall a better player.” 

EDI is just one part of a busy summer for Chaney. She’ll leave Florida and immediately head to Denver for a national softball tournament. Then come some college camps followed by a couple other events with her travel softball team, Lady Dukes Lamar 18u. 

The hope is to gain more exposure in softball, catch the eye of a college coach and earn a scholarship.