Every week, 13-year-old catcher Haley Petrucci spends 20 to 30 hours training for softball, and her hard work is about to pay off.

On Aug. 18, Haley will travel to Oklahoma and face off against other elite players in the USA Softball All–American Games.

“She’ll be competing against players from across the United States,” said Haley’s coach, Janelle Carlson. “They are the best of the best.”

Haley, a Wareham resident, competes on the West Bridgewater-based Lady Sting Softball team. Carlson, who recently opened training facility East Coach Pitching on Patterson Brook Road, coaches the youth team.

This is Haley’s third season with the team, but she started playing softball seven years ago, inspired by her older sister.

Getting named to the all-star team was difficult. There were two tryouts, one in February and one in April, with a total of 400 girls vying for roster spots.

Haley is one of 15 who will represent the Northeast at the all-star tournament.

“She’s the ideal player,” Carlson said. “She’s everything you want – hardworking, coachable, willing to sacrifice. Whatever you need, she’s there.”

According to USA Softball’s website, the games provide “national exposure to elite athletes in the 12u age division.”

This won’t be Haley’s first time traveling for softball. She’s competed with Lady Sting at big tournaments in New York and Florida recently.

To prepare, she works alongside her father and Carlson on everything from strength to velocity for up to 30 hours a week.

In addition to her skills as a player, Carlson said she’s a strong leader on the field.

“She’s confident and takes control of the team when she has to,” Carlson said.

Haley agreed, saying she feels at home behind the plate.

“I like to have my teammates’ backs, see the whole field and make my pitcher look good,” said Haley.

Haley plans to attend Bishop Feehan High School in Attleboro and continue her softball career there. When asked if she plans on playing in college, Carlson didn’t hesitate to offer an answer on her player’s behalf: “That’s for sure!”

Haley’s mom Denise, a former softball player, said the family is looking forward to watching Haley compete.

“We’re excited to go watch her play and we’re excited she has this opportunity after all her hard work,” said Denise.

The USA Softball Games will be held from Aug. 18-20 at the ASA Hall of Complex in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Watch Haley play on the tournament’s live feed, airing online at http://usasoftballallamericangames.com.