From the Mound to the Mountain

Some stories don’t begin in a vineyard—they begin on a field.

For Michele, the journey into the world of wine started thousands of miles away, while competing at the highest level of softball. As a member of the U.S. National Team, she spent years traveling back and forth between the United States and Japan— sometimes 8x a year back and forth as she balanced playing for Team USA and the international competition with her professional career playing for Toyota Shokki.

It was during those years abroad that something unexpected began to take root.

A Love Affair with Wine Begins

Japan introduced Michele not only to a different style of play, but to a new appreciation for culture, craftsmanship—and appreciating the finer things in life. Wine.

Between training, games, and constant travel, she began collecting and exploring some of the world’s most iconic bottles. Among her most prized acquisitions were Bordeaux First Growth wines, including the iconic 2000 vintages of Château Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Haut-Brion, and Mouton Rothschild.

What began as curiosity quickly evolved into passion.

Wine became more than a collection—it became a connection to place, history, and artistry.

The Spark That Changed Everything

That passion deepened when a close connection brought wine closer to home. Michele’s former teammate’s sister, Kris Gromacki, along with Tod Ratfield, purchased land on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley and began planting their own vineyard. Today, they celebrate over a decade of winemaking and Kristodd Vineyards has become one of Howell Mountain’s most respected producers. But back then, it was just the beginning—and it planted a seed in Michele.

In that moment, she realized something powerful:
One day, she would have a vineyard of her own.

Falling in Love with Napa Valley

Over time, Napa Valley became more than a destination—it became a calling.

Michele and her wife, Laurie Davidson-Smith—herself a former left-handed pitcher at East Carolina and the University of Georgia—found themselves returning more and more often. They fell in love not only with Napa Valley wines, but with the lifestyle, the community, and the rhythm of life in wine country.

The dream began to take shape.

But like all meaningful journeys, it didn’t happen overnight.

Eight Years to Find “The One”

Michele and Laurie searched for the perfect property— They waited, explored, and trusted the process. And then, the stars aligned. They found their place—on Howell Mountain.

This wasn’t coincidence.

This was alignment.

Even more serendipitous, their property sits less than a mile from Kris and Tod’s vineyard. Surrounded by some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious wineries, including Cade, Adamvs, and O’Shaughnessy, they knew they had found something truly special.

This wasn’t just land—it was the foundation for a dream.

More Than a Vineyard: A Purpose

With that dream came a deeper sense of purpose. From the beginning, Michele and Laurie knew they wanted their vineyard to be about more than wine.

This was never just about starting a vineyard. This was about creating impact.

From day one, Michele and Laurie knew this platform had to mean something.

That vision led to the creation of the Crush for a Cause Foundation.

Through their label, Title IX Vineyards, ALL proceeds will directly support the foundation—helping empower women across the country both academically and athletically. It’s a mission rooted in their own journeys as athletes, competitors, and the success that came from someone else giving them a hand to lift them up.

Because they’ve lived it.

They know what access, opportunity, and support can change.

Life on Howell Mountain

Today, when Michele isn’t calling games for ESPN and Laurie isn’t out on the golf course, you’ll find them at their home on Howell Mountain.

Life there is simple, intentional, and deeply rewarding.

Afternoons are spent soaking in breathtaking views, playing bocce ball, tending the garden, and—of course—sharing a glass of wine.

It’s a moment to pause. To reflect. To celebrate how far they’ve come.

A New Chapter, A Greater Purpose

What started on a softball field has grown into something far beyond what Michele could have imagined.

A vineyard.
A community.
A mission to give back.

This is more than a new chapter—it’s a new purpose.

And it’s only just beginning.

Cheers to the journey, the passion, and the impact yet to come.