I recently challenged one of the players on my varsity team and in the softball club where I coach to write an article for the Softball Journey blog.  I told her she could write about whatever topic she desires.  What she wrote should be required reading for all coaches and parents of not only softball players, but athletes of all sports.  I am extremely proud of this young lady for accepting my challenge, taking the risk of being criticized and for having the courage to share her thoughts and feelings with the world!

I am my toughest competition and critic.

Her name is Jessica Verran and she is an aspiring young writer.  Jess is a freshman varsity player at Swartz Creek High School and member of the 14U Mid-Michigan Firestix softball team.  She is a talented pitcher, first baseman, outfielder and hitter who I am certain will someday realize her dream to play college softball.

Well, I am already late for many of you in posting this brief article.  Sorry.  It’s just that “up North” we aren’t thinking about school tryouts just yet.  The first official day of high school spring sports in Michigan is March 14th, 2016.  We still have a few weekends of Winter Workouts to go.

I recently exchanged email with a reader from Arizona.  His daughter just completed tryouts for her high school.  So, I wanted to post some links to past articles I’ve written concerning tryouts, while adding some information about transitioning between travel and school softball.

 
Winter Workouts in Michigan - Travel Softball

Parents: Have you ever taken a vacation or had an extended weekend off work?  Have you ever said something like, “I just need to get away for a couple days?”  How did you feel while and after you took that time off?

When Fall Ball is over, please allow your daughter to take a break.  If she says she doesn't want or need one, then insist she takes one; seriously.  If as a parent you believe that your daughter cannot afford to take a break, I strongly encourage you to reconsider.  

My 2016 16u team just played our first fall tourney in Indianapolis and stayed in a hotel, which was a great way for everybody to get to know each other.  In Saturday’s games, we went 2-1.  Our loss was a tough one that we lost in the last inning.  

Throughout the day there seemed to be more close calls going against us than for us, particularly in the game we lost.  However, I did not show disrespect or anger towards the umpires.  I didn’t even challenge a call, nor request one umpire to ask for help on a call from the other.  Instead I shook their hands after the game and thanked them politely.