Carmel's Good Pulled Back to Game She Loves WORDS TO COACH BY... "We have a responsibility to teach our players how to become effective Take time to deliberate; communicators, and we do this by essentially placing that expectation on but when the time for action arrives, them rather than the parent.” COACH’S PROFILE PAGE 6 “stop thinking and go in. ANDREW JACKSON

NATIONAL FASTPITCH COACHES ASSOCIAT“yes”ION

April 2012 VOLUME 17, NO. 4

NFCC Returns to Women’s College World Series for 2012 NPF Announces For the 11th consecutive year, the eight-course curriculum can also count National Fastpitch Coaches College towards a master’s degree in coaching 2012 Schedule will hold its World Series Game & #### from Texas Woman’s University. National Pro Fastpitch Coaching Observation class at the Three-time NCAA national cham- (NPF) League Commis- Women’s College World Series in pion John Tschida is largely regarded sioner Cheri Kempf has Oklahoma City, Okla., May 31-June 2. as one of the best softball clinicians announced the schedule for Course 408 offers a balanced blend in the nation. Now in his 18th season the upcoming 2012 season. of classroom teaching and game- as a head coach, he has guided two Four teams will com- observation at the sport’s premier an- different schools, St. Mary’s (Minn.) pete: the Akron Racers, the nual event. This year, the course will and St. Thomas, to national champi- Carolina Diamonds, the be led by St. Thomas (Minn.) head onships and is currently the all-time Chicago Bandits, and the coach John Tschida, former Texas winningest Division III coach by per- USSSA Florida Pride. Each Woman’s head coach and NFCA Hall of Famer Dianne centage. Tschida has had his team ranked during each team in the league will play a 44-game regular-season Baker and former Iowa head coach and fellow NFCA year of his career and coached 28 NFCA All-Americans schedule, with all teams playing six home and six Hall of Famer Gayle Blevins. and 43 CapitalOne Academic All-Americans. Since his away series. Participants will work in a classroom setting on career began in 1995, Tschida has only had two 10-plus The 2012 season will begin on Thursday, June 7, Thursday, Friday and Saturday during the day and will loss seasons, has not had one since 1996 and has never with the defending 2011 Cowles Cup Championship then have the opportunity to attend and observe WCWS had one at St. Thomas. Series Champions Chicago Bandits taking on the games on Thursday and Friday evenings. In addition, the Former Texas Woman’s head coach and NFCA Hall of defending 2011 Regular Season Ringor Cup Cham- Thursday afternoon games are watched on television in Famer Dianne Baker is one of the most respected minds pions, USSSA Florida Pride, in an opening weekend a group setting with group discussion. in all of softball. After building Texas Woman’s into a home series for Chicago. The recently inked Carolina At the games, participants will discuss the happenings Division II power and winning a national championship Diamonds franchise will travel to Akron for an open- and decisions on the field with the three instructors as with Stephen F. Austin, Baker retired from collegiate ing weekend against the Racers, who finished second they occur; after the game, they will have the opportunity coaching in 2005. One to never the let grass grow, she in league standings in 2011. The regular season will to speak with actual WCWS coaches and ask them about has stayed active in the softball community as a highly conclude on August 19 prior to the NPF Championship their in-game choices. successful travel ball coach, as the national softball/ Series, which begins August 23. Course 408 is one of eight courses that make up the baseball promotions director for Schutt Sports and as a “The release of the NPF regular-season schedule National Fastpitch Coaches College curriculum. Since noted softball author. Her two books, Winning Softball is much anticipated and always generates a lot of it’s founding in 2002, the NFCC has been one of the Drills and Winning Softball Practice Manual and Drills, excitement and enthusiasm by NPF fans,” stated NPF cornerstones of the NFCA’s pledge to help continually have been very successful and are still popular in the Commissioner, Cheri Kempf. “The 2012 schedule is educate softball coaches of all levels. Along with earning coaching community. well balanced and will provide the home markets of the title of Four-Star Master Coach, completion of the SEE NFCC PAGE 14 each of our four teams with plenty of action during the course of the season. We are especially looking Don't miss out on a great NFCC class at the Women's College World Series! forward to welcoming a whole new NPF fan base in the Carolinas with the start of the Carolina Diamonds sign up now at nfca.org/index.php/nfcc-main-home-page SEE NPF SCHEDULE PAGE 14

INSIDE

ALL-AMERICAN PROCEDURES FOCUSING ON WHAT IS RIGHT NEWS & NOTES PAGE 3 Make sure your athletes get NFCA Instructional Corner focuses on NFCA PAGE 4 TITLE IX SPECIAL PAGE 9 recognition they deserve... strengths-based training... EDUCATION PAGE 15 NFCA PAGE 4 EDUCATION PAGE 17 EXTRAS PAGE 19 FD Page 2 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012

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Fastpitch Delivery (USPS: 018-746) (ISSN: 1530-0978) official ball Published on a monthly basis (12 times a year) by the Na- under the guidance of the Education and Publications Com- tional Fastpitch Coaches Association, Phone (662) 320-2155; mittee of the NFCA and its Executive Director. To submit an Fax (662) 320-2283; e-mail [email protected]. Subscriptions article for the newspaper or receive information on member- come with membership in the NFCA. Address corrections re- ship, call (662) 320-2155 or visit the NFCA website at www. quested — POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Fastpitch nfca.org. Delivery, 100 G. T. Thames Dr., Suite D, Starkville, MS 39759. Lacy Lee Baker — Publisher [email protected] Periodicals postage is paid at Starkville, MS. Christina Edgar — Editor [email protected] Articles for Fastpitch Delivery are solicited and edited Jan Forsty — Chair, Education and Publications Committee FD NEWS & NOTES Fastpitch Delivery • April 2012 • Page 3 Briefs Buffalo State’s Sandy Hollander Passes Away tenure. She ranks in the Top 25 among all-time Division III coaches in victories Special Release – For the past 24 seasons, with an overall record of 562-342-2, while claiming three SUNYAC titles and Sandy Hollander has been a constant in the Buf- making eight trips to the NCAA Division III playoffs. falo State softball coach’s box. She has been a Hollander was originally hired at the college as an assistant athletic trainer in 1985 thorn in the side of umpires, a worthy adversary and was later promoted to head athletic trainer, a position she held until 2007. She for opposing coaches, and most importantly a was promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator committed role model to hundreds of young (SWA) in 2009. Hollander also spent time as the athletics department’s equipment women that have played for her program. manager, assistant softball and assistant soccer coach. Her spirited, many would say fiery, personal- In January 2006, Hollander was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and underwent ity would never allow her six-year struggle with an extensive treatment program. In that season, Hollander was in the Bengals’ cancer to overshadow her priorities and what dugout for all 42 games and led the team to a 30-12 overall record and a third- she lived for – her son, her family, her team, her place showing at the SUNYAC Championships. student-athletes and her college. She lived every In January 2007, Hollander discovered that the cancer had spread to her lungs. day by the same mantra she insisted of her play- Back undergoing treatment, again Hollander did not miss a single game, leading ers – “Don’t waste a today.” her Bengals to a 27-11 overall mark and their sixth-consecutive SUNYAC playoff Hollander, 52, who impacted the experiences of thousands of Buffalo State appearance, where they placed third. In 2008, Hollander was unable to travel to students over the past 27 years as a coach, trainer and administrator, passed away Florida with her team as she recovered from surgery, but returned to the dugout April 2. She leaves behind her son Alex, 10. when the Bengals opened regular-season play. She was her same fiery self, keep- “This is incredibly sad news for our athletics family,” said director of athletics ing umpires on their toes and leading her team to a 28-15 overall record and an Jerry Boyes. “For the past 27 years, Sandy has coached, taken care of, and nurtured appearance in the SUNYAC championship game. countless student-athletes. She demanded excellence from her student-athletes. She continued to fight cancer for the past four years, but remained committed to She persevered and provided great life lessons to her players and to all of us in mentoring the young women on the softball team and was a constant fixture in the the athletics department. This is a terrible loss and Sandy will be deeply missed coach’s box. In 2009, she led Bengals to a school record 34 wins and the program’s by us all.” fourth SUNYAC championship. Buffalo State advanced to the championship game Hollander made her name at the college and nationally as Buffalo State’s head of the NCAA regional, falling one win shy of advancing to its first NCAA Divi- softball coach since 1989. The Bengals enjoyed great success during Hollander’s SEE NEWS & NOTES PAGE 10

FD NFCA Fastpitch Delivery • April 2012 • Page 4 minutes – HCC 2012 NFCA All-Region and All-American Process MARCH 6, 2012 *Committee Chair telephone conference no. 2012-03 Division II Division I Timeline Timeline 4/20 Nomination process opens on web The meeting was brought to order at 10:02 a.m. CST. 5/2 Nomination forms available online 5/2 last day to nominate players Those present were: Michelle Burrell, America East 5/8 last day for filling out nomination forms 5/3 All-Region voting opens Conference; Maggie Calcaterra, The Summit League; 5/11 Ballots available online 5/8 last day to vote for All-Region Brian Campbell, Horizon League; Tricia Carroll, Metro 5/15 last day for completing ballot 5/10 All Region teams announced Atlantic Athletic Conference; Chris Cochran, Mid-Eastern 5/17 All-region teams announced online 5/13 All-America selection call Athletic Conference; Jenny Condon, Big West Conference; 5/23 Schools send additional info on all-region selections to 5/16 All-America Teams Announced Pat Conlan, Big East Conference; David Deiros, Atlantic regional rep Regional Representatives 5/28 In-person meeting to select All-Americans Atlantic Region – Kathleen Cummings, Millersville University* Sun Conference; Michelle DePolo, Patriot League; Aimee 5/30 All-American teams announced online Central Region – Paula U’Ren, St. Cloud State University Devos, Atlantic 10 Conference; Roy Kortmann, Northeast Regional Representatives East Region – Marin Dudek, American International College Conference; David Kuhn, Southland Conference; Rachel Northeast Region – Bill Edwards, Hofstra University Jen Bagley, Missouri Western State University Lawson, Southeastern Conference; Kathy Leitke, Mid- Mid-Atlantic Region – Mickey Dean, Radford University Midwest Region – Don Kennedy, Missouri Tech American Conference; Michael Lotief, Sun Belt Conference; Southeast Region – Donna Papa, University of North Carolina South Region – Val Silvestrini, Florida Institute of Technology Matt Meuchel, Western Athletic Conference; Mark South Region – Beth Torina, Louisiana State University South Central Region – Jen Bagley, Missouri Western State Montgomery, Pacific Coast Softball Conference; Telma Mideast Region – Melinda Fischer, Illinois State University Southeast Region – Jamie Madewell-Grodecki, Georgia C&S O’Neal Hall, Southwestern Athletic Conference; Natalie Great Lakes Region – Kate Drohan, Northwestern West Region – Cristina Byrne, San Francisco State University Poole, Conference USA; Kathy Riley, Independents; Midwest Region – Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler, Iowa State West Region – Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA Kim Schuette-Dorey, Ohio Valley Conference; Jennie Division III Pacific Region – Karen Yoder, University of California, Davis* Timeline (all times pacific) Shollenberger, Missouri Valley Conference, Alternate; Central Region – Tyra Perry, Western Kentucky University Terri Sullivan, Big Ten Conference; Heather Tarr, Pacific-10 SEE AA INFORMATION PAGE 13 Conference; Erin Thorpe, Mountain West Conference; Joe Verbanic, Colonial Athletic Association; Dee Abrahamson, NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor, Guest;Sharon Cessna, 2012 COMMITTEE OPENINGS Be a part of your association by running for a committee be reelected; Outgoing – The current representative is NCAA Director of Championships, Guest; Karen Weekly, vacancy. Below is a listing of committee openings for the completing his or her second term and cannot be reelected. Division I Representative, Chair; David Batson, NFCA fall. If interested, email [email protected] or complete the online Legislative Consultant; Patrick Murphy, NFCA President; interest form available in July. NFCA committee members STANDING COMMITTEES: and Lacy Lee Baker, NFCA Executive Director. must be able to attend the NFCA National Convention since Board of Directors: committee meetings are held there. President (Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama – CBR) Lonni Alameda, Atlantic Coast Conference; Mickey Dean, 2nd Vice President (Kris Herman, Williams College – CBR) Big South Conference; Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cessler, Big ABBREVIATIONS: AA – ALL AMERICAN; CSOY – COACHING Div. II Representative (Bill Gray, Missouri Southern – CBR) 12 Conference; Leslie King, Ivy League, and Frank Reed, STAFF OF THE YEAR; CBR – Current Representative can SEE COMMITTEE OPENINGS PAGE 9 Southern Conference were not on the call.

1. February Call Minutes. It was moved (Ms. Cochran) and COACHING SHOT OF THE MONTH seconded (Ms. Conlan) to approve the February 2012 minutes. The minutes were approved.

2. NCAA Rules Working Group. Mr. Batson reviewed the discussion documents distributed by the NCAA Working Group on the Collegiate Model — Rules.

A. Bylaw 11 Discussion Document.

(1) Elimination of coaching categories, proposing that each sport that currently includes a volunteer coach would be able to employ one additional coach to offset the elimination of the volunteer category. In addition, it would exempt undergraduate/graduate student coaches and strength and conditioning coaches from such limitations. The group had mixed feelings since some Division I softball programs currently do not have the full complement of coaches, and the schools with more money would broaden the gap with SEE HCC MINUTES PAGE 13 WE NEED YOUR COACHING ACTION SHOTS! As a monthly feature, the NFCA will select a coaching action photo from those submitted by members to publish in each edition of Fastpitch Delivery. Please 12U Sparks' Cambrea Beller gets mauled by teammates as coaches Jeff Hale and Moe Johnson look on, after send your high-resolution shots to [email protected], scoring the winning run on a passed ball in extra innings of the 12U championship game of the Selects Spring along with photo credits and description. Classic in Great Falls, Montana. Picture by Leah Capko. FD National Fastpitch Coaches Association 2012Recruiting Camps NFCA Administered Camps (completely administered by nfca staff) Date Camp Location APPLICATION Deadline June 13 northeast Academic Camp at Pennsbury Yardley, Pennsylvania April 23 June 14 pennsbury Recruiting Camp Yardley, Pennsylvania April 23 June 25 Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks Veterans Camp aurora, Colorado May 21 June 25 Colorado Sparkler/Fireworks Rookie Camp aurora, Colorado May 21 July 5 ohio Stingrays Recruiting Camp Columbus, Ohio June 5 July 12 atlanta Legacy Recruiting Camp Woodstock, Georgia June 6

NFCA Endorsed Camps (administered by local staff according to NFCA standards) Date Camp Location APPLICATION Deadline June 8 las Vegas Recruiting Camp Las Vegas, Nevada April 25 June 15 Valley Invitational Recruiting Camp Hillsboro, Oregon May 20 June 21 new England Recruiting Camp Devens, Massachusetts May 14 July 5 Stop DWI Tourney of Champions Recruiting Camp binghamton, New York June 1 July 19 Delaware Recruiting Camp Wilmington, Delaware June 1 Oct. 19 Surf City Showcase Recruiting Camp Huntington Beach, California Sept. 28 Nov. 2 Ronald McDonald Recruiting Camp Houston, Texas Oct. 19 Nov. 9 tnt Last Look Fall Recruiting Camp Quakertown, Pennsylvania Oct. 1 Camp contact information Camp Contact Phone Email All NFCA Administered Camps NFCA (662) 320-2155 [email protected] Las Vegas Recruiting Camp Sally Commerford (702) 361-7431 [email protected] Valley Invitational Recruiting Camp Mike Wells (503) 329-0129 [email protected] New England Recruiting Camp Ron King (978) 386-5658 [email protected] Stop DWI Tourney of Champions Recruiting Camp Louis Bishop (607) 761-8095 [email protected] Delaware Recruiting Camp Michele Berryman (302) 322-5100 [email protected] Surf City Showcase Recruiting Camp Kim Cass (800) 613-8002 [email protected] Ronald McDonald Recruiting Camp Tracey Reyes (281) 610-2788 [email protected] TNT Last Look Fall Recruiting Camp Polly Dowd (610) 323-4644 [email protected] BENEFITS FOR ATHLETES & COACHES #1 To allow college coaches to scout in a professional atmosphere and in a relatively short period of time. #2 To allow the college coach to see lots of reps at the athlete’s chosen position. #3 To guarantee a coach sees specific athletes field, throw and hit in case that chance does not happen in a game. #4 To permit the coach to select athletes to follow in the upcoming tournament. #5 To get athlete profiles, including contact information, academic information, academic/athletic honors and individual statistics. #6 To get camp results conveniently posted on the web site for all coaches to review. #7 So that parents and athletes can attend the recruiting seminar to enhance knowledge of recruiting rules, eligibility requirements and exposure opportunities. college coach registration College coaches can register online at nfca.org/camps/signup_new/ for any of the NFCA recruiting camps or their correspond- ing tournaments. An automatic response, with the opportunity to download camp Quick Facts sheets, will indicate successful registration. The NFCA recruiting camps are free to all pre-registered NFCA member coaches. There is a $25 on-site fee for non-member coaches or for those who are not pre-registered. camp sponsors

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COACH’S Profile Though Playing Career Was Cut Short, Carmel's Good Continues Love of the Game

By PARKER GRIFFITH she was given the Director of Media Relations chance to take over the reins of the var- For young girls who grow up playing softball, there is sity program, a de- no bigger dream than to play the sport at the collegiate cision that has paid level. Emily Good was no different. She grew up playing dividends for the the sport from the time she was five all the way until Greyhounds. high school. During her senior year, Good suffered a Since taking the serious injury to her rotator cuff that forced her to step helm of the Carmel away from the sport that she loved so much. program in 2004, After she had some time to reflect, Good realized that Good has turned just because her playing career was over, it did not mean it into one of the that she had to give up softball all together. premier programs “About a year after leaving high school, I couldn’t in the state of Indi- stand being away from the game, which had been such ana. Under Good’s a huge part of my life since I was five. So I offered to direction, the Grey- volunteer at my former high school that year and haven’t hounds have made looked back since.” the playoffs in In 1997, Good took over as the head junior varsity each of her previ- coach at Terre Haute South Vigo High School, eventu- ous eight seasons at the helm, won three Metropolitan state title was just the second softball crown in school ally moving up to assistant on the varsity squad. After Interscholastic Conference championships, three sec- history and the first since 1994. a one-year stint at Indiana State as an assistant, Good tional titles and the 2011 Indiana High School Athletic Despite all the accomplishments and awards, Good made the move to Carmel High School as the freshman Association Class 4A state championship. Last year’s knows that one person does not make a program. She assistant coach. Following her first season at Carmel, has surrounded herself with high quality assistants, a fact that was recognized by her peers last season when In the Press Box With... EMILY GOOD they awarded Carmel the NFCA North Region Coaching How has the game changed over the years since you’ve been coaching? Staff of the Year award. While assistants do play a key I would have to say that the offense has changed the most. We aren’t seeing pitch- role in helping make her team better, she knows that ers dominate in the high school game like they did when the pitching distance there are others beyond the walls of the school that can was 40 feet. There is less bunting/slapping and more players hitting for power. provide helpful insight and instruction to her players. Offensive production can be attributed to many factors, including: conditioning Given the unique environment of high school athletics of players, scouting/video software, bats, and quality of instruction, to name a in the state of Indiana, she knows that having a good few. We have also seen an increase in the number of athletes who specialize in relationship with the softball community in her area is the sport. I think this is due to the increased chances of collegiate recruitment an invaluable tool. and athletic achievement. “In Indiana, high school coaches are very limited in the amount of time we can work with our athletes out of What are some problems new coaches face today that are different from when season. Because you started? of this, we real- "We have a responsibility to Expectations are high and the pressure of winning can be great. Therefore, I think you see a lot of newer coaches ize the impor- teach our players how to become getting burned out earlier. Turnover in coaching positions seems to happen more frequently. tance of estab- effective communicators, and lishing a rapport we do this by essentially placing If you knew then what you know now, how would your coaching have been different? with private in- that expectation on them rather I would spend more time enjoying the moment and less time fixating on the things I can’t control. It’s important structors, travel than the parent.” to relish in the journey – relationships and experiences. coaches, etc., so that our players have a sense of consistency. With the Is there a secret to success? limitations in mind, our staff is diligent at working to No, I don’t think there is a secret. However, I do believe there is a common theme among successful coaches; identify things within our players that we can correct in they create, display and expect excellence. Successful coaches are committed to creating an environment where the time that we are allotted.” no one player is bigger than the TEAM. The program will always be the No. 1 priority. Successful coaches One of the most stressful times in a young athlete’s life work tirelessly, lead by example, and are committed to looking out for the best interest of the TEAM. These can be the decision of where to continue a playing career coaches surround themselves with staff members who are loyal, have a tremendous work ethic, and have the at the collegiate level. Now in her ninth season as a head same visions for the program. Administrative and community support is also vital to the success of any program. coach, Good has seen the recruiting process change and evolve over the years and not necessarily, in her opinion, What would your ideal season be like? for the better. However, she does believe today’s players We repeatedly remind our athletes that we take it one pitch, one practice, and one game at a time. If we focus are doing a better job of informing themselves of all of on the process, the outcome will take care of itself. Keeping these in mind, an ideal season would be when our their post-high school playing opportunities. players show growth every time we step on the field. We want our players to have a good experience and to feel “To me, the pressure to commit has been much prepared and in control. It’s ideal when you set short term goals and see your athletes meet them. This creates more evident over the past five years. The number of an opportunity for us to strive for the ultimate team goal, which is to win another STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. SEE GOOD PAGE 10 FD April 2012 Fastpitch Delivery Page 7

QUESTION OF THE MONTH Some Classics, Some Originals in Favorite What is your favorite Motivational Quotes of Our Coaches [motivational] quote? Do not live your life in the middle; stand for something says above all else, or you stand for nothing.... guard your heart, for Dianne Baker it affects everything ing, WINNING. Letting go, giving up easily, LOSING. you do. Accepting responsibility for your actions, WINNING. Do not wish to be anything but who you are, and try Doug Kesler Always having an excuse for your actions, LOSING. to be that perfectly. Madison County High School (GA) Taking the initiative, WINNING. Waiting to be told what LLoydene Searle to do, LOSING. Knowing what you want and setting Indiana Tech Kids don’t care what you know until they know that goals to achieve it, WINNING. Wishing for things, but you care. taking no action, LOSING. Seeing the big picture, and If what you did yesterday still looks big to you today, Treat all life as sacred. setting your goals accordingly, WINNING. Seeing only then you haven’t accomplished anything today. John Stegmaier where you are today, LOSING. Adopt a WINNING What you do speaks so loudly I can’t hear what it is attitude! you are saying. Make sure that team members know they are working Tom Horton Bill Edwards with you, not for you. -John Wooden Bellevue East HS (NE) Hofstra University The team is the star, never an individual player. -John Wooden For coaches: I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve Mark Tucker 1. Never does an adult stand so tall as when they stoop lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to Texas Cobras Gold to help a child. take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over 2. They will little care about how much you know, until and over and over again in my life. And that is why I The best kind of pride is that which compels a person they know how much you care. succeed. -Michael Jordan to do her best when no one else is watching. 3. Praise in public. Correct in private. Kevin Costley Burney King 4. No one ever got worse due to receiving too much ISS Mjhs St. Andrew’s Episcopal School (MS) praise. U16 Mississippi Blast 5. Catch them doing something right. Attitude is a LITTLE thing that makes a BIG differ- 6. Never forget that she’s someone’s child. ence. Practice like you play. Play like you practice. For players: Donna Papa Joe Weaver 1. Your reputation is what other people think of you. North Carolina Road Runner Softball 14u Who you really are is best judged by what you do when you think no one is looking. Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving Obstacles are those frightful things that you can see 2. Win or lose, all anyone can ask of you is that you do up is what makes it permanent. when you take your eyes off your goal. -Henry Ford your very best on every single play. Nothing more. Worry Looks Around... Sorry looks Back... FAITH Kent Chambers Nothing less. LOOKS FORWARD! Bob Jones HS (AL) 3. This pitch. This moment. Nothing else matters. The two most important letters in the alphabet are U 4. Lord plant my feet on higher ground. and S – together they form US! I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I 5. Don’t throw out the old bucket until you’re sure that If you wanna get some, you gotta bring some. Did we work the more I have of it. -Thomas Jefferson the new one will hold water. bring some today? Floyd Shroyer 6. The will to win means nothing without the will to Brad W. Brubaker Steel City Cyclones Gold 18U Fastpitch prepare. Lancaster Mennonite School (PA) 7. I believe in you. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, 8. Athletics doesn’t just build character, it reveals It’s not how hard you train when people are watch- but in humility consider others better than self. -Philip- character. ing; it’s how hard you train when no one is watching pians 2:3 9. Your athletic skill and talent will help you get to first that counts. Anna Welsh base, but it’s the strength of your character that will Roy Godard Bethel College (Ind.) guide you the rest of the way home. TNT Gold 10. Trust in your preparation. The Difference Between Winning and Losing by Tim Casey Being a champion begins in the mind and spreads Catherine Pulsifer: Some of the significant differences Forest Lake Fastpitch Association (MN) to the heart. It’s based on Proverbs 4:23 NLT, which between winning and losing are: Hanging on, persever- It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. Rome McNary Have a Question or an Answer? Western Texas College Here is your chance to give input in a very simple manner – we How you handle the NEXT PLAY says more about need ideas for questions you would like to see answered in a you than the last error. I often just yell next play to my future edition, so please feel free to share those ideas. players after they commit an error. Brad Fliehmann Respond by emailing editor Christina Edgar at [email protected]. StormUSA ’98 SEE QUESTION OF THE MONTH PAGE 17 FD Page 8 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012 2012 Spring High School Championship Dates & Sites Alabama 5/19 Finals Highest seed Six classes – 1A through 6A; 6A is the largest classification. Kansas 4/27-5/5 Area Tournaments Host Sites CIF Sac-Joaquin Sectionals Five classes – 1A through 6A; 6A is the largest classification, 5/11-12 regionals Host Sites Seven divisions – I through VII, I is the largest classification. combined 1A/2A title. 5/11-19 Finals Lagoon Park, Montgomery 5/23 Finals Division I-III – Sacramento SC 5/14-17 regionals Host Sites 5/19 Finals division IV-VII – Arnaiz Stadium, Stockton 5/25-26 Finals 6A – Arrocha Ball Park, University of Kansas Alaska 5A – Two Rivers Youth Complex, Wichita Four classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest. All compete for CIF San Diego Sectional 4A – Bill Burke Complex, Salina an overall title. Five divisions – I through V; I is the largest classification. 3A – Twin Oaks, Manhattan 6/1-3 Finals Cartee Fields, Anchorage 5/16 Play-In Games TBD 1A/2A – Trusler Sports Complex, Emporia 5/18 First Round TBD Arizona 5/19 Second Round TBD Kentucky Five classes – 1A through 5A; 5A is the largest classification. 5/22 Third Round TBD One class. 4/28 First Round 5A I/II – High Seed 5/24 Fourth Round Poway Sportsplex/TBD 6/1-6/7 Finals TBD 5/1 Second Round 5A I/II – High Seed 5/26 Finals I-IV UC San Diego/ V TBD 5/4 First Round 1A, 2A, 3A – Rose Mofford Park Louisiana 5/4 First Round 4A I/II – High Seed CIF San Francisco Sectional Five classes – 5A through 1A, B & C; 5A is the largest classification. 5/4 Third Round 5A I – Rose Mofford Park One division. 4/17 Bi-District Host Sites 5/4 Third Round 5A II – Sandra Day O”Connor HS 5/8 First Round Jackson 1/West Sunset 3 4/21 regionals Host Sites 5/5 quarterfinals 1A, 2A, 3A – Rose Mofford Park 5/11 Second Round Ross 1/Parkside 4/27-28 Finals Frasch Park, Sulphur 5/8 Second Round 4A I/II – High Seed 5/15 Finals Lang 1 5/10 quarterfinals 4A I/II – High Seed Maine 5/9 Pool A&B Finals 5A I/II – Rose Mofford Park CIF Southern Sectional Four classes – A through D; A is the largest classification. 5/10 Semifinals 4A I/II - Rose Mofford Park Six divisions – 1 through 6; 1 is the largest classification. 6/5-9 Prelims/Quarters/Semis Highest Seed 5/11 Semifinals 1A, 2A, 3A – Rose Mofford Park 5/13-27 Preliminaries TBD 6/12-13 regional Finals TBA 5/11 Finals 5A I/II – Rose Mofford Park 5/29-30 Finals TBD 6/16 State Finals TBA 5/12 Finals 1A - 4A I/II – Rose Mofford Park Connecticut Maryland Arkansas Four classes – LL, L, M, S; LL is the largest classification. Four classes – 1A through 4A, 4A is the largest classification. Seven classes – 1A through 7A; 7A is the largest classification. 5/26 qaulifying Rounds TBA 5/11 regional First Rounds Host Sites 5/4-7 regionals Pre-determined sites 5/29 First Round TBA 5/14 regional Quarterfinals Host Sites 5/11-14 State 1A – Armorel 5/30 Second Round TBA 5/16 regional Semifinals Host Sites 2A – White Hall 6/1 Quarterfinals TBA 5/18 regional Finals Host Sites 3A – Prescott 6/4-5 Semifinals DeLuca Field/West Haven 5/22 State Semifinals Bachman Softball Park 4A – Heber Springs 6/8-9 Finals DeLuca Field/West Haven 5/26 Finals University of Maryland, College Park 5A – Greenbrier 6A – Central Arkansas Christian (Sherwood Parks) Delaware Massachusetts 7A – Bentonville Two divisions – I & II, I is the largest classification. Three classes – I through III, I is the largest classification. 5/18-19 Finals univ. of Arkansas Lady Back Yard, Fayetteville 5/26 First Round TBA 5/31 Section Rounds Host Sites 5/29 Quarterfinals TBA 6/12-14 Semifinals Host Sites California 5/31 Semifinals TBA 6/16 Finals Worcester State College, Worcester CIF Central Sectional 6/2 Finals TBA Six divisions – 1 through 6 Michigan 5/15 First Round – I-V TBA Florida Four classes 1 through 4; 1 is the largest classification. 5/15 Semifinals –V I TBA Six classes – 1A through 6A; 6A is the largest classification. 5/29-6/1 districts Host Sites 5/17 quarterfinals – I-V TBA 4/16-22 district Host Sites 6/9 regionals Host Sites 5/17 Finals – VI TBA 4/24 region Quarterfinals -1,3,5 Host Sites 6/12 quarterfinals Host Sites 5/22 Semifinals – I-V TBA 4/25 region Quarterfinals – 2,4,6 Host Sites 6/15-16 Semifinals & Finals Bailey Park, Battle Creek 5/24 Finals – I-V TBA 4/27 region Semifinals Host Sites 5/1 region Finals Host Sites Minnesota CIF Central Coast Sectional 5/7-8 State Finals – 4,6 National Training Center, Clermont Three classes A through AAA; A is the largest classification. Three division – 1 through 3, 1 is the largest classification. 5/9-10 State Finals – 1,3 National Training Center, Clermont 6/7-8 Finals Caswell Park, North Mankato 5/16-18 First Round TBA 5/11-12 State Finals – 2,5 National Training Center, Clermont 5/19 Quarterfinals TBA Mississippi 5/22-24 Semifinals TBA Hawai‘i Five classes – 1A through 5A, 5A is the largest classification. 5/26 Finals TBA Two classes – Division 1 and 2; Division II is the largest 4/27-28 First Rounds Higher Seeds classification. 5/3-5 Second Rounds Host Sites CIF Los Angeles Sectional 5/1-4 Finals dI – Central Oahu RP/Rainbow Wahine SS 5/10-12 Semifinals Host Sites Three divisions – city, invitational and small scholl; city is the dII – Central Oahu Regional Park/Rainbow Wahine SS 5/18-19 Finals Freedom Ridge Park, Ridgeland largest classification. 5/9 First Round – Invite Home Sites Idaho Montana 5/10 First Round – City/SS Home Sites Five classes – 1A through 5A; 5A is the largest classification. Four classes – AA, A through C; AA is the largest classification, 5/11 Second Round – Invite Home Sites 5/18-19 Finals 1A – Lewiston HS combined B/C title. 5/16 quarterfinals – All Home Sites 2A – Orofino HS 5/14-19 divisionals – B/C TBA 5/18 Semifinals – SS Home Sites 3A – Pocatello HS 5/24-26 Finals AA – Stewart Park, Billings 5/19 Semifinals – Invite/City Home Sites 4A – Coeur d’Alene HS A – Miles City 5/23 Finals – SS TBD 5A – Post Falls HS B/C – Glasgow 5/24 Finals – Invite/City Cal State Northridge Illinois Nevada Four classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. Four classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. CIF North Coast Sectional 6/1-2 Finals 1A & 2A – EastSide Centre, East Peoria 5/8-12 regionals Host Sites Six divisions – I through VI, VI is the largest classification 6/8-9 Finals 3A & 4A – EastSide Centre, East Peoria 5/18-19 Finals 1A – Hunter Park, Mesquite 5/22-23 All Divisions First Round TBA 2A – The Meadows School, Las Vegas 5/25-26 division I-V Quarterfinals TBA Indiana 3A – Virgin Valley HS, Mesquite 5/25-26 division VI Semifinals TBA Four classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. 4A – UNLV, Las Vegas 5/29-30 division I-V Semifinals TBA 5/21-26 Sectionals Host schools 6/1-2 All Divisions Finals TBA 5/29 regionals Host schools New Hampshire 6/2 Semi-State 1A – Clinton Praire/North Daviess Four classes – I-IV, IV is the largest classification. CIF Northern Sectional 2A – LaVille/Forrest Park 5/25 Play In – III Higher Seed Five divisions. 3A – Twin Lakes/Jasper 5/30 Preliminaries Higher Seed 5/15 First Round Highest seed 4A – Harrison/Bedford North Lawrence 6/5 quarterfinals Higher Seeds 5/17 Second Round Highest seed 6/9 Finals Ben Davis, Indianapolis SEE HS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS PAGE 11 FD April 2012 Fastpitch Delivery Page 9 ESPN Celebrates Title IX with Programming 40 YEARS SPECIAL RELEASE A U.S. Women’s Soccer Special will air at 5 p.m., a 30-minute program show- ESPN has begun its three casing the 1999 U.S. Women’s World Cup month-long recognition gold-medal winning team in a feature, fol- of Title IX, including the lowed by a roundtable discussion about the launch of a dedicated micro- impact of Title IX on the growth and suc- site and some programming cess of women’s soccer in this country. The initiatives. panel will include soccer and women’s ESPN’s networks will be all over the 40th anniversary weekend in June with sports notables. documentaries, espnW features and a whole host of women’s sports. ESPNU Honda Sports Awards will ESPN will offer a weekend of events and studio shows June 22-24 featuring women showcase the Collegiate Women Sports in sports across its networks — ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3 and ESPN Awards program that annually recognizes Classic – highlighted by a full day of programming Saturday, June 23. The offer- the accomplishments of top female athletes ing is part of the network’s three-month companywide initiative, The Power of IX, in NCAA-member colleges with a variety EDITOR'S NOTE: To commemorate recognizing the 40th anniversary of Title IX, signed June 23, 1972. of prestigious awards. ESPN’s Sage Steele the strides made over the last 40 The June 23 multi-network programming will be tied together, beginning at 11 will host the live 60-minute special from years and spotlight areas where a.m. ET, through studio coverage from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., headquarters. ESPN ESPN’s Los Angeles Production Center at more work is needed, Fastpitch soccer analyst Julie Foudy will host from a Title IX-themed set and welcome special 3 p.m. Delivery will feature various articles guests who have impacted or been affected by the law throughout the day. ESPN ESPN3 National Pro Fastpitch will throughout the year. Look for other will also report from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, N.J., where more than 30,000 stage a doubleheader between the Flor- parts in past or future editions of FD. Girl Scouts will be part of the B.I.G. Celebration (Believe in Girls) and the 100th ida Pride and Carolina Diamonds, at 1 anniversary of the organization. p.m. and 4 p.m. “I am extremely proud of ESPN for recognizing and focusing on the 40th anniver- ESPN Classic will have more than 50 hours of women’s programming relating to sary of this legislation,” said Carol Stiff, vice president, programming & acquisitions Title IX beginning Friday and running through Sunday. at ESPN. “The hours of programming multiple ESPN networks are dedicating on Additional details will be announced at a later date. June 23 show the company’s ongoing commitment to increasing the coverage of women’s sports.” ESPN’s Title IX ABC SEC Storied: Lolo Jones — One of the brighter stars in the history of the LSU June 23 Programming (subject to change) women’s track and field dynasty is Lori “Lolo” Jones. A standout hurdler, she won 11 a.m. — SportsCenter, ESPN three NCAA titles and 11 All-American honors. But Jones had to overcome significant 11:30 a.m. — Women’s Athletic Programming, ESPN Classic obstacles to get there. “Lolo” will explore her inspiring rise from an unstable home Noon — Sporting Chance, ESPN life to national stardom that included a spot on the 2008 United States Olympic team. 12:30 p.m. — WNBA Game: Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx, ESPN The film will include her stunning disappointment in the 2008 Beijing Games and 1 p.m. — E:60 Women’s Special, ESPN2 her journey to make it back to the Olympics this summer. This fourth installment of 1 p.m. — National Pro Fastpitch: Florida at Carolina (Charlotte), ESPN3 SEC Storied will run at 4 p.m., and also on ESPNU at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 2 p.m. — SEC Storied: Lolo Jones, ESPNU ESPN Sports Saturday — A weekly look at the biggest stories in sports at 5 p.m., the 3 p.m. — NASCAR Countdown, ESPN show will include a discussion of Title IX. The show typically consists of informative 3 p.m. — Honda Sports Awards (ESPN’s Los Angeles Production Center), ESPNU debate from ESPN programs such as Pardon the Interruption, First Take, SportsNa- 3:30 p.m. — NASCAR Nationwide: Road America 200 (Elkhart Lake, Wis.), ESPN tion, and Mike & Mike In the Morning, as well as game previews and predictions 4 p.m. — SEC Storied: Lolo Jones, ABC from NFL Live, College Gameday, NBA Countdown, Baseball Tonight and more. 4 p.m. — NCAA Women’s Championships Programming, ESPNU ESPN’s coverage will kick off with segments on SportsCenter at 11 a.m., with 4 p.m. — National Pro Fastpitch: Florida at Carolina (Charlotte), ESPN3 segments previewing the day’s events and sharing special Title IX vignettes and 5 p.m. — Sports Saturday: Week in Review, ABC memories. 5 p.m. — U.S. Women Soccer National Team Documentary, ESPN2 Two WNBA games will highlight ESPN’s day — Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx at 7 p.m. — USA National Softball vs. Canada (Oklahoma City), ESPN 12:30 p.m. and Los Angeles Sparks at Phoenix Mercury at 9 p.m. The four teams 7 p.m. — SEC Storied: Lolo Jones, ESPNU include Olympic Gold Medalists; NCAA National Champions; NCAA Women of the 8 p.m. — Sporting Chance, ESPNU Year; Naismith, John R. Wooden and State Farm Players of the Year; All-Americans; 9 p.m. — WNBA Game: Los Angeles Sparks at Phoenix Mercury, ESPN Conference Players of the Year and NCAA record holders. 9 p.m. — NCAA Women’s Championships Programming, ESPNU The NASCAR Nationwide Series – Road America 200 from Elkhart Lake, Wis., at 9 p.m. — Women’s Athletic Programming, ESPN Classic 3:30 p.m.features Danica Patrick, one of the most successful women in the history of American racing. She is the only woman to win in the IndyCar Series and she is the highest female finisher at the Indianapolis 500 (third). USA Softball will take on the Canadian National Team at 7 p.m. from Okla- homa City in the Title IX 40th Anniversary Celebration Game. The teams in- clude current and former student-athletes who are now playing at an elite level. ESPN2 Sporting Chance is a Title IX documentary produced by the NCAA in conjunction with Creative Street Entertainment Group. E:60 Women’s Special will take some of the top profiles, investigations and stories of the series that featured female athletes. The newsmagazine show will run at 1 p.m.

FD Page 10 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012

GOOD “Parents are an important component of every high would be no team. school program. They can be your biggest supporter “High school athletes have a responsibility to their CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 or your biggest critic. Regardless, we host a parent community. It’s about who we are, where we come from meeting at the beginning of each season and work to and who supports us. It is important for us as coaches student-athletes deciding to verbally commit early in the establish a ‘family’ environment within our program. and parents to remind our players of this. Our players recruiting process has grown exponentially. It is really Communication is the key. We do not discuss strategy take pride in volunteering within our community and this unfortunate that a large number of 16- and 17-year-olds or playing time with parents, but instead we ask them is something I am so proud of. Whether it’s promoting are facing the pressure of making such an important to speak with their daughters and encourage them to cancer awareness on “StrikeOut Cancer” night, working decision so early in their lives.” approach the staff about their concerns. As coaches, we our annual K-6 softball clinic, volunteering or offering “However, that being said, I also believe that today’s have a responsibility to teach our players how to become free lessons, we can all do our part by giving back.” high school athletes are much more educated about the effective communicators, and we do this by essentially Life can be funny sometimes. On occasions, it can many opportunities that exist at the next level. I see placing that expectation on them rather than the parent. take something we have loved so much and spent so more and more players realizing that there are schools “We have also implemented a ‘24-hour’ rule, which much time at, like softball, and take it away in the blink outside of Division I that can provide a high-quality col- asks our parents to refrain from making any negative of an eye... only to give it back to us later in a different lege experience, both on the field and in the classroom. comments to their daughter for at least 24 hours fol- form. This is Emily Good’s story. Never did she think I have seen an increasing number of players more open lowing a game, i.e. ‘you should have made that catch,’ when she was forced to give up her passion due to an to exploring the possibilities of attending and playing ‘you should be playing more than so and so,’ ‘you need injury that she would have the life and career she has at Division II, Division III, NAIA and junior college to get more hits,’ etc. Although there is no way way to now. As Michael Corleone said in “Godfather: Part III,” programs.” measure the accountability of this rule, I know that our “Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” As a coach of any sport at any level will tell you, players appear less concerned about ‘the drive home’ Luckily, for her players and others that she has touched parents have always been and are becoming increas- following a game.” through softball, Good was pulled back in. She has ingly more involved in their child’s athletic careers. For For as much success as the Greyhounds have enjoyed used her experiences and trials to help make her play- good or bad, this is becoming a way of life for coaches on the field, Good knows that arguably the biggest ers better people, her community a better place and to today. Having a stern, but fair policy when it comes to component of her job as a high school coach is to help re-discover the same love and passion for the game that parents can not only help each child individually, but mold her players into not only good athletes, but into she had as a child. it can create a positive and encouraging culture for the good citizens as well. With that in mind, she makes it a team as whole. Good recognizes this and offers a unique point to make sure her players are good stewards of the approach when it comes to dealing with parents. community, knowing that if it was not for them there

NEWS & NOTES Former Blue Mountain coach her 400th victory April 15 when her team secured a 9-2 bequette Passes Away victory in its second game of a doubleheader against CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Former Blue Moun- Gwynedd-Mercy at home. tain Community Col- “Acheiving 400 wins has been a long, hard, but sion III final eight. Hollander again led the Bengals to lege coach Tom Be- mostly fun ride. I credit the players who have come an appearance in the 2011 SUNYAC title game. quette passed away to Arcadia for the right reasons: academic reputation, In all, she collected 17 20-win seasons and four 30- unexpectedly in early the experience of playing Division III softball, and the win campaigns. She was named SUNYAC Coach of the March in the Tri-Cit- pride of representing your team in front of friends and Year four times (1990, 1996, 2008 and 2009) and guided ies. family. The reputation of Arcadia’s softball program, her team to the first of three SUNYAC championships Bequette coached the dedication of the young women who have chosen to in 1996. The Bengals claimed their second conference softball at BMCC be a part of that tradition, and the energies of my great title under Hollander in 2000 and added the third in from 2005 to 2009 assistant coaches through the years have helped me to 2009. In 2009, she was also honored as the ECAC Up- and accumulated a achieve this milestone.” state Coach of the Year. In 1992 and 1993, she led the 102-117 win/loss program to consecutive New York State championships record. He took the NEW MEMBERS and was named New York State and Regional Coach of BMCC softball team Shay Campbell, Head, Rosewood High School (NC); the Year by the NFCA. In 1991, Hollander’s Bengals to the 2008 NWAACC tournament, where they earned Chris Chapdelaine, Head, Castleton State College; were ranked as high as ninth in the nation. a fifth-place finish. Chris Doniere, Head, Anthony Wayne Attack (OH); Hollander mentored six All-Americans, more than Bequette was dedicated to the sport of softball and Loryn Johnson, Head, Alvin Community College; 50 all-region performers, and 83 players who gained took great pleasure in helping young women achieve Danielle Kaminaka, Assistant, Loyola Marymount All-SUNYAC recognition. Among more than 50 players their athletic goals. He most recently coached softball University; Jim Kolstad, Head, Fergus Eagles (MT); gaining All-ECAC status were three players who were at Hermiston High School. He was named the Oregon Brooke Kramer (PA); Joey McNutt, Head, Coastal also named ECAC Player of the Year. School Activities Association softball coach of the year Lightning (SC). Hollander was inducted into the Western New York for all classes in 2003. Softball Hall of Fame in November of 2005. She was also enshrined in the Kenmore West Senior High School COACHING CHANGES Hall of Fame this past fall and was a 2008 recipient of ILLINOIS-CHICAGO - Extended the contract of head the SUNYAC Award of Valor. coach Michelle Venturella through the 2015 season... A 1981 graduate of Indiana University, Hollander also IUPUI - Named assistant coach Jana Fields as interim earned a master’s degree from Canisius College in 1990. head coach through the remainder of the 2012 season. –By Jeff Ventura. Originally published on buffalo- stateathletics.com. ARCADIA’S DETRA GETS WIN NO. 400 Arcadia University head coach Linda Detra posted FD April 2012 Fastpitch Delivery Page 11

5/23-26 regional Host Sites 5/19 regional Semifinals Host Sites HS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 6/1-3 Finals Akron Firestone Stadium, Akron 5/26 regional Finals Host Sites CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 6/2 Finals Red McCombs Field, Austin Oregon Three classes – 1A through 6A, 6A is the largest classification; Utah 6/5-7 Semifinals I/II – Southern New Hampshire University combined 1A/2A title. Four classes – 2A through 5A; 5A is the largest classification. III/IV – Plymouth State University 5/21 First Round 6A – Home sites 5/10-12 Finals 2A – Spanish Fork Complex, Spanish Fork 6/11 Finals I/II – Southern New Hampshire University 5/23 First Round 5A,4A, 3A, 2A/1A – Home sites 5/17-19 Finals 3A – Fields at Little Valley, St. George III/IV – Plymouth State University Second Round 6A – Home sites 5/22-24 Finals 4A & 5A – Valley Complex, Salt Lake City 5/25 quarterfinals Home sites New Jersey 5/29 Semifinals Home sites Vermont Two classes – Public & Non-public 6/1 Finals 3A,2A/1A – Oregon State, Corvallis Four classes – I through IV; I is the largest classification. 6/1 Sectional Finals Public – Higher Seeds 6/2 Finals 6A,5A,4A – Oregon State, Corvallis 6/2 quarterfinals Higher Seeds 6/5 Sectional Finals Non-public – Higher Seeds 6/5 Semifinals Higher Seeds 6/5 Semifinals Public –Higher Seeds Pennsylvania 6/8-9 Finals TBA 6/9 Finals Toms River N&E High Schools, Toms River Three classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. 6/4 First Rounds TBA Virginia New Mexico 6/7 Quarterfinals TBA Three classes – 1A-3A; 3A is the largest classification. Four classes – A-AA through 5A; 5A is the largest classification. 6/11 Semifinals TBA 6/5 Quarterfinals TBA 5/10 round of 16 Rio Rancho HS/Cleveland HS 6/15 Finals Nittany Lion Softball Park, University 6/8 Semifinals Group A & AA – Radford University, Radford 5/11-12 Finals UNM Lobo Field/Cleveland HS G group AAA – Westfield HS, Chantilly Rhode Island 6/9 Finals group A & AA – Radford University, Radford New York Two classes – I,II & III, I is the largest classification. G group AAA – Westfield HS, Chantilly Five classes – AA, A through D; AA is the largest classification. 6/9-10 Finals III - Rhode Island College, Providence 6/12 Finals Adirondack Sports Complex, Queensbury 6/9-10 Finals I/II - Rhode Island College, Providence Washington Five classes – B, 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. North Carolina South Carolina 5/25-26 Finals 1B/2B – Gateway Park, Yakima Four classes – 1A through 4A; 4A is the largest classification. Four classes – 1A-4A; 4A is the largest classification. 1A/4A – Merkel Sports Complex, Spokane 5/15 First Round Host Sites 5/14-19 Finals TBA 2A – Carlon Park, Selah 5/18 Second Round Host Sites 3A – Regional Athletic Complex, Lacey 5/22 district Host Sites Tennessee 5/25 Sectionals Host Sites Two divisions – Division I, A, AA, & AAA & Division II. West Virginia 5/30-6/2 Finals TBA 5/14 region Semifinals Higher Seeds Three classes – 1A through 3A; 3A is the largest classification. 5/16 region Finals Host Sites 5/23-24 Finals Jackson Park, Vienna North Dakota 5/18-19 Sectionals TBA One division 5/22-25 Finals SportsCom, Murfreesboro Wisconsin 5/30-6/2 Finals Grand Forks Four classes – 1 through 4; 1 is the largest classification. Texas 6/14-16 Finals Goodman Diamond, Madison Ohio Five classes – 1A through 5A; 5A is the largest classification. Four classes – 1 through 4; 1 is the largest classification. 5/1 Bi-District Higher Seeds 5/5-12 Sectional Host Sites 5/5 Area Host Sites 5/14-19 district Host Sites 5/12 regional Quarterfinals Host Sites Page 12 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012

South Region (Beth Torina, LSU – CBR) COMMITTEE OPENINGS Division II West Region (Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA – CBR) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Rachel Burleson, OPSU – CBR Sean Cotter, UMass Lowell – CBR Division II Sabrina McCullough, Concord University – CBR Central Region (Paula U’Ren, St. Cloud State University – NAIA Representative (Hal Wynn, Faulkner University – CBR) Jamie Meyers, Hillsdale College – CBR Outgoing) NJCAA Representative (Jayne Clem, Wallace State CC, Hanceville Bill Vasko, Wheeling Jesuit University – CBR Midwest Region (Don Kennedy, Missouri S&T – Outgoing) – Outgoing) Matt Whittington, C.W. Post Campus-Long Island University – Cal JC Representative (Darci Brownell, Sierra College– CBR) CBR Division III HS Representative (Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School (TX) – OPEN Atlantic Region (Keith Parr, Christopher Newport University – Outgoing) Outgoing) Travel Ball Rep. (Lew Currier, Mizuno Pride (CA) – CBR) Division III Central Region (Tiffany Ozbun, Denison University – CBR)

David Canan, Babson College – CBR New England Region (Heather Stone, Western Connecticut State Awards Committee: Tony Ciccarello, SUNY Geneseo – CBR Univ. – Outgoing) Division I Representative (Sandy Montgomery, Southern Illinois Brandon Elliott, Virginia Wesleyan College – CBR Midwest Region (George Wares, Central College – Outgoing) Univ. Edwardsville – CBR) Jan Forsty, Bethany College (WV) – CBR Great Lakes Region (Leslie Huntington, Univ. of Wisconsin, Eau Division III Representative (Tony Ciccarello, SUNY Geneseo – Renae Hartl, Luther College – CBR Claire – Outgoing) CBR) Jen Moore, Swarthmore College – CBR NAIA Representative (Tom Fickett, Calumet College of St. Joseph Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College – CBR NAIA – CBR) OPEN West Region (Dave Williams, CSU San Marcos – CBR) NJCAA Representative (Art Kasak, Triton College, River Grove

(IL) – CBR) NAIA NJCAA Division I Assistant Coach Representative (Lee Dobbins, Emory University Chris Wilcoxson, Auburn University-Montgomery – CBR Midwest Region (Jim Overturf, Indian Hills Community College – CBR) Jason Miner, Lyon College – CBR – Outgoing) High School Representative (Marsha Cusack, Enid (OK) High Ken Prorok, Dakota State University – CBR School – CBR) Ty Rietkovich, University of South Carolina-Beaufort – CBR NJCAA Division II Travel Ball Representative (Keith Bockmier, San Diego Mystic – Midwest Region (Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community College – CBR) Junior College Outgoing)

NJCAA Representatives (Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community East Region (Matt Houseman, Muskegon College – CBR) Diversity Committee College – CBR; Jayne Clem, Wallace State Community College- (Patricia Clark, Rutgers University-Newark – CBR; Kristen Hanceville – CBR); Cal JC Representatives (Kelly Ford, Mt San NJCAA Division III McGaughey, Bethany College – CBR; Telma O’Neal Hall, Alabama Antonio College – CBR; Kodee Murray, Cerritos Community North Region (Stacy Johnson, Corning Community College – State University – CBR; Kim Wilson, Rowan College – CBR; College – CBR) CBR) Hannah Shalett, Ithaca College – CBR) High School High School Education & Publications Committee East (John Keyes, Falmouth (ME) High School – CBR) East Region (John F. Keyes, Falmouth (ME) High School – CBR; (Jen Croneberger, Ursinus College – CBR; Bill Gray, Missouri North (Angelo Forte, Hilliard Davidson (OH) High School – CBR) Keith Heinemann, Morris Knolls (NJ) High School– CBR) Southern State University – Outgoing; Brian Howard, Ohio Valley South Central (Marsha Cusack, Enid (OK) High School – CBR) North Region (Darwin Tolzin, Brookings High School (ND) – University – Outgoing) South (Kari Akin, Ravenwood (TN) High School – CBR) Outgoing; Perry Peterson, Barrington (IL) High School – CBR) West (Mark Hickman, Northwest Christian (AZ) High School – South Region (Kari Akin, Ravenwood (TN) High School – CBR; Ethics Committee CBR) Jennifer Bocanegra, San Antonio Harlandale High School – CBR) (Pat Conlan, Georgetown University – CBR; Karen Yoder, UC South Central Region (Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School Davis – CBR Travel Ball (TX) – CBR; Kevin Halley, St. Pius X (MO) High School – CBR; Jody Pete Soliz, Texas Force Fastpitch Softball – CBR Morgan, Victoria East (TX) High School – CBR; Brenda Holaday, Hall of Fame Committee Charlie Sullivan, Atlanta Vipers/Terrill Mill Titans – CBR Washburn Rural High School – Outgoing) NAIA Representative (Chris Wilcoxson, Auburn University Allen Hilsdon, Texas Attitude 18U – CBR West Region (Scott Hoffmeyer, Basha (AZ) High School – CBR; Montgomery – Outgoing) Kristin Kirkwood, OC Nighthawks – CBR Robert Shorts, Desert Edge (AZ) High School – CBR; Gary Walin, NJCAA Representative (Joe Yegge, Kirkwood CC – Outgoing) Keith Bockmier, San Diego Mystic – CBR Thousand Oaks (CA) High School – CBR; Kevin Werth, Piedra Assistant Coach Representative (Mike Bosch, Syracuse Rick Sherman, Roadrunner Elite – CBR Vista (NM) High School – CBR) University – CBR) Travel Ball Representative (Louis Bishop, T.C. Tremors, Rules & Officials Committee POLL COMMITTEES (Outgoing) NJCAA Representative (Jayne Clem, Wallace State Community College-Hanceville – CBR) Division II (Each region has two representatives) Internet Committee Affiliate – Umpire Representative (Dennis Mader, Umpire – CBR) Central Region (Greg Jones, Winona State – CBR; Kris Mort, Mesa (Kim Camara, Drexel University – CBR; Robert Guerriero, Seton State – CBR; Steve Christianson – NYIT – Outgoing) Hall University – CBR; James Inzana, Virginia Wesleyan College Tournament & Camp Committee Midwest Region (Don Kennedy – Missouri S&T – Outgoing; – CBR; Chris Wilcoxson, Auburn University-Montgomery – CBR; Maggie Calcaterra, IUPUI – CBR Thomas Macera – Valdosta St. – Outgoing) Kristina Schweikert, Adrian College – CBR; Ty Rietkivoch, USC Brandi Gordon, Harvard – CBR South Central Region (Kevin Blaskowski – West Texas A&M – Beaufort – CBR; David Beard, LXA, LCC, Baseball and Softball Jayne Clem, Wallace State Community College-Hanceville – CBR Outgoing; Bill Gray – Missouri Southern St. – Outgoing) Academy – CBR) Tracey Fitzgerald, American Freedom Gold (Trout) – CBR Southeast Region (Kristen Overton, Flagler College – CBR; Fred Thad Fox, Spartanburg Methodist College – CBR Gillum – Tusculum – Outgoing) Nominating Committee Bob Guerriero, Seton Hall University – CBR West Region (Andrea Kenney, Cal State Monterey Bay – CBR; Assistant Coach Representative (Steph Christner, William Penn Jason Miner, Lyon College – CBR Jamie Wallin, Hawaii-Hilo – CBR) University – CBR) Dianne Baker, Texas Elite-Baker – CBR High School Representative (Rebecca Ahlbrecht, New Richmond Division III High School – Outgoing) ALL AMERICAN AND COACHINN STAFF OF THE YEAR Atlantic Region (Brandon Elliott, Virginia Wesleyan College – Travel Ball (Rob Piper, South Bay Stars Gold-Piper – Outgoing) COMMITTEES: CBR) Division I Central Region (Jan Forsty, Bethany College – Outgoing) RECRUITING COMMITTEES Central Region (Tyra Perry, Western Kentucky – CBR) East Region (Kathryn Kroupa, Susquehanna University – CBR) Division I Great Lakes Region (Kate Drohan, Northwestern – Outgoing) Midwest Region (George Wares, Central College – Outgoing) Tori Acheson, Tennessee Tech – CBR Mid-Atlantic Region (Mickey Dean, Radford University – CBR) New England Region (Heather Stone, Western Connecticut State Mideast Region (Melinda Fischer, Illinois State University – CBR) Univ. – CBR) Jessica Allister, Minnesota – CBR Midwest Region (Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cesler, Iowa State Northeast Region (Tony Ciccarello, SUNY Geneseo – CBR) Bridget Orchard, Fordham – CBR University – CBR) Larissa Anderson, Hofstra University – CBR Northeast Region (Elaine Sortino, Massachusetts – CBR) Annie Smith, Georgia Southern – CBR Pacific Region (Karen Yoder, University of California, Davis – Donna Papa, University of North Carolina – CBR Outgoing) TBD Southeast Region (Donna Papa, University of North Carolina – TBD CBR) FD April 2012 Fastpitch Delivery Page 13

prospective student-athlete’s sophomore year is the student-athletes and pushes sports to be year-round, HCC MINUTES appropriate date and should be uniform for all sports. instead of seasonal. It was decided that the HCC members CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 It was decided that the membership would be surveyed would email Ms. Lawson with any wording revisions and on this question. then would distribute the revised survey: those less than fully funded. However, some liked the fact that there would be additional opportunities for student [Note: Subsequent to the call, the survey results indicated A. During a quiet period only: Are you in favor of coaches to learn the coaching trade. that 63.9 percent of the 180 respondents were in favor, restricting employment for camps & clinics involving while 36.7 percent were against.] recruitable prospects to institutional camps only? (2) Elimination of regulations governing contractual • All camps/clinics involving individuals 8th grade agreements and compensation from sources outside (4) Elimination of restrictions governing modes and and younger would not be limited by this restriction the institution. No strong feelings either way. restrictions (numerical limitations) on recruiting • All coaching clinics would not be limited by this communication (e.g., texting, emails, phone calls). It restriction (3) Elimination of the annual certification requirement was decided that the membership would be surveyed on • During evaluation periods, employment at applicable to coaches involved in off-campus this question. non-institutional camps/clinics would still be recruiting activities. Many on the call were concerned permissible; only during a quiet period would that this would lead to more rules violations. [Note: Subsequent to the call, the survey results indicated employment be affected. that 56.1 percent of the 180 respondents were in favor, (4) Elimination of the regulations governing scouting while 43.9 percent were against.] B. During a quiet period only: Are you in favor of of opponents. There was general support for this since restricting institutional camps to within a 100-mile it did not support eliminating the scouting prohibition (5) Development of more flexible recruiting calendars radius of a respective institution’s campus? in its entirety, but instead preferred prohibiting live based on a specified number of recruiting days, with • All camps/clinics involving individuals 8th grade scouting in all sports, with exceptions for same site specified dead periods (e.g., days surrounding the and younger would not be limited by this restriction competition activities. initial National Letter of Intent signing date and the • All coaching clinics would not be limited by this NCAA championship in the particular sport). The restriction (5) Additional regulations prohibiting the employment group felt that a more flexible schedule is harmful to • Institutional camps/clinics would not be restricted of coaches who remained employed in coaching the prospective student-athlete (e.g., missed class time, to the 100-mile radius outside of the quiet period prospects who participate on nonscholastic teams/ expense and wear and tear on athletes) and would • Please note: The original mileage of 50 miles was clubs. There was some concern that this would reduce be in opposition to the softball recruiting calendar considered too geographically restrictive. As a result, income opportunities for assistant coaches. amendments currently being discussed. the mileage included in this survey has increased to a 100-mile radius (6) Additional regulations prohibiting the (6) Elimination of legislation related to publishing/ employment of Individuals Associated with Prospects providing Admissions and Graduation Data, Banned C. During the entire year: Are you in favor of limiting (IAWP) in noncoaching categories in all sports. No Drug List and Initial-Eligibility Standards. No strong events that occur on an institutional campus to strong feelings either way. feelings either way. scholastic events only? • This rule would restrict travel ball teams only (7) Elimination of the regulations defining recruiting (7) Deregulation of printed recruiting materials either from holding “friendlys,” defined as travel ball coordination functions that must be performed by eliminating the rule entirely or, in the alternative, tournaments or competitive games on college currently only by head or assistant coaches. No strong prohibit sending or providing prospective student- campuses feelings either way. athletes any recruiting materials other than general correspondence. In the latter instance, institutions 4. Bat Testing. (8) Elimination of the restrictions governing the could post materials on their web site to be accessed number of off-campus recruiters at any one time. by the prospective student-athlete. No strong feelings A. Fungo Bats. Ms. Weekly asked about fungo bats Some on the call felt it was another case of the rich either way. being used for warm-up being considered “illegal.” getting richer since three people (or possibly four if No. 1 Ms. Abrahamson clarified that only approved bats are passes) could be recruiting at the same event. (8) Elimination of restrictions related to general permitted on the playing field once the umpires take advertising or promotional materials designed to jurisdiction. Fungo bats are not on the approved list, and B. Bylaw 13 Discussion Document. solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes, she encouraged that those concerned to submit a rules while maintaining prohibitions against personalized proposal for consideration for the 2014 rules book. (1) Elimination of the regulations defining recruiting promotions. No strong feelings either way. coordination functions that must be performed B. Bat Testing. Ms. Abrahamson reported that 300 bats currently only by head or assistant coaches. Only (9) Reduction in restrictions governing the official visit had been removed from competition during the early countable coaches would be permitted to engage (e.g., entertainment radius, support groups, activities, season testing. Eighty bats were removed because in off-campus recruiting activities. No strong feelings number of hosts), while requiring institutions to of cracks or rattles; 175 were not on the approved list, either way. address such issues through written policies. No and out of the 1,155 bats (750 in Division I and 400 in strong feelings either way. Division III) that were tested, two failed. (2) Establishment of a specific earlier date by which prospective student-athletes who have demonstrated (10) Expansion of regulations of governing 5. Championships Email Newsletter. Ms. Cessna reiterated a commitment to attend an institution are no longer employment of Individuals Associated with Prospects that a championships newsletter was being sent to considered prospective student-athletes for purposes (IAWPs) in noncoaching positions to all sports. No softball coaches and member institutions now as the of applying recruiting rules (offers and inducements). strong feelings either way. main method of communication. It will be sent on the first Mr. Batson clarified that once they sign, they are no Monday of every month. longer considered a prospect. There was general support, (11) Elimination of all recruiting publicity regulations although it’s another example of some schools being entirely or, in the alternative, after a prospective 6. Next Meeting. The next HCC meeting will be held at 10 able to afford help for the student-athlete (e.g., tutor for student-athlete’s commitment to the institution. No a.m. CST Tuesday, April 3. SAT), while other schools cannot. strong feelings either way. 7. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 11:32 a.m. (3) The establishment of regulations that provide for 3. Recruiting Calendar Survey. The group reviewed earlier access (specific initial dates for communication language proposed by Ms. Lawson for a revised recruiting and contact) with prospective student-athletes. The calendar survey. Ms. Tarr made a suggestion that current subgroup suggested June 15 at the completion of the legislation promotes unhealthy ways for the prospective FD VIEWPOINTS Fastpitch Delivery • April 2012 • Page 14 SOFTBALL BY SMITTY The Future By DICK SMITH practices; poor execution of fundamentals; poor Head Coach, St. Francis, Joliet chemistry among team members and coaching staff; dissatisfied bench players whose gripes fester None of us knows what our future will be. We can hope, but fate will determine what bad attitudes of those around them; parent interfer- happens to us, our relatives and friends. Smitty writes this because of the situation of ence; administration interference; misunder- athletes in college regarding their attitudes on life. Few realize that when they enter standings; etc. These may come in a variety college as freshmen, within the blink of an eye they will be seniors and then out in of packages to haunt a team. the world. Once in college, they are in what Smitty calls “never-never” land. True, What youngsters and sometimes older the curricula and/or the field of studies will occupy much of their time, even more so coaches do not realize is that this is fantasy in the science and technical fields. Yet the remainder of the time outside of studies land. They are big people playing a little will be free time to associate with others and develop friends; unless of course, one girls’ game. Yes, it is just a game and it must work to help pay for college, which will limit that time. needs to be treated as such. Too much em- Dick Smith is the head coach at the Univer- During these free times there will be many relationships established both on and off phasis is placed on winning and not enough sity of St. Francis and formerly coached at Valparaiso University. the field of play. Some of these will last a long time; others will gradually fade as the on the development of character. Winning athletes become involved in their daily lives and develop new relationships. As we is treated as a goal and when not reached, the entire cadre of people involved with coaches look about and listen to our players, we can see what is important to them at the team becomes disillusioned, sullen and remorseful. the moment. Smitty must relate all this to softball players, as he has not dealt directly But winning should not be treated as a goal. It is a result. It is the result of the cor- with the other athletes in college, but he assumes they are all pretty much the same. rect execution of fundamentals. Therefore the goal should be to work hard to execute When the practices begin, and later the games, players are quite into the events the fundamentals in games. If this is done, winning will result. at hand. They are enthusiastic and are driven by the desire to succeed. As the pre- So for many, when winning does not result, it is the end of the world or at least season goes on, practices become more routine and enthusiasm begins to wane. As something close to it. But is it? Perhaps it is for those whose livelihoods depend on opening day approaches, anticipation of the upcoming season again peaks interest their jobs which are dependent upon winning. And the same for those whose higher and enthusiasm is once again at a high level. Northern teams are anxious for their ups demand that the teams win. southern trips and are understandably excited. But for most of us the sun will still rise in the East and life will go on. No one Then the games begin. Sometimes results are good and expectations are high. Teams will shoot us, nor hate us, nor exile us to Outer Mongolia. Best that college players, return home full of joy and even more enthusiasm. coaches, administrations alike should not lament poor seasons or performances, but Sometimes things do not turn out well on the trip. It is at these times that teams should enjoy the season, no matter what, and cherish every single moment that these sometimes go into the doldrums. Coaches may do so as well having expected much athletes are able to play this game, for there are many who cannot. Life is too short, better results. as is the four-year period of college life and softball, to waste bemoaning poor season Whether there is a spring trip or whether teams stayed at home because they ex- outcomes. Wake up and smell the flowers, as they say, and enjoy life. Softball is but perience better spring weather, the level of enthusiasm and general expectations will a little game of life, full of errors and strikeouts. If we learn to handle these softball rise or fall depending upon game results. If the team remains on a roll and enters adversities when they occur, we will be better prepared to handle life’s miscues. the playoffs, all is well. If the season is not going well, eagerness and passion will Smitty knows there are opposing views on this win, win, win mentality, and so be diminish and the end of the season – possibly troubled by various problems – will it. But he also knows that no one and no team can win them all. Many of us have far be welcomed by many. more losses in life than wins. We must learn to handle them and enjoy life in every Having a disappointing season can be attributed to many factors, some of which respect, for it will pass us by in the blink of an eye. Take that to the bank. are: a lack of talent; illness; family problems; injury of one or more key players; poor

NFCC Currently, she is helping the NFCA pro- NPF SCHEDULE title has been dominantly controlled by duce the second edition of The Softball the Chicago Bandits, as they have come CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Coaching Bible. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 out on top five of the eight seasons. The Registration for the course is available championship series title has been a dif- After retiring at the helm of the Iowa at nfca.org/college or by calling (662) franchise.” ferent story however, crowning seven program in 2010 after 31 seasons as a 320-2155. The cost is $250 for members The NPF regular season will see 88 different champions in eight years. The head coach, NFCA Hall of Famer Gayle and $275 for non-members until May total games of action between the four championship series has yet to crown a Blevins continues to be one of the sport’s 17, after which the price will be raised affiliate teams. All four teams will square back-to-back winner. leading voices. The fourth winningest by $25. A discount of $100 is also being off at the championship series held this Additional information on each team's coach in NCAA history, Blevins ended offered for this course for programs that season August 23-26 at the one-year-old schedule can be found by navigating her career with an astonishing 1,245- have more than one coach attend the Rosemont Stadium. NPF fans will once to profastpitch.com or individual team 588 record. While at the helm of Iowa class. For programs with multiple coach- again be able to catch all the season websites: Akron Racers – akronracers. and Indiana, Blevins led the teams to es attending, the head coach will pay the action through internet live streaming. org; Chicago Bandits – chicagobandits. a combined seven WCWS appearances regular price while any other members of Television plans for the season have not com; USSSA Florida Pride – usssapride. and won eight Big Ten championships. the staff can attend for $100 off. Tickets yet been announced. com; or Carolina Diamonds – yourcaro- However, the most amazing statistic to the evening session of the WCWS on Since its inaugural year of competi- linadiamonds.com. may be the fact that in 31 years as a head Thursday and Friday are included in the tion in 2004, the NPF regular season coach, Blevins never had a losing season. price of the course. FD EDUCATION Fastpitch Delivery • April 2012 • Page 15 NFCA instructIONAL CORNER - the mental game Consistency When It Matters Most By JEN CRONEBERGER The ability to say “here we go again” when the energy what makes consis- President, JLynne Consulting Group disappears, the mistakes happen, and the swagger in the tency stron- Head Coach, Ursinus College box is no more. ger. Focus- One game we look like world beaters, the next like ing on the we just got dropped out of an airplane onto a deserted why and Mid-season has kicked in. I don’t know what this island and decided that the bat we found was some kind letting the means for you, or perhaps you haven’t started yet and of tool perhaps to use for digging in the sand. how take can relate to this from years past. But the mid-season lull Or, it’s the longest rollercoaster ride we have ever been care of it- has hit many of whom I have spoken with lately. Perhaps on and just wanted to end. Then, when we decide it’s self is the it is the wear and tear on the body or the tiresome back time to climb down off of the rollercoaster in mid-run, big shield to back games that tend to shut us down a little. we believe the best thing to do is to just jump off the and sword Jen Croneberger is a mental game coach Or, perhaps it’s none of that. Maybe it’s the tendency ride all-together and land however we will. that will who speaks at clinics, team workshops and we all have to “check out” at times and leave some of Taking chances is good, but not when it comes to slay any corporate seminars. She has been interviewed the focus and confidence to chance. consistency. That is a non-negotiable. Consistency, like monster. on ABC news (Philadelphia affiliate) on many occasions about the mental game, consulted It’s been working, so maybe we don’t have to really so many other things that create the craziness of this This takes by MTV’s MADE as a fear coach and was the put too much emphasis on our mental game. We are game, is a choice. Every day, when the “crazy” happens, me back to 2009 Female Business Leader of the Year for fine. Just tired. we ask what and how and who but the question that we the process Chester County, Pa. She works with many orga- I will argue this… most teams who claw their way to need to revert back to is “why?” vs. outcome nizations and sports teams from professionals hard fought victories do so mentally more often than Why are we out there in the first place? This is the first theory that to youth and is currently the head softball they do it physically. The mental aspect of this game is question I ask all of my clients when they come to me comes coach at Ursinus College. Her blogs and more often overlooked because of its intangible nature. We with consistency issues. Why? Why do you play? Why out of my information on her programs can be found on can’t often see or feel it. We can’t always understand do you work so hard? Why, why, why… will answer so mouth daily. www.thefivewords.com. it. But when it rears its ugly head, it’s like the monster many more questions than the how and what. When you hiding under the bed. We don’t always see it, but we There is one answer I always come back to… Why? focus on the process, the outcome, too, will always take know it’s there. That should be easy: For Love of the Game. Always. I care of itself. The monster named consistency is the one most teams don’t think there is any other answer that secures con- This time of year, consistency is at a premium. Finding have told me about lately. It’s been purple and green and sistency. No other answer that makes confidence solid it, keeping it, understanding it… all critical in finishing red and black. It’s big and wide and furry and short. It’s and unflappable. We all go through it, but it’s those who the season with a statement. But having it when it counts, been present on Saturday at 2:47 and Tuesday at 4:13 know how to fight it that are the ones who come out well, that’s what separates champions from teams who and Friday at 3. It feeds on confidence and trust and unscathed at the end of the lull. “could have been.” discipline and swagger. It will rob you blind if you let it. When a team is struggling with the monsters of consis- Champions who slay monsters. It also seems to choose when it shows up. No warn- tency, asking for answers is often very fleeting. Finding We can all play that role if we so choose. ings, no red flags. Just out of nowhere, something ways to “make” things more consistent isn’t always the seems… well…. just “off.” You know what I mean. cure. Letting go and “letting” things happen is usually

5/25 All-American selection call/announcement 5/28 All-Region teams announced ALL-AMERICAN INFORMATION Regional Representatives 5/29 All-American selection call CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Great Lakes Region – Becky Norris, Indiana Tech 6/8 Announcement of All-Americans Midwest Region – Mike Christner, William Penn Regional Representatives Southwest Region – Keri Lambeth, University of Houston- Victoria South Region – Howie Smith, Dodge City Community College 4/30 Nomination forms open, 5 pm East Region – Wendy Hogue, William Carey University Midwest Region – Joe Yegge, Kirkwood Community College* 5/3 Nominations close, 5 am West Region – Dave Williams, CSU San Marcos* East Region – Matt Houseman, Muskegon College 5/6 All-Region ballots open, 4 am 5/8 All-Region ballots close, 4 am 5/11 All-Region teams announced NJCAA Division I NJCAA Division III 5/14 All-America selection call Timeline Timeline 5/19 All-America teams announced 4/25 Nomination forms available online 5/10 Nomination forms available online Regional Representatives 5/8 Last day to nominate athletes 5/21 Last day to nominate athletes Atlantic Region – Keith Parr, Christopher Newport 5/14 All-Region ballots available online 5/25 All-American selection call Central Region – Tiffany Ozbun, Denison University 5/22 Last day to vote for All-Region teams 5/29 Announcement of All-Americans East Region – Kathy Staib, Elizabethtown College 5/25 All-Region teams announced Regional Representatives Great Lakes Region – Leslie Huntington, Wisconsin, Eau Claire 5/29 All-American selection call East Region – Stephen DePasquale, Gloucester County College Midwest Region – George Wares, Central College* 6/6 Announcement of All-Americans North Region – Stacy Johnson, Corning Community College* New England Region – Heather Stone, Western Connecticut State Regional Representatives Midwest Region – Ryan Connell, College of DuPage Northeast Region – Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College Midwest Region – Jim Overturf, Indian Hills CC* West Region – Jackson Vaughan, Linfield College South Region – Jayne Clem, Wallace State CC Cal JC West Region – Don Don Williams, North Idaho College Timeline NAIA 4/27 Nominations due by NOON Timeline NJCAA Division II 2/28 All-Americans chosen by selection committee 4/23 Nomination forms available online Timeline 4/30-5/3 Voting for Diamond Catcher of the Year at jcscores.com 5/9 Nominations close on the web, 5 pm Central 4/25 Nomination forms available online 5/7 AA teams announced online 5/11 All-Region ballots available online 5/8 Last day to nominate athletes 5/19 All-Americans presented at Cal JC banquet 5/15 Ballots close, 5 pm Central 5/14 All-Region ballots available online SEE AA INFORMATION PAGE 18 5/17 All-region teams announced 5/22 Last day to vote for All-Region teams FD Page 16 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012

THE UN-COMFORT ZONE with robert wilson More Powerful Than You Know By ROBERT EVANS WILSON, JR. from writing. I was beginning to re-think my life, when ‘Good Job,’ but never www.jumpstartyourmeeting.com I recalled the encouraging words from my ninth grade anything more.” English teacher. Unconvinced, when “Writing is not a job; it’s a hobby!” thundered my She had assigned my class with several essays to I got off the phone, I father when I told him my plans for college. “You need write. I remembered the glowing paragraphs of praise went up to the at- to get a profession: medicine, law, engineering or ac- she wrote in bright red ink at the top of all my papers. tic and dug out the counting.” There must have been a dozen of those compositions, box that held my old I cheerlessly acquiesced and enrolled in a Pre-Med and just recalling them gave me hope. I thought, “At school work (yes, program, but at the end of my first year, after struggling least one person in the world believes in my writing.” it’s true – I’m a total through Chemistry, I changed my major to Philosophy. It was just the encouragement I needed, and I doubled pack rat – especial- Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is a mo- When I told Dad, he grunted, “That and fifty cents will my efforts to find work. Soon I was getting a great deal ly when it comes to tivational speaker and humorist. get you a cup of coffee.” He passed away shortly after more freelance work. Enough that I was able to quit things I’ve written!). He works with companies that that, but his words echoed in the back of my mind for working in restaurants. Enough to make a down pay- It took a while, but I want to be more competitive and years. ment on a house. Then whenever I needed a boost in finally found those old with people who want to think After graduation I searched for a job in writing. At confidence, I would think again of those dozen glowing papers. She was right; like innovators. For more infor- the same time, I wrote short stories like crazy, and sent paragraphs of praise written in bright red ink at the top there were no para- mation on his programs please visit www.jumpstartyourmeet- them off to dozens of magazines. Years passed and I of my essay papers. graphs. And, there was ing.com. failed to find a job in writing, so I supported myself by Suddenly everything seemed to gel. I sold my first far less than a dozen waiting tables and bartending. Meanwhile, rejection book; I won several very important advertising awards; – only two. About the letters from the magazines began piling up, and I was and three colleges were asking me to teach a class in only thing I remembered correctly was the bright red beginning to get discouraged. copywriting. I was feeling very grateful and once again ink. I did, however, rate more than one or two words. On Then one day, I met a friend for a beer in a bar near the thought of my ninth grade English teacher and those the first one she wrote, “Nicely written – well thought campus of my alma mater. When I visited the restroom, glowing paragraphs of praise written in bright red ink. out.” On the other, “Good Sense of Humor!” some graffiti written on the wall with an arrow point- I decided to look her up and give her a call. Nine words. Nine little words that were so heartening ing to the toilet paper dispenser caught my eye. It read: When I got her on the phone my first shock was that that over the next 15 years they grew into hundreds in “Bachelor of Arts Degrees – take only one, please!” she did not remember me. I was certain I had been one my mind. Nine words that motivated me to stick to my Rather than laugh, I grimaced and thought, “Boy, does of her favorites. My second was when she told me that dreams. My point? Even the least bit of praise can be that sound like my Dad.” she never wrote paragraphs of praise. “There were powerfully motivating. So, don’t keep it in – use your Five years had gone by, and other than a few freelance simply too many papers to grade to write more than a power! jobs writing advertising copy, I had not made a penny word or two,” She said. “I would write ‘Nice Work’ or

NFCA Camp Network TOPRECRUIT It’s Free and Your the NFCA’s camp magazine power of pitchers QUIZ: Campers Will Love It! are you trying too hard? Coaches Be a part of the NFCA Camp Network — an NFCA member benefit at no cost to you! Stacy Just reply to our email for your camp dates and details, and the NFCA May-Johnson living proof will publicize the information on NFCA.org and in Fastpitch Delivery. for never giving up In addition, we will provide your campers complimentary copies of our popular youth recruiting publication Top Recruit. 100 days to noticeable Top Recruit is an annual publication that was first published in May improvement of 2006. Containing fun and educational softball articles, Top Recruit has become a big hit in the youth softball community. A primary focus of the publication is to get accurate recruiting information out to scholarship volume 7: 2012 hazards recruitable student-athletes. For more information on the NFCA Camp to avoid Network, email [email protected]. to sign up, visit surveymonkey.com/s/campnetwork2012 FD April 2012 Fastpitch Delivery Page 17

NFCA instructional CORNER What Would Happen If We Truly Focused on What Was Right With Our Team? – Part II

By ANGELA ROBLES ing a deeper understanding of one another, many team thing they could best contribute, be it on the field or in President/Founder, Forza Institute members from Harvard described how discovering their the dugout? It is a tremendous responsibility as a coach & ELLEN MACADAM strengths, and sharing them with their team, served as to facilitate the development of each individual player 2011 Ivy League Player of the Year a platform to better communicate with their teammates while also cultivating a functioning and healthy team. It and coaches. The strengths-based philosophy was seen begins with looking at what is right and then capitalizing as a catalyst for some players to experience a new level on that foundation. This is the second in a two-part series. Look for the first part in of communication among the team. the March issue of FD. Improved team unity The Harvard experience also assisted in building team References: Clifton, D. & Anderson, E. (2002). StrengthsQuest: Life application cohesion, closeness, and unity. Players were able to build Discover and develop your strengths in academics, career, and Just as the strengths-based approach can be readily on each other to form a more cohesive unit. One team beyond. The Gallup Organization: Washington, D.C. applied to individual athletics, the CSF equips athletes Schreiner, L. A. (2006). A technical report on the Clifton member explains, “I think seeing the schema of the total StrengthsFinder with college students. Retrieved Febru- with tools that they can continue to use throughout their team’s strengths is powerful. Realizing what a team has ary 23, 2008, from https://www.strengthsquest.com/ lives; “Even after I’ve finished my college athletics in the group and what the team needs to develop is very Content/?CI=25195. experience, I’m still using my strengths assessment. It important to help the group function better and realize changed the way I look at the world.” As one athlete their potential as a unit.” Team members expressed that In the past four years, a number of sport teams have begun states, “The knowledge you gain about yourself from this the impact on their cohesion was immediate; “Something using the concept of “discovering one’s strengths” in order to experience applies to every area of your life – not just changed after that meeting. There was a feeling that we create a more efficient team. The idea of using a strengths- sports. I now recognize immediately when I am using were actually a team – a group of individuals who put based philosophy with athletic teams initially evolved through my top strengths. When I feel lost or confused, I try to our differences aside and build off of each other to form a doctoral dissertation, which was based on researching elite focus on my strengths and how I can use them to guide a cohesive unit. We were not a team simply because we female softball players and their perceptions of the CSF. The me in the right direction. It almost always comforts me had all been put together by our coaches.” findings from this dissertation have since evolved into a frame- work for creating the Forza Institute, LLC. The Forza Institute and helps me improve my performance and excel in all Implications for Coaches has worked with teams of all competitive levels using the CSF areas of my life.” Coaches and athletes who strive for excellence and to as a tool for maximizing individual potential and increasing Team Benefits maximize their potential can apply the strengths-based overall team chemistry. As of 2012, the Forza Institute has Many times athletes find themselves asking the ques- philosophy to their team and individual professional worked with a variety of teams that include: Washington, tion: Who am I on this team? What is my role? How do development. A critical aspect for coaches to realize Arizona, Notre Dame, Cal State Fullerton, San Diego State, UC I personally contribute to this team? On many teams, a is that no two athletes are identical; each individual is Davis, Pacific, and others. select few individuals emerge who are chosen to be cap- comprised of their own unique giftedness. Each athlete tains, while others who experience very little playing time “ticks” differently, flourishes under different types of QUESTION OF THE MONTH usually “sit the bench.” Nearly every other team member relationships, and prefers different styles of communica- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7 falls somewhere inbetween these two classifications. tion. It would serve teams well to know how players are Often this scaffolding of team roles negatively affects built and what strengths they have. The strengths-based Fall down seven times, stand up eight. team communication and overall cohesion. Coaches philosophy enables coaches to identify which players When good enough, isn’t. often address this issue by using a variety of strategies would be most effective in certain leadership roles on Bill Beckham in an effort to develop team cohesion. the team. This may also provide coaches with a way to With the Harvard team, the overarching team benefits establish leadership roles for even their non-starters and Every success is built on a thousand failures. of using the CSF and team training directly corresponded injured players. Finally, the strengths philosophy enables Ken Jones to these complex issues. The team reported that the coaches to better understand the leadership styles of their strengths-based philosophy brought about increased top players and have greater opportunity to maximize Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s cour- understanding within the team and improved commu- their potential. age that counts. -John Wooden nication between team members. The process of learn- Oftentimes, team members can be misunderstood Heart is the difference between those who attempt and ing one’s strengths, and learning the strengths of one’s because of their strengths. Based on the feedback from those who achieve.-unknown teammates, also helped establish clearer team roles and participants in this study, the strengths-based philosophy LeAnn Jenkins increase overall team unity. could assist teams in creating a culture of understanding Indiana Xtreme 2000 Developed understanding and respect among team members, which ultimately One athlete in particular shares, “I think knowing each would bring greater cohesion to a team. Individual When you have a true desire to play, excelling is no other’s strengths advances the ability of a team to work athletes would also benefit from knowing what type of longer hard work. together. It gives you an understanding of how your strengths they have and how to best utilize them in order Sue Oran teammates think about things, which helps to know how to experience the greatest success. Strictly Sports Productions LLC / Strictly Softball (OR) to communicate efficiently with them.” Female athletes Conclusions in general tend to be more emotionally charged; by un- The initial question then becomes even more signifi- Do more than belong, believe and dream. Do more derstanding the strengths-based philosophy as a concept, cant; “What would happen if we truly focused on what than participate, practice and work. Be empowered. players were able to identify a greater understanding of was right with our team?” It begins with providing -William Arthur Ward their teammates. one’s team an opportunity to discover what is right and Joanna E. Lane Increased communication extraordinary, not only with the team as a whole, but Central Michigan University After the team training, the Harvard team reported be- also with each individual athlete. Can you imagine what ing able to communicate more effectively and understand would happen if, as coaches, we empowered every one When you want to succeed as bad as you want to each other’s actions and behaviors. Interactions between of our athletes with the confidence of knowing what they breathe, then you will be successful! - Eric Thomas teammates began to improve and the team was able to were innately great at doing? What would your team Stacy Birk work together more productively. In addition to gain- be like if every individual player took ownership of the University at Albany SEE NEWS & NOTES PAGE 19 FD Page 18 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012

NFCA instructional CORNER True Colors Assessments – Getting Results with Colorful Language By DONNA MARTIN however, can open the doors to understanding your play- she has Olivia involved in the step-by-step demonstra- True Colors Facilitator, Northern Illinois University ers, staff and, most importantly yourself. tion? Put a Gold player first in line and have Olivia follow What Color are Your Glasses? that teammate? Now that Olivia knows Coach is Gold, In short, after completing the TC assessment tools, she needs to buckle down and pay attention to all the Do these scenarios sound familiar? the four colors will be listed in order of preference. Your instructions or not be first in line! Olivia Orangemen seems to tune Coach out after five “brightest” color characteristics are those that you are Personality temperament preferences are as natural minutes. She is not able to follow directions in a team most comfortable with, and the “palest” color’s charac- to us as writing our name. Understanding how we “see” fielding drill. teristics are those with which you struggle the most. A the world and how that might not be the preferred way Glenda Goldberg, the assistant coach, wants to know brief summary of the TC characteristics include: that others “see” the world can be helpful in explaining exactly what will be happening in practice every day. • Blue Characteristics: genuine, relationship-oriented, some of our communication and relationship gaps with How long will it run? What drills are we doing? How affectionate, authentic, compassionate team members, staff and administrators. We can grow as many reps? • Gold Characteristics: responsible, dependable, pur- a team if we are better communicators, if we understand Brenda Bluestreak wants to know everything about poseful, traditional, loyal, rules-oriented our differences and that they are not deliberate attacks on everyone. She also seems to quickly become emotional • Green Characteristics: competent, accurate, re- each other, but are merely different ways of handling the during times of high stress. served, inventive, knowledge-seeking, efficient same information. Our group might also use the colors Grace Greenway is always asking why. Why do we do • Orange Characteristics: free, spontaneous, impetu- as a “safe” language to approach teammates and staff cutoffs like this? Why do we have to bunt with our hands ous, action-oriented, risk-taker, multi-tasker about issues, such as, “You are being annoyingly Green together? Why do we have to do this drill so many times? The knowledge gained by determining players’ and right now” to gently remind a teammate to stop being so Do any of these scenarios bring moments of frustration staff’s color spectrums will allow for a better understand- analytical. Our TC knowledge can also be used to better to you? Especially if done repeatedly? ing of why the actions of some are so frustrating and match team roles to the strengths of the color personali- Personality Typing and Communication why your own actions may be frustrating to others! This ties. For example, the job of picking your opponent’s While there might be a generational communication simple assessment can help explain these frustrations and signs would be best for a bench player who is Green, gap, I would like to invite you to consider the possibil- open the door to more understanding and better use of whereas, providing entertainment for your recruits might ity that the behaviors above are influenced by people’s the strengths of each personality type. be left to your Oranges! preferences in how they process information. Communi- For example, let’s return to the example of Olivia Speaking of recruiting, with all of the NCAA regula- cation is our ability to both give and receive information, tuning out her coach. Olivia is an Orange personality, tions limiting contact with recruits and the earlier timeta- and personality temperament is an important part of this which means she likes action, flexibility, multi-tasking ble of commitments, it’s harder and harder to really know process. Communication problems with others may arise and is easily distracted. Coach is a Gold personality, your incoming freshmen. A True Colors assessment may when your temperament is different from that of your which means she prefers order, rules, lists, loyalty and be a useful tool to help with their transition to college. team or co-workers! has a strong sense of right and wrong. So in this scenario, It might also be a tool to help insure that your group has There are several personality temperament tools avail- Coach has planned exactly how the drill is to be executed the amount and type of personality diversity you seek. able such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), and the rotation of the players and has explained this to There are many benefits of sharing the True Colors Kiersey Temperament Sorter (KTS) and True Colors the team. Olivia has heard the most interesting part – the experience with your team and staff, only a few of which International Word & Card Sort Assessments (TC), to execution – in the first minute or two and has moved on have been discussed here. A True Colors Facilitator name a few. I have used both the MBTI and KTS with my to “let’s get this show on the road,” or possibly during will help you get the full benefit of this knowledge and past teams and staffs and they are both very good tools. the explanation she was distracted by someone driving promote the growth of your group. You can find more However, I have grown to prefer the True Colors model. past the field and misses the last part of the directions. in-depth information at the True Colors International With the TC model, colors (blue, gold, green, orange) She jumps to the front of the line to start the drill and website, www.true-colors.com. It is there that you can are used to represent the four most common personality proceeds to totally mess up the drill’s rotation! Coach is also inquire about a True Colors Facilitator in your area. styles. The True Colors assessment seems to be easier to frustrated and probably a little angry, and Olivia looks comprehend and therefore more applicable to everyday like a screw-up to her teammates (especially the Gold Martin is a True Colors Facilitator at Northern Illinois University life. This is important when assessing players and staff. and Green ones). and a former NIU head and assistant softball coach. For more The TC assessment tools are very simple and take less Perhaps with an understanding of color personalities, information, contact Martin by email at [email protected]. than 30 minutes to complete. The information gathered, Coach could make her explanations shorter? Make sure

Timeline Terry Wagner, Cedarburg HS (WI) ALL-AMERICAN INFORMATION 4/23 NFCA sends out All-American information SOUTH REGION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 4/30 Nomination forms available online Kari Akin, Ravenwood High School (TN) 6/14 last day to nominate players Mike Lambros, North Davidson HS (NC) 6/21 All-Region teams announced Sherilyn Mueller, Evangel Christian Academy (LA)* COMMITTEE CHAIRS 6/26 All-America team announced Joe Lee, Chatham High School (VA) Michelle Daddona, Riverside CC Regional Representatives Jennifer Bocanegra, San Antonio Harlandale High School (TX) Donna Runyon, Ohlone College Overall Chair - Sherilyn Mueller, Evangel Christian Academy (LA)* SOUTH CENTRAL REGION NWAACC EAST REGION Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School (TX) John F. Keyes, Falmouth High School (ME)* Kevin Halley, St. Pius X High School (MO) Timeline Keith Heinemann, Morris Knolls High School (NJ) Jody Morgan, Victoria East High School (TX)* 5/1 Nomination forms emailed Mike Curro, Oneida HS (NY) Brenda Holaday, Washburn Rural High School (KS) 5/13 Completed Nomination forms due to chair Joelle Della Volpe, Hackensack HS (NJ) Frank Barnes, Olathe North HS (KS) 5/13 AA ballots emailed to coaches LuAnne Zullo, Nutley HS (NJ) WEST REGION 5/14 AA ballots due back to chair NORTH REGION Scott Hoffmeyer, Basha High School (AZ)* 5/17 AA Team announced at NWAACC championships Darwin Tolzin, Brookings High School (ND) Robert Shorts, Desert Edge High School (AZ) COMMITTEE CHAIR Perry Peterson, Barrington High School (IL) Gary Wallin, Thousand Oaks High School (CA) Mike Staudenmaier, Walla Walla CC Charles Tackett, Tippecanoe High School (OH)* Kevin Werth, Piedra Vista High School (NM) High School Greg Clark, Loogootee HS (IN) Becky Barris, Winslow High School (AZ) FD EXTRAS Fastpitch Delivery • April 2012 • Page 19

DRILLS QUES. OF THE MONTH to be proud and confident. If we magnified blessings as much as CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 we magnify disappointments, we would all be much happier. OVERALL Ken Betz By EMILLY GOOD The challenge is great, but the oppor- Ashburn Shooting Stars 18U Gold Head Coach, Carmel High School (IN) tunity is greater. Those that invest the most surrender Leslie Huntington last. Name of Drill: Beat Ball Wisconsin-Eau Claire Michell Vlahos UC Riverside People may doubt what you say, but Purpose: they will always believe what you do! THE WOLF Throwing accuracy, communication, and baserunning come into play Scott Hoffmeyer Now is the Law of the Jungle – in this game. It's a fun way to create competition/pressure among the Basha High School (AZ) as old and true as the sky; team. And the wolf that shall keep it may My favorite motivational quote for prosper, but the wolf that Explanation: older softball players comes from Vince shall break it must die. Make two teams with about seven kids on each. One team runs the Lombardi: We will chase perfection, As the creeper that girdles the tree- bases; the other team places a person at each infield base. Include and we will chase it relentlessly, know- trunk, the Law runneth a pitcher and catcher. Extra fielders can back up or rotate into the ing all the while we can never attain it. forward and back – action after each throw. Play begins with the pitcher throwing the But along the way, we shall catch excel- For the strength of the pack is the ball to the catcher, who then throws to first base. This person must lence. I think this represents not only wolf, and the strength a great quote to rally around, but also a of the wolf is the pack. tag the base with their foot before throwing to second base, and so goal to shoot for. It emphasizes the get- -Rudyard Kipling on, until the ball reaches home plate. Simultaneously, the first runner, better-every-day concept as well, which is Lisa Navas who starts at first base, sprints around the bases in an effort to "beat" what I emphasize more with the younger NC State the ball home. If successful, a run is scored; otherwise, an out is called. softball players (10U/12U). After three outs, the teams change positions and the game continues. Rick Anderson The best way to predict your future is Oregon Silver Bullets to create it. Kathy Strahan It’s supposed to be fun – the man says Sacramento State “play ball!” not “work ball!,” you know. - Willie Stargell (former Pittsburgh Pirate You can’t make a great play unless you and Hall of Famer) do it first in practice. -Chuck Noll l MEASURE THE SPIN MASTER THE SPINtm Scot Thomas Rob Kersch Virginia Tech Warsaw HS “Without a doubt the best training tool I have Do or Do Not. There is no try. -Yoda to In order to have what you’ve never had, ever used in my pitching instructions!” Luke Sky Walker you must do what you’ve never done. Sarah Pauly Teresa Machu Amy Kvilhaug St. John’s University Pitcher, National Pro Fastpitch Good is the enemy of great. Amanda Lehotak Try easier. I don’t know who said it, University of Texas at San Antonio but sometimes one can overemphasize the physical effort part and not put stock When you are in a hole, stop digging. enough of the mental focus and emotional Darci Brownell relaxation involved in completing a task Sierra College with excellence on a consistent basis. Measure Spin & Speed! Julie Kennedy Keep The Promise. Each player on the Southeastern Louisiana University team made a PROMISE to her teammates to always play to the best of your ability Don’t let the fear of striking out keep and always give 110 percent. you from swinging the bat. Pete Sandelier Ken Delcambre Learn more at SJ Mystics Elite 18U Galveston College www.RevFire.com Never be afraid to try something new. Good enough is the enemy of excel- Remember, amateurs built the ark. Pro- lence. Perfect practice will result in fessionals built the Titanic. optimum play on the field. Angela Froboese Len Maltese Southwestern University Hillside High School EDITOR'S NOTE: Look for additional Coach Wooden quotes: Earn the right answers in future editions of FD.FD Page 20 Fastpitch Delivery April 2012 Bulletin Board

JOBS WANTED Attention all NFCA Member High School Coaches It’s once again time for the NFCA All-Region/All-American and Coaching Staff of the GRADUATE ASSISTANT POSITION WANTED Year awards selections. All-Region first and second teams are chosen by the members A Ball State University pitcher (graduating in 2012) would like to find a Graduate As- of each NFCA Regional committee for their respective regions. Those players selected sistant position for the 2012-13 season. She is a four-year starter and is an experienced to an all-region first team are then submitted to the national selection committee pitching instructor. If interested, please contact assistant coach Stephanie DeFeo at for consideration for the All-America first, second and honorable mention teams. The [email protected] or 765-285-3703. national selection committee is made up of the five NFCA regional committee chairs. OTHER The nomination form will be available online April 30 (last day for nominations is June 14, 5 p.m. Eastern time). To reach the nomination area, log in on the front page of NORTH PLATTE TO HOST 2012 ASA 16U NORTHERN the NFCA website, using your email as your login and your individual password. If you North Platte, Nebraska, is hosting the 2012 ASA 16U Northern National Fastpitch don’t know your password, you can have it emailed to you by clicking on “Forgot your Championship Tournament August 1-5 and invites college coaches to attend. Take password” underneath the login area. Once logged in, click on “My Coach’s Box,” and advantage of these benefits: then on “All-Region/All-American” on the left-hand-side. After clicking, you will see the • FREE PASS to all games for all college coaches nomination form link. • FREE PLAYER PROFILE BOOKLET given to all coaches in attendance Please note, nominees should be from your high school team and must meet the player • Players showcasing their skills will wear a wristband indicating year of graduation minimum statistics listed in the nomination procedures to be eligible to be considered Go to www.staynorthplatte.com/2012NorthernNationals to book your room now. For by the committee(s). more tournament information email [email protected]. To view the nomination procedures and statistical requirements you can NFCA go to the following link: http://nfca.org/web_docs/AllAmericanCSOY/ NFCA WILL HOST SUMMER TOP RECRUIT TOURNAMENT IN JULY OF 2012 HS/2012HighSchoolNominating%20Procedures.pdf The NFCA will hold its first summer recruiting tournament July 20-22, 2012, in Round A copy of the 2012 Timeline can be found at this link: http://nfca.org/web_docs/Al- Rock, Texas (30 miles north of Austin). More information can be found by visiting nfca. lAmericanCSOY/HS/2012NFCAHigh%20SchoolTimeline.pdf org, and under "NFCA Events" there will be a link to "Top Recruit Tournaments." College A listing of the Regions can be found here: http://nfca.org/web_docs/AllAmericanC- coach registration is now open! Please contact Jen Goodwin at 617/302-6322 or jen@ SOY/HS/2012NFCAHighSchoolRegions.pdf nfca.org if you have additional questions.

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