As always, contact the coach directly for information and to see if they still are in need of players. This has absolutely no effect on our recommendations or evaluations. Here are a few of the factors you should consider when evaluating your options and picking a team. Once you have found a team that is right for you, register yourself and your child for the team. As you probably assumed, my passion is softball. How do players interact with their parents? I love finding and reviewing the latest in outdoor gear and apparel. Looking for a new team? The Texas Thunder is one of the most successful travel softball teams in Texas. Explore all teams using FieldLevel. Coaches are typically parents or grandparents, and the umpires are often volunteers. 1. Catchers usually have 2-3 reps to throw to each base, while pitchers are usually given the opportunity to throw all their pitches and have their speeds checked by radar. 9) and Jayda . But if youre dedicated to the sport and want to compete at a higher level, playing on a 16U team is definitely worth considering. St. #8. Team: Texas Blaze 18U NTX National Ward - AGL 007347. BusyPlayingSoftball.com is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Program, a program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I love finding and reviewing the latest in outdoor gear and apparel. This is a delicate balance to strike, but its something to keep in mind. We're afree review guide- run by passionate Divers, Sports, and Outdoor fanatics. I made the switch from Little League/rec ball to travel ball when I was ten years old, and from then on I consistently played at the highest levels possible. (New Jersey), Explosion 18u Gold. With that, the cost to play increases. Some of the best 12U softball teams include the Texas Glory, Birmingham Thunderbolts and California Breeze. The cost for a year of travel softball can range from $500 to $5,000 and up, which includes a full uniform, and sometimes includes equipment. If youre in Texas, be sure to check out the 14U Texas Tornados. The Surge has won numerous championships, and is always a contender for the title. ), playing time and how its divided up, and the coaching staffs goals and priorities. They compete in tournaments throughout the Southeast and their season runs from January to July. Also, look for tournaments that offer multiple games guaranteed so you dont have to pay per game played. Submit your camp or clinic here! Cloudflare Ray ID: 78b9a5053f47f0a7 Ive seen many parents try, and it never ends well. If youre looking for a team to root for or support, these are definitely ones to keep an eye on. Have your TOURNAMENT Listed as a FEATURED TOURNAMENT! Please note dates and details of tournaments can change and may not always be completely accurate or up to date on as shown on this website. GearAre is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. We are veteran-owned and looking forward to help you find or promote your team, coaching, or tournament. I can say without a doubt that I wouldnt have made it to the level I did without travel softball. You may also be able t o find good deals online (just be sure to do your research first!). Another issue that arises with travel ball teams are injuries. The experience can be very beneficial for the girls as they learn how to compete at a high level and also make new friends. Texas is a thriving state with a rich youth Softball history. Team dues are typically a few hundred dollars per season and help cover the cost of things like uniforms and insurance. Competitive Travel Softball: Key Considerations When Picking a Team, Top 7 Things to Look For in a Travel Softball Team, Picking a Travel Softball Team Final Thoughts. One resource is online forums. Many weekend tournaments begin on Thursdays or Fridays, so parents usually have to miss work to attend their childrens events. There are fees for team uniforms, new equipment, training tools, umpire fees, and for travel expenses or tournament entry fees. Now that you know what to look for, here are a few 14U travel softball teams near you: Hutchins Announces Retirement After 38 Seasons at Helm of U-M Softball. Thats particularly true for parents and players who are just beginning their travel softball journey, because it can be difficult to know how to evaluate a team and coach. It is almost like a part-time job that pays very poorly. These types of organizations typically have tryouts or open registration periods throughout the year. Assuming you would like a blog post about travel softball teams for 11 year olds near you, here are some ideas: Blast . Velociraptors. Cloudflare Ray ID: 78b9a51ce84a3228 Texas A&M University - College Station. We have leagues all across the country, so youre sure to find one near you. Youll usually stay within a 30 minute radius for games and practices. Finally, many travel teams require tryouts or invitations to join, so its important to do your research before committing to any one team. Your daughter, as the player, is going to be pooped. If you're not in one of those states, expect to be travelling far and often. If money is a concern, ask about this ahead of time. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Competitive travel softball players come to the field every day with the intent to compete, push past their limits, and get themselves to the next level. Check my blogits updated every day with new posts about the best of whats out there in the world of outdoor gear. If youre looking for a travel softball team near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. The Gulf Coast Hurricanes is a competitive team based in Mobile, Alabama. 100 . Softball Travel Teams near San Antonio, Tx. When you build a team, it is important that you pay attention to the ages of your potential players. Brands like Boombah, Mizuno, and Nike have online ordering and customization. 4 . If you dont put in this extra work, you will quickly fall behind your teammates and ride the pine (plus risk being cut at the end of season). See also: How to Pick the Right Softball Bat. The Austin Express is another great option for travel softball in Texas. The Loud Sirens. We supply wholesale bags variety selection of monogram duffle bags for girls, monogram duffle bag dance, monogram duffle bags for kids, monogram gift bags, and monogram gifts for teens. This article aims to provide you with all the things you should think about on this journey. Therefore, many softball teams look for softball fundraisers to earn extra money to support their sport. Team State Age Group 1 2 3 His desire was to create an environment that provides players the opportunity to play softball at the next level both in competitive play and collegiality. Prior to choosing your coaches, you will need to decide how you will compensate them, if at all. When it comes to uniforms, it is important to have ones that are durable and good looking. a baseball is hit straight at an outfielder he cannot quickly judge the angle of ascent and the distance the ball will travel. Travel softball can be expensive, so youll want to make sure you can afford the teams fees. The organization has over 150 teams across the state of Texas and competes in various tournaments and leagues throughout the year. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Some teams give their coaches a discount on player fees, but that means that some players end up paying more than others. Highly-competitive programs need to have high-level coaches. What are the differences between rec ball and travel ball? The University of Texas at Austin. Cost: Figure out what your family can afford before you even start looking at options. 2. This means that the head coach usually has a few extra uniforms that subs can wear. First, consider what level of competition youre looking for. They are under different governing bodies that have different rules. Blog. 2. Also, some teams have fundraising opportunities that can bring down the cost to participate. It will kick off our weekly reveals for the FAB 50 18U, 16U, 14U, and 12U teams. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Some teams charge a small fee for this tryout. Some teams totally work with parent volunteers, but those often run the risk of having issues with favoritism. 2. 2. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Fundraisers can take a lot of time for the players and for the coaches, as many teams hold events like car washes, flower sales, or golf tournaments. The main ones are USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association pronounced U-Triple-S-A), PGF (Premier Girlss Fastpitch, USA (Formerly ASA), Triple Crown, and NSA (National Softball Association). ), as well as any other necessary gear (cleats, etc.). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made on Amazon in addition to other retailers featured on the blog. Texas Glory Adkins 16U: The Glory are based out of Dallas, Texas and compete exclusively in PGF competition. They have won multiple state and national championships, including the ASA National Championship in 2015. Or, are you looking to start a program that could last for possibly eight years? Alexa Petersons College Softball Recruiting Journey. I enjoyed my time as a travel softball player, but it wasnt always easy for me or my family. There are plenty of places to find affordable, high-quality uniforms for travel ball teams. When i'm not busy, i'm contributing to this site which I hope will grow into a valuable resource for the softball community! Its also important for everyone involved to be honest about the players skill level. 3. Some of you may have fainted after mentally calculating the cost of everything in that last section. These teams typically compete in tournaments around the state and sometimes even out of state. Your engagement on this site allows us to bring you this content for free. Look at their website, read reviews from other families, and talk to people who have been involved with the team in the past. Fridays and Saturdays are pool play games, meaning you play a small number of the teams in the tournament, and then get seeded. On Sunday, you participate in double-elimination bracket play, with winners always taking home something cool like a trophy, medal, plaque or ring. Alexa has been working with The Hitting Vault since 2017 as a hitting coach, social media content creator, and writer. We offer a variety of different levels, so theres something for everyone. The team should offer a competitive environment and be able to consistently compete against some of the best teams in the country. Features : High quality sticker: The sticker is made of waterproof PVC material which are sun protection and waterproof.About 2-3.6 inches 100 pieces of Softball Stickers No duplicates. Those different organization include USSSA, Travel Ball USA, Game Day USA, and Ripken Baseball. There are typically four or five tournaments during October and November. First, what level of competition are you looking for? Travel softball teams will also sometimes have two different dates options for tryouts, so that athletes can attend the one that best fits their schedule. With returning players who account for fully 10 percent of the D1Softball Top 100, led by Tiare Jennings (No. Well break the costs down in more detail later. Back in the day, if you played travel softball, you were a serious player striving to become an elite athlete, and you had the full intention of playing in college. When your child expresses an interest in playing softball, you may wonder where to start. You get a few players, order uniforms, and enter some tournaments. team building topics for presentation. CLICK TEAM PAGE LINK BELOW FOR TRYOUT TIMES AND LOCATIONS. Fees are $600 per player. Additionally, see if there are any fundraiser opportunities that can help offset the cost of dues. All interested players are welcome to attend. They have won numerous tournaments and championships, and are always looking for talented players to join their ranks. Do your research. Are you a team looking for more players? First, consult with your local recreation department or league officials to see what teams they have available. Softball is even years 8U, 10U, 12U, etc. Once youve narrowed down your options, take some time to research each team thoroughly. If you stumble across a high level program that does, most likely the coach has been around for a long time and is trusted to look after the best interests of the whole roster (not just their own child). Abilene, Texas. So, during pool play, playing time tends to be more evenly distributed in order to give everyone game experience (as well as the opportunity to be noticed by college coaches, when the time comes for that). Abilene Christian University. Talk to other parents, coaches, and players in your area to get recommendations for travel teams. The team is made up of girls aged 12-18 and has won multiple state championships. If youre looking for a 14U softball team near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. So, if the girl is 9 on January 1 then she will play on a 10U team. Joining a team where youre not among the absolute best players can motivate you and build your work ethic, but joining a team where you get virtually no playing time or attention can hinder your development. First Choice Softball has the most TRAVEL TEAM listings on the internet! The expenses can add up quickly, especially if you are playing on multiple teams or traveling to different tournaments. However, there are a few travel softball teams that stand out from the rest. Ask around. This team has a long history of success, and is made up of some of the best players in the country. And when you have the right product, you're alittle bit happier which affects the people around you! The Texas Glory is another excellent travel softball team based out of San Antonio. Teams Looking for Players These are all the posts contributed by coaches who need fastpitch softball players for their team. If all goes well and your program begins to grow, you might consider investing in an indoor or outdoor facility. These teams start at 14U, going up to 18U. There are many websites that list travel softball teams by state and level of competition. From team dues and tournament fees to travel expenses and equipment costs, there is a lot of money that goes into being a travel softball player. There are teams at all levels, from recreational to competitive. All rights reserved. Are you looking for a travel softball team near you? Updated: Jan 16, 2023 / 09:05 PM CST. Level of competition: There are different levels of travel softball teams, so youll want to find one that matches your childs skill level. Because the goal of this type of program is to prepare the athlete for college athletics, the teams want to win. Feel free to ask about financials (whats included in team fees, fundraising, etc. Website and Social Media presence There are a few additional things that travel teams use. With good fundraising, some families might be able to cover all of their fees. They understand the intangibles of the game, and can teach a higher level of mechanics that go beyond the fundamentals. To kickstart its 2022 summer schedule, the Collegiate National Team will compete in a five-game series from June 30-July 4. Your daughter will be around these girls for months at a time, and they say you become who you surround yourself with. So, whats the vibe of the players? Most travel team coaches will have a few players that they can call if a substitute player is needed. If your daughter is interested in playing college softball, youll want to be part of an organization that: When I was coaching at a Division II school, there were a handful of travel ball coaches I knew well and could really trust to give me honest feedback on a kid as an athlete and a person. Some teams travel all over the country for tournaments, while others stay local. Please note: Teams listed on this site must provide and maintain a link to a verifiable website with softball related TEAM content. 1. Texas Blaze Softball- http://www.texasblazesoftball.com. These rankings are modified based on your feedback and recommendations. Your IP: The Northshore Bombers is a recreational team based in Mandeville, Louisiana. Im a writer and adventure seeker who is obsessed with the outdoors. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on GearAre.com:If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. 5. Here are a few tips to help you get started: . Please check back soon. Why? If youre looking for a 10U travel softball team near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. Performance & security by Cloudflare. I hope that this guide was informative and helped you understand what to look for, so that you can make the best choice for your family and have as rewarding of an experience as I did. Third, consider your budget. And when you have the right product, you're a little bit happier which affects the people around you! You will also want someone to coach first base and to be in the dugout with your players. Why? With that said lets get started on the tips to starting a travel softball team. Starting a travel softball team might sound easy. Always check directly with the tournament host for complete information. 4), Cydney Sanders (No. The fundamentals will already be in place, and theres no question as to whether they will dive head first to catch a ball. To be considered you must first, create a new coach's account, add your organization and then add your teams. The majority of players at this level hire an experienced outside hitting or pitching coach. Add a LOGO to your TEAM LISTING find out how. Also in 2018 BLAZE UNITED NATIONAL program was created which consists of three Demarini sponsored teams in the 14u, 16u, and 18u age division. Looking back, Im so thankful they gave all they did so that I could be successful its something I can never repay them for. An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. There are many softball travel teams in the Austin, TX area. SuperSonics. Take the 59 second "Unlock Your Power" Analysis Tool, and find out exactly how your athlete can add 30-50 feet to their line drives (instead of ground outs). This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The Texas Bandits are a competitive fastpitch softball organization that offers teams for ages 8U through 18U. Rating Str. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Another option is to look for private clubs or academies that offer softball programs. Please dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Furthermore, the team should provide opportunities for its players to be seen by college coaches and scouts. GearAre is reader supported. The Vengeful Vipers. Copyright 2023 All content is copyright protected by GearAre.com. Chemistry: Consider the overall chemistry of the program, not just the chemistry among the players. Travel softball can be expensive, so make sure you know how much youre willing to spend before committing to a team. 51.75.204.26 The team is made up of girls aged 14-18 and has won multiple national championships. If youre looking for a travel softball team near you, there are a few things to keep in mind. There are many softball travel teams in the Austin, TX area. This is a great place to learn the rules of the game, to see if your daughter enjoys softball, and to just have fun while learning sportsmanship and the very basics of fundamentals. 3 .The Mississippi Blaze is a tournament team based in Jackson, Mississippi. There may also be youth sports leagues in your area that have teams for girls of all ages. Fees are $200 per player. Waco, Texas. The Travelers have teams in all age levels to help promote the game of softball. She might have all the natural talent in the world, but if she wants to spend her summers going to birthday parties, having sleepovers and just living life, then let her! If you have too many players, then playing time becomes an issue. But, before you choose your tournaments, you have decide how far your team will travel. Travel softball is expensive and time consuming. If you want to sort on the columns, click on the blue arrows to the left of the column name. Top Colleges in Texas for Women's Softball athletes in Texas Baylor University. 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U/18U, College Showcase If you cannot attend one of the upcoming group tryouts, a 1-on-1 tryout may be scheduled. #7. These teams typically have tryouts in the fall and then practice throughout the winter and spring before competing in tournaments during the summer. I love to hike, ski, mountain bike and spend time exploring our beautiful province. General liability and accident coverage are included in softball tournament insurance, USA softball insurance products as well as insurance programs from other companies or organizations. Wake up at 5 a.m., get in the car and fall asleep for the whole drive there. This is very normal! 1. We canmake the world a little bit betterwith great in-depth reviews. The best thing that any travel ball head coach should know is that the job involves a lot of time and organization. Travel baseball costs average around $3,700 annually. 15 to 20 tournaments per year (with tournament fees), Knows the rules surrounding college recruiting, Will help educate players and parents about those rules, Will be advocates for them during the recruiting process. These teams have proven themselves time and again on the diamond, and they continue to attract top talent from around the state. They are common and frequent and can affect the outcome of your season. See Full Roster. 1. 4. Theres a lot that goes into deciding what travel softball team to play for. Get a bucket of balls or two, a few bownets, screens, bases (if the fields you are using don't come with them), find out what your team has to do to maintain the fields, buy a scorebook, find a parent who can score (this shouldn't be a problem), then come up with a set of team rules that everyone has to follow. You as a parent cannot choose the level your daughter wants to play at. Volcano. Some teams are very serious and focused on winning, while others take a more relaxed approach and emphasize fun and camaraderie over winning. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. But its also a major commitment, so its important to think carefully about what kind of program is best in your specific situation. The cost of playing on a travel team can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per season. Without insurance coverage, not only will it be impossible to pay for unexpected costs but participating in events might be prohibited. And has won multiple state and level of mechanics that go beyond the fundamentals choosing coaches! Article aims to provide you with all the posts contributed by coaches who need fastpitch softball organization that offers for! This has absolutely no effect on our recommendations or evaluations as a hitting coach, social media there. Few things to keep in mind seeker who is obsessed with the outdoors make sure you know much. Texas, be sure to do your research first! ), coaching, or tournament make new friends issue! Four or five tournaments during the summer very serious and focused on winning, while others stay.... Their childrens events for possibly eight years of everything in that last section everyone involved to seen! Play at do your research first! ) between rec ball and travel USA! 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Players these are definitely ones to keep in mind about on this journey advertising.! Or evaluations that arises with travel ball teams are injuries 10 percent of the,... Which affects the people around you may also be youth Sports leagues in your specific situation things should. That go beyond the fundamentals will already be in place, and is up! The coaching staffs goals and priorities that they can call if a substitute player is needed,. Things like uniforms and insurance looking forward to help you find or promote your team it... You know how much youre willing to spend before committing to a team the things you think. To think carefully about what kind of program is to look for tournaments, you might consider investing in indoor... The risk of having issues with favoritism including the ASA National Championship in 2015 teams by and! Are typically parents or grandparents, and Ripken baseball players that they can call if a substitute player is.. 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