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Coaching Management VOL. XVII NO. 13

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CONTENTS

Coaching Management Softball Edition 2009 NFCA Convention Issue Vol. XVII, No. 13

Hall of Fame inductee Frank Cheek

Convention Schedule . . . . . 4 List of Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . 13 Products on Display . . . . . 28 More Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Advertisers Directory . . 34 Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Hall of Fame inductee Bill Edwards

Hall of Fame inductee Diane Ninemire

HIGHLIGHTS

Convention Preview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The NFCA hosts its annual convention “For the Love of the Game” … Preconvention seminar focuses on leadership and character … Sue Enquist delivers keynote speech … Top coaches present three days of clinics … Coaches College provides opportunities for educational credits … NFCA inducts Frank Cheek, Bill Edwards, and Diane Ninemire into the Hall of Fame.

COVER STORY

University of Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Head Coach Heather Tarr, Assistant Coach Gina Carbonatto, Assistant Coach Lance Glasoe, and Volunteer Assistant J.T. D’Amico talk about leading the 2009 Huskies to the Women’s College World Series.

Honoring Excellence

2009 Award Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The NFCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year … The NFCA Regional Coaching Staffs of the Year … The 2009 Easton Victory Club Award Winners.

On the cover: After a two-game sweep of the University of Florida, the Huskies celebrate their program’s first national championship. Story begins on page 18. COVER PHOTO: STEVE MOAKLEY/UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ATHLETICS

Publisher Mark Goldberg Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Frankel Associate Editors Dennis Read, Greg Scholand Assistant Editors R.J. Anderson, Kenny Berkowitz, Abigail Funk, Kyle Garratt, Mike Phelps

Marketing Director Sheryl Shaffer Business Manager Pennie Small Art Director Pamela Crawford Administrative Assistant Sharon Barbell Special Projects Dave Wohlhueter

Circulation Director Dave Dubin Circulation Manager John Callaghan Production Director Maria Bise Prepress Manager Neal Betts Assistant Production Director Jim Harper Production Assistant Natalie Couch Ad Materials Coordinator Mike Townsend

Advertising Sales Associates (607) 257-6970 Diedra Harkenrider, ext. 24 Pat Wertman, ext. 21

The Coaching Management softball edition is published in October and December by MAG, Inc. and is distributed free to college and high school coaches in the United States and Canada.

returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Coaching Management, P.O. Box 4806, Ithaca, N.Y. 14852. Printed in the U.S.A.

Mailing lists for Coaching Management Softball are provided by the Clell Wade Coaches Directory.

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2009 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW For the Love of the Game From Dec. 9 through 12 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the NFCA will host its national convention. Besides the regular great features of past conventions—discussions, exhibitors, networking, and clinic sessions—this year’s theme, “For the Love of the Game,” will be a part of all convention activities. Several changes have been made to this year’s event schedule. The golf and tennis tournaments have been moved to the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 8. The pre-convention seminar has been moved to Wednesday morning, Dec. 9, and almost all committee meetings have been scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 9. This will be the eighth year that National Fastpitch Coaches College sessions will be held in conjunction with the convention. Course 401: The Art of Championship Coaching will be held from Dec. 6 to 8. Course 402: Advanced Analysis of Hitting, Pitching, and Short-Game Skills will be held from Dec. 12 to 14.

21st Century Sports Leadership

In the seminar, attendees will: • Define leadership for the 21st century. • Learn 10 characteristics to inspire, empower, and motivate a team.

petition when she makes the convention’s keynote address on Wednesday, Dec. 9. Enquist, who concluded her 27-year career as Head Coach at UCLA in 2006, holds more

and the UCLA Hall of Fame. Enquist is the recipient of multiple National Coach of the Year and Pac-10 Conference Coach of the Year honors. After concluding her MVP playing career at UCLA, Enquist became a world champion and USA National Team coach and player. She played on the first Pan American gold medal team in 1979 and was a member of the USA’s national team coaching pool from 1992 to 1996. Off the field, Enquist has gained a reputation as a dynamic and highly soughtafter motivational speaker. Besides speaking to companies and clinic-goers around the world, she runs seminars for parents, coaches, and players in the United States.

Nashville skyline • Discover a four-step model for ethical decision making. • Practice a conflict resolution process for use on and off the field. • Discuss the concept of “the education of character” and its importance to successful coaches and maximally achieving teams. Keim has published eight books and been a contributing author to three others. His most recent books include The Wit & Wisdom of Dr. Will Keim and Keys to Success in College and Life. He also has six video programs directed toward student character and leadership.

Coaching Clinics national championships (11) than anyone in the history of collegiate softball. Her 887175-1 record and .835 winning percentage make her the all-time leader in Division I coaching, and she is the only person in the history of NCAA softball to win championships as a head coach and a player. Hailed as a “coaching legend” by ESPN, Sue Enquist’s tenure at UCLA produced 65 AllAmericans and 12 Olympians.

The NFCA National Convention clinics will feature some of the top names in the game, starting Thursday, Dec. 10, with NCAA Division I national championship coach Heather Tarr. The Husky coaching staff was named Division I Coaching Staff of the Year, and Tarr will share the ups and downs of the season in “Building a Championship Program.”

Dr. Will Keim, one of the nation’s most sought-after speakers on leadership and character, will lead the preconvention seminar, “Sports Leadership for the 21st Century: Rediscovering and Remembering the Love of the Game,” on Wednesday, Dec. 9.

Keynote Speaker

Keim has spoken to more than two million students, faculty, and staff from 2,000 campuses in all 50 states and most provinces of Canada. His references read like a who’s who, with ESPN commentator and former football coach Lou Holtz saying, “Will Keim is someone committed to excellence, someone who cares about you. When Will Keim speaks, we all should listen.”

Sue Enquist, former UCLA All-American and coaching great, will present the keynote address at this year’s “For the Love of the Game” NFCA National Convention.

The main days of the clinic— Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12—will include speakers from Major League Baseball, the USA National Team, college coaches, and other key experts. Friday’s lineup is highlighted by an on-field demonstration of drills at the Nashville Convention Center, as well as discussions on pitching, catching, slapping, and a choice between “Contracts and Hiring” and “Recruiting Tips for Travel Ball and High School Coaches.”

“Prepare–Love–Honor–The Game” is the philosophy Enquist has built her career on, and as one of the nation’s top motivational speakers, she will articulate her philosophy of life, leadership, and com-

On Saturday, the adidas Roundtable Lunch will offer five topics for discussion. In addition, three sessions will be held on Saturday afternoon, and former Hall of Famers will participate on a panel explor-

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She was inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame in 2006,

Sue Enquist and is also a member of the Women’s Sports Foundation International Hall of Fame

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2009 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW ing the “Love of the Game” theme. Speakers include: • Todd Ballard, Ballard Creative Consulting. Ballard has worked in advertising, marketing, and communications for more than three decades. He has been an award-winning creative director, and over the last 11 years, he has taken an active role in helping the NFCA in rebranding and strategic marketing. • Erica Beach, Assistant Coach, Ohio State University. Beach is in her fourth season as an assistant coach at Ohio

State. Under Beach’s tutelage, OSU pitchers have compiled 73 wins and 21 shutouts in the past two seasons. Her additional duties include working with the catchers and outfielders, as well as handling travel arrangements for the Buckeyes. • Mike Davenport, Head Coach, North Georgia College and State University. Davenport is in his 10th season as Head Coach at North Georgia and his 13th season as a member of the Saints athletics staff. In his coaching career, Daven-

port has led North Georgia to 361 wins and a .727 winning percentage. In 2009, the Saints set a school record with a 50-5 finish. • Bill Edwards, Head Coach, Hofstra University. Edwards is in his 21st season as Head Coach at Hofstra. This past season, Edwards topped the 700-win plateau. His winning percentage of .671 ranks him in the NCAA all-time Top 25. The Pride has reeled off 20 consecutive winning seasons under his guidance, and Edwards and his staff have

taken NFCA regional coaching staff of the year honors eight times. • Kelley Green, Head Coach, Coastal Carolina University. Green is set for her first season as Head Coach at Coastal Carolina. Prior to that, she spent 10 seasons as Head Coach at NCAA Division II’s Lock Haven University. In her final four seasons at LHU, Green led the squad to 208 victories, including the Division II national championship in 2006 and 2009. Her 346 victories rank her as Lock

2009 NFCA Convention Schedule Sunday, December 6 Noon

NFCC Course 401 (through noon Tuesday)

Tuesday, December 8 11 a.m.

Golf Scramble Shotgun Start

Program”—Heather Tarr, Head Coach, University of Washington

4:35 p.m.

“Slapping and the Short Game”—Natasha Watley, Olympian; Pat Murphy, Head Coach, Alabama

Wednesday, December 9 5:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m.

Exhibit Hall Extravaganza “Sports Leadership for the 6:30 p.m. 21st Century: Rediscovering Division I Conference and Remembering the Love Meetings of the Game” Pre-Convention Seminar—Dr. Will Keim, “Passion to Playbook: The noted speaker and author Assistant Coaching Journey”—Sue Enquist, 1:30 p.m. former Head Coach, UCLA Committee Meetings

4 p.m.

9 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 11

General Session Louisville Slugger Reception

Thursday, December 10 7 a.m.

Adams USA Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m.

Diamond Sports Hospitality

7 a.m.

Schutt Sports Continental Breakfast

8 a.m.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes Breakfast Continuation of Business Meetings

General Caucus: “Bat Testing”— NCAA Secretary Rules Editor Dee Abrahamson 9 a.m. Exhibit Hall open until 3 p.m. 9:15 a.m. Caucus/Business Meetings by Group

9:15 a.m.

Schneider, Head Coach, Valparaiso; Bridgette Quimpo, Head Coach, New Jersey City

11:45 a.m.

Mizuno Lunch in Exhibit Hall

Noon

Silent Auction in Exhibit Hall until 2 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

“Receiving and Blocking Drills”—Charlie Greene, Field Coordinator and Catching Instructor, Milwaukee Brewers

3:30 p.m.

“The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born, It’s Grown”— Author Dan Coyle

4:30 p.m.

Double Speaker Session “Contracts and Hiring”— Tracy Warren, Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek Attorneys “Recruiting Tips for Travel Ball and High School Coaches”—Alyson Habetz, Associate Head Coach, Alabama; Leslie Huntington, Head Coach, Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Kelley Green, Head Coach, Coastal Carolina

6:30 p.m.

NFCA Hall of Fame Banquet “Building Pitchers with Back Chain Instruction”—Kaci Saturday, December 12 Clark Zerbe, National Director 8 a.m. Exhibit Hall open until 6:30 of Pitching for Frozen Ropes p.m. Texas Woman’s University Master’s Info Session 10:15 a.m. Noon On-field Demonstration of Easton Victory Club Luncheon 9 a.m. “Drills, Drills, Drills”—Beverly NFCA Coaching Staff of the 1:45 p.m. Smith, Associate Head Coach, Year Brunch Softball Summit: A look at North Carolina; George issues facing the sport 10:30 a.m. Wares, Head Coach, Central adidas Roundtable College; Les Stuedeman, Head Coach, 3:45 p.m. Three time slots: Alabama-Huntsville; Randy “Building a Championship 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and

11 a.m.

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12:30 p.m., with lunch provided at 12:30 p.m. “Coaching Female Athletes”—Jana McGinnis, Head Coach, Jacksonville State; Mike Davenport, Head Coach, North Georgia “The Playground Approach: Helping Athletes Learn to Play for Themselves”—Bill Edwards, Head Coach, Hofstra “Today’s Technology: How Facebook, Twitter, and Other Web Solutions can Help Your Program”—Todd Ballard, Ballard Creative Consulting “Coaching 101: Building a Winning Program”—Darren Mueller, Head Coach, North Dakota State ”For the Love of the Game” Discussion—Hall of Fame panel

1:30 p.m. “Getting the Most from Your Pre-Season Pitching Workouts”—Erica Beach, Assistant Coach, Ohio State

2:30 p.m. “Fundamental Fielding: Playing Through the Ball”—Lauren Lappin, Olympian, Assistant Coach, Northwestern University

3:30 p.m. “Ideas to Help Your Hitters Perform Consistently During the Season”—Cat Heifner, Assistant Coach, New Mexico State

6 p.m. NFCC Course 402 (through noon Monday)

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Haven’s all-time winningest coach. Green and her staff were named national Division

tor, Milwaukee Brewers. A fouryear Major League Baseball player, Greene is presently the

to Blue Jays. In his present position, Greene coordinates scouting within the Brewers’ minor league organizations. • Alyson Habetz, Associate Head Coach, University of Alabama. Habetz is entering her 12th season as an assistant on Head Coach Patrick Murphy’s staff at Alabama. A four-year basketball and softball standout at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now Louisiana-Lafayette), Habetz was a third-team All-American and Academic All-American.

Kelley Green II coaching staff of the year twice, most recently after the 51-6 national title run in 2009. • Charlie Greene, Field Coordinator and Catching Instruc-

Field Coordinator and Catching Instructor for the Milwaukee Brewers. Green had one-year playing stints with the New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Toron-

• Cat Heifner, Associate Head Coach, New Mexico State University. Heifner is in her fifth season as Associate Head Coach and sixth season overall with New Mexico State. Through Heifner’s dedication and expertise, the 2008 softball team set or tied 38 NMSU all-time, single-season, individual, game or career records.

• Leslie Huntington, Head Coach, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Huntington is in her 10th season as Head Coach at Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The highlight of her career was coaching the Blugolds to the 2008 Division III national championship. In 2007, Huntington surpassed JoEllen Bai-

Leslie Huntington

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2009 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW ley as the winningest coach in UW-Eau Claire history. Huntington and her staff have been named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coaching Staff of the Year three times. • Lauren Lappin, USA Olympian and Assistant Coach, Northwestern University. Lappin is in her second season as an assistant coach at Northwestern. Presently on her third stint with the USA National Team, Lappin has been a member of two World Cup championship teams, as well as an Olympic silver medalist in 2008 and Pan American Games gold medalist in 2007. • Jana McGinnis, Head Coach, Jacksonville State University. McGinnis is entering her 17th season as Head Coach at Jacksonville State. This past year, JSU rewrote the school record book, finishing 43-16 and

upsetting Tennessee to win the Knoxville Regional. The Gamecocks have now won 40 or more games for the sixth time in the past seven seasons. Under McGinnis, the Gamecocks have won two Ohio Valley Conference championships in the past five seasons. • Darren Mueller, Head Coach, North Dakota State University. Mueller is in his ninth season as Head Coach at North Dakota State. The Bison finished 38-20 in 2009, completing the season with a stunning victory in the Oklahoma regional before falling to Arizona State in the school’s first-ever super regional appearance. A 1994 graduate of NDSU, Mueller was in charge of leading the Bison through a transitional period from Division II to Division I. • Patrick Murphy, Head Coach, University of Alabama. Patrick Murphy is in his 12th

season as Head Coach at Alabama. This past season, Alabama finished 54-11, falling

to six WCWS appearances, 10 straight NCAA Tournament bids, and one Southeastern Conference championship. • Bridgette Quimpo, Head Coach, New Jersey City University. Quimpo is in her sixth season as Head Coach and Academic Advisor at New Jersey City. She also remains active in the professional fastpitch circuit. A four-year standout at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, Quimpo was named Most Valuable Player after her senior season. At catcher, she led the Peach Belt Conference in fewest stolen bases allowed and led her squad in RBIs on three occasions.

Patrick Murphy to Florida in the semifinal round of the Women’s College World Series. Presently, Murphy ranks fourth among all active coaches in winning percentage. He has led the Crimson Tide

• Randy Schneider, Head Coach, Valparaiso University. Schneider is in his seventh season as Head Coach at Valparaiso. The winningest coach in Valpo history, Schneider led the

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squad to a 25-24 record during the 2009 campaign. In 2008, the Crusaders won a school-record 30 games, earning Schneider and his staff Horizon League CoCoach of the Year honors. • Beverly Smith, Associate Head Coach, University of North Carolina. Smith enters her 11th season as a coach on the North Carolina staff and her second season as Associate Head Coach. Her integral role in establishing the UNC softball program can hardly be summed up by a number. Her first contributions came as a player, when her remarkable career from 1991 to 1994 helped establish Carolina as a growing softball force. Smith still ranks among the program’s top 10 in numerous career batting and pitching categories. Since rejoining the staff in 2004, UNC has appeared in six straight NCAA regional tournaments.

• Les Stuedeman, Head Coach, University of AlabamaHuntsville. Stuedeman enters

Les Stuedeman her 16th season as Head Coach at Alabama-Huntsville. During her coaching career, Stuedeman has built the Chargers into a national power. In 2009, UAH finished the season 54-6 and spent

several weeks ranked as the nation’s No. 1 Division II team. For their efforts, Stuedeman and her staff have earned regional coaching staff of the year honors five times from the NFCA. • Heather Tarr, Head Coach, University of Washington. Tarr enters her sixth season at Washington after winning the 2009 national championship—the first softball title in school history. During her first five seasons at UW, Tarr led the Huskies to five straight regionals, extending the school’s postseason streak to 16 straight trips. UW has finished in the top 15 three times and reached three super regionals underTarr’s leadership. • George Wares, Head Coach, Central College. Wares is in his 26th season as Head Coach at Central. A member of the

NFCA Hall of Fame Class of 2007, Wares ranks third in career victories at the Division III level with 840 wins. Among active coaches in Division III, Wares ranks second in career victories, first in playoff appearances and playoff victories. The 21 playoff appearances under Wares also include four national championships. • Tracy Warren, attorney, Seltzer Caplan McMahon Vitek. A standout player at The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College) in the 1980s, Warren is now a noted women’s sports broadcaster and attorney. During her playing career, the Lions compiled a 137-17 record and won the 1987 national championship. Her broadcast career has included work with ESPN, Fox Sports, College Sports Television, and other networks. Her law emphasis is on employment counsel and litigation,

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2009 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW sports representation, negotiation and litigation, and business litigation. • Natasha Watley, Olympian. Watley is a professional softball player for the New York/New Jersey Juggernauts and a member of the USA national team, following a standout career at UCLA. A two-time World Cup champion, Watley is also a twotime Pan American gold medalist, a two-time world champion, an Olympic gold medalist and an Olympic silver medalist. • Kaci Clark Zerbe, National Director of Pitching for Frozen Ropes. In addition to serving as the National Director of Pitching for Frozen Ropes, Zerbe is a professional softball player. In the past two seasons, Zerbe has been in Japan competing for Team Honda. Prior to that, she had a sixyear career in the National Pro Fastpitch League. During that

league’s hiatus in 2002 and 2003, Zerbe had a chance to play for one of the most storied programs in softball, the Stratford Brakettes. While with that squad, the team won two national championships.

Coaching College Educating coaches is a primary focus of the NFCA, so starting the National Fastpitch Coaches College (NFCC) in 2002 was a natural progression for the association. Today, the NFCC comprises eight different courses taught at 13 locations throughout the United States. Each course features three days of intense learning in a classroom setting, with most courses also including an onfield component. Courses are open to NFCA members and non-members alike, who strive for a better understanding of the ins and outs of coaching softball.

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“On an annual basis, we review and update each of the courses,” NFCC Director Sharon Drysdale says. “This year, we added a video component to each of the classes. We try to incorporate the latest technology to enhance the overall learning experience.”

game. Other classes focus on pitching and defense. However, we also cover all aspects, such as the best way to put together a lineup card. Our Course 406, which involves the best ways to get kids to learn how to practice has proven to be hugely successful.

Each NFCC course covers a different aspect of the game. For example, there is a course on analysis of hitting, pitching, and short-game skills, as well as “Solid Team Defensive Strategy” (Course 404). In “Coaching Dynamic Team Practices” (Course 406), coaches learn the best way to utilize practice sessions by actually viewing a team going through practice sets.

“It is a step-by-step process to learn how to become a better coach in so many different aspects of the game,” she continues. “Teaching the game itself is just one small part of the learning benefit of these courses.”

“We try to cover each aspect of the coaching umbrella throughout the NFCC courses,” Drysdale says. “Some classes deal with the short

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The best-attended NFCC courses are held at the annual NFCA Convention. “The Art of Championship Coaching” (Course 401), which will be held at the front end of the convention, teaches coaches how to gain a better understanding of their players, as well as how to define their own

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personal style. Course 402 features Arizona Head Coach and former USA Olympic Coach Mike Candrea, Alabama Head Coach Patrick Murphy, and former college and professional coach Carie Dever-Boaz.

tories and winning the 2008 national championship.

“The biggest selling points are our extremely knowledgeable and experienced staff and the relatively small class sizes, compared to a regular clinic with 500 people,” Drysdale says. “Normally, we don’t have any more than 100 people in a class, so it’s a great opportunity to network as well as learn. There’s a lot of interaction between class attendees and the instructors.” Wallace State Community College-Hanceville Head Coach Jayne Clem credits the NFCC courses for helping strengthen her coaching philosophy. She has coached the Lions for 11 seasons, compiling 488 vic-

“Regardless of how long you have coached, you can always learn something new,” Clem says. “The NFCC courses have been an eye-opening experience for me. It seems like there is always something new to learn. Being able to interact with other coaches has been very beneficial for myself as well as for my other coaches.” The initial purpose behind the NFCC courses was to promote knowledge of the game of softball. While many coaches take the classes to simply be better prepared on the field, there are other unique opportunities as well, such as continuing education units, earning the “master coach” designation through the NFCA or going for an actual master’s degree from an accredited university.

“The NFCC master’s program is an enormous benefit,” Drysdale says. “The unique nature of the courses is that you can take a class to brush up on your game or take a series of courses that ultimately pays off with a master’s degree.” Offered through Texas Woman’s University, NFCC class participants can work their way toward a master’s degree in kinesiology with an emphasis on coaching. To earn this degree, course participants must complete eight NFCC courses, 24 hours of professional development coursework in an online setting, four additional TWU online graduate courses, and attend a fourday in-person workshop on the TWU campus. The NFCA also recognizes one-star, two-star, three-star and four-star master coaches, based on the number of NFCC

tective o r P ll a b t f o S Your ineup L l™ e r a p p A Performance from

courses attended. The NFCA currently boasts 55 four-star coaches representing all levels of softball from NCAA Division I to travel ball. While classes continue to change and improve on a regular basis, the emphasis remains on helping coaches work with modern-day student-athletes. While the sport continues to change, so do student-athletes. “Coaching today’s players is a much bigger challenge than the players of 20 or even 10 years ago,” Drysdale says. “We like to look at the coachplayer relationship. We try to provide beneficial support to help coaches with today’s players. We look at how to go about the recruiting process. We talk about how to interact with today’s players. We talk about how to coach them both on and off the field.

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2009 NFCA CONVENTION PREVIEW “We look at different roles coaches have today and the best ways to relate to today’s student-athletes,” she continues. “Every player is unique. For a coach, the challenge today is much greater than what takes place on the field. We strive to look at every angle that will help make coaches better at their profession.”

He has accumulated 1,279 coaching victories—1,018 in softball and 261 more as Humboldt’s wrestling coach. In 21 seasons as HSU softball coach, he has guided the Lumberjacks to 18 conference championships, 19 west regional playoff appearances and five west region titles,

NFCA Inducts Three Into Hall Every year at the national convention, the NFCA inducts its most highly regarded members into the Hall of Fame, the most prestigious award given by the organization. In 2009, those honors go to Frank Cheek, Bill Edwards, and Diane Ninemire. • Frank Cheek has become a living legend at Humboldt State University during his 40 years with the Lumberjacks.

Frank Cheek

including capturing 1999’s Best of the West title in dramatic fashion. He has also been named conference coach of the year 12 times, including his final three seasons in the Pacific West and both the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Before taking over the Humboldt softball program, Cheek coached the Arcata (Calif.) High School softball team for five years, in addition to his duties as HSU wrestling coach. While at Arcata, his team made five section appearances and won four league titles. Cheek, who coached wrestling for 22 seasons at Humboldt State, is the winningest coach in school history. His wrestling teams have won more than 250 matches. Cheek’s athletes have won a total of 46 All-American awards from the NCAA, including five individual national

championships. He was inducted to the California Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2003. • Bill Edwards has completed 20 seasons as Hofstra University Head Coach, and has been the architect of a program that has grown to national prominence. He led Hofstra to the regional finals of the NCAA

Bill Edwards

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tournament in 2004, 2005, and 2008, and helped the Pride capture 11 straight conference tournament titles from 1998 to 2008, which is an NCAA Division I record for softball. His career record stands at 721351-3 in 20 seasons, ranking him in the top 25 in NCAA career winning percentage. Hofstra softball has displayed consistent excellence over Edwards’ 20-year career, garnering 11 NCAA Tournament appearances during that span, including six straight from 2003 to 2008. In each of the last 18 seasons under Edwards, the Pride has won either a regular season or a postseason conference title, including 11 straight tournament championships from 1998 to 2008, breaking the previous record of nine straight conference titles set by Massachusetts from 1995 to 2003.

Edwards has been named the Regional Coach of the Year eight times in his career (1993, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007). Edwards also served as Head Coach at Commack (N.Y.) High School, where his teams compiled a 118-61 record, and for the PSI Couriers, an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) summer team. His 1987 team captured the Mid-Atlantic region championship and finished fifth in the national tournament, which marked the first time a Long Island team had competed in the national tournament. • Since her first year in the dugout in 1988, Diane Ninemire has continually taken the Bears to new heights as one of the winningest and most successful softball programs in the nation.From 1999 to 2005, Cal made seven straight trips to the College World Series, with a national

championship, nine Women’s College World Series trips, and 21 consecutive NCAA

Diane Ninemire Regional appearances to her credit. Ninemire, who won her 900th career game on Feb. 29, 2008, has accumulated the second-most wins in Pac10 history (932) and is the

11th softball coach in NCAA history with 900 or more wins. History was made in 2002 when Ninemire helped direct Cal to its first NCAA Championship at the WCWS with a 6-0 win over the Arizona Wildcats, the first women’s title in program history. The 2002 team set a school record for wins (56), while Jocelyn Forest claimed the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player honor and Ninemire was chosen as the NFCA National Coach of the Year. In 2004, Ninemire’s winning reputation was recognized internationally when she was named as an assistant coach to the inaugural Greek Olympic softball team. At home, Ninemire is a past member of the NCAA Pacific Region Advisory Committee and a former chair of the All-American Selection Committee.

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formidable Southeastern Conference and national contender 7 year record at University of Tennessee: 376 - 117 - 1 Ralph was an Olympic Gold Medal Coach in 1994 - 2000. His international record: 130 - 15, including 13 Gold medals

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1-503-848-7889 NFCA Booth No. 311 Coaching Management

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COVER STORY

NFCA NCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BY MIKE PHELPS Entering the 2009 season, University of Washington Head Coach Heather Tarr had a good feeling about her team. The Huskies were an experienced squad that received an extra boost with the return of several key players who had redshirted the year before. As it turned out, Tarr’s inkling was dead on. Led by the powerful arm of Danielle Lawrie, the eventual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year and Honda Sports Award winner in softball, Washington started the season with an 18-game winning streak and never let up. The Huskies went on to finish the regular season 41-10 and capture the program’s

Heather Tarr, Head Coach CM: Was it always your goal to return to Washington as a coach? Tarr: I wanted to be a coach ever since high school, but I never thought this job would be available. In applying for other jobs, I had a hard time even getting a look. So when this job opened up, I knew I had to do something different. I put together a business plan of everything I would do if I were given the chance to run the program. What did you include? I wanted to build a dynasty. It’s not about winning one championship, it’s about building a program that can keep succeeding. Now, I’m looking back on that goal and thinking, “Wow, hopefully that’s coming true.” What is your coaching philosophy? It’s based on creating trusting relationships, which you need in order to coach people and have them accept instruction. It’s about empowering student-athletes to become leaders. If we want our athletes to behave a certain way, we have to model those behaviors. Then, in turn, our athletes teach the players who come after them. What was the main difference between the 2008 and 2009 teams? We got a huge boost this year with the return of Danielle Lawrie, Ashley Charters, and Lauren Greer, who all redshirted in 2008. Danielle participated in the Beijing Olympics with the Canadian team, so we

Coaching Management

first national championship. In the process, Tarr, Assistant Coaches Gina Carbonatto and Lance Glasoe, Volunteer Assistant J.T. D’Amico, and Student Assistant Dru Hester, earned NFCA NCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year honors. Tarr, who is leading her alma mater for the sixth season, started in collegiate coaching at Pacific University, where she served six years as an assistant before being promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2004. Here, she and her staff discuss what it took to bring a national title to Washington, their individual responsibilities on the team, and how they work together.

knew she would come back even better. Any time you have a pitcher of her caliber and competitiveness, you have a chance to do something great. Without Danielle, Ashley, and Lauren in 2008, a lot of other people had a chance to play, and because of their experience we put some big things together. By 2009, everyone trusted one another, and we knew it would be our year. What did you do to prepare for the postseason? We were confident our preseason and Pac-10 schedule had prepared us to play any and all opponents. We didn’t even think about the potential for a one-gameand-done appearance. This year in particular was interesting because we didn’t host any playoff rounds. Because we kept winning, we had to stay on the road for three weeks. How did the extended road trip affect your players? We had a pretty close team going into it, and being together continued to breed more trust. Players had no choice but to embrace the spirit of the team. The final game at regionals was a 15-inning marathon against UMass, the longest game in program history. What were the challenges of coaching that game? The biggest challenge was losing the earlier game and having to turn around and play again 20 minutes later with our backs

against the wall. In the second game, we put a defensive replacement in the outfield who reached over the fence to rob a home run that would have ended our season. Everything that could have happened in that game probably did. Everything was pushed to the limit. How did you prepare for the final game against Florida? I know how it feels to be in a championship game, and I know how easy it is to make it seem bigger than it is. All the pressure starts to build up, and subconsciously it changes how you prepare for the day and the game. You get so excited that you start changing your routine.

Heather Tarr

So we were ultra-conscious of keeping everything the same. In the final inning, one of the girls wanted to bring everybody together and talk about it, and Danielle said, “No, no, no. We’re not going to do that. We haven’t done that at all this year.” They battled that internal anxiety and coped with it well. How did it feel after the final out? Because of the way we approached the game, by the seventh inning, I was just doing my thing. I was trying not to get more nervous, or think, “Three more CoachesNetwork.com

COACH PHOTOS: UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON ATHLETICS

TEAM PHOTO:AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTO

After winning their first 18 games, the 2009 University of Washington Huskies finished the season 41-10 and captured the program’s first national championship.

outs.” When the last out actually came, it felt like my ears were ringing. It was like being underwater—you can’t hear very well and you’re just in this weird zone. I tried to keep my heart at a certain rate the whole game, but when the last strikeout happened, it was just, “Whoa.” Why does your coaching staff work so well together? As much as I hate to bring up gender, we have a good combination of female and male coaches. We do a good job of bouncing things back and forth to establish a sense of balance. It’s a staff that fits well together. We don’t have two people who do the same thing. Everybody has their own unique role, and we complement one another.

old enough to know that the college game really kicked off because of the Olympics. Programs like Washington, Alabama, and Florida started because softball was going to be in the 1996 Olympics. Now that softball isn’t in the Olympics, I am really adamant about growing the game within the United States. We have to be smart about how we organize youth softball. Are we killing ourselves by creating too many leagues? We’ve got the ASA, the USSSA, and the NSA. Are we doing things in the best and most unified way?

Gina Carbonatto, Assistant Coach

What does Student Assistant Dru Hester bring to the table? Dru played for us her freshman and sophomore years before she got hurt and decided she didn’t want to risk further injury. We offered her the chance to coach and she jumped on board. She’s bought into our system, knows what we want, and is able to go with our flow.

Following a prolific career at Pacific University, Gina Carbonatto joined the Huskies in 2007-08 as a volunteer assistant before being added to the full-time staff in 2009. A native of Washington, Carbonatto was coached by Tarr as a freshman at Pacific, and spent two summers playing in the National Pro Fastpitch league. At UW, she works with outfielders and slap hitters.

What is the most important issue facing softball? My current soapbox topic is that we don’t have softball in the Olympics. I’m

CM: What did you learn from playing professional ball? Carbonatto: After a year of coaching the Washington outfielders, I knew a lot

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about how to coach the outfield. When I went back to play in the pro league, I was thinking so much about what I’d taught the outfielders, I wasn’t playing the game. That’s when I realized you have to trust yourself when it’s time to play the game. You can coach all you want during practice, but when it’s game time, you have to allow your players to play. What’s your Gina Carbonatto approach to coaching slap hitters? The part you can’t coach is speed. It comes down to reading the defense and learning what to do in every situation. If players have the best plan, they’re going to have a better chance of doing their job. It’s not about batting average or on-base percentage, it’s about scoring runs. We win games by scoring runs, not by having the best batting average in the nation. As a slapper, you’d better be able to move a runner or create havoc in the infield. The approach is the most important part. Coaching Management

COVER STORY

How do you coach outfielders? We work on anticipation a lot. Outfielders have to be able to read the ball. We talk about spin. I’m a left-handed hitter, and I think our players had a big advantage this year by seeing balls hit from both sides of the plate in practice. When people aren’t used to reading spin from both directions, they always respond as if the ball has been hit right-handed. We also work a lot on watching our pitchers throw. By watching where the pitch moves and how the hitter swings, you can determine what type of hit will most likely occur. We can cut out 50 percent of the outfield by knowing and trusting where our pitcher is going to throw the ball.

Lance Glasoe, Assistant Coach Washington’s national championship season was also Assistant Coach Lance Glasoe’s first on the staff. Prior to joining the Huskies, the Washington native worked for two years as the pitching coach at Mike Phelps is an Assistant Editor at Coaching Management. He can be reached at: mphelps@MomentumMedia.com.

Pacific Lutheran University, and before that, he coached at the high school level in baseball, girls’ basketball, football, and softball. At Washington, Glasoe works with pitchers and catchers. CM: How has your experience helped you become a better coach? Glasoe: I’ve seen a lot of different programs at a lot of different levels. The junior high level requires a different skill set than the high school level, which is different from the collegiate level, but there’s a lot of commonality between student-athletes, their desires, and what they need to do to be successful. As a football coach, I learned big picture. You’re dealing with up to 75 student-athletes at a time, so how do you manage all that? Coaching junior high girls’ basketball, I learned the importance of building relationships with players. The wide range of sports I’ve coached has made me a better coach. What do you look for in a pitcher? I’m looking for student-athletes who are very dynamic. We want kids who will go right at hitters with a bulldog attitude. We’re going to be physical

on the mound, be explosive, throw the ball hard, and go with our strengths, rather than pitch to an opponent’s weaknesses. How do you develop mental toughness? The biggest thing is putting players in competitive situations as often as possible. Whether it’s competition at practice or amongst the pitching staff, we try to get them to see the game as a series of individual battles that last one Lance Glasoe pitch. The faster we can get past one pitch and onto the next one, the tougher we’re going to be. We have a drill we call “Game On,” where in the middle of practice we’ll put the team in a pressure situation and expect everyone to execute for one pitch

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or one at-bat. It’s about modeling mental toughness in a game and learning to respond to those pressure situations.

was one of relief and support for one another because the players were mentally drained. It was a big turning point.

What memory sticks out from last year? The 15-inning game at UMass. Danielle didn’t throw well in the first game and she really had to battle through the second. I’m not a real vocal guy during games—I let my pitchers do their work. But I took a lot of trips out of the dugout to let Danielle know we were going to get through this. It was one of those experiences where every pitch was the difference in the game and the emotional strain on the pitcher is pretty tough.

J.T. D’Amico, Volunteer Assistant A former baseball player at UCLA, J.T. D’Amico joined the Washington staff this past season. Raised in a baseball family, D’Amico was the Head Baseball Coach at Eastlake High School in Sammamish, Wash., for 11 years, during which he coached five summers of club softball with the Washington LadyHawks. On the Husky staff, D’Amico works with infielders.

In the 14th inning, you could tell Danielle was mentally running out of gas. It was probably the only Knute Rockne moment I had all year. I put my arm around her and said, “There’s nobody warming up in the bullpen. You’re going to go back out there and keep throwing, and if you have to, you’ll throw the 15th inning because you’re our team.”

CM: How does coaching softball compare to coaching baseball? D’Amico: Generally speaking, I think there was a big wall between the two sports 10 years ago. There wasn’t any discussion. But as time wore on, I think both sides realized they’re rooted in a lot of the same things. They’re not identical, but the differences are less significant than people used to think.

We did some breathing exercises, and she performed fabulously. When the game was over, the team celebration

What is your philosophy for working with infielders? At the college level, it’s more about

inspiration and motivation. You’re not teaching kids how to catch and throw, you’re helping them be more efficient with the way they do it. The ultimate philosophy is to inspire student-athletes to play beyond their tools. That’s when teams excel at high levels—when the players outperform their tools. What was the key to the team’s success this year? Our inner circle was really tight— J.T. D’Amico both the players and coaches. People throw around the phrase “one pitch at a time,” but to actually execute and keep your brain working on that pace is immensely difficult, and our players were able to do it very well.

25th Annual Cocoa Expo Sports

24th Annual Cocoa Expo Sports 24th Annual Cocoa Expo Sports FebruaryFebruary 14—April 15—April 24, 2010 25, 2009 College & High School Baseball Spring Training Cocoa Beach, Florida Cocoa Beach, February Florida 15—April 25, 2009 Cocoa Beach, Florida

College & High School Softball Spring Training College & High School Softball Spring Training

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Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training Includes: Cocoa Expo Baseball Spring Training Includes: and schedule based on coaches • Practice Practice andgame game schedule based on coaches requestrequest • Practice and field game schedule based on coaches request • WellOutstanding newcentrally seven softball complex maintained, located playing fields • Well maintained, centrally locatedbeach playing fields or • Accommodations Accommodations at aour mainland or beautiful hotel in on-site dormitory, mainland • beach Accommodations in for ourthe on-site dormitory, • beautiful Flexible meals plans…only pay meals you eat. mainland or hotel beautiful beach hotel. • Flexible Qualified umpires meals plans…only pay for the meals you eat. • Flexible meals plans…only pay for the meals you eat. • Qualified Game balls umpires • Qualified umpires • Game No spectator admission charge balls Game balls • No spectator Fields• dragged and lined prior to all games admission charge • spectator admission charge • Fields Located justNo 40and minutes from Orlando International dragged lined prior to all games • Fields dragged and lined prior to all games Airport Located •just 40 minutes Orlando International Airport Located just 40from minutes from Orlando International Airport

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Play &along Stay On Florida’s Space Coast - Sun, surf or- sail 72sail miles of white sandy beaches Sun,along surf or 72 miles of white sandyBeautiful beaches - Sun, surf River or sail along 72 miles of white sandy beaches - Jetan ski or takeride an airboat ride onRiver the Indian - Jet ski or take airboat on the Indian - Jet ski or take an Space airboat ride on the Indian River - Home ofspace America’s space programKennedy & NASA’s Kennedy Center - Home of America’s program & NASA’s Space Center - Home of America’s space & NASA’s Kennedy Space Center - Take in a Major League spring training game atprogram Space Coast Stadium, spring - Take in a Major League spring training game at Space Coast Stadium, spring - Take in a Washington Major League training game at Space Coast Stadium, spring home of Washington Nationals. home of thespring Washington Nationals. home of the Nationals. - Visit worldand famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop Beach and Cocoa the historic CocoaPier Beach Pier - Visit world Ron Jon’s Surfthe Shop and the historic - Visit world famous Ronfamous Jon’s Surf Shop historic Cocoa PierBeach Visit our website at www.cocoaexpo.com to register your team for 2009 Spring Training Visitour ourwebsite website www.cocoaexpo.com registeryour yourteam teamfor for2010 2009Spring SpringTraining Training Visit atatwww.cocoaexpo.com totoregister Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training Cocoa Softball Expo Baseball Spring Training Cocoa Expo Spring Training 500 Friday Road, Cocoa, Florida 32926 500 Friday Road, Cocoa, Florida 32926 Road,softball@cocoaexpo.com Cocoa, Florida 32926 Call: (321) 639-3976500 ext.Friday 12 or email: Call: (321) 639-3976 ext. 12 or email: baseball@cocoaexpo.com

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Call: (321) 639-3976 ext. 12 or email: softball@cocoaexpo.com Circle No. 122

Coaching Management

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The NFCA believes that coaches are teachers rst, and that’s why it offers eight exciting courses to help improve your knowledge of the game.

Fastpitch Delivery You will receive 12 issues of the NFCA’s newspaper, Fastpitch Delivery. As hes Coac pitch Fast nal Natio

Conventiion Program

Awards

Recognition of fastpitch softball’s top players and coaches has been an integral part of the NFCA since its founding in the early 1980s.

Products NFCA members receive member discounts on instructional videos, books and CDs.

TCH N O STPI L FA OCIATI ONA SS NATICHES A COA

NFCA members receive discounted fees to attend the NFCA National Convention.

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National Fastpitch Coaches College

This “teen magazine” for youth fastpitch players is printed once a year.

Web Site

www.nfca.org As a member, you will be given your own password to access member-only features like the Skills and Drills Notebook. Circle No. 123

Coaching members receive:

J 12 issues of the NFCA’s own newspaper Fastpitch Delivery J Special access to members-only area on the NFCA Web site, including the Skills and Drills Notebook, an easy way to nd drills and coaching articles for your everyday needs J Player Awards — Players are eligible for AllAmerican, Scholar-Athlete and other eld awards J Coach Awards — Coaching staffs are eligible for regional and national coaching staff of the year awards, and head coaches will be honored for reaching win plateaus J Annual copies of the NFCA Directory and Calendar (sent every December) J Special discounts in the NFCA Web Store on videos, audios, books, softball equipment, clothes and more J Discounted prices to the NFCA National Convention and the National Fastpitch Coaches College courses J Registration of your camp in the Camp Network to receive the NFCA’s camp publication and other benets J Representation of ideas to educational and softball governing bodies, and numerous networking opportunities

For more information or to join, contact the NFCA at 662.320.2155 or nfca@nfca.org.

HONORING EXCELLENCE

NFCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year NCAA Division I

University of Washington Head Coach Heather Tarr, along with assistant coaches Gina Carbonatto and Lance Glasoe, volunteer assistant J.T. D’Amico, and student assistant Dru Hester, led the Huskies to their first NCAA softball championship, sweeping the bestof-three championship series from the top-seeded University of Florida. Washington, the Pac-10 runner-up with a 14-7 conference record (51-12 overall), played its entire postseason schedule away from the friendly confines of Husky Softball Stadium, traveling to Amherst, Mass., where it defeated Sacred Heart and UMass to advance to Sunday’s regional championship. After dropping Sunday’s first game against the Minutewomen, the Huskies prevailed in a 15-inning struggle, winning 6-1. The next trip was to Atlanta, where the Huskies swept Georgia Tech to advance to the WCWS, where Washington went 5-1 en route to the title.

NCAA Division II

Led by Head Coach Kelley Green and Assistant Coach Kelly Shannon, Lock Haven University (51-6) captured its second NCAA Championship in a four-year span, defeating Alabama-Huntsville 8-0 in six innings in the title game. It was the school’s third title game appearance in four years, winning in 2006 and finishing second in 2007 with a semifinal appearance last season. Lock Haven won the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Central Division with a 15-1 record and captured its fourth-straight PSAC Tournament and NCAA Regional titles.

NCAA Division III

Head Coach Amy Weaver and her staff— assistants Alex Quigley, Sam McCloota, and Jen Thuma— piloted the Messiah College Falcons to a 43-4 season, culminating in a perfect run through the NCAA tournament and the program’s first national title. The eight postseason wins were Amy Weaver part of a 23-game win streak to finish the season for Messiah, and the national championship win was also Weaver’s 300th career victory.

Coaching Management

NAIA

A year after winning a school-record 60 games in 2008, California Baptist University did even better this year, winning 61 games and capturing the school’s first national championship. Under Head Coach Mike Smith and assistant coaches Bill Baber and Kristie Mike Smith Martinez, the Lancers won their sixth straight Golden State Athletic Conference championship.

NJCAA Division I

Led by Head Coach Stacy Iveson and assistant coaches Lisa Parks, J.R. Barringer, and Miriam Romero, the Yavapai College Roughriders captured the school’s first national championship in softball, defeating Wallace State 2-1 in the national finals. For Iveson, it was her third national title, including Stacy Iveson two championships won at Pima Junior College. The Roughriders have accomplished much in only two seasons of competition, advancing to the national championship tournament in 2008 as well. This season, Yavapai had five players named to the all-West region team and four players selected to the NFCA All-American First Team.

NJCAA Division II

Under Head Coach Shae Wesley and assistant coaches Daryn Miller, Amy Ehret, and Tricia Gale, the Heartland Community College Hawks (50-8) captured the NJCAA Division II national championship in their second season of competition. Prior to this year’s title, Heartland also made the national championship tournament in 2008. In both seasons, the Hawks also won the Region 24 championship. Heartland won all five of its games in this year’s national tournament.

NJCAA Division III

Tompkins Cortland Community College,

led by Head Coach Brent Doane and Assistant Coach Jolene Phillips, captured the NJCAA Division III National Championship with an 11-8 extra-inning win over the College of DuPage in the tournament’s “if necessary” championship game. The Panthers concluded the 2009 season with a 33-12 record. Two players, sophomore catcher Danielle O’Rourke and freshman outfielder Brooke Wierzbicki, were named Louisville Slugger/NFCA NJCAA Division III AllAmericans, becoming the first TC3 players to earn All-America honors.

Cal JC

Led by Head Coach Erika Blanco and assistant coaches Amber Grahlman and Cindy Lucero, East Los Angeles College went 28-17 this season to finish fourth in the South Coast Conference. After guiding East Los Angeles to the Cal JC playoffs, Blanco was named the 2009 South Coast Conference Softball Coach of the Year. In 2009, East Los Angeles topped the South Coast Conference with a 1.93 team ERA.

NWAACC

Working with assistant coaches Dani Terry and Brent Harris, Lower Columbia College Head Coach Tim Mackin collected his 600th career victory during the 2009 season as the Devils advanced to the winners’ bracket semifinal of the NWACC Tournament.

High School

Led by Head Coach Kevin Fagan and assistant coaches Susan Williams, Dick Glisson, and Jeff Burns, Dunnellon (Fla.) High School finished the 2009 season 32-1 overall, while winning the Florida Class 4A state championship. The Tigers defeated Lake Wales 3-1 in the championship game. For Dunnellon, it was the school’s first state championship in a girls’ sport since basketball won the 1986 championship.  In the postseason, Dunnellon outscored its opposition, 50-1.

Travel Ball

Led by coaches Jeff Coil and Joe Miller, Oklahoma Force 94 finished the 2009 summer campaign with a 74-8 overall record. The 14U team participated in 12 tournaments and won nine championships. The team also played in four 16U tournaments, as well as a 60-team 18U tournament. The Force finished sixth (out of 156 teams) in the 16U Colorado Sparkler showcase and fourth at the USA/ASA 14U National Championship event.

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HONORING EXCELLENCE

NFCA REGional Coaching Staffs of the Year NCAA Division I

Central Region: Baylor University Head Coach: Glenn Moore; Associate Head Coach: Mark Lumley; Assistant Coaches: Britni Sneed Newman, Josh Newman Great Lakes Region: University of Michigan Head Coach: Carol Hutchins; Assistant Coaches: Bonnie Tholl, Jennifer Brundage, Becky Marx Mid-Atlantic Region: Radford University Head Coach: Mickey Dean; Assistant Coach: Katy Lampman; Volunteer Assistant Coach: Ashley Taylor Mideast Region: Bradley University Head Coach: Amy Hayes; Assistant Coaches: Renee Enos, Jennie Shollenberger Midwest Region: University of Missouri Head Coach: Ehren Earleywine; Assistant Coaches: Melissa Tucci, Mark Redburn; Volunteer Assistant Coach: Pete D’Amour Midwest Region: North Dakota State University Head Coach: Darren Mueller; Associate Head Coach: Jamie Trachsel; Volunteer Pitching Coach: Darcy Byrne Northeast Region: University of Massachusetts Head Coach: Elaine Sortino; Assistant Coaches: Jessica Merchant, Kristi Stefanoni; Student Assistant: Emily Wehr South Region: University of Alabama Head Coach: Patrick Murphy; Associate Head Coach: Alyson Habetz; Assistant Coach: Vann Stuedeman; Director of Operations: Lacy Prejean Southeast Region: University of Florida Head Coach: Tim Walton; Assistant Coaches: Jennifer Rocha, Jenny Gladding; Student Assistant: Mary Ratliff West Region: Stanford University Head Coach: John Rittman; Associate Head Coach: Trisha Ford; Assistant Coach: Jessica Allister; Student Assistant: Michelle Smith

NCAA Division II

Central Region: Winona State University Head Coach: Greg Jones; Assistant Coach: Chad Tuescher; Graduate Assistant: Samantha Sheeley East Region: Georgian Court University Head Coach: Jeff Franquet; Assistant Coach: Carl Taylor; Graduate Assistant: Heather Walker

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Midwest Region: University of Indianapolis Head Coach: Melissa Frost-Fisher; Assistant Coach: Jennifer Mullikin South Region: University of Alabama at Huntsville Head Coach: Les Stuedeman; Assistant Coach: Karl Tunon; Student Assistants: Marilyn Cooper, Courtney Hudson South Central Region: Angelo State University Head Coach: Travis Scott; Assistant Coach: Claudia Lopez; Graduate Assistant: Katie Naumoff Southeast Region: North Georgia College & State University Head Coach: Mike Davenport; Assistant Coaches: Andrea Moss, Keri McKee West Region: Dixie State College Head Coach: Beth Collett; Assistant Coaches: Justin Buchanan, Dee Schumers, Doug Rogers

NAIA

NCAA Division III

NJCAA Division I

Atlantic Region: Salisbury University Head Coach: Margie Knight; Assistant Coaches: Tom Stitcher, Tee Dronenburg, Kyle Hall, Terri Sharpless Central Region: Ohio Northern University Head Coach: Annette Hunt-Shepherd; Assistant Coach: Jeremy Shepherd; Pitching Coaches: Jamie Snee, Les Bowman Great Lakes Region: Illinois Wesleyan University Head Coach: Steve King; Assistant Coaches: Lyle Day, Rachel Shipley, Matthew Murray, Graham Arnold Midwest Region: Gustavus Adolphus College Head Coach: Jeff Annis; Assistant Coaches: Kyghl Thomson, Mark Wiest New England Region: Tufts University Head Coach: Cheryl Milligan; Assistant Coaches: Jim Cardello, Paul Rahmeier, Lauren Ebstein, Kristina Tolles Northeast Region: Cortland State University Head Coach: Julie Lenhart; Assistant Coaches: Tara Schanbacher, Brad Posner, Megan Cross West Region: Linfield College Head Coach: Jackson Vaughan; Assistant Coaches: Ben Blosser, Jena Loop; Pitching Coach: Greg Herman; Outfield Coach: Shelly Steinke; Infield/ Hitting Coach: Amanda Attleberger West Region: University of Texas, Tyler Head Coach: Mike Reed; Assistant Coaches: Keith Bell; Christy ShipleyGipson, Coby Gipson

East Region: William Carey University Head Coach: Wendy Hogue; Assistant Coach: Craig Fletcher; Graduate Assistants: Megan Pittman, Jessie Burge Great Lakes Region: Bethel College Head Coach: Anna Welsh; Assistant Coaches: Jeff Welsh, Samantha Creakbaum, Stephanie Hochstetler Midwest Region: Missouri Valley College Head Coach: Josh Miller; Assistant Coach: Stephanie Hey Southwest Region: Oklahoma City University Head Coach: Phil McSpadden; Assistant Coach: Bobbi Bridges; Strength and Conditioning Coach: Guy Cook; Pitching Coach: Harold Copas Southwest Region: St. Gregory’s University Head Coach: Heather Shanahan; Assistant Coach: Bill Foutch Midwest Region: Blinn College Head Coach: Rick Church; Assistant Coaches: Jami Ingram, Christina LeCompte South Region: Wallace State Community College Head Coach: Jayne Clem; Assistant Coach: Tracy Grindrod

NJCAA Division II

South Region: Cowley County Community College Head Coach: Ed Hargrove; Assistant Coach: Suzanne Kerr-Unruh East Region: Lansing Community College Head Coach: Bob Every; Assistant Coaches: Jerry Murphy, Rob Dunham, Jeff Kegler, Pat Malloy

High School

East Region: Immaculate Heart Academy in Washington, N.J. Head Coach: Anthony LaRezza; Assistant Coaches: Diana Fasano, Tara Delmor North Region: Elyria (Ohio) High School Head Coach: Ken Fenik; Assistant Coaches: Gordon Cohagan, Joclyn Fada, Caroline Loomer, Julie Sito South Central Region: Pearland (Texas) High School. Head Coach: Laneigh Clark; Associate Head Coach: Michele Hyden; Assistant Coach: Lori Boyd West Region: Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, Calif. Head Coach: Steve Kuptz; Assistant Coaches: Rick Lysander, Summer Downs; Student Assistant: Jamie Childers

Coaching Management

HONORING EXCELLENCE

2009 Easton Victory Club award winners Coaches in bold are being honored at the convention

NCAA Division I Record Margie Wright, Fresno State 1,345-479-3 Yvette Girouard, Louisiana State University 1,200-387-1 Kathy Welter, Cal State Bakersfield 1,090-504-7 Eugene Lenti, DePaul University 1,022-498-6 Donna J. Papa, University of North Carolina 936-513-5 Patty Gasso, University of Oklahoma 889-299-2 Craig Nicholson, Ball State University 810-180 Melinda Fischer, Illinois State University 808-545-4 Frank Reed, University of Tennessee Chattanooga 792-290 Sandy Montgomery, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 771-345-2 Robert L. Coolen, University of Hawaii 739-504-1 Bill Edwards, Hofstra University 721-351-3 Tory Acheson, Tennessee Tech University 719-346-2 Mike Rappl, Canisius College 717-401-2 Rosemary Holloway Hill, University of Louisiana Monroe 710-895-3 Mary Yori, Colorado State 706-370 Clinton A. Myers, Arizona State University 701-99 Patrick Murphy, University of Alabama 607-188 BJ Ferguson, University of Delaware 602-553-7 Julie Brzezinski, Fairfield University 581-517-5 Carol Bruggeman, University of Louisville 541-374-2 Chris Hawkins, University of South Carolina Upstate 517-248 Kirk Walker, Oregon State University 515-408 Scot Thomas, Virginia Tech 511-335 Connie Clark, University of Texas 509-245-3 Gwen Lewis, University of Evansville 506-455-1 Joe French, University of Maryland Baltimore County 481-305-1 Roy Kortmann, Long Island University 434-317-2 Elizabeth Luckie, Sacred Heart University 421-457 Lisa Costello, Towson University 412-370 Katie Flynn, James Madison University 390-370 Tim Walton, University of Florida 349-121 David Deiros, Florida Gulf Coast University 327-90-2 Terri Sullivan, University of Illinois 317-233-2 Kate (HC)/Caryl Drohan (AHC), Northwestern University 309-134-1 Mark Montgomery, Centenary College 278-222 Amy Hogue, University of Utah 247-140 Amy Hayes, Bradley University 239-204 Randy Schneider, Valparaiso University 237-203 Jake Schumann, Texas A&M Corpus Christi 227-200-1 Brenda Coldren, Indiana State 220-304 Holly Bruder, Morehead State University 214-141 Lee Smith, Mississippi Valley State 213-207 Tyra Perry, Western Kentucky University 209-247 Missy Dickerson, University of Mississippi 209-183 Lonni Alameda, Florida State University 201-174-1 Amy Kvilhaug, St. John’s University 189-212 Jean Rivett, University Wisconsin Green Bay 142-200 Sharon Perkins, Georgia Tech 132-62 Mike Larabee, Wright State University 114-147 Pat Conlan, Georgetown University 108-218 NCAA Division II Frank Cheek, Humboldt State University Gary L. Bryce, Wayne State University Doug Woods, Grand Valley State University Sheilah Gulas, Ashland University Steve Warner, West Virginia Wesleyan Judith O’Connell-Lawes, Kutztown University Jimmy Martin, Limestone College Jeanne Scarpello, University of Nebraska Omaha

Coaching Management

1,018-264-1 925-577-6 705-319-3 664-345 644-249-1 641-374-2 523-522 442-139-1

Dean Johnson, Caldwell College 441-217-2 Jamie Apicella, CW Post Campus of Long Island University 425-168 Lesa M. Boneé, Nova Southeastern University 411-298-1 Patti Gerckens, University of California San Diego 410-400 Pam Knox, Western Oregon University 357-331 Susan Anderson, University of Central Missouri 283-231 Will Atkinson, University of West Alabama 205-231 Gretta Melsted, Augustana College (S.D.) 155-165 Jen Starek, University of New Haven 132-118 Jennifer Banford, University of Minnesota Duluth 129-100 Joe Burbridge, Dominican College 108-53

NCAA Division III George Wares, Central College (Iowa) Bob Timmons, Coe College Denny Griffin, Alma College Wes Holly, Milligan College Anita Kubicka, Montclair State University Julie Lenhart, Cortland State Deb Pallozzi, Ithaca College Jim Kulawiak, North Central College John Tschida, University of St. Thomas Len Maiorani, St. John Fisher College Sandra Hollander, Buffalo State College Alicia O’Brien, Central College (Iowa) John Byrne, Moravian College Donnie Fulk, Bridgewater College Mark Veilleux, Endicott College Lisa Gigliello, King’s College Jeanne Arbuckle, Marietta College Ron Simpson, Methodist University Barb Leopold, Martin Luther College Brenda Volk, University of Wisconsin Whitewater Dawn Simmons, Lynchburg College Ben Allen, Ramapo College Kris Kistler, Augustana College (Ill.) Amy Weaver, Messiah College Jen Walter, College of St. Scholastica Damian Williams, Willamette University Kim Tatro, Lawrence University Phil McElroy, Emerson College Jamie Smyth, Saint Joseph’s College (Maine) Renae Hartl, Luther College Jo Ann Krueger, St. Norbert College Roland Rodriguez, Millsaps College Ruth A. Kmak, University of Chicago Tony Ciccarello, SUNY Geneseo Stacy Pondo, Penn State Behrend Debby Day, California Lutheran University Keri O’Meara, Wellesley College Michelle Manning, Transylvania University Jessica Johnson, Brandeis University Jennifer Lane, Wesleyan University Jodie Holava, Defiance College Angela Froboese, Southwestern University

840-280-3 758-307 639-221 630-359 616-225-2 599-277-1 593-282 576-243-3 573-98 546-369 516-295-2 510-250-3 510-158 457-237 420-154-9 417-189 406-364 403-234-1 350-464-3 330-147-4 320-143-2 317-132 301-151-2 300-192-1 275-151 273-235 262-227 261-161 255-216 206-114 203-189-1 203-159 201-137 192-110 151-99 145-122 120-64-2 117-106 113-90 109-155 106-70 104-81

NAIA Phil McSpadden, Oklahoma City University Ritchie Richardson, Olivet Nazarene University Sue Bowman, Indiana Wesleyan University Mike Smith, California Baptist University

1,177-281 630-243 531-367-1 506-164 CoachesNetwork.com

HONORING EXCELLENCE

Myra Minuskin, Saint Xavier University Beth Renkoski, Vanguard University Pat Reardon, Central Methodist Pam Fink, Oklahoma Baptist University Keith Kramme, Midland Lutheran College Al White, Madonna University Jessica Jones-Sitzmann, Morningside College Mike Christner, William Penn University Emily Russell, Lee University Lou Yacinich, Grand View University Guy Fridley, Dickinson State University Thomas Thornton, Georgetown College Don Loberg, Lindenwood University Wendy Hogue, William Carey University Rick Fremin III, Belhaven College Becky Norris, Indiana Tech

486-295 423-301-3 409-387-1 403-406 386-340-1 366-209 364-235 321-154 280-124 251-229 219-85 202-110-1 154-138 138-88 132-85 120-123-1

Junior College Robert A. Maglione, Sacramento City College Jami Lind, Florida Community College Jacksonville Ed Hargrove, Cowley Community College Dennis Clark, Kankakee Community College Bo Scannapieco, Brookdale Community College Susan M. Painter, Gulf Coast Community College Kate McCluskey, Eastern Arizona College Jack Byerley, Northwest Florida State College Debbie Huntze-Rooney, San Jose City College John Blair, Vernon College Steve Kissel, Western Texas College Robert Eakins, Meridian Community College Jayne Clem, Wallace State Hanceville Bob Every, Lansing Community College Ken Delcambre, Galveston College Darci Brownell, Sierra College Chuck Clutts, Parkland College Robb DiGiacomo, Monroe Community College Don Don Williams, North Idaho College Stacy Johnson, Corning Community College Craig G. Brooks, Lamar Community College Lana Ross, Iowa Western Community College Meadow McWhorter, Mt. Hood Community College Maggie White, College of the Redwoods Brent Doane, Tompkins Cortland Community College Leslie Messina, Texarkana College Charles Slater, CCBC Catonsville Nick Baumert, College of Southern Idaho Melissa Perea, Otero Junior College Jody Long, Northeast Mississippi Community College Greg Wardlow, County College of Morris

1104-364 1017-423 917-300 889-294 720-220 707-226 641-460 640-138 518-242-4 516-310 508-523 506-348 488-130 447-67 422-193 405-120 403-130 330-95 318-293-3 300-99 294-193 282-137 229-83 223-292 209-142 178-121 144-38 133-67-2 116-45 108-72 106-90

High School Tony Scarbrough, Baker High School (Ala.) Duane Ford, Central Columbia High School (Pa.) Pete Fick, Hunterdon Central High School (N.J.) Jim McGowan, Bay Shore High School (N.Y.) Michael Teshkoyan, Caldwell High School (N.J.) Perry Peterson, Barrington High School (Ill.) Mary Jo Truesdale, Sheldon High School (Calif.) David Reid, Montachusett Tech (Mass.) Deke Pillsbury, West Springfield High School (Mass.) Nancy Acerrio, Hilltop High School (Calif.) Loa Kay Bowthorpe, Union High School (Utah) Jason Stoltzfus, Storm Lake High School (Iowa) Bill Matthews, Amherst Steele High School (Ohio) Mike Noel, Clovis High School (Calif.) CoachesNetwork.com

1175-374 676-143 643-223-1 609-87 534-111-2 530-125 529-200-4 516-250-1 481-254 478-172 473 -105 416-203 412-237 410-109-5

Debbie Schwartz, Toms River High School East (N.J.) Sue Giannantonio, Crete-Monee High School (Ill.) Laneigh Clark, Pearland High School (Texas) Karen Karch, Charleston High School (Ill.) Anne DiPrima, Bethpage High School (N.Y.) Ken Fenik, Elyria High School (Ohio) Brenda Radabaugh, Clay High School (Mich.) Wade Wilson, Brenham High School (Texas) Mary Feusner, Tri-Valley Central School (N.Y.) Rudy Ochoa, Othello High School (Wash.) Laura Stock, Buffalo Grove High School (Ill.) Bob Mittelstadt, North Salem High School (N.Y.) Michael Johnson, Huntingtown High School (Md.) Rick Green, J.R. Arnold High School (Fla.) Mike Carlacci, Pearl River High School (N.Y.) John Deitrich, Holton High School (Kan.) Kim Reichard, Holt High School (Mich.) David Stewart, Wayland-Cohocton High School (N.Y.) Doug Kesler, Madison County High School (Ga.) Jerry Schilf, Benet Academy (Ill.) Joey Adams, Cedar Creek School (La.) Jeff Hulse, Olathe East High School (Kan.) Cheryl Iaione, Hillsborough High School (N.J.) EJ Thomas, Paul VI Catholic High School (Va.) Becky Barris, Winslow High School (Ariz.) Kevin Werth, Piedra Vista High School (N.M.) W. Henry Lockey, Jr., Holly Hill Academy (S.C.) Mark Williamson, Starrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill High School (Ga.) David Serafini, Petoskey High School (Mich.) Derrick Hill, East Surry High School (N.C.) Paul Bushong, Howell High School (Mich.) Jim Piazza, Keystone High School (Ohio) Aado Kommendant, Raritan High School (N.J.) Milton Simmons, Essex High School (Va.) Cheryl Weaver, Champion High School (Ohio) Ken Conrade, Kellenberg Memorial High School (N.Y.) Michael Carrozza, Bridgewater/Raynham High School (Mass.) Chris Arnold, Crater High School (Ore.) Anthony LaRezza, Immaculate Heart Academy (N.J.) Douglas Burley, Union High School (N.C.) Ken Dischler, Park Falls High School (Wis.) Evah Taylor, Boulder Creek High School (Ariz.) Amy Swiderski, Canyon del Oro High School (Ariz.) Richard Fidelman, Austin-McCallum High School (Texas) Benjamin Frank, Pinnacle High School (Ariz.) Josh Bloomer, Mercy Academy (Ky.) Karen Sanders, Nettleton High School (Ariz.) Robert Fox, Riverhead High School (N.Y.) Tara Singler, Plainfield South High School (Ill.) Kathy Schoettle, Byron Nelson High School (Texas) Eli Field, Frenchtown High School (Mont.)

406-143 394-293 389-340-3 378-391 357-214-2 354-61 332-127 323-55-6 322-217 315-52 310-256-3 305-204 304-45 303-102 302-48 278-98 271-138-2 256-89 251-124 226-138 224-97-15 221-15 219-166 215-107 214-50-5 209-85 209-135 206-87-2 205-89 203-41 198-134-2 197-28 192-37-1 192-117 181-66 180-142 177- 88 170-57 156-33 155-79 150-109 142-123-2 132-12 127-100 123-140-3 117-49-1 112-48 110-85 109-85 108-61 105-32

Travel Ball Ken Bailey, SC Bandits (S.C.) Milton Simmons, Sports+Plus (Va.) Nick Mazza, Georgia Crush (Ga.) George Lynn, Spokane Sliders Gold (Wash.) Tony Larry, NE Echoes Renegades Gold (Neb.) Phil Berry, Atlanta Vipers (Ga.) Edward Loweth, Indiana Nitro (Ind.) Mark Tucker, Texas Cobras Gold (Texas) Mark Kuss, Texas Elite (Texas) Tommy Castanedo, Velocity Gulf Coast (Miss.) Rick Anderson, Oregon Silver Bullets (Ore.) Ted Zimmerman, Michiana Mystique (Ind.)

1004-488 901-434 901-399 704-198 612-220-14 511-237-13 446-227 347-154 289-159 222-64 215-198-7 121-104

Coaching Management

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY The Face of Protection M.A.S.A. wants to keep you safe with the Rip-It softball face guard with chin strap. The Rip-It is not only NOCSAE approved for Schutt, Adams, Wilson, and Rawlings helmets, but it is also one of the lightest and most versatile face guards on the market. The open design with the fewest bars gives the batter the most unobstructed view. M.A.S.A. even offers free shipping on this product. Now you can choose the helmet you want and always have the best face guard. Go online or call today for more information. M.A.S.A., Inc. • 800-264-4519 www.sportsadvantage.com Circle No. 500

See the Ball The Junior Hack Attack softball pitching machine is designed to develop serious young players. With a quick turn of the dials, this machine can throw fastballs above 60 mph, risers, drops, right- and left-handed curves, screwballs, and knuckleball change-ups. The exclusive threewheel vision allows the hitter to see the ball clearly, just like with a live pitcher. At 75 pounds, it easily fits into a compact car, even a Mini Cooper. Sports Attack 800-717-4251 • www.sportsattack.com Circle No. 501

Program Your Pitches The HomePlate Softball programmable pitching machine can simulate any pitch that batters are likely to face. It can throw a 70-mph riser, a 50-mph drop pitch, a curve, and a slider with only seven seconds between pitches. Store up to eight different pitches in each of the eight different programs. Programmed pitches can be thrown sequentially for specific hitting drills, or randomly to simulate game conditions. HomePlate also features a built-in auto-feeder, which holds up to 40 12-inch dimpled softballs. $6,495. Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com Circle No. 502

Coupon Code Saves You More ShopExtraInnings.com is your one-stop shop for all things baseball and softball on the Web. The site features an outstanding selection of baseball and softball equipment, apparel, and accessories from the top brands at the lowest prices available. Coaching Management readers can save 10 percent off their first purchase by using the 28

Coaching Management

coupon code “coach.” Log on to this new Web gem and get the gear you need today. ShopExtraInnings.com • 978-762-0448 www.shopextrainnings.com Circle No. 503

“It Really Does Work” Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program was the recipient of the 2000 B&N Softball #1 New Product of the Year award. This program includes Nemo’s Speed Training Bat, three instructional videos, and now his new Triple Hitting Tee. Coach Nemo released his fourth instructional video, “Increase Your Bat Speed with Combo Drills,” in January 2008. This is a complete training program following a speed circuit training format that uses underloading drills to increase bat speed and reaction time. In the words of Dr. McDowell and Dr. Noebe of B&N Sports, “Your product is one of the few products that can truly be used for baseball and softball. It really does work.” Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program 503-848-7889 • www.speedbat.com Circle No. 504

Special Recognition Ringor’s Diamond Gem and Diamond Star women’s fastpitch softball cleats and spikes were recently awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. This marks the first time softball footwear has received that honor. The APMA’s Seal of Acceptance is awarded when footwear demonstrates “quality and effectiveness in allowing for normal foot function and promoting good foot health.” Ringor footwear is available for purchase online or through Ringor team sales. Ringor • 877-274-6467 www.ringor.com Circle No. 505

Durable and Versatile M.A.S.A. offers a wide variety of Osborne screens and nets. Osborne protective screens have been highly regarded by coaches as some of the most durable and versatile equipment available. Maximumstrength #72 braided nylon netting and HD galvanized steel ensure years of performance. Innovative features include rotating and telescoping legs for compact storage, height-adjustable frames for infinite positioning and transport options, and swivel-style L-screen tops for rightand left-handed pitchers. M.A.S.A.’s wide variety of sizes and styles can meet any CoachesNetwork.com

PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY requirement. M.A.S.A. • 800-264-4519 www.sportsadvantage.com Circle No. 506

All Pitches, One Machine With the Hack Attack softball pitching machine, simply adjust the wheel speed dials to throw fastballs above 80 mph, risers, drops, right- and left-handed curves, screwballs up and in to right- and lefthanded hitters, and knuckleball changeups. This machine has a unique threewheel design that provides complete ball vision, lifelike timing, and pinpoint accuracy for college and serious high school athletes. Sports Attack • 800-717-4251 www.sportsattack.com Circle No. 507

Push-Button Convenience Batting practice just got easier. With the TriplePlay you simply push a button to choose the type of pitch you want. This pitching machine can automatically throw risers, sinkers, curves, drop curves, screwballs, and drop screwballs. The pitch speed is adjustable from 35 to 70 mph in five-mph

increments, and it is digitally displayed. You’ll only spend about 30 seconds changing pitches. The softball is visible from the time it leaves the feeder’s hand until it is pitched, allowing hitters to more naturally time the pitches. TriplePlay also uses a three-wheel pitching mechanism for greater accuracy. Two large transport wheels make it simple to move to and from the field. TriplePlay models start at $1,895. Sports Tutor • 800-448-8867 www.sportsmachines.com Circle No. 508

Just What You Want Pro Look Softball is where tradition meets innovation. Combine the latest in materials technology with the unique ability to create any style uniform for one low price, and you get an unmatched uniform ordering experience. Pro Look uniforms are so good that they are backed with a four-year manufacturing warranty. Call today for your free custom design mock-up. Pro Look Sports • 800-PRO-LOOK www.prolooksports.com Circle No. 509

Ever wonder where the pro teams get those GIANT rubber bands they use for stretching?

Look no further! Jump Stretch has been supplying the large continuous-loop FlexBands® to high school, college, and pro teams since 1980. We have a total of seven sizes, but most teams use either the Light or Average bands for stretching. For more information, visit our website at www.jumpstretch.com or call 1-800-344-3539.

Jump Stretch, Inc.

1230 N. Meridian Rd. Youngstown, OH 44509 www.jumpstretch.com 1-800-344-3539 Fax: 1-330-793-8719 Circle No. 124 CoachesNetwork.com jumpstretch62v0v3.indd

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PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY Reverse It

For Any Hitting Philosophy

Pro Look reversible jerseys are built to perform on the diamond. These jerseys are so good that they’re backed with a four-year manufacturing warranty. Pro Look can make any style jersey and short into a reversible uniform, and won’t drain the budget while getting you the look you want. Call today for your free custom design mock-up. Pro Look Sports • 800-PRO-LOOK www.prolooksports.com Circle No. 510

The Louisville Slugger Instructo-Swing was developed to help hitters improve swing mechanics and technique. Included with the IS-5000 is a new drills DVD designed to showcase the power of perfecting the swing with the help of the Good Habit Bars and Angle Adjustment feature. Hitters can learn any hitting philosophy and use the Instructo-Swing to develop a swing that produces line drives, ground balls, and fly balls that carry. GameMaster Athletic 859-746-9800 www.sluggerupm.com Circle No. 511

Your Complete SoFtBAll SupplY HeAdquArterS

Portable Organization The BenchCoach is among the most complete portable dugout organizing systems available for softball teams. It holds and protects equipment for up to 18 players. Each compartment is sized to hold a player’s glove, hat, helmet, and water bottle, and can be personalized with player names, numbers, and your team logo. The bottom shelves store catcher’s equipment and a include bat hanging frame for 18 bats. A shoulder carrying bag is included. The BenchCoach • 972-740-5417 www.thebenchcoach.com Circle No. 512

Lines of Respect

We specialize in secure online sales of sporting goods and sports equipment for individuals, teams, and schools. Netting Baseballs Bags Bats

Gloves Field Equipment Mounds Softballs

Bases & Plates Batting Cages Pitching Machines Training Aids / Books / Videos

Quick service and quality products are our trademark. In business since 1993, we have 10,000 customers and would be honored to add Y-O-U. Most orders shipped within 24 hours by UPS. Come join our team and play BetterSoftball!

800-997-4233

www.BetterSoftball.com

White Line Equipment Co. carries a large selection of heavy-duty White Line Markers that are constructed for a lifetime of use. The company’s All Star Pneumatic Wheel version is its topselling liner, offering durable construction and unique features to meet even the toughest demands. For more than 20 years, White Line Markers have been respected as some of the most accurate and durable liners available. For more information, call the company or visit its Web site. White Line Equipment Co. • 877-717-2892 www.whitelineequipment.com Circle No. 513

A Division of BetterBaseball.com

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MORE PRODUCTS Bunt Here, Not There

Swing Stronger

Widely accepted as one of the best bunt trainers available today, the Bunt Zone features an on-field color-coded target system that teaches bunting skills by visualization. Made with durable vinyl-polyester mesh, it is easy to install, remove, and clean. Yellow, green, and red areas clearly show where to bunt for a hit or sacrifice—and where not to bunt. It’s lightweight, easy to store, and ships immediately. This product is used by many college teams. Aer-Flo, Inc. 800-823-7356 • www.aerflo.com Circle No. 520

GEW manufactures the Pow’r Wrap bat weight for softball, baseball, and youth baseball. Made of super-strong recycled plastic, the Pow’r Wrap is virtually indestructible. League-approved for use in the on-deck circle since 1989, the Pow’r Wrap will increase muscle strength and result in improved bat speed, thus allowing for more powerful swings. The softball model weighs 24 ounces and fits 2.25-inch bats. Grand Enterprises West, Inc. 800-776-9727 • www.powrwrap.com Circle No. 524

Sturdy and Versatile

For First-Class Fields

The Bullet L Jr. Screen is made from highquality 1 5/8-inch tubular steel. It features #42-grade nylon netting and can meet the needs of both baseball and softball programs. BetterSoftball.com • 800-997-4233 www.bettersoftball.com Circle No. 521

Pro’s Choice Red infield conditioner is designed to meet the challenges of wet, dry, or compacted infields. This league legend is the first choice of professional groundskeepers to build and maintain winning ball fields season after season. It manages the moisture on your field, keeping it in top playing condition. Pro’s Choice Red infield conditioner is the allstar veteran of the Pro’s Choice lineup. Pro’s Choice • 800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Circle No. 525

Never Stop Learning California University of Pennsylvania has helped build the character and careers of its students for more than 150 years. Cal U’s dedication to providing high-quality, in-demand programs to its students continues through the University’s Global Online 100-percent online programs of study. Through an asynchronous format, Global Online allows students the opportunity to complete coursework anytime, anywhere. All that’s required is a computer with Internet access. Go online for more information. California University of Pennsylvania • 866-595-6348 www.cup.edu Circle No. 522

Special Offer for Readers GameTime Athletics is your premier softball equipment resource. The company has your team covered—find hundreds of softball equipment items and accessories on its Web site, and call toll-free for a free estimate. Mention this ad and receive a free Double First Base with the purchase of one truckload of Redfield warning track mix and/or infield conditioner. GameTime Athletics • 877-891-2476 www.gtathletics.net Circle No. 523

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Eco-Friendly Balancing The UberEco VersaDisc is an environmentally friendly version of Power Systems’ best-selling balance product, the VersaDisc. The UberEco VersaDisc contains no PVC, lead, or phthalates. This 14-inch (diameter) disc is ideal for developing balance, proprioception, and core strength. Stand on it, sit on it, or kneel on it to perform various exercises and movements. Inflation can be adjusted for individualized balance challenges. Power Systems, Inc. • 800-321-6975 www.power-systems.com Circle No. 526

Factory-Direct Value In five short years, Prep Gear Headwear has become a national leader in factorydirect headwear products for high schools and institutions. At Prep Gear, each hat is assembled from scratch using the highestquality materials and expert craftsmanship. In today’s economy, why pay an extra markup when you can buy premium products direct from the factory? Call or go online for more information. Prep Gear Headwear 800-279-7060 • www.prepgear.com Circle No. 527 Coaching Management

MORE PRODUCTS Find What You Need, Fast

Real. Natural. Arizona.

HighSchoolSports.net has free tools for coaches to showcase their teams all in one location. Coaches can save time and get the tools they need to stay ahead of the game. Add, postpone, or cancel events and practices, enter scores and stats, access your roster, and get cumulative player and team stats, all on HighSchoolSports.net. Go online and start saving time today. HighSchoolSports.net • 800-258-8550 www.highschoolsports.net Circle No. 528

Enjoy Tucson’s year-round sunshine, low humidity, and mild temperatures—it’s perfect for sports, recreation, and meetings. Every year, the great weather attracts thousands of players and fans to major athletic events. Tucson Sports is ready to introduce you to the many venues available and match your requirements to just the right one. The city is committed to giving your athletes the best experience possible. Go online for more information. Tucson Sports • 520-770-2170 www.tucsonsports.org Circle No. 531

Net Benefits

Get a Grip

South Padre Island Nets is a family-owned business striving to offer quality products and superior customer service. The company provides the highest-quality netting products and accessories at affordable prices to the sporting goods industry, including batting cages, protective screens, and other products. Feel free to browse SPI Nets’ newly redesigned Web site. Common sizes are in stock and the in-house net shop can fabricate nonstocked products in very short times to ensure the quickest delivery at very affordable prices. SPI Nets • 866-243-6387 www.spinets.com Circle No. 529

Hot Glove Gauze Grip is extra-tacky and has a rough feel. It wraps over synthetic grips or directly onto the bat to deliver a firm, non-slip grip. Gauze Grip is thin enough to not build up your grip, and it comes in 30-foot rolls. Go online for more great baseball accessories. Hot Glove 800-554-3707 • www.hotglove.com Circle No. 532

Experience of a Lifetime

Go “Skill-Specific” Muhl Tech Baseball & Softball offers equipment to make your practice time more productive. Since 2001, the company has been developing a line of “skill-specific” training equipment that gives hitters instant feedback with every swing. The products are designed to withstand heavy use during high school and college team practices. Muhl Tech also offers its own line of batting cages and screens, sold direct to save you money. Muhl Tech • 888-766-8772 www.muhltech.com Circle No. 530

Cocoa Expo Sports is one of Florida’s premier sports management and promotion companies. For 25 years, the company has owned and operated the highly regarded Cocoa Expo College and High School Softball Spring Training. This program annually attracts schools and clubs from throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition, Cocoa Expo hosts year-round softball tournaments at the new Chain of Lakes Softball Complex. The facility features seven lighted state-ofthe-art softball fields located along central Florida’s east coast. Cocoa Expo Softball Spring Training and Florida’s beautiful Space Coast combine to provide teams with a memorable spring trip experience. Cocoa Expo Sports • 321-639-3976 www.cocoaexpo.com Circle No. 533

More Than a Screen

Where the Game Never Ends Batting Cages

Professional Instruction

Pro Shop

Franchise Opportunities Available Love baseball or softball ? Want to run your own business?

Then play ball with Extra Innings! For more info, log onto:

www.eifranchise.com This franchise is not being offered to residents of the following states: HI, KY, ND & SD. This communication is not directed to any person in the states listed above by or on behalf of the franchisor or anyone acting with the franchisor’s knowledge. No franchise can be offered or sold in the states listed above until the offering has been registered and declared effective by the appropriate regulatory authority and the FDD has been delivered to the offeree before the sale within the applicable time frame. This franchise is offered only by delivery of a franchise disclosure document.

BetterSoftball’s 9 Hole Pitchers Pocket practice screen is ideal for evaluating a pitcher’s accuracy. The nine pockets provide a range of targets that help pitchers improve and evaluate their accuracy around the strike zone. It’s like having a catcher that tells you exactly where each pitch was thrown. BetterSoftball.com • 800-997-4233 www.bettersoftball.com Circle No. 534

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MORE PRODUCTS Custom Cages and Windscreens

Step Up from Tape

Memphis Net & Twine makes its products in the United States, offering batting cages and backstops to meet customers’ exact specifications. The company also fabricates custom windscreens out of vinyl-coated polyester in 11 different colors. These windscreens can be made to any height or width. Memphis Net & Twine also sells benches, stadium bleachers, and tip-n-roll bleachers. Memphis Net & Twine Co., Inc. • 800-238-6380 www.memphisnet.net Circle No. 535

The Heel-Lock ankle support (model 329) from Stromgren emulates a professional tape job, providing excellent ankle support and eliminating costly taping. It’s not bulky, easy to put on, and fits comfortably in either the left or right shoe. The Spandex™ sock applies comfortable compression to the foot, and the permanently attached heel-lock straps help control severe eversion and inversion. The HeelLock is available in black or white. For more information, call toll-free or visit the company online. Stromgren Athletics 800-527-1988 • www.stromgren.com Circle No. 537

Rethinking Sprains “Don’t Ice that Ankle Sprain!” by Jump Stretch founder Dick Hartzell and Dr. Michael Shimmel will introduce you to the FlexBand Ankle & Strengthening Traction Technique, which is designed to reduce pain and swelling and to speed recovery time from ankle injuries. You will never deal with a sprain the same way again. This 85-page book includes a companion DVD and covers horizontal traction, vertical traction, deferred pain, and more. It also includes testimonials from athletes and healthcare professionals. Jump Stretch, Inc. 800-344-3539 • www.jumpstretch.com Circle No. 536

www.lasteelcraft.com 800-371-2438 fax: 626-798-1482

ELEMENTARY

BASKETBALL TENNIS/VOLLEYBALL

UNIVERSITIES

Water Meets Its Match Rapid Dry drying agent quickly wicks away excess water from your playing field and helps improve soil consistency. It’s not a dusty powder like other quick-drying products on the market today. It is perfectly sized for both stability and absorption. Rapid Dry’s sand-like texture even improves footing on slippery surfaces. Just pour it on any wet spots and get back in the game, fast. When you need a game saver, you’ll want Rapid Dry drying agent in your lineup. Pro’s Choice • 800-648-1166 www.proschoice1.com Circle No. 538

The Professional’s Choice The Pow’r Wrap® Bat Weight

Serious hitters know the key to more power is bat speed. Bat speed may be increased by developing the specific muscles used when hitting. Used by all the major league teams, professionals trust the Pow’r Wrap to loosen the muscles used in hitting FEATURES: immediately prior to their • Places most at bat. Look for it in the of the weight on on-deck circle. The the barrel of the bat. softball Pow’r Wrap • Made of durable is approved by ASA, high-tech plastic. NSA, USSSA and • Three models: legal for high Baseball, 24 oz., school use. fits 25⁄8” - 2¾” diameter bats.

HIGH SCHOOL

Softball, 24 oz., fits 2¼” diameter bats (shown). Approved by ASA, NSA, USSSA

SOCCER/FOOTBALL

Youth, 16 oz. fits 2¼” diameter bats.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Made in USA Patented

Available at: The Sports Authority or online at www.powrwrap.com

BASEBALL MANUFACTURING QUALITY EQUIPMENT FOR OVER 50 YEARS

Grand Enterprises West, Inc. • P.O. Box 202211 • Bloomington MN 55420 (800) 776-9727 • www.powrwrap.com • (952) 943-8517

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COMPANY NEWS

DIRECTORIES Circle Company No.

Host Your Next Event in the Great Southwest Tucson Sports provides the same great service for your meetings as it does for your competitions. Whether you’re looking for a site for an annual meeting, a board of directors meeting, a coaches clinic, or a committee meeting, Tucson Sports can assist in finding the perfect location. Tucson is affordable and convenient. It offers a broad range of hotels and resorts to fit any budget. There is something special about Tucson’s blend of Southwestern history, culture, and diverse scenic beauty that makes it the best place to experience “Real. Natural. Arizona.” Hold your meetings (10 rooms or more per night) in a spacious environment with everything you need to prepare for and run your sports event. The location will be in convenient proximity to the facility for the event. Once you have booked your event or meeting, the qualified and knowledgeable services team will provide tools to boost attendance, arrange special venues and transportation, and more. Tucson Sports will be there from start to finish to ensure a highly successful program. For more information, contact Lori Hoy, National Sales Manager, at 800638-8350 ext. 157.

Tucson Convention & Visitors Bureau 100 S. Church Ave. Tucson, AZ 85701 520-770-2127 www.visittucson.org www.tucsonsports.org 34

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Advertisers Directory

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100. . . . Aer-Flo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC 103. . . . Athlonic Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 116. . . . Bannerman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 125. . . . BetterSoftball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 109. . . . California University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 121. . . . CoachesNetwork.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 122. . . . Cocoa Expo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 126. . . . Extra Innings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 106. . . . GameTime Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 101. . . . HighSchoolSports.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 117. . . . Hot Glove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 124. . . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 127. . . . L.A. Steelcraft. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 115. . . . Louisville Slugger UPM (GameMaster). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 113. . . . M.A.S.A. Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 110. . . . Memphis Net & Twine Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 111. . . . Muhl Tech. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 118. . . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 123. . . . NFCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 128. . . . Pow’r Wrap (Grand Enterprises West) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 114. . . . Prep Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 112. . . . Pro Look Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 105. . . . Pro’s Choice Sports Field Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 107. . . . Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 119. . . . SPI Nets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 130. . . . Sports Attack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BC 102. . . . Sports Tutor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 108. . . . Stromgren Athletics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 120. . . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 129. . . . Tucson Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC 104. . . . Woodhaven Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Circle Company No.

Products Directory

Page No.

520. . . . Aer-Flo (Bunt Zone). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 542. . . . Aer-Flo (Tuffy windscreen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 545. . . . Athlonic Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 534. . . . BetterSoftball (9 Hole Pitchers Pocket) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 521. . . . BetterSoftball (Bullet L Jr. Screen). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 522. . . . California University of Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 533. . . . Cocoa Expo Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 511. . . . GameMaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 523. . . . GameTime Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 528. . . . HighSchoolSports.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 532. . . . Hot Glove. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 536. . . . Jump Stretch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 506. . . . M.A.S.A. (Osborne screens) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 500. . . . M.A.S.A. (Rip-It). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 535. . . . Memphis Net & Twine Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 541. . . . Muhl Tech (Advanced Skills Tee). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 530. . . . Muhl Tech (skill-specific). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 504. . . . Nemo’s Speed Hitting Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 524. . . . Pow’r Wrap (Grand Enterprises West) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 539. . . . Power Systems (Dot Drill Mat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 526. . . . Power Systems (UberEco VersaDisc). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 527. . . . Prep Gear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 510. . . . Pro Look Sports (reversible jerseys). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 509. . . . Pro Look Sports (softball uniforms) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 538. . . . Pro’s Choice (Rapid Dry). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 525. . . . Pro’s Choice (Red infield conditioner) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 505. . . . Ringor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 540. . . . Schedule Star. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 503. . . . ShopExtraInnings.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 529. . . . SPI Nets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 507. . . . Sports Attack (Hack Attack). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 501. . . . Sports Attack (Junior Hack Attack) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 502. . . . Sports Tutor (HomePlate). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 508. . . . Sports Tutor (TriplePlay) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 537. . . . Stromgren (Heel-Lock ankle support). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 544. . . . Stromgren (Low Rider sliding shorts). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 512. . . . The BenchCoach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 543. . . . The Pitching Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 531. . . . Tucson Sports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 513. . . . White Line Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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MORE PRODUCTS Get Low The Low Rider softball sliding shorts (models 1363 and 1364) from Stromgren provide athletes with comfort and compression to support muscle stability and keep protective pads in place. Hip and thigh areas in both the five- and seven-inch inseam models are protected with antimicrobial padding, while the Hydro-Flex moisture-wicking system keeps players dry and cool. The Low Rider is designed with a Coolmax® gusset panel for feminine hygiene. This product is sold by Hibbett Sports and other team sporting goods stores nationwide. Call toll-free or visit the company online for more information. Stromgren Athletics • 800-527-1988 www.stromgren.com Circle No. 544

Follow the Dots Improve foot speed, reaction time, and balance using the Dot Drill Mat. Athletes can perform multiple footwork patterns with both feet and progress to single-foot drills. Position multiple mats in a row to increase the challenge and vary the patterns. The all-rubber flecked pattern design provides a durable non-slip surface. The screened dots resist wear for longlasting service. Power Systems, Inc. 800-321-6975 • www.power-systems.com Circle No. 539

A Key Assist Schedule Star’s patented Game Wizard™ saves you time and sets defaults for the things athletic directors and coaches are always scheduling for games, such as facilities, transportation, and departure and return times. When you schedule your varsity team for any sport, Game Wizard automatically schedules the sub-levels of that sport. Schedule Star is all about keeping you ahead of the game. Go online to get started today. Schedule Star 800-258-8550 • www.schedulestar.com Circle No. 540

Instant Feedback Why is the Advanced Skills Tee from Muhl Tech used by more than 2,000 high school and college programs? You get instant feedback with every swing. Its unique forward arm and outside barrier help develop a nice swing path and keep the hands inside the ball. The tough polyurethane construction will give you

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years of worry-free use. Try one this season, and if you don’t like it, Muhl Tech will buy it back. Muhl Tech 888-766-8772 • www.muhltech.com Circle No. 541

Keep the Wind Out The Tuffy windscreen will last many years because it’s made of exclusive Vipol Matrix mesh. This is the official windscreen of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association—a super-premium product but surprisingly value-priced. Used by major colleges and high schools, it’s available in 15 standard colors. Super-durable Chroma-Bond imprinting technology produces sharp multi-color logos that can match your team’s exact PMS colors. The Tuffy improves the aesthetics of any softball facility and is protected by a fouryear factory warranty. Aer-Flo, Inc. 800-823-7356 • www.aerflo.com Circle No. 542

Like Clockwork The Pitching Pad is a complete training system designed to make pitchers’ workouts more effective. Using the markings on the Pitching Pad as reference points, pitchers are forced to focus on location, and by seeing exactly where each pitch lands, they’re better able to make needed adjustments. The numbers are laid out like a clock, allowing the pitcher to perfect a 12-6 curveball or a 10-4 sinker. Suggested daily workouts, a pitching chart, and simulated game instructions are included. The Pitching Pad • 210-232-8392 www.thepitchingpad.com Circle No. 543

It Keeps Tossing The Wheeler Dealer automatic toss machine allows hitters to train their swing and hand-eye coordination whenever and wherever they want. The toss height can be set anywhere from one to six feet, and frequency can range from one to six seconds. This battery-powered unit holds up to 20 baseballs or 16 softballs and requires virtually no setup time. It’s constructed of rugged steel and high-impact ABS plastic for durability, and is protected by a fiveyear warranty (two years on the battery). Athlonic Sports • 800-545-8004 www.athlonic.com Circle No. 545

Coaching Management

Extra InnIngs

Find more coaching resources at the new Coaches Network! You can find more information related to coaching on CoachesNetwork.com, which has been completely revamped to better help coaches. We now offer expanded editorial resources, including articles addressing a wide variety of issues facing coaches today.

Articles on the site include: Strength & Conditioning

Rising to the Challenge Getting players ready to compete through strength and conditioning

Coaching Life

Official Conduct A high school coach shares his approach to dealing with umpires

Nutrition

Running on Empty Are your players getting enough calories to play their best?

Leadership

Skipping Specialization Why some coaches are working to save the multi-sport athlete

Sports Medicine

Snooze to Improve Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most overlooked performance enhancer? Sleep!

Plus archived articles from past editions of Coaching Management, including: Avoiding Pitching Injuries Training Slap Hitters Improving Infield Defense In addition to educational resources, Coaches Network also features social networking tools that allow you to connect with other coaches across the country. Build your own network and share your thoughts on our message boards and blogs. Plus, Coaches Network provides you the opportunity to create private team pages where you can share information with the parents of your players.

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Over 100 collegiate softball teams. 3000 fans from across the United States and Canada.

Coming together in Tucson, Arizona, for 5 weeks of fun in the sun.

Circle No. 129

S O F T B A L L

P i t c h i n g

M a c h i n e s

SOFTBALL

All you need... and MORE

Hack Attack does it all, from fastballs, risers and drops to right and left handed screwballs T he Softball Hack Attack throws any pitch - fastballs, risers, drops, right and left handed curves, screwballs up and into the right or left handed hitters - all with a simple and immediate speed dial adjustment (No awkward or time consuming moving of the throwing head). See the ball clearly all the way through the feeding motion, acceleration and release, just like a live pitcher. T he hitter sees when to stride and the angle of release, giving her an actual live-arm sense of timing and location. E xtremely mobile, on and off the ﬁeld with ease. As proven by our extensive customer list of the top programs in the country, in a very short time our three-wheel complete-vision design has taken the market by storm. Our Softball Hack Attack can make a difference in your program.

H AC K AT TAC K | J U NI O R HAC K AT TACK

P.O. Box 1529 | 2805 U.S. 40 Verdi, Nevada 89439 tf 800.717.4251 | ph 775.345.2882

www.sportsattack.com

NFCA Booth No. 317, 319

Circle No. 130