Staying in the Moment

It’s that time of the year when softball teams are advertising for players, and players are looking for teams.  Long gone are the days when you picked the local city club as the place where your daughter plays a game she loves with her friends who she will be attending high school with as many parents are trying to find clubs they feel will give their daughter the best opportunity to move to a higher level of softball in the future.

In a recent conversation with the Texas Travelers 03 head coach, Lee Kuyrkendall the discussion of players’ decision making about teams was a fun topic to discuss.  Before I share this conversation, let me give you a little background of Coach Kuyrkendall.

Currently, Kuyrkendall is an Associate Scout for the Texas Ranger Major League Baseball Club charged with scouting of amateur players at the college and high school level. Assist in pre-draft free agent workouts.  Since 1991, he has been an assistant or head baseball coach for Mississippi College, North Florida Community College, Delta State, and Southwest Community College.  His teams accomplished the American Southwest Conference Eastern Division Regular Season Champions – 2002, 2003, 2006, American Southwest Conference Tournament Champion – 2003, American Southwest Conference Tournament appearances – 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and were the NCAA Regional Tournament Host – 2003.  His players personally achieved individual recognition as the 2006 NCAA leader in home runs, 2004 NCAA leader in saves, 2002 NCAA leader in strikeouts per 9 innings pitched, Top 20 for total attendance and per game attendance – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, All-Region players – 2002 (1), 2003 (2), 2004 (2), 2005 (1), 2006 (3), American Southwest Conference Records for Most tournament appearances – (6), Most home runs in a single season – 2006, Most home runs in a single game – 2000, 2002, 2006, Conference leader in every offensive category – 2006, Most saves in a single season – 2004, Player of the Year – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and the Freshman of the Year – 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004.  He has sent several players to the MLB.

Kuyrkendall’s personal honors include Chairman of the Mississippi Community College Coaches (2011 – 2014), NCAA West Regional Selection Committee (2006), American Southwest Conference Coach of the Year (2002 and 2003), American Baseball Coaches Association Recognition for milestone achievements of 100, 200, 300 and 400 wins, Head Coach – North Team, Central Florida Coaches Association All-Star Game (1997), North Florida Community College Professional Achievement Award (1996), and the USA Baseball Clinic Assistant – Olympic Team Summer Tour (1995 and 1996).

Now some may say that Lee Kuyrkendall only knows baseball.  However, that is far from the end of the story.  In addition to playing baseball and basketball for the Southwest Bears; he also played Men’s Fastpitch Softball with former players such as Glenn Moore, current Head Coach of the Baylor Bears softball team.

Needless to say, Coach Kuyrkendall has experienced coaching at the highest level.  His one advice to parents and select softball players are to “Stay in the moment” when finding the right select softball team.

What did he mean by that?

Today, many parents look at their softball player as someone who will be playing in college.  Many parents start talking about college softball as early as 8 years old!!!  Now in full disclosure, I have an 11 year old daughter and I often dream of her competing at the collegiate level.  She has high aspirations to play for Team USA as well.  However, if you ask her what her biggest concern is today, she will tell you, “Next year I am starting middle school.”  If that doesn’t open your eyes up as it did mine; then nothing will.  She is right!  My daughter has 7 years before she will graduate high school.  If I am so focused on college softball, both of us will miss the enjoyment and experiences of middle school and high school.

That being said, ask many pro players today and they will share their most memorable experiences were the ones they made in high school sports.

So what do we mean by “Staying in the Moment” when looking for a select softball team?
It’s simple.  Don’t look for a team that promises you that the only way for your daughter to play college softball is to play for their organization.  At 8, 10, 12 years old your daughter is NOT being recruited by colleges.  It doesn’t even make sense.  We will talk about the recruiting process later.
When you are looking for a team, look at them and see if they have strong team chemistry.  Do the girls enjoy playing with each other?  Talk with the parents of the other girls.  Are these the type of parents you want to spend the majority of your weekends with during softball tournaments?  Watch the coaches.  Do they know what they are doing?  Do they understand the game?  Can they communicate with all of the girls at their level?  Have they created an environment that fosters learning?  In short, is this a team that your daughter can have fun playing a game she loves?  It’s very important because there will be a time for every girl playing softball when it will be time to hang up the cleats and it’s over.  What memories were created during this time?

Let’s face it.  Select softball has become so monetized by large organizations that it makes sense for them to have many teams.  In addition to cost of travel, tournament fees and others they tack on fees such as $25 a player just to come to a workout.  They expect their players to come to these workouts.  They make an extra $5 or $10 on uniforms.  It doesn’t seem like a lot until you multiply these figures by the hundreds of players in the organization.  Now, the large organization starts making a few thousands of dollars off of each team they have in the organization.  I’m all for capitalism, but not at the expense of treating an 8-14 year old young girl as a consumer.  She only wants to play softball.
We can take this further.  What can that organization do for your daughter that you cannot do yourself?

The big organization will say they have all of the connections to call college coaches.  Really?  Think about this scenario.  Your daughter is very good and one of the top players at her positions.  Today, you can research any college and get the name, email address and in most cases a phone number to a college coach at almost any college in the country.  If your daughter is good enough and the college has a need for her and her abilities on their team; you have just found a match.  It sounds pretty simple doesn’t it?  I have heard big organizations tell players, I can just pick up the phone and get you on the team.  Do you really think a college coach is going to sign your daughter to a scholarship without doing research themselves?

I have also heard big organizations state that college coaches will only watch big organizations play at showcase tournaments.  Does this hold water?  If that were the case, why would you have showcase tournaments and only have a few teams play.  Wouldn’t that college coach decide to attend the big organizations practice and just sign your daughter right there?

This blog is not a knock on big name organizations.  It is only written to shed some light on finding the right select softball team for your family.  The percentages of your daughter playing college softball are the same whether she played for a large or independent organization.  It will come down to your daughters’ skill level, grades and how persistent or determined you are to help guide her on this journey.

So this brings me back to “Staying in the Moment” when looking for a team for you daughter.  Find a team that will allow your daughter to create great memories playing the game.  Continue to assess each year that the team continues to meet this expectation.  Identify the vision of the team.  As your daughter prepares for high school, make sure the team is getting her ready to play at that level.  Once in high school, expect your team to guide and advocate for her during the recruiting process.  If you can’t look at the team and feel that they are 100% for your daughter, you need to look for another team.

There are many teams across the country, and wearing a particular uniform will not determine whether she plays the sport she loves in college or not.

Stay in the moment and enjoy the journey.  I personally am looking forward to the next 7 years, but right now I am only focused on enjoying this year with my daughter.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers visit the team on Facebook or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Fathers of a Softball Girl

It was a Sunday afternoon in mid-November and all of Fred’s friends had gathered to watch the big game while the steaks large enough to feed an army simmered on the grill.  Cold beverages were flowing, and loud boisterous banter was going back and forth amongst the men.  These alpha males enjoyed this ritual as they wore the jersey of their favorite football player as conversations of who the fieriest athlete was.  Middle linebackers, D-lineman, Tight ends and Fullbacks were auctioned off as the greatest.

Soon, the fathers of the sons in the house turned the conversation and admiration of their boys exclaiming how tough each of their offspring was.  “My son can bench 120% of his body weight”, “My son can run the 40 in 4.8 seconds”, and “My son pancaked the D-end” were phrases thrown out like punches of a heavyweight fight.  Oh yeah, these proud pops somehow lived their glory days and championed their boys like live stock in the auction.

Before the kickoff one of the fathers who was quiet wanted to partake in the “battle of the beast” proudly looked at his buddy’s and said, “None of your boys can handle what my kid can!”

Now, this dad had a son who was a good athlete.  His boy played all of the popular sports such as football, baseball, wrestling and even basketball.  The young strapping athlete received recognition for hitting the game winning shot, knocking the ball over the fence, pinning down his opponent in less than three seconds and catching the touchdown pass to put his team into the playoffs.  Quickly, the focus on his son was starting to be minimalized as he quickly told the men “I’m not talking about Johnny!”  “I’m talking about Grace.”

There was deafening silence as all of the Neanderthals looked at each other with more confusion on their face than they had during their 7th grade final exam taken almost 30 years ago.  With the cockiness and sarcasm only a dear friend could muster the question was asked, “How so Fred?”

Fred stated, “I see each of your boys play their games each week.  They practice twice a week.  Some of your boys even spend an hour a day in the weight room, mostly talking with their friends about last week’s game.  However, none of them are asked to do what Grace is asked to do each week all year around.”   Fred now had the podium and attention to share why ‘Softball Girls’ are the toughest athletes in all of sports.

“You see, Grace has to wake up every day at 5:30 AM.  She does her sprints, long distance and cardio workouts.  After school we rush her to her hitting lessons and then pitching lessons.  When she doesn’t have hitting and pitching lessons; she has 2-hour workouts just on the skills she was taught in those lessons.  At practice, she is hit 1000 ground balls where she has to execute a perfect throw down the line.  After her fielding, she puts on her helmet and takes another 1000 swings where we ask her to place the ball in a specific location otherwise it doesn’t count.  As she takes the mound, she is asked to throw her different pitches with pinpoint accuracy maintaining the velocity and achieving the appropriate break of the ball.  When the 4 hour practice comes to a conclusion; she and her teammates finish the workout with speed and agility drills.”  The men say, “Well that’s just a hard workout, our boys do the same!”  Fred responded, “OK, but now let’s talk about the games themselves.”

“You see, my daughter does this during the week year around, then every Friday night we travel to the tournament destination usually preparing for an 8 AM Saturday game.  Your boys would be done after that football game.  My daughter follows that 8 AM game with three more the same day.  Those three determine the seeding of her team, and schedule for Sunday’s play.  Sunday’s play is usually 6 to 7 games with the girls on the field from 8 AM until 11 PM.  That doesn’t even take into effect of the all-night tournaments that have had games played at 3 and 4 in the morning just to beat the weather or get in all of the games” Fred shared.

Now, Fred had their attention, but he wasn’t

done.  “Let’s talk about the softball game itself.  You see, softball has different rules than men’s sports.  Any starting player may re-enter a game once.  What does that mean?  It means, using a pinch hitter or a pinch runner doesn't mean you have to move your best defender or hitter to the bench because you've used a replacement. It means that you haven't really knocked the opponent's best pitcher out of a game just because the other coach takes her out. It means that a good softball coach will typically use everyone on the bench in their area of strength except perhaps that one final player who may have to be inserted into a game in the event of injury.  At all times, the very best players or the perfect player at that time is on the field.”

“Softball is a faster game.  The fact that a runner can't lead off first means there are no annoying throws down to first base to keep a runner close and stalling of time.  There is always action in the field and there is even an international tie-breaker rule that can make a really close game suddenly very explosive.”

“Speaking of close, a softball field is much smaller than a baseball field which means you get to sit really close to the action and you'll be able to see, not only the ball on every play, but maybe even the sparkle in the eye of the fielder who is making the play. The backstop is only 25 feet behind home plate. When that potential game-tying run is scored? You'll really, actually know if the umpire made the right call and he can hear you when he didn't!  With the bases so close together, there is never enough time to think about a play as one hesitation will cost you an out or even a run.”

“Pitchers don’t just throw fastballs.  In fact, the best pitchers can change the speeds of their pitches between 10-15 miles per hour.  A batter can gear up for a 55 mph rise-ball (it gets faster as they get older) and then the pitcher may break off a 36 mph change up making the hitter look, frankly, just foolish. And, you're sitting so close, you can see that and the look on both the pitcher's and the hitter's faces. Usually, everyone laughs except the batter.”

“Often, the left-handed batters look like they're trying out a crazy new dance step, not hitting. They call it the slap game and it's unbelievable. A fast player who can run the 60 feet to first base in under 2.8 seconds is usually turned into a left-handed batter, whether she can so much as hold a spoon with that hand or not. Why? Because all she has to do is get really good at dribbling the ball on the ground and she can beat out a throw from any infielder at will. It's not really a bunt, it's not really hitting away, and it’s called slapping. And, from a slightly sadistic point of view, it's really fun to watch teams think a leftie is just a slapper and then drive the ball to deep right-center field (or off a charging third baseman's ear) and scamper around the bases while outfielders chase the ball to the fence. The slap game has made softball an extremely dynamic, offensive game. Each year some of the nation's fastest players routinely hit for averages greater than .400. The slap game has revolutionized fastpitch and has become a favorite facet of the game for those who follow it. Think of it as a bit of an antidote for all those great weapons the pitcher has.”

“Hitting a softball is the hardest thing to do in sports. A pitcher stands in a circle (not a mound) 43 feet from a batter when she starts her delivery and, since most of the great ones seem to be at least six feet tall, they feel like they're on top of you as the ball is pitched and a hitter having a reaction to a particular pitch is often as much luck as it is skill. It has been scientifically proven that the softball hitter has less time to react to a pitch, because of the distance and the velocity, than does the baseball hitter. Remember that softball pitchers not only throw the ball hard, they can routinely change speeds of a pitch dramatically. Add to that the fact that, because of the way a softball is delivered, the ball make break up as much as it can down. The pitch that moves up is called a rise ball and the best coaches in the game say the only way to hit a rise ball is not to even try. Imagine a ball coming toward the strike zone of the plate that suddenly jumps up? Sure, you see a great "breaking ball" that goes down or moves across the plate in baseball, but how often does it just leap up above the plane of the bat? And, yes, softball pitchers can break the ball down (that's called a drop) and they throw both a true curve (that breaks away from a hitter) and screw ball that breaks into a hitter. Oh, yes, and the really good ones throw that bloody change-up that can make a hitter feel so foolish. So, the softball pitcher uses all four quadrants of a plate, uses both an up and a down pitch and changes speeds on a hitter.”

As Fred finished his lesson on how his little Grace played a much more demanding sport mentally and physically; he sipped his drink and smiled as the conversation quickly turned to great commercials on TV and less controversial topics such as who has the toughest kid because whether they admitted it or not; Grace was the winner in the room.

Happy Father’s Day to all of the proud Softball Dad’s from the Texas Travelers.  Enjoy being the father of your world class athlete and have pity on your friends who were not blessed to have a girl who plays softball!

For more information on the Texas Travelers you can follow them on Facebook or their News Network Site or by calling Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Softball is all in the Mind

Whether you are playing softball, football, or any other youth sport; your mind is the key component to helping you achieve success or failure.

My daughter had 2 strikes and no balls while she was up to bat in one of our last tournaments.  It was an intense game and the team needed the hit to help put us ahead in the game.  The coach called timeout and called for her to have a chat with him down third base line.  She probably thought he would give her instruction on how to swing, or let her know what pitch was about to be thrown.  When I asked her at the end of the game what was discussed she stated with a smile, “Coach said, I am the best at hitting with 2 strikes on me.”  I asked if that was all he said, and she said no.  “Coach said, now go do what you know you are going to do.”  With those words, my daughter hit a double and we scored putting the team ahead in the game.

So the next game I paid closer attention to how our coach talked with the girls.  We had a player who had been struggling at the plate.  She hadn’t put a ball in play in over 6 games.  Again, the team needed a hit and the girl knew that we needed a hit.  I could hear parents yelling at her, “We need this hit” like the player didn’t know the importance of the moment.  Again, I saw our coach call timeout and go up to her.  His words exactly were, “There is nobody better hitting at this moment.”

Now most would say he was just being positive.  However, I believe there was a lot more to the context of that statement.  First, he said there is nobody better.  Second he didn’t use the word “batting”.  He used the word “hitting”.  I knew he was on to something.

Our coach was helping the girls use positive self-talk to help them perform how they wanted their body to perform.  Our coach was teaching the girls positive self-talk.

So is your glass half-empty or half-full?  It’s an age-old question about positive thinking and can even affect your health.  Optimism and pessimism doesn’t just affect your daughter’s softball performance, but can affect many areas of your health and well-being.  It is a key part of effective stress management.

Now positive thinking doesn’t mean that you stick your head in the sand and ignore the gravity of the situation.  It just means that you approach the moment in a positive and productive way.  Believe the best will happen!  Positive thinking starts with self-talk.  It is an endless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through your head.  These thoughts can be positive or negative.

Here are some softball suggested positive self-talk strategies:

• I am going to hit the ball to this location on the field.
• I am a hitter.
• I am a great (insert position) and can't wait to make this play.
• I choose to hit the ball today.
• I am confident in my abilities.
• I love facing great players so I can show just how good I am.
• I belong on the field.
• I am going to (insert what you will do) before each play whether you are pitching, fielding, or hitting.

The girls began to perform how they told their body to perform.  However, the team has taken the positive self-talk a step further.  The team has also implemented Effective Imagery as well.  The two go hand in hand when competing especially in softball.

It can be a challenge to get your body to act the way you want it to act. Communicating your mind to your muscles can be extremely challenging. Trying too hard can be debilitating. You must be aggressive, but it is easy to lose balance and control. You must be strategic, but also keep it simple so you can maintain an effective focus on what's important now. You must be mechanically sound without thinking about mechanics while performing, even after a mistake. 

Imagery is creating or re-creating an experience in the mind using as many senses as possible. It starts with visualizing and adds in how it feels, and sometimes also how it smells, tastes, and sounds. Imagery is seeing things as they will actually look to you, or like watching the scene on a movie screen in front of you. The image can be huge and colorful, or small and black and white. There is no wrong way to do imagery -- a daydream is imagery -- but you have to experiment to figure out what works best for you. For most elite performers, first-person panoramic imagery in regular time (not fast forward or slow motion) works best.

With practice, you can improve vividness, control, staying power, and the ability to FEEL the experience happening (rather than just thinking about it). Effective imagery practice changes your internal state, rehearses, and/or communicates from mind to muscle what to do. Experiment with the style, timing, and specific content of your imagery use. 

Here are some EXTRAordinary Quotes of professionals who use imagery:

Annika Sorenstam, "I close my eyes and see the shot. I look at the ball and see the type of shot I have in my mind. I see it fly and I see it land. It’s a way of seeing the result before you do it. I visualize the end result."

Nolan Ryan, "I lie down, close my eyes, relax my body, and prepare myself for the game. I go through the entire lineup of the other team, one batter at a time. I visualize exactly how I am going to pitch to each hitter and I see and feel myself throwing exactly the pitches that I want to throw.'" 

 Reggie Jackson, "I visualize a line drive up the middle."

Terry Orlick, "The developing athletes who make the fastest progress and those who ultimately become their best make extensive use of mental imagery. They use it daily as a means of directing what will happen in training, and as a way of pre-experiencing their best competition performances."

Lou Holtz, "We did what I called a relaxation period.  We got the athletes to lie down in a dark room, stretch out on the floor and we got them to think about all the positive things in their life and how lucky they were.  Then, we went through certain segments of the game where they could imagine themselves having success.  I did this for probably 30 years and had very good success with it."

The Texas Travelers softball organization understands that softball has a life-span.  They are charged with preparing the girls for elite competition, but also know that 10U through 18U softball is not the end of the line for these girls.  The Travelers are preparing their girls to be ready to step on the field of their High School Varsity teams, playing at the Collegiate Level; but more importantly, the Texas Travelers are preparing their softball girls for the game of life and all of the curves that will be thrown at them.  The select softball organization truly cares about the well-being of the girls and wants nothing but the best for them so they can be strong, confident leaders in their communities.

For more information on the Texas Travelers, their players, games or any other news visit The Texas Travelers News Network or contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702.

Jessa McDonald Throwback Thursday Softball Spotlight

Jessa’s first T-Ball game was in 2009 when she was 4-years old.  She played for Mesquite Maniacs.  She is considered one of the smartest players on the field.  In 2010 she played for the Blue Lady Texans and then 2011 the Mesquite Mayhem.

Today, Jessa plays second base, catcher and outfield for the Texas Travelers Select Softball Team.  She can be seen keeping the girls focused on the field as she completely understands the game.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. Our dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment will prevail in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, everyone should realize that, fast-pitch softball is only a game and is the forum we use to help our athletes mature into responsible adults.
The 04 Texas Travelers play ASA Softball, and plan to compete in ASA Nationals for 2015. The strong North Texas Softball Club has won at IFA-VTD, USSSA, and ASA levels and continues its push to become the 2015 ASA National Champion held in Normal, Illinois. In addition to playing in the ASA National Tourney; the Texas Travelers will also play in each of the national Qualifier Texas Challenge Series, and the Hall of Fame Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team is a fully funded endorsed softball team that intends on continuing its great success in the softball world.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 10 U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

10u Texas Travelers play in 12u Hits for Hero’s Slam Tournament

Fresh from being select to represent Texas in the ASA/USA National Championship, the Texas Travelers have been asked to enter the Hits for Hero’s Slam Tournament held in Arlington, Texas this weekend May 16, 2015.  The tournament is a 12u tournament, but that doesn’t worry the Texas Travelers who are a 10u team.  The only difference will be that the mound is a little further back (5 feet) and their completion will be a little larger than the teams they usually face.

The Texas Travelers are one of the top teams in Texas and very much looking forward to being ready to play some of the top teams in the nation at the 2015 ASA National Championships in Normal, Illinois.  However, they have to find tournaments that will help them continue to improve and that means finding stronger more competitive teams.  This IFA-VTD sanction tournament will have 12u teams from Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.  The tournament will have 3 pool play games which will seed the teams into a single elimination bracket games.

In addition to the Texas Travelers, some of the teams that will be competing are Arlington Wildcats, Texas Black Cats, Southern Force, Texas Reign, Showtime Fastpitch, Thunder Fastpitch, Firecrackers DFW, Texas Force Picazo, Black Sox, Texas Glory Blue, Cleburn Fusion, Frisco Freeze, TX Glory Adkins, Oklahoma Bombers, Lady Rebels, Texas Force Smith, Southeastern Synergy, Mistix Fastpitch, West Texas Venom, Showtime Nigo, Louisian Titans, and East Texas Edge.

The 04 Texas Travelers will start pool play games at 9:15 AM against Thunder Fastpitch 03, then Texas Glory Adkins 02 at 11:45 AM, followed by West Texas Venom 02 at 2:15 PM.  Bracket play will begin at 3:30 PM with the championship game being scheduled at 6:30 PM.

The Texas Travelers would like to wish all teams’ good luck and have a safe tournament.  We look forward to competing with you on the field.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 10 U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

Kelsie Adams Throwback Thursday Softball Spotlight

Kelsie Adams first season playing softball was in 2010 for a 6u softball team.  She might be one of the smaller girls on the team, but don’t tell her that as her heart is one of the largest on the field.  In her second year, her team qualified for state and finished 4th out of 16 teams.

Today, Kelsie can be seen playing any position for the Texas Travelers Select Softball Team.  She is also a great pitcher for the Travelers.

The 04 Texas Travelers organization exists for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth fast-pitch softball program whose goals are to develop players capable of competing at the highest levels in the country with the demonstrated skills necessary to earn a college scholarship. Our dedicated coaches and volunteer staff facilitate our athlete’s growth by conducting challenging practices and scheduling the highest level of competitive activity available. However, reaching these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence and sportsmanship with the young athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and exemplary conduct of the coaches and parents of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment will prevail in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of softball skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, everyone should realize that, fast-pitch softball is only a game and is the forum we use to help our athletes mature into responsible adults.

The 04 Texas Travelers play ASA Softball, and plan to compete in ASA Nationals for 2015. The strong North Texas Softball Club has won at IFA-VTD, USSSA, and ASA levels and continues its push to become the 2015 ASA National Champion held in Normal, Illinois. In addition to playing in the ASA National Tourney; the Texas Travelers will also play in each of the national Qualifier Texas Challenge Series, and the Hall of Fame Softball Tournament in Oklahoma City. The team is a fully funded endorsed softball team that intends on continuing its great success in the softball world.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 10 U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

Select Softball in Houston Texas

The third stage of the ASA Texas Challenge Series takes place in Houston, Texas and will feature some of the strongest select softball teams in the State of Texas.

The ASA Texas Challenge Championship Series is the most prestigious tournament in the Nation where teams are competing for a berth for the 2015 ASA/USA National Championship Series which will be held in Normal, Illinois.  The Chase for the ASA Texas Challenge points at each stage of the series, provides many challenges for the teams participating in these tournaments. The last stage of the series features the “Texas Challenge Bracket” where the top teams in pool play gets to choose their opponent and placement on the Single Elimination Bracket.  There will be four Pool Play Games on Saturday, April 25 with Bracket Play starting Sunday.

The Texas Travelers are entered in the tournament with Katy Cruisers Gold 04, 04 Texas Shock, Direct TV Genies Elite 04, Texas Bombers 04, Diamond Sports Hotshots Gold, Texas Chaos 04, Texas Turn2, Aces Express 04, Texas Stealth 04, Waco Heat, Texas Heat 04, En Fuego, Texas Stealth 05, and Sneaky Cleats 04.  The Pool Play matchup for the Texas Travelers will feature the Travelers against En Fuego at 9:30 AM, Aces Express 04 at 12:30 PM, Texas Stealth 05 at 2 PM and then DirectTV Genies Elite 04 at 6:30 PM.  This will be a great opportunity for the Texas Travelers to be able to seed well for bracket play on Sunday.

Last week, the Texas Travelers used the Real Fastpitch VTD tournament in Mesquite, Texas as a warmup for the ASA Texas Challenge Series.  The Travelers dominated the completion holding their opponents to 0 runs scored while scoring 50 points.  Pitching, fielding, and hitting were very strong for the Texas Travelers, and they are one of the favorites going into the ASA Texas Series.

When the Texas Travelers publicized their goals early last fall; it was to earn a berth for ASA Nationals.  This is the most prestigious tournament in the country to qualify for.  The Travelers have played great softball, and have no intention not to continue to build and get stronger as the season continues.  Currently, they are in a great position to earn the National berth depending on the outcome of this 3rd stage.

For more information about the 04 Texas Travelers contact Coach Kyle Bennett at 972.679.7702 or follow The Texas Travelers on Facebook.  The Texas Travelers are a 10 U 2004 team that plays ASA competitive softball.  To follow particular players, games, practices or see any other information about the North Texas Select Softball team visit: 04 Texas Travelers News Site.

Am I a Softball Mom?

The Texas Travelers Select Softball Team spends hours of practicing, traveling to tournaments, and the girls participate in many private lessons.  They have a desire to play softball at the highest level.  The coaching staff is preparing the girls to become 4-year starters for their Varsity High School Teams as well as positioning themselves to play at a collegiate level. The environment the elite softball organization has created is on which players can reach their full potential and achieve the self-confidence and positive self-esteem necessary to be successful both on and off the field.  From time to time, parents are asked to share their experience and Kara Adams, mother of Kelsie Adams, utility player for the Texas Travelers has shed some insight on what it is like to be a softball mom.

It first started because my kid had more energy than sense. I signed her up for softball at 4 years old. At first they were just so darn cute. They didn't really know how to throw or catch. They would forget there was a second base and run straight to third from first. And if they hit the ball to the grass they thought they were superman. As they grew so did their skills. We began to see that our daughter was a bit more competitive and driven than the others on her rec team and began to search out select softball. Holy cow did we get our eyes opened. There are so many talented girls out there. Where our kid always stood out before, she was suddenly lost in the group.

So began the lessons and camps. She was determined to not only stand out, but to be the best at what she did. I watched her through hours of practice, always trying to be what she needed at that time. Sometimes she just needs to be motivated. For me to remind her of why she is out in the 110 degree heat practicing her base running. Sometimes she needs a little TLC. For me to wipe away the sand and blood, patch her up and send her back out. Sometimes she needs me to be her and her dad’s (coach) mediator. I have to sit them down and remind them they are on the same team. Sometimes she just needs her mom. To be told she is my superstar, that she is loved and always will be. Through the ups and downs, the strike outs and the home runs, the scorching heat and freezing cold, me and my fellow softball moms proudly sit by the fence and watch our girls play.

Am I a softball mom?  Yes, because my girl is a softball player. She shows me every day the true meaning of hard work and determination. She sets goals and works endlessly to achieve them. She has learned what being a member of a team means and by that the meaning of lasting friends. These are priceless life lessons. Not only does she still have more energy than I, she is a softball stud and earned it all. It makes all the money spent, vacations missed, sunburns, dirty laundry, and near strokes worth it. Yes, I am a softball mom and wouldn't have it any other way.

For more information on Kelsie Adams, the Texas Travelers, or any other players; you can follow the team on Facebook or visit the Texas Travelers News Network Site.