14U Division

At this level, a game looks like a real game of softball.  Focusing switches more to the mental side of softball where we start to train the girls in strategy and encourage them to compete at higher level.  Girls are taught to lead off, steal bases and the pitching and catching becomes more consistent and competitive.  Fundamental mechanics are strengthened at this level and more advanced skills are introduced.

What is the game and practice schedule at this level?

Teams begin practices approximately a month before games begin.  Teams have pre-season practice 2 to 4 times per week, typically 2 on a weeknight and 1 or 2 on the weekend. Practice will likely be more frequent during preseason. Head Coach sets number of practices, dates & times. This is a big commitment!  

Games are played during the week, typically they are the same two week nights each week. Depending on registration enrollment, travel to nearby towns may be necessary to get enough teams to play.  Game schedules will be made available approximately 2 weeks after teams have been assigned.   Games are scheduled for 1.5 hour slots. The regular season in the Spring ends around Memorial Day and in Fall league, it ends around Halloween.

When will I hear from a coach? What is STEP?

Players new and returning to softball will be required to attend skills evaluation session (STEP - Spring Training Evaluation Program).  All players are expected to attend STEP.

STEP is scheduled for Sunday,February 5th at the AHS indoor sports facility. At STEP, coaches and league officials confirm together that players are registered for the appropriate level of play. Coaches and league officials prepare for a draft right after STEP; the aim of the draft – results of which are kept confidential by coaches and league officials – is to strike a good balance between the desire to ensure that each team is competitive and the ability to continue playing with friends, schoolmates, and past teammates. Teams are formed soon thereafter and your coach will reach out to you.

The Fall season does not implement the Evaluation days.  The teams are drafted by the coaches.

My daughter played softball last year.  Can’t she return to the same team without attending this evaluation session?

All Players will enter the draft except the coach's dependent(s). It is quite possible that your player may return to his/her team from last season through the draft, but participation in the evaluation session and the draft is required to achieve the desired balance between competitive play and keeping players with friends, schoolmates, and prior teammates. Aside from just being a fun time, these sessions help our coaches and league officials to understand how players have progressed. At this point the draft and head coach determine the team.

What does my player need?

The league provides a team uniform shirt, pants, belt and a headband for each player. You will need to provide your own glove, helmet, fielding mask and bat at each game. Players at this level who catch is recommended to buy their one catcher’s gear and catcher’s glove however the league does supply if needed. Cleats should be worn at this level.

To see bat requirements, click here.

What else is required?

Your participation is a parent.  Even if you don’t step up as a head coach, parents should be present at these games to cheer on their players and help the coaches. We strongly suggest that the parents read the Parent’s Code of Conduct.  Our sole focus of this league is to positively develop your daughter to love the game of softball and perform to her best of her ability.  Your involvement and attitude is crucial in partnership with us.

Mandatory Volunteer Application must be filled out before an adult can be on field working with players.