NFCA FASTPITCH DELIVERY DECEMBER 2014

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Fastpitch Delivery PAGE 1 DECEMBER 2014

NFCA First Vice President and Hall of Fame Committee chair Pat Conlan announced the 2015 NFCA Hall of Fame class at the conclusion of this year’s Hall of Fame Banquet at Planet Hollywood during the NFCA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

The trio of inductees includes Texas A&M head coach Jo Evans, Montclair State head coach Anita Kubicka and Auburn head coach Clint Myers. They will be inducted during the 2015 NFCA National Convention

in Atlanta, Ga.Evans has made

her mark on Texas A&M softball, taking it from a team with a lot of history into a formidable contender on the national stage.

One of the winningest active NCAA Division I coaches in softball today, Evans has guided the Aggies to a program-best No. 2 national ranking and continued a school-record 32 straight NCAA tournament

appearances since her arrival in 2002.Entering her 19th season, Evans

has led the Aggies to three Big 12 titles (2005 regular season and 2008 regular season and tournament), 14 NCAA Regional appearances

Longtime umpire John Bennett offers more guidance to help make batting out of order less confusing for coaches.

““I never thought I’d be a softball coach. After six months, I was like ‘This is the greatest sport ever.’ (Baseball) was about stats and trying to get drafted. Softball is about competing together and playing for a (common) goal.”

Lee Leading The Competitive Charge At LSU-Eunice

COACH’S PROFILE PAGE 9MIKE KRZYZEWSKI,HALL OF FAME BASKETBALL COACH

DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 19, NO. 12

NATIONAL FASTPITCH COACHES ASSOCIATION

WORDS TO COACH BY...“If you are willing to try your hardest, if you

are willing to take risks, if you believe that it can be done, you will succeed.”

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Hall Of A HonorThree NFCA members were recently inducted into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame.

Convention A Record Success In Vegas

Three Elected To NFCA Hall

INSIDE

Door Open For SoftballReform Package Approval Offers Best Hope Yet For Return At 2020 Olympics

After the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved a reform package abolishing the cap of 28 sports for the Summer Games at its

recent meeting in Monaco, hopes are as high as they’ve been in a long time that softball will make its return to the Olympic program for the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The decision, part of President Thomas Bach’s unanimously approved 40-point “Olympic Agenda 2020,” allows for a more events-based system, and clears the way for host cities to propose additional events for their particular Games, so long as the number of competing athletes remains roughly the same. The group also approved a new bidding process aimed at reducing costs for competing cities that would allow hosts to stage events in multiple cities, or even outside their country, if feasible.

SEE DOOR OPEN PAGE 7

This year’s NFCA National Convention was the most successful in the Association’s history, with a record 1,429 attendees participating in the four-day event at Bally’s in Las Vegas, Nev.

The annual event began bright and early on December 3, with 8:30 a.m. committee meetings offering groups an opportunity to meet face-to-face to toss around ideas and discuss issues ranging from rules to education to recruiting to publications.

One of the highlights of the day was the pre-convention seminar as Jeff

Janssen, the founder and president of the Janssen Sports Leadership Center, who led over 300 attendees in an interactive talk entitled “Building and Sustaining a Championship Culture: How to Create a Winning Culture of Commitment and Accountability.”

Janssen addressed the eight kinds of cultures and the five “aligned

systems” and had coaches discuss their cultures with fellow colleagues, evaluate themselves and develop their core values.

The NFCA Golden Shoe and Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year awardees in attendance were honored

SEE CONVENTION PAGE 5

Evans, Kubicka And Myers Comprise 2015 Induction Class

RULES CORNER PAGE 19

NEW MEMBERS ................................ PAGE 3DIVISION I HCC MINUTES ................ PAGE 4QUESTION OF THE MONTH ............. PAGE 8SOFTBALL BY SMITTY ................... PAGE 14EDUCATION ............................PAGES 15-16TRAINING YOUR MIND ................... PAGE 17

Evans Kubicka Myers

SEE THREE ELECTED PAGE 23

MARY NUTTER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER ENJOYS CONVENTION EXPERIENCE PAGE 5

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Fastpitch DeliveryPAGE 2 DECEMBER 2014

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Members of the NFCA receive 12 issues of Fastpitch Delivery, an annual calendar, discounts on various products and resource materials and the yearly NFCA Directory of Information.

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Three NFCA members — Stacey Nuveman, Tommy Orndorff and Ron Radigonda — were recently inducted into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame.

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, Nuveman was one of the best catch-ers in the history of fastpitch softball, competing in three Olympic Games, capturing gold in 2000 and 2004 and earning the silver in 2008.

NUVEMAN FIRST wore Team USA colors in 1995 when she earned gold at the ISF Junior Women’s World Championship, setting a tournament record with 18 RBI. Her impressive power at the plate and strong perfor-mance behind it landed her a spot on the Women’s National Team, where she earned two Pan American gold medals and two ISF world titles.

She won two ASA/USA National

Three NFCA Members Join ASA Hall Of FameNEWS & NOTES

Tony Acketz, Head Coach, Bloomington Fastpitch (Ariz.); Lindie Adair, Assistant Coach, Central Methodist University; Vanessa Becerra, Head Coach, Washburn University of Topeka; Lindsey Boyd, Assistant Coach, University of Nebraska, Omaha; Melissa Brown, Student Assistant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Katherine Brown, Director of Operations, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Jessie Bryant, Assistant Coach (hitting), U.S. Military Academy; Thomas Bush, All-Inclusive Membership; Erinn Byers, Assistant Coach, University of Redlands; Jacqui Cappuccilli, Student Assistant, Central Methodist University; Jason Castle, Assistant Coach, Central Valley Quest; Jeremy Cecil, Head Coach, High Point Christian Academy (N.C.); Kacee Cox, Assistant Coach, California State University, Chico; Kendra Cullum, Assistant Coach, Southeastern Louisiana University; Nicole D’Argento, Assistant Coach, U.S. Military Academy; Alexa Datko, Head Coach, Georgia Gwinnett College; Joe Davidchik, Head Coach, Encinal High School (Calif.); Samantha DeMartine, Head Coach, Asbury College; Mariann DeShazer, Head Coach, Cleveland (Okla.); Sarah Draheim, Student Assistant, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Errick Dubois, Head Coach, New England Ravens; Christy Dukehart, Assistant Coach (pitching), Trinity College (Conn.); Morgan Earling, Assistant Coach, University of Pennsylvania; Joe Farrell, Head Coach, Delaware Cobras 16U Gold; Jill Gagnon, Head Coach, Saint Anselm College; Tricia Gallo, Assistant Coach, Raiders Softball; Gabriel Gonzales, Assistant Coach, Nemesis Elite; Caitlin Grimes, Director of Operations, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Jenny Hess, Assistant Coach, University of Wisconsin, Stout; Lisa Hough, Assistant Coach (pitching), Texas Glory; Jayme Hutchcraft, Assistant Coach, Oklahoma Baptist University; Nick Iarussi, Assistant Coach, Cuyahoga Community College; Amber Jackson, Head Coach, Delaware State University; Emma Johansen, Assistant Coach, Alabama State University; Adrianna Johnson, Assistant Coach, Azusa Pacific University; Melissa Jones, Volunteer Assistant, Bishop State Community College; Samuel Keliinoi, Head Coach, Kulia (Hawaii); Michaela Langley, Assistant Coach, Springdale High School (Ark.); Jeremy Leak, Assistant Coach, Alabama State University; Christen Kirchner, Assistant Coach, Southern Arkansas University; Matthew Klampert, Volunteer Assistant, St. John’s University (N.Y.); Steve Lightfoot, Head Coach, Marin Blue Angels; Annie Lockwood, Assistant Coach, Firecrackers (Ariz.) Ewing; Roy Kupihea, Head Coach, Kulia Softball (Hawaii); Caitlin Lowe, Assistant Coach, University of Arizona; Daniel Maldonado, Assistant Coach, Merced High School (Calif.); Christina May, Assistant Coach, Texas A&M University-Commerce; Jack McAfee, Volunteer Assistant, Salt Lake Community College; Damon McDowell, Student Assistant, Texas A&M University-Commerce; Toby Miller, Head Coach, Aurora Raiders; Cassandra Moore, Head Coach, Genesee Community College; Mary Ellen Morris, Head Coach, Andrews High School (S.C.); Nerissa Myers, Student Assistant, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; Larry Neal, Head Coach, SliderZ; Benny Newsome, Head Coach, DC Pink Sox; Shannon Norman, Volunteer Assistant, Bemidji State University; Leticia Olivarez, Assistant Coach (pitching), California State University, Northridge; Julie Pederson, Assistant Coach, Sacramento City College; Helen Pena, Student Assistant, California State University, Bakersfield; Larry Phillips, Head Coach, American Freedom Phillips; Angela Piedras, Head Coach, Pearland HS (Texas); Jennifer Polivka, Assistant Coach, MidAmerica Nazarene University; Mimi Ramirez, Student Assistant, Lewis University; Scott Reed, Head Coach, Port Jervis School District (N.Y.); Mandy Roczniak, All-Inclusive Membership; Kelsey Rodriguez, Student Assistant, Grand Canyon University; Lynn Rottman, Assistant Coach, Northwest High School (Texas); Darrell Sandfoss, Head Coach, Bluegrass Spirit; Luke Shamblin, Assistant Coach, University of Mount Olive; Judy Shaubach, Head Coach, Madera High School (Calif.); Lesley Shepardson, Assistant Coach (hitting), Greendale Panthers; Taylor Smartt, Volunteer Assistant, Troy University; Travis Smith, Head Coach, North Idaho Xtreme; Jamie Stanclift, Head Coach, Baker University; Hailey Stockman, Assistant Coach, Sierra College; Monica Strube, Volunteer Assistant, Cameron University; Tiffany Sullivan, Head Coach, Frisco High School (Texas); Robert Swofford, Assistant Coach, Team TFS-STX; Julia Tamai, Assistant Coach, University of California, Santa Barbara; Laura Thompson, Student Assistant, Eastern New Mexico University; Stan Wells, Assistant Coach, LeTourneau University; Bailey Wittenauer, Assistant Coach, Drury University; Tara Wolf, Assistant Coach, Johnson County Community College; Erin Wright, Assistant Coach, Troy University; Jeffery Young, Head Coach, NM Sundancers.

New Members

Championships with the Gordon’s Panthers, coached by fellow Hall of Fame member Larry Mays. She also earned a second-team ASA All-Amer-ican honor with the California Jazz. In 2012, Nuveman, along with the 2004 U.S. Olympic Softball Team, was in-ducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

AT THE JUNIOR Olympic level, the Shamrocks, led by coach Tommy Orndorff, have established a tradi-tion in fastpitch softball that’s hard to match.

Since their first national appearance in 1977, the Shamrocks have been a force, qualifying for 25 ASA/USA

National Championships and finish-ing in the top 10 on nine occassions. In the early years of the Shamrock or-ganization, not many East Coast teams competed competitively, but that com-pletely changed with Orndorff’s Sham-rocks.

IN THEIR 25 appearances at the ASA/USA National Championships, the Shamrocks earned eight top-five finishes, including a runner-up finish at the 2003 18U GOLD. In 2005, they earned the 18U GOLD national cham-pionship.

In Radigonda’s 15 years as Ex-ecutive Director, ASA/USA Softball evolved dramatically. Prior to accept-ing the position, he worked with the city of Sacramento’s Parks and Rec-reation Department for 28 years and also was Executive Director of the Sacramento Sports Commission and

the Sacramento Sports Foundation.

IN 1982, he became the Commis-sioner of the Sacramento ASA, where he served as Chair of numerous com-mittees and served on the Board of Directors and as the Chair of the Asso-ciation’s Insurance and Finance Com-mittees.

During his tenure as Executive Di-rector, the ASA Hall of Fame Complex has undergone major renovations and has continued its hosting duties for the NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS), and the World Cup of Soft-ball. He also helped foster the relation-ship with the city of Oklahoma City.

At the International level, Radigonda has served as a delegate and commit-tee chair for the International Softball Federation (ISF), the governing body of softball internationally.

-- Courtesy of ASA/USA Softball

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November 4, 2014 Telephone Conference No. 2014-11The meeting was brought to order at

10:00 a.m. CST. Those present were: Michelle Burrell, America East Confer-

ence; Kyla Holas, American Athletic Con-ference; Lonni Alameda, Atlantic Coast Conference; Bridget Orchard, Atlantic 10 Conference; Jen Steele, Atlantic Sun Conference; Stacy Gemeinhardt-Cessler, Big 12 Conference; Pat Conlan, Big East Conference, and NFCA Board Rep; Barb Sherwood, Big Sky Conference; Dot Rich-ardson, Big South Conference; Amanda Lehotak, Big Ten Conference; Jenny Condon, Big West Conference; Jaime Wohlbach, Colonial Athletic Association; Shonda Stanton, Conference USA; Lynn Curylo, Horizon League; Lisa Sweeney, Ivy League; Melissa Inouye, Metro At-lantic Athletic Conference; Karen Linder, Mid-American Conference; Steve John-son, Mountain West Conference; Roy Kortmann, Northeast Conference; Jane Worthington, Ohio Valley Conference; Heather Tarr, Pacific-12 Conference; Mi-chelle DePolo, Patriot League; Jo Evans, Southeastern Conference; Mandy Burford, Southern Conference; Stephanie Hughes, Southland Conference; Rick Fremin, Southwestern Athletic Conference; Annie Smith, Sun Belt Conference; Holly Van Vly-men, The Summit League; Jessica Hanas-eth, West Coast Conference; Nikki Palmer, Western Athletic Conference.

Dee Abrahamson, NCAA Softball Secre-tary-Rules Editor, Guest; Vickie VanKleeck, incoming NCAA Softball Secretary-Rules Editor (Sept 2015), Guest; David Batson, NFCA Legislative Consultant, Guest.

Natalie Poole, NFCA Division I Repre-sentative; Carol Bruggeman, NFCA Asso-ciate Executive Director.

Heidi Cavallo, Mid-Eastern Athletic Con-ference and Amy Hayes, Missouri Valley Conference, were not on the call.

1. Approval of October Call Minutes. It was moved (Holly Van Vlymen) and sec-onded (Jamie Wohlbach) that the October call minutes be approved.

2. Working Groups Updates. Chair(s) of each working group held conference calls with entire working group throughout the month of October. Updates, surveys, and documents were discussed for each work-ing group. Attached are complete summa-ries from each working group.

A. Certification of Events (Heather Tarr, Natalie Poole)

1. Survey was sent from NFCA na-tional office on Nov. 3rd with separate links for head coaches and assistant coaches to gather feedback on Certification of Events. Survey results will be distributed to HCC prior to NFCA Convention. Carol Brugge-

man, NFCA Associate Executive Director, will also send survey link to HCC. HCC reps are to send survey to respective con-ference coaches and encourage coaches to complete survey.

B. Moving the Season Back (Steve Johnson)

1. This has been a long-standing issue debated since 1998. Goal is to de-velop a collective national voice, not a re-gional voice, with moving the season back.

2. ESPN — There was unanimous support if ESPN was willing to move the postseason back one or two weeks, to mir-ror the same change on the front end of the season. (i.e. push start of season back the same one or two weeks.)

3. If ESPN does not move post-sea-son back, Working Group felt there were four options to discuss at Convention.

a. Keep the schedule as is b. Move the start date back one

week and keep 56 games c. Move the start date back one

week and reduce to 52 games (this option received minimal support)

d. Move the start date and end date back one week and if there was enough support from the membership, take to the NCAA with a collective backing to push for change.

4. Other television options — there was discussion surrounding entertaining other television station options if ESPN did not want to move season back.

5. Point of Reference: Baseball is having very preliminary discussions re-garding moving their season back even further.

6. There was no support for moving the season back multiple weeks.

7. Working Group will get feedback from ESPN and also look to vote/receive feedback on above-mentioned four options at NFCA convention.

C. Recruiting Calendar (Lonni Alameda, Karen Linder)

1. Working Group initially developed three models, then reduced to two models to discuss at NFCA Convention.

2. Two Models: a. Model 1 (6 weekends counting back from

Thanksgiving weekend)(October 17th – November 23rd)

Eliminate the 50 days The fall we are only allowed to re-

cruit Saturday and Sunday We can work camps and clinics on

campuses 3rd party camps and clinics can only

be worked on Saturday and Sundays Calendar would look like: WCWS – Dead Period June 4th Recruiting Contact Period June 5th –

August 3rd ( 9 weekends) Quiet Period August 4th – October

16th (10 weekends) Recruiting Contact Period (w/ dead

period of LOI) October 17th–November 23rd (6 weekends)

Quiet Period November 24th–June 4th ( w/ dead period WCWS and April LOI —27 weekends

b. Model 2 (No Fall Recruiting) Eliminate 50 days No limit on camps and clinics dur-

ing the summer WCWS – Dead Period over June 4 Recruiting Contact Period June

5th – August 10th ( 10 weekends) Quiet Period August 11th – JuneD. One-time transfer rule (Shonda Stan-

ton, Barb Sherwood) 1. Working group developed lists of

pros and cons regarding exemption of the one-time transfer exception.

2. Survey was developed by working group and sent to HCC on Nov 4th. HCC reps are to send to respective conference

coaches, compile conference results, and send conference results to Carol Brugge-man, NFCA Associate Executive Director. Ms. Bruggeman will share survey results with HCC prior to NFCA Convention.

E. Slowing the Early Recruiting Process Down (Nikki Palmer, Holly Van Vlymen)

1. Very strong support for change. 2. Developed final proposal to dis-

cuss at NFCA Convention which reads: There shall be no recruiting contact

(unofficial visits, phone calls, text messag-es, recruiting conversations at camp) with a PSA until July 1 after their sophomore year of high school. There shall be no con-tact with a third party (high school coach, club coach, friend, teacher, etc.) regard-ing unofficial visits/scholarship offers. We would like to move the official visit to their junior year with the same current param-eters (13.6.2.2.1 and 13.6.3). We would also like to move the NLI Signing Period to their junior year with the same current parameters (13.9).

3. Other Business. A. Prior to NFCA Convention, HCC

reps will receive complete Working Group summaries from Carol Bruggeman, NFCA Associate Executive Director. HCC reps will share information with respective con-ference coaches so coaches are prepared for NFCA Convention. To promote trans-parency and share information, Working Group summaries will be shared with all NFCA membership groups.

B. There will be a special Travel Ball curriculum at NFCA Convention, held on Saturday, December 6th from 2pm-5pm. HCC is encouraged to attend.

4. In-Person Meeting — HCC will have in-person meeting in Las Vegas, NV at NFCA Convention on Wednesday, De-cember 3rd, 2014 from 7:30pm-9:00pm PST.

5. Conference Call. The next HCC con-ference call will be held at 10:00am Central time Tuesday, January 13th, 2015.

6. Adjournment. The meeting was ad-journed at 11:05am Central time.

MINUTES – HCC

Editor’s Note: Board of Directors minutes and Softball Summit minutes will appear in January’s Fastpitch Delivery.

FROM THE NFCA TEAM TO YOUR TEAM, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND BEST WISHES FOR 2015.

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Scholarship Winner Enjoys ConventionNEWS & NOTES

When head coach Megan Hastings first brought up the discussion of the NFCA convention in Las Vegas, we weren’t sure if our budget would allow both of us to attend.

She did some research and found that the NFCA offered the Mary Nutter Scholarship award, and we both entered in our names with hopes that one of us would win. We were ecstatic to learn that I had won the scholarship, and immediately started making plans to attend.

WHAT I ENJOYED most about the NFCA convention is how smoothly the schedule ran throughout the day. The topics of discussion were well

prepared and the information given was informative as well as motivating. I could not wait to get back to Indiana and get working with our team on new drills and tactics shared by so many great coaches and speakers.

I ALSO LOVED hearing from LSU head coach Beth Torina. Coach Torina spoke at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast Friday morning, where she gave her testimony and that God’s plan for you is so much bigger than you’ll ever understand in the moment.

The thing I found most informative was Jen Schroeder’s dialog on “A Catcher’s Grind.” Everything from her talking points and demonstrations to instructional videos were clearly communicated throughout her entire

session. I walked away with new information that is going to help our current and future catchers be the difference-makers on the field. I absolutely loved how energetic she was on stage. Her passion for teaching is evident and contagious.

HAVING THE opportunity to attend the convention has given me a deeper insight to the game I love so much. It was great to learn new strategies as well as confirm some of our own tactics of the game and how we like to do things at Bethel College.

I am extremely thankful for receiving the Mary Nutter Scholarship award and having the opportunity to be a part of the convention. It was a huge success and I hope to be able to attend again in the near future!

By BRITTNEY LIGHTFOOTAssistant Coach, Bethel College

Bethel College assistant coach Brittney Light-foot, who received the NFCA’s Mary Nutter Scholarship to attend the 2014 Convention, takes notes during one of the presentations at Bally’s Las Vegas. Photo provided.

at the start of the General Session. Following presentations on the

state of National Pro Fastpitch by league commissioner Cheri Kempf, opportunities for women in USA Baseball by Jenny Dalton Hill and updates on the International Softball Federation and ASA/USA Softball from executive directors Ron Radigonda and Craig Cress, respectively, NFCA Executive Director Lacy Lee Baker provided members with an update on the state and growth of the Association.

NFCA BOARD PRESIDENT Rhonda Revelle, the head coach at Nebraska, followed with the annual President’s report and internationally-known motivational speaker Dan Lier wrapped up the session with his keynote address.

New attendees got a chance to learn the ropes at a one-hour orientation presented by Revelle, Michigan State head coach Jacquie Joseph and NFCA Associate Executive Director Carol

Bruggeman. The evening concluded with the Louisville Slugger reception, Division I and II Head Coaches Committee meetings, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Panel, a Mid-American Conference meeting and the International Caucus.

ON DAY TWO, over 650 coaches took part in another productive Mentoring Session, hosted by Sue Enquist, and 168 coaches were honored for reaching various career milestones.

Following business caucuses for the

college divisions, the Easton Victory Club luncheon recognized member head coaches.

COACHES HONORED for achieving 1,100 or more wins received beautifully engraved crystal, while those having reached 100-win plateaus ranging from 300-900 were awarded personalized plaques. Commemorative certificates recognized 100 and 200-win coaches.

This year, 14 coaches were lauded for either reaching or exceeding the

1,000-victory plateau. Stripes & Strikes coach Vince Trivelpiece reached the 1,600-win mark, while 2014 NFCA Hall of Fame inductee Phil McSpadden of Oklahoma City University and Tony Scarbrough of Baker (Ala.) High each recorded their 1,400th triumphs this past spring.

DEPAUL’S EUGENE Lenti reached the 1,200-victory plateau, while Wayne State’s Gary Bryce, Kankakee Community College’s Dennis Clark, Cowley County Community College’s Ed Hargrove and Phoenix College’s Heinz Mueller earned their 1,100th triumphs.

Reaching 1,000 wins this season were Denny Dock of Lakeshore (Mich.) High, Jo Evans of Texas A&M, Vicki Kazee-Hollifield of Carson-Newman, Lori Meyer of Minnesota State-Mankato, Craig Nicholson of Arizona State and George Wares of Central College.

Alongside the excitement of the exhibitor’s show starting up, Florida State head coach Lonni Alameda’s presentation on “Managing Player

CONVENTION HITS HOMER WITH RECORD NUMBERSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

NFCA Hall of Fame inductees Les Stuedeman, left, Julie Lenhart, second from left, Lacy Lee Baker and Phil McSpadden pose with their awards after the banquet. Photo by Dave Hines.

SEE CONVENTION PAGE 23

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FEATURED TWEET

Former NFCA Member Acheson Dies at 54NEWS & NOTES

Terry Acheson, a former NFCA member and the wife of Kennesaw State interim head coach Tory Acheson, died on November 24 at her Cookeville, Tenn., home after a lengthy illness. She was 54.

Terry worked with her husband as his assistant at both Wisconsin-Parkside and Tennessee Tech.

The duo spent 15 seasons at

Tennessee Tech, from 1999-2013, leading the Golden Eagles to five NCAA t o u r n a m e n t a p p e a r a n c e s as well as four Ohio Valley

Conference regular-season titles and

five OVC tournament crowns.“She had been here pretty much

since the program became what it is,” said current Tech softball head coach Bonnie Bynum, who played for the Golden Eagles under the Achesons’ direction. “It’s a really sad day for softball and the community in general for what she meant to everybody.”

She coached for 16 seasons before joining the Tech athletics staff in 1998 with nine seasons of high school coaching as well as seven seasons of coaching at NCAA Division II Wisconsin-Parkside — a stint that saw the Rangers finish fourth in the Division II tournament in 1995, seventh in 1996 and second in 1997.

Acheson graduated from Carroll College in Wisconsin in 1982 with a degree in health and physical education.

After her husband resigned from

his Tech post in 2013, Acheson stayed on as an assistant coach in a transition period for Bynum in her first season.

“She was like a second mom to me,” Bynum said. “She was always there for me whenever I needed anything as a player, then as I was transitioning into a coach. It’s definitely a tough loss, not only for me, but for Tech softball.”

An avid animal lover, Acheson tirelessly worked with the Putnam County Animal Shelter and its support group, planning fundraisers and events and doing a lot of work around the area.

Under the Achesons’ guidance, the Tech softball team was a visible presence in the community, working with Habitat for Humanity, food drives and the annual Bark in the Park event.

— Courtesy Tennessee Tech Athletics and Cookeville

Herald-Citizen

Ron Simpson of Methodist University recorded his 500th win on April 1 of this year in a 12-11 road win at Ferrum College. His name was not listed in the Easton Victory Club list that ran in the November issue of Fastpitch Delivery.

It is thought that the Tokyo organizers will ask for the inclusion of baseball and softball, both highly popular sports at the amateur and professional levels in Japan. Those two sports have been pushing to return since they were both dropped following the 2008 Beijing Games.

“It’s certainly encouraging for all of us in softball,” ISF Executive Director Ron Radigonda said last week by phone. “We have not been given formal process. We’re waiting for the IOC. We’re poised and ready to go.

“The provision opens the door and we’re excited.”

Radigonda said he is hoping to find out more details at the IOC’s July meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Canadian IOC official Dick Pound pointed out during the discussion that “we were at a dead-end situation with 28 sports. This provides the flexibility we need.”

In 2012, on the advice of the IOC, baseball and softball’s international federations reached a memorandum of understanding to combine their efforts in the hopes of maximizing their chances of getting back on the Olympic slate. In 2013, that effort between the International Baseball Federation and the International Softball Federation was ratified, establishing the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

Host cities must convince the IOC that adding sports fits into their Games both financially and operationally. Overall, the IOC is hoping this added program flexibility

SEE DOOR OPEN PAGE 22

DOOR OPEN FOR SOFTBALL TO RETURN TO OLYMPICSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CORRECTION

Acheson

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We actually talk about healthy eating habits and lifestyles with our team all the time, so hopefully through education they don’t necessarily need

a holiday plan. Our meals on the road are often catered with healthy choices in mind so they learn by doing as well. Of course it’s OK to indulge a little bit around the holidays — in moderation of course.

Amy KvilhaugSt. John’s University

The bottom line is everything in moderation. Keep to the workout schedule and do not skip. This will allow you to enjoy the holidays with

the family and still eat all of your favorites. Keep to the normal routine every day of the week except on (the holiday). Do not worry about calories, as there are no calories on a social event. We have tried to do some education on what is good energy throughout the entire semester so they have an understanding of how the body works and especially one that is an elite athlete.

Carie Dever BoazNorthwest Mississippi Community College

We talk to our players about balance. (The holidays are) a great time to feast with the family and one day will not harm their training or eating

so long as they use balance during the remaining weeks. We explain to them that the Thanksgiving meal provides a lot of carbohydrates, and we teach them what carbohydrates do and how they function for our bodies. This provides a

great opportunity to do extensive cardio workouts the weekend after.Joseph ManiscalcoNY BlueFire Fastpitch 18U Premier

We brought in our nutritionist to speak to our team last year on the topic of “mindful eating.” She had each student-athlete pay attention to

detail of the food they were eating by texture, taste, smell, etc. The student-athlete had to chew a raisin for one minute and describe the detail of the raisin to emphasize being mindful of each little item you would put in your mouth. “Quality not quantity” and “mindful eating” over (the holidays).

Christy ConnoyerSaint Louis University

During the holidays I am not really concerned about what they absorb through their stomach but I am concerned what they are absorbing in

their minds. If they are working out on their own and have some focus on the season ahead while on vacation, I feel they will not get crazy at the dinner table. As far as food goes, let them enjoy, because when they return to school they will have a regimented training table from January to May.

Wes MadrillGreen Mountain (Colo.) High School

Do you provide any healthy eating tips for your players during Thanksgiving and the other holidays to keep them on training targets? What would be an example?

Have a Question or an Answer?

Here is your chance to give input in a very simple manner – we need ideas for questions you would like to see answered in a future edition, so please feel free to share those ideas.

Respond by emailing Dave Hines at [email protected].

QUESTION OF THE MONTH

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NFCARECRUITING APP

College prospects can go to the Apple Store to download the free app to enter their profile for college coaches.

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HAS YOUR ADDRESS, COACHING POSITION OR SCHOOL CHANGED? If the answer is yes, your member information needs to be updated. Please call the NFCA at (502) 409-4600 or email Manager of Membership Jamie Hazel at [email protected] to make any necessary changes to your roster spot.

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When Andy Lee was playing baseball in the minor leagues for the Boston Red Sox, being a softball coach was the farthest thing from his mind. In fact, he was reluctant to accept an offer to coach young women.

BUT NOW that he’s been coaching softball for 10 years, and married to a former standout player, the Louisiana State University-Eunice coach is wondering why he didn’t do it sooner.

“I never thought I’d be a softball coach,” Lee admitted. “After six months, I was like ‘This is the greatest sport ever.’

“(Baseball) was about stats and trying to get drafted. Softball is about competing together and playing for a (common) goal.”

Lee has certainly got his players to play for a common goal. The Bengals have compiled a 324-56 record in his six seasons at the helm, including three National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II championships in the last four years.

EUNICE HAS WON over 90 percent of its games the last two years, going 126-8 over that span to win back-to-back NJCAA Division II crowns.

Before that, he was 92-65 over three seasons at Hinds Community College, his alma mater. He earned both his 300th win at Eunice and his 400th overall collegiate victory this past spring.

“I know I’m blessed,” Lee said. “I’m proud. I don’t look back right now, I look forward. When I’m 80 years old, I’ll reflect.”

“I’m just trying to keep up with the Joneses (right now). The game has grown so much. I’m a competitor.”

Lee gave credit to his athletics director, Jeff Willis, who is also the school’s baseball coach, for giving him the support needed to field such outstanding teams.

“Being at a great university that supports athletics with a great AD

that gives you what you need, I can recruit good kids,” he explained. “A great school that supports working hard and competing.”

“It keeps building and the next thing you look back and, holy cow, you won 60-something games.”

AS SUCCESSFUL as his team is on the field, Lee knows they have to be equally effective in the classroom since their athletes will be going professional in something other than sports.

“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “They have to be productive teachers, doctors and mothers. It’s about playing a sport they love and getting a good education. I’m just as proud of that as winning a championship.”

Lee estimated that 90 percent of his kids have gotten offers to attend a four-year school after Eunice. He said it’s tough to have the constant turnover in junior college. It’s always working to get them set for the future while also worrying about the present.

“YOU’VE GOT to push your kids,” he said. “I want to compete. That’s what motivates me. The fear of losing. The greatest feeling is ending on a win.

“It’s tough saying goodbye, but it’s easier when the tears are tears of joy.”

He’s thankful to have made many lasting relationships despite the short two-year stints together at Eunice.

“It’s special going to weddings now and seeing these kids mature,” he said. “I’ve had my time. It’s their time to shine.”

Lee Leader Of LSU-Eunice Juggernaut

LSU-Eunice coach Andy Lee has won three NJCAA Division II national championships in the past four seasons. Photo provided by LSU-Eunice Sports Information.

Former Pro Baseball Player In Red Sox System Finding Success On The Softball Field By DAVE HINES

Editor

COACH’S PROFILE

IN THE PRESS BOX WITH ANDY LEE1) How has the game changed in the time you’ve

been coaching?“Offensively, the game has exploded. Travel ball and

women’s athletics as a whole is exploding. More teams. Better coaching. More people are playing. You used to see 2-3 kids that are good. Now you see 1-9. The game is a lot more serious.”

2) What are some problems coaches now face that are different from when you started coaching?

“The competition in recruiting is more like football, more cutthroat. Kids are coming in earlier.”

3) If you knew then what you know now, how would your coaching have been different?

“I would have made a ton less mistakes (laughs). I

learned so much. Met some great families.”4) Is there a secret to success in coaching?“You’ve got to love your job. You’ve got to be passion-

ate. You’ve got to have pride in your team.”5) What would your ideal season be like?“I just want to win the last game of the year and every

kid graduates or is on track to graduate.”

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NFCA NATIONAL CONVENTION ON TWITTER

Members Get Social On Social MediaWe asked our members to use the hashtag #NFCAallin when sending tweets

to @NFCAorg to help us chronicle our time in Las Vegas, Nev., for the NFCA National Convention. Participants provided plenty of fun moments and thoughts.

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WINNING TWEETCongratulations to Oklahoma Wesleyan University head coach Caty Reeves

(@catyreeves) for winning the #NFCAallin Twitter contest during our 2014 NFCA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev.

Reeves will receive free registration to next year’s convention in Atlanta for providing the most clever tweet (shown below) our staff saw during convention week.

SCAVENGER HUNTThis year, we added a daily scavenger hunt to our usual Twitter contest

during our 2014 NFCA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. We tweeted one scavenger hunt item for each of the four days of the

convention, with the person doing the best job of completing the task (or getting the most retweets or favorites) using the hashtag #NFCAhunt earning that day’s award.

The winners of one free NFCC class each in 2015 were the following:• December 3: Get five new people to follow @NFCAorg on Twitter

Hofstra University Softball (@HofstraSoftball) • December 4: Take a selfie at your favorite exhibitor booth Lee University Softball (@LeeUSoftball) • December 5: Get the most convention attendees squeezed into one selfie Nikki Miller (@ninmin30) • December 6: Take a selfie with an NFCA Hall of Famer Bomber Softball (@Ithaca_Softball)

NFCA NATIONAL CONVENTION TWITTER CONTESTS

Connect With The NFCA On Twitter!

@NFCAorg

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OUT AND ABOUT AT THE NFCA NATIONAL CONVENTION:

ABOVE: Notre Dame head coach Deanna Gumpf accepts the inaugural Donna Newberry ‘Perseverance’ Award during the Softball Summit at Bally’s Las Vegas. BELOW: Santa Clara University assistant coach Matt Lisle and USSSA Pride player Alexa Peterson demonstrate at hitting drill. LOWER LEFT: Coaching legends Bill Edwards, left, Margie Wright, second from left, Dr. Gerry Pinkston and Dr. JoAnne Graf chat during the NFCA Hall of Fame panel discussion. MIDDLE LEFT: Texas Glory coach and Board rep Kevin Shelton gives the travel ball report at the Softball Summit. TOP LEFT: Gallaudet head coach Joseph Kolcun watches his American Sign Language interpreter intently during a speaker session. Photos by Dave Hines.

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A PHOTOGRAPHIC RECAP OF OUR TIME IN LAS VEGAS

ABOVE: College of St. Scholastica head coach Jen Walter, right, smiles as she chats with the representative at the V-Flex booth during the exhibitor’s show in the Bally’s Events Center. TOP LEFT: NFCA Associate Executive Director Carol Bruggeman gestures while teaching de-fense at the preconvention NFCC 404 coaches class. AT LEFT: Former Team USA teammates Crystl Bustos, left, and Jennie Finch play-fully argue over whose swing is faster. LOWER LEFT: Company founder and ex-Major League Baseball player Don Slaught holds court at the RightView Pro booth. BELOW: Representative Mike Matthews makes his pitch at the Louis-ville Slugger booth. AT RIGHT: NFCA Executive Director Lacy Lee Baker, right, and daughter Nikki Miller pose for a photo during the Hall of Fame induction banquet at Planet Hollywood. All photos by Dave Hines, except photo at right courtesy of Kim Broking.

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We will study a team that has just lost a close game or a game where they were blown out. In both cases, the general occurrence is to have the team meet in the outfield while the coach or coaches collect pertinent thoughts.

The coach strolls out slowly, walks up to the team in one of two ways — either silently or ranting. You get the picture. The meeting will go something like this:

“That was terrible. You guys let them beat us. We had all kinds of chances to win, but we didn’t get the job done. Each of you is to blame.

“NO ONE stepped up. You were tentative at the plate and simply awful in the field. Your fundamentals were terrible. You don’t deserve to win and you won’t unless you get your act together. We simply must do better. You are not trying. The way we played is unacceptable.”

This can be a rant or a calm statement depending upon the coach’s disposition at the time, and sometimes the coach pouts. It can be quoted game to game after losses and might vary in intensity depending upon the score and the state of the coach’s digestion, or even the importance of the game. It seldom changes.

Keep in mind that every game, every at bat, every fielding play and every pitch are important, and not just in conference or national championship games. They all have the same benefits

and consequences. The mistake is made each and every time one event is treated more importantly than the others.

Take, for example, what you often hear in a golf match. Right at the time of the last putt in the tournament, you will hear, “This is very important. The whole tournament outcome rests on it. The player must make it.”

ABSURD. No putt is more important than any other. If the player had made a good putt on the first green, this last putt might be meaningless.

This is no less true with an at bat. You will often hear, “We need a hit!” Yes, the team is behind or ahead by only a run or two, yet we need a hit?

Don’t we always need a hit? Doesn’t this put pressure on the hitter?

She is painfully aware that a hit is important without the coach or fans reminding her. Once she hears that, her concentration is disturbed, sometimes with no effect, but other times it’s disastrous. In many cases, the batter will not even hear the parent or crowd, so the question is moot.

IN ANY EVENT, players are fully aware of any mistakes they may have made in a game, just as they are aware of the good things they did. They don’t need reminding.

In our game situation, Smitty suggests that the coach start off by pointing out the good things that happened. There might not be

many, or any, for that matter. In the latter case, just point out

that the team made a reasonable effort and that things don’t always go our way. This, of course, assumes the effort was reasonable. But Smitty wonders what team goes on the field and does not try, thus simply giving up?

Now on to the bad things. The following are merely suggestions that coaches might not agree with, but they have worked well for Smitty in the past.

IF YOU LOOK at the bad things, lack of hitting, errors or inadequate pitching (assuming the pitchers are usually reasonably competent at their trade), it is unreasonable for coaches to mention them in a negative light except in passing.

The players already know this. What they need is coaching that helps them avoid these wicked happenings.

So, Sally Errorprone says or thinks, “Coach, I know I fielded poorly and made crucial errors. I did things wrong. Yes, I know that I did things improperly, please show me the right way to do them.”

Sally wants something positive and needs no further negative discourse.

COACHES SHOULD realize this, but many don’t and simply go on with their ways, not realizing that not only players do wrong things in games, but so do coaches.

Each game has things that are done improperly. It is the coach’s

job to spot these items and go to the next practice with a plan to improve players’ performances.

If the coach does not know how to correct problems, it does no good to rant or put players down.

WISE COACHES swallow their egos and seek advice or help from others who might have solutions. Getting knowledgeable assistant coaches is a good way to start, but these creatures are hard to come by and are at a premium for many reasons. Still, there must an effort in this regard.

It is one of Smitty’s Laws that simply telling a player how to do something is usually not sufficient to achieve the desired result. She must be shown exactly how to do that particular something by a coach or others.

Anybody who says coaching is easy, best try it before speaking.

Dick Smith is the former head coach at the University of St. Francis and previously coached at Valparaiso University.

Want to argue, cuss or discuss? Email Smitty at [email protected].

SOFTBALL BY SMITTY

Good Coaches Don’t Just Tell, They ShowBy DICK SMITH

Players’ brains and their muscles are sometimes not connected. You can tell a player something, but the message does not get from the brain to the body. Repetition will not always solve the problem. Some players must be physically shown whatever technique is required, meaning the coach needs to physically take a player through the proper motions. Try it. You’ll like it.

SMITTY’S TIP

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I think we can all agree that we want our pitchers to pitch well in practice and games. But the question I have is, “How often do we teach our pitchers how to ensure they pitch well each time they pitch?”

Whether it is for a normal bullpen or the national championship game, our pitchers need a recipe for successful pitching. Just like all recipes, everyone has their own spin on things. Some coaches like to script their pitchers’ warmup, some have specific numbers of each drill or pitch that is to be thrown and some leave it up to the pitcher to decide.

ALL OF THESE methods have pros and cons, and all can be effective if used appropriately. I also think the level you coach can have a big impact on how you instruct your pitchers to warmup.

If your staff is 10 years old you would have a much shorter and different warmup than a college pitcher, so please take this into account as you are developing and teaching your pitchers to warmup.

Over the years I have found that you can learn a lot about a pitcher by asking them about their warmup. The first time I work with a pitcher I ask them to begin warming up as they normally would.

Typically, this starts with them standing really close to a catcher and tossing the ball to them. At this time, I usually ask them why they do this and about how long they do this.

The No. 1 answer I get is “until I feel good.” I then ask how many are in an “until I feel good.” The reason I ask this is I have found that pitchers when nervous don’t feel good quickly, which can lead to your pitcher throwing a whole game in the bullpen

before the first inning. I have also noticed that pitchers and

catchers like to chat while warming up, and, before you know it, they have covered all the campus gossip and what is going on with their favorite TV show, but have yet to warmup.

SO FOR ALL of the reasons listed above and a few more, I started to teach my pitchers the concept of pitching well on purpose, and this starts with the first pitch of their warmup.

The key to pitching well on purpose is to understand the progression of a pitch. Pitches are like houses; if you do not build them from the foundation up, they will fall apart. I tell my pitchers we have a priority order for pitching well on purpose. 1. Movement 2. Speed 3. Location.

1. Movement: The foundation of any pitch is, “What does my hand do to the ball?” If the pitch is a fastball, this means my fingers push the ball forward with great force towards my target. If I am throwing a breaking pitch, my focus is on my hand turning the ball in the direction I want it to spin and break.

So the first thing my pitchers do the first pitch they throw is start getting their hand focused on manipulating the ball in whatever manner the pitch dictates. They may do this with all of their pitches at a short distance, move back and repeat, or work each pitch separately.

I give them the option. The key is to get your hand on track first and as a result get the ball to move in the

direction you want every time. 2. Speed: Once my pitchers have

their pitches moving correctly, I have them add speed. It is much easier to add speed to movement than the other way around.

I tell them to add speed with an eye dropper and spin with a dump truck. This typically means throwing a few full distance at 75 percent and gradually adding speed as the movement allows until they are at full speed with each pitch.

3. Location: While this might be the first on a lot of coach’s lists, I have found this works much better if done last. Here is why: If I have a pitch that is moving appropriately and at the top speed I can throw it, all I have to do is start it on the correct entry line for my location to be correct. And if I have been throwing this pitch for any length of time I may have already sorted my location out by getting the movement and speed right first.

The other reason I do this is because I want my pitchers to have liberty to throw aggressively. The most limiting thing I can do is have my pitchers trying to hit tea saucers with a pitch. I am more of a five-gallon bucket target person myself. But hit that bucket with great movement and speed.

WARMING UP this way helps them get their mind clear and focused on what their body is doing. It also helps them mentally prepare for the game or practice. An added bonus

is, because they are focused and building each pitch, they are very keen with adjustments and this helps them make quick adjustments during the game or practice.

At this point their pitches are doing exactly what they need to for them to be successful in a game. From here you can have them mix pitches, throw counts, or if you know the team you are playing, pitch the first inning. This is up to you and may depend upon the situation.

The key is to have them purposeful with each pitch. This will keep them focused and ready to perform at the highest level they can each time they pitch.

Megan Brown is an assistant coach at the University of Akron and the pitching coach for the Great Britain National team.

She earned her doctorate in kinesiology from Auburn University and was a three-time All-America pitcher at Florida Southern College, earning Hall of Fame induction for both her alma mater and the Sunshine State Conference.

Brown played in National Pro Fastpitch from 2007-09 and in Europe from 2010-13. She previ-ously coached at the University of Connecticut under longtime coach Karen Mullins.

Ensure Your Staff Is Pitching Well On Purpose EDUCATION

By MEGAN BROWNAsst. Coach, Univ. of Akron

Do you know something Fastpitch Delivery should be writing about? Would you like to write articles for Fastpitch Delivery? Just have a question? Email your ideas, questions and suggestions to Dave Hines at [email protected] FD

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Rest and Sleep. Who does not like rest and sleep?

We usually enjoy both and somehow never get enough of either. Proper rest and recovery, however, are absolutely necessary for peak performance.

The holidays tend to be hectic, but this is the best time of year for coaches and players to rejuvenate before kicking into high gear for yet another season.

Spring training and competition schedules are grueling. Players also begin new school semesters that supply additional stress. Jumping into the spring is exciting, but also overwhelming at times.

As you take time to recover personally over the holidays, make it a point to plan strategies that will keep you and your team energized for the entirety of the upcoming season.

Playing well late in the season depends on proper preparation. This includes hard work on the field, in the weight room and in other areas of training. Additionally, though, top teams must remain energized and find ways to stay refreshed through the grueling fastpitch season.

To be most effective, players must work productively and rest effectively. The first key: Efficiency.

Efficient—(adj.) performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.”

—Dictionary.com

To begin, create practice plans that are effective and efficient with your players’ time. Work them hard; push them during practice. Make them better, BUT do not waste their time (or yours).

None of us seem to have extra hours we need to fill. Most of us could use several extra hours in the day.

Creating efficient practice plans will require preparation time, but challenge yourself. How much can your team

accomplish in an allotted practice time? Craft a plan that maximizes every minute.

Your players are constantly pulled in multiple directions. However, if they can trust that you will 1) let them out of practice on time, and 2) avoid springing last-minute demands on them (whenever possible), then you are MUCH more likely to see their maximum effort during workouts, both physically and mentally.

When you lead the way and set the example of efficiency, players are much more inclined to perform “in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort.”

Work hard as a team. Work really hard, and then leave everyone time to rest and recover, so you can all come back and push harder tomorrow.

The second area needing attention: Sleep. The majority of college students learn to function on less-than-optimal sleep. Student-athletes are spread thin and are constantly worn down.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that your athletes should be amassing 8.5-9.25 hours of sleep EACH night. We all know this is not the norm for most college students. However, your girls are certainly

active, and they need their rest (as well as proper recovery) in order to perform their best.

Performance in the classroom and in athletics can be drastically reduced when players function regularly without adequate sleep. In fact, sleepiness can actually be dangerous. Find some of the dangers associated with chronic sleepiness in the chart above.

To combat constant fatigue and sleepiness, try implementing some of the sleep secrets listed. Try these tips yourself and encourage your team to do the same (especially during the season).

Many of the suggestions above are simply not possible during the season, but it is still important to be mindful of them. If your team arrives back to campus after an away game in the middle of the night, maybe canceling 6 a.m. workouts is beneficial. Hard work is necessary, but sleep is critical.

Lastly, in addition to establishing an efficient schedule and encouraging proper sleep, promoting physical and mental recovery is necessary.

Although teams must push the limits physically, at times continuing to push the body is not beneficial for performance. Hard work and adequate

rest is a tough balancing act. Determining the right amount of

rest for your program requires a little trial and error. You have to try some different work-rest patterns to see what is best.

A good rule to follow: As the frequency and/or length of workouts increases, the workload of each individual workout should decrease. Marathon practices at a sprinter’s pace will eventually break a team both physically and mentally.

Even when players fight through and survive this approach, pushing too hard for too long may increase the risk of overuse and late-season injuries. Teams want to gain momentum in pursuit of postseason greatness, not suffer unnecessary setbacks due to injury.

Additionally, extra long practices do not encourage a high-intensity tempo.

When working efficiently, on the other hand, practices can become shorter, yet even more intense. This approach

By CHARITY BUTLERFounder, Exceed Sports

Charity Butler is respected nationally & in-ternationally as a pro athlete, writer, speaker, collegiate coach, hitting instructor and Certi-fied Intrinsic Life Coach®.

As a Pro Speaker for Sports World, Inc, Butler travels the country speaking to more than 40,000 people annually. As a recognized ex-pert in confidence training, she also presents at various conferences, colleges & universities.

Butler is the founder of Exceed Sports, LLC (www.Exceed-Sports.com) and of the I HEART FASTPITCH Campaign (www.iheartfastpitch.com). Follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @CharityButler

Efficiency, Sleep And Recovery Helps LaterEDUCATION

Dangers Associated With Sleepiness• Linked to less than beautiful physical side effects, such as dark circles under the eyes• Related to moodiness• May negatively affect ability to manage weight (even when eating

well and exercising regularly)• Can cause inconsistent performance

and poor productivity • Can promote feelings of depression• Encourages the use of stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, alcohol etc.)• Associated with reduced short-term memory and learning ability• May even contribute to loss of some forms of behavioral control• Can be harmful, even life threatening

• Keep a regular schedule and try to be consistent with your bedtime and wake time.

• Go to bed 15 minutes earlier every night for a week. Small adjustments can make a big difference.• Turn the TV, smart phone, computer and other electronic devices off before going to bed.• Avoid stimulating activities one hour

before going to bed. This may include heavy reading, studying, homework, computer games, housework and other tasks that do

not promote relaxation. Sometimes this is just not feasible, but it can be helpful.

• Complete workouts at least three hours before bedtime.

Sleep Secrets

SEE EFFICIENCY PAGE 18

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What if there was a tool that was known to have cured terminal cancer, end phobias, turn other weaknesses at the subconscious level into strengths, create confidence during a “slump,” learn new skills and commit athletes to their plan of attack? What if it was available to everyone at any time, and was completely free?

WHAT IF this strategy was something that everyone does, but most people only scratch the surface of its power? Would you, knowing that professional athletes use it more and better than amateurs, practice it? Why would you not? The only answers are ignorance or mental laziness … or, perhaps, parts of both.

Imagery is using the mind to create or recreate an experience using as many senses as possible. The human brain does not differentiate between a real experience and a vividly imagined one. This means that experiences can make an athlete better and imagery can, too, in exactly the same way. But this skill must be practiced to enjoy its benefits.

IMAGERY HAS many uses. It can be used to learn a new skill, to rehearse a skill or pre-performance routine or to create an ideal internal state.

Before a big game, an athlete may imagine her personal past peak performance, known as PPPP, to increase her confidence or a day at the beach by helping her relax and slow the game down. Imagery can be used during a game to program the body and mind, like when a pitcher images the precise trajectory of her pitch.

It can also be used after the

contest to help make appropriate adjustments. Imaging what happened helps athletes recall what went right and what went wrong.

Imaging what they would like to happen the next time that situation occurs links their positive response to a good next approach. Both scientific research and experiential evidence indicate that using imagery significantly enhances performance. As with any skill, improvement at imagery comes from quality practice.

Most thinking is done with words. Imagery is not done with words; it is practiced by imagining a scenario with any or all of the senses. Since humans take in a majority of information through the eyes, much of the power of imagery comes from visualization. Adding other senses strengthens imagery’s impact.

ONE AT A TIME, an athlete can add in how it smells, feels, tastes or sounds. Typically, the primary focus for athletes is how the scenario feels and looks. Practice is key, and allows for experimentation to see what images, done in what way, at what time, work for each athlete.

One consistent characteristic of leaders is that they are consumed with excellence. They think about winning and how to win (or not lose) more than normal. Usually a lot more. They may even go overboard in the sport-lifestyle balance area because they are consumed with their sport.

They imagine greatness in their sport so often that they arrive at both practices and performances with clear goals. Plus, they have already seen themselves achieving these goals in their heads. They begin with the end already clearly in mind. They image themselves achieving their goals.

Images should be positive. Recalling peak performances and

personal triumphs does wonders for an athlete’s confidence. Imaging future good behavior programs the body and mind increases the chance of executing that skill.

Imaging negative experiences can have the expected effect of degrading a performance, although this does not mean that athletes should only image perfect performances. A huge part of being an effective athlete is being able to effectively deal with adversity. Therefore, leaders also image their desired behaviors following a mistake or bad luck.

TO PRACTICE imagery, a beginner can begin by focusing her imagination on simple things, like the color blue. It is fine to use first-person imagery, where the athlete sees the image as she will see it when the situation actually occurs, or third-person imagery, where the athlete is watching herself on screen.

Eventually, first-person imagery has a greater impact for most people. The image can be big or small, colorful or black and white. When practicing imagery, a spoken script can help athletes stay with the experience longer. The goal is to improve the controllability, duration, and vividness of the experience.

IMAGERY IS A superb tool for tapping into the immense power of the subconscious mind. One powerful method is to take a few minutes shortly after waking each morning to image the successful completion of today’s greatest challenges. This may seem like it is too simple to be effective, but try it for a week to see if you are not impressed by the results.

Another powerful strategy is to write (not type) a paragraph about an important goal and place it in five places that you see often. Examples of places include the refrigerator

door, the bathroom mirror, the car dashboard, the kitchen table and your cell phone.

Every time you see this paragraph, read it again and either image one of the steps for achieving the goal or imagine how great it will be to achieve the goal.

To write the paragraph, start with a description of the goal stated in the first-person, present tense — “I am the starting pitcher for my team.” Next, remind yourself of why this is such an important goal.

Follow that with the specifics about how this goal will be reached. Add one final sentence: The first sentence precisely repeated.

Run this program for 21 days, remembering to both read and practice imagery each time you encounter the paragraph.

By AARON WEINTRAUBMental Training Expert

Aaron Weintraub runs www.CoachTraub.com, a consulting business with the mis-sion of over-delivering value on goods and services designed to help you and yours win the mental side of the game. He also recently launched a blog called Smile Coach.

His website, www.smilenowcoach.com, is dedicated to inspiring you to inspire others with short articles and videos.

Weintraub holds a bachelor’s of arts de-gree from Emory University and a master’s of education degree from the University of Virginia. Before becoming a full-time mental skills coach, Weintraub served as an assistant baseball coach for 13 years at Emory, the University of Virginia, Presbyterian College, Brevard College and Cedar Valley College. He is married with four children and lives in The Colony, Texas.

Imagery More Impressive Than A Magic TrickTRAINING YOUR MIND

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From head to toe, teams can be tricky to navigate. A mix of personalities and agendas can make team-building a mighty feat. And it can also become a task that is not for the faint of heart. It can also be a completely beautiful yet complex process of discovery.

I have spent countless hours with teams of all shapes and sizes, from sports to schools to corporations to musicians, all with one goal in mind. To come together surrounding their specific mission.

And whatever that was, to realize that with many different people involved, the only way to really get past the survival mode is to learn how to thrive together.

That takes a special effort and a whole lot of patience and understanding. And none of that can ever take place without first surrounding oneself with awareness.

Breaking down the anatomy of a team seems at first, a simple task. But all the moving parts have a place, and if they are not pieced together properly, the puzzle will always be unfinished.

So let’s work our way from the bottom up in five different, yet each as important as the other, segments:

THE FEET of the team are those who don’t want or need to be in the spotlight. They are the movers, the doers and the very people who make things happen on the ground. You often hear the words “grassroots” or “boots

on the ground.” These are the people who move the

whole body forward. They are given direction. They go get things done.

They are open channels of communication that can flow easily from say to do. They want to be involved because they are the silent workhorses who are finishers. They enjoy seeing something to completion. They are essential to movement and to growth. You go nowhere without them.

THE CORE or the body of the team is made up of the bulk of the team. These are the ones that keep the team together. They do the bulk of the work, made up mostly of communications, designing, combining efforts, planning and performing tasks.

These are the masses, the ones who churn out projects and get work done on a collaborative side. They want to be involved because they love to be a part of something. They are the average every day players.

Without them, you wouldn’t have a team. Often overlooked in importance, these are usually the most important people to intertwine into the weave. They are the glue that makes the team fall into stride, together.

THE HANDS are the organizational players. They are the ones who take care of the paperwork, the organizing of events, the dotting of I’s and crossing of T’s. They are oftentimes also the behind-the-scenes types who just like to organize.

There is a huge place for these people

on every winning team. They need structure, as every team does. And these people will stop at nothing to make sure the team succeeds as they create a strong outline of what steps need to be taken to thrive and succeed.

Meticulous in note taking and delivering, you are blessed when you have a few of these players who work well together.

THE HEART IS made up of those few players who rise up from the core, the ones who bring every ounce of passion and drive to be outspoken leaders. Being an outspoken leader doesn’t always mean they need to speak loudly. But it means they need to lead loudly. By example, by words and actions, the heart of the team is the rally cry. They will always fire up the rest of the team by exuding the kind of passion they do. You don’t win without them showing up.

THE HEAD of the team consists of the mind, the eyes and the mouth. This is the leadership and the part of the team who thinks the vision, sees the vision and speaks the vision.

They can be different people or they can be all in one. Without these players, there is no game. And obviously there is no need for a team.

These people understand the big picture and can see it before it is even tangible. And their ability to listen to the team, and convey the vision is critical to their success.

A winning team can never survive as a body without a head or feet or

without a heart. And it could never be resting on hands alone.

A winning team consists of all of these things, and the understanding that without each piece, even in our less than shining moments, we would be lacking greatly.

There is room for us all. As long as we realize where we are best utilized. And often times, it’s not where we once thought or where we are comfortable. It’s where we actually shine.

That’s the secret.

THE MENTAL GAME

Jen Croneberger is a mental game coach who speaks at clinics, team workshops and corporate seminars. She has been inter-viewed on ABC News (Philadelphia affiliate) on many occasions about the mental game, consulted by MTV’s MADE as a fear coach and was the 2009 Female Business Leader of the Year for Chester County, Pa. She works with many organizations and sports teams from professionals to youth and is formerly the head softball coach at Ursinus College. Follow her on Twitter at @JenCroneberger and find her on Facebook at Jennifer Lynne Croneberger. Her blogs and more informa-tion on her programs can be found on www.thefivewords.com.

The Anatomy Of A TeamBy JEN CRONEBERGER

President, JLynne Consulting Group

provides increased opportunity for game-speed improvement and greater time for after-practice recovery, as well.

With the time gained from efficient practice planning, consider implementing some of these recovery

or restoration tools: • Light/moderate cardio on off days• Stretching, Tai Chi or yoga• Massage• Promoting proper player nutrition,

sufficient calories and hydration• Recovery supplements• Ice bath/hot tub hydro treatmentsMany of the above suggestions are

common for athletes in the training room (players who have already

suffered an injury). These options are utilized less frequently by teams working to avoid overuse injuries and overall burnout.

In addition, maximum recovery includes psychological as well as physical elements. Incorporate variety and find ways to make hard work fun. Set goals, track benchmarks and celebrate successes in these areas.

Teach players to focus on and master

the processes of preparation and recovery. When the process is well-executed, positive results are inevitable.

Lastly, take time to recover yourself. Spend time with important people. Do the things you enjoy. Do not say, “yes” to everyone or everything this holiday season. Rest up, plan well and prepare for greatness in 2015.

Remember, more isn’t better. Better is better.

EFFICIENCY, SLEEP AND RECOVERY HELPS LATERCONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

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Last month we discussed the rule for batting out of order and when to appeal. This will expand on the last topic of that article, “Who is the next batter?” To refresh your memory, here is how the last article concluded:

Who is the next batter?The effect for batting out of order

includes wording to identify who should be the next batter after the appeal – and this may be the most confusing part of this rule.

• If properly appealed, the next batter is the batter who follows the proper batter (who has just been declared out for failure to bat).

• If not properly appealed, the improper batter’s at bat is now official and the next proper batter is the player who follows the player who batted out of order.

Bullet one is relatively straightforward and an example for this is listed further down in this article as scenario 1. Bullet two above is a bit more complicated, so let’s explain it step-by-step:

The batting order is A, B, C, D, etc.• C bats instead of A, completes her

turn at bat and B steps into the batter’s box.

• Defense does not realize this until after a pitch (or pitches) to B (now

standing in the batter’s box), and now the defense appeals the batting out of order.

• Since C’s at bat is now official (whether she made an out or safely reached base) the batting order picks up with the player batting after C

• D should be the current batter. If any other player is in the batter’s box, that batter is now batting out of order.

Here are two additional parts of the rule that we did not include in last month’s article:

• No base runner shall be removed from the base she is occupying to bat in her proper place, except the improper batter who may be on base and is removed because of the appeal; she merely misses her turn at bat with no effect and the player listed after her in the batting order is now the proper batter (see #5 and #6 below)

• If the improper batter’s at-bat results in the end of an inning, the appeal must be made before all infielders have left fair territory and the catcher vacates her normal fielding position, except in NCAA where the appeal must be made immediately after the third out.

• If the improper batter’s at-bat results in the end of the game, the appeal must be made before the umpires leave the field, except in NCAA where the appeal must be made immediately.

Reading the following six scenarios and their answers should help a coach

to understand who the correct batter is at the plate after a batting out of order is appealed. For each of these scenarios, decide who should be the next proper batter. The answers are in the box at the bottom left of this page.

Different scenarios for “who is the next batter”

Same batting order: A, B, C, D, E, F, G

1. G bats instead of F and gets a hit. It is properly appealed. Who is the proper batter?

2. D bats instead of C and gets a hit, C is now in the batter’s box. After one pitch, the defense appeals that D batted out of order. Who is the proper batter?

3. D bats instead of C and makes the third out to end the half-inning. After all the defensive players enter the dugout, the coach now goes to the plate umpire to appeal the batting out of order. Who is the proper batter at the beginning of the next inning for this team?

4. F bats instead of G and gets a hit. It is properly appealed. Who is the proper batter?

5. It is D’s turn to bat but C bats in her place and makes an out. D steps into the batter’s box and the pitcher commits an illegal pitch. Who is the proper batter?

6. C and A are told by the coach they are switching spots in the batting order, but the coach gives the wrong lineup to the umpire and opposing coach with the order as listed above. In the first inning C thinks she is the leadoff hitter so she bats and doubles. B strikes out. A thinks she is batting in the third spot in the lineup today, so she comes to the plate and a pitch is thrown. Now the defense appeals that A should have been the first batter according to the official lineup, but C batted and is now standing at second base. The umpire determines that the coach is correct and C batted out of order. Who is the proper batter?

There is a discussion among umpires as to how much guidance should be given to a coach who may

be completely confused as to who the next batter will be after a complicated batting out of order appeal. Situation 6 would certainly qualify as that.

Some advocate that we tell the coach, such as in situation 6, “Coach, E should be batting now.” But contrarians argue that we are coaching instead of umpiring and perhaps disadvantaging the defense. The offensive coach may select the wrong next batter and there might be another appeal for batting out of order.

The consensus is for a middle ground and to use the rule book as our guide. We can tell the coach which player was the last official at-bat and say nothing else, then hope the coach puts the batter following her into the batter’s box. I would be interested in your opinion on this.

If you have any questions or opinions about this article, send an email to [email protected].

John Bennett has 26 years of umpiring experi-ence in fastpitch softball, working high school, travel and college games.

He umpired at the NAIA National Champion-ship Series from 1998-2003, and has umpired in National Pro Fastpitch, dating back to when it was known as Women’s Pro Fastpitch and the Women’s Professional Softball League.

Bennett has umpired Pac-12 and Big West conference contests for many years, earning standing as a crew chief, and has worked many Division I Regional and Super Regional games. The last two years he worked at the Division II National Championship Series in Virginia.

He recently finished his term as the Active Official for the NCAA Softball Rules Committee.

RULES CORNER

Seeking More Order In The Batter’s BoxBy JOHN BENNETT

Longtime Umpire

Answers1 – F is declared out for failure to

bat and G’s at-bat is nullified. G is the next batter; she is removed from base to bat.

2 – D’s at-bat is now official because a pitch has been thrown. The appeal is made too late to get an out. The proper batter is E. The coach should replace C with E in the batter’s box.

3 – D’s at-bat is now official. The coach should not bring this to the attention of the umpire, as there is no penalty now. Wait to see who bats first for the opposing team in its next half-inning. If it is not E, then that team is batting out of order again.

4 – G is called out for failure to bat and F’s at-bat is nullified; H is the proper batter.

5 – It is too late for the appeal, as the appeal must be made before the first pitch to the next batter, whether it is a legal or illegal pitch. C’s at-bat is now official, D is the proper batter.

6 – C’s at-bat is official after the first pitch to B. B’s at bat is official since a pitch was thrown to A. The batting order continues with the player after B, since she is the last official batter. So the proper batter is now C. Since C is on second base, she must remain there and D is now the proper batter.

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Recently, I was watching a Sunday Night Football game between the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots. During the second quarter, Brandon Bolden blocked a punt that resulted in an injury to San Diego punter Mike Scifres.

He subsequently left the game and did not return. The conversation that followed was about Nick Novak, a placekicker who has not punted in a game since high school.

The commentators expressed concern over his ability to punt for distance, his inexperience, and how those factors combined could change the course of the game.

I DON’T KNOW a ton about football, but I do know that kickers and punters are typically underappreciated, and second to only tight ends in the category of lowest paid NFL players by position. In this moment, however, the punter seemed to be the biggest topic of conversation and a potential reason for why San Diego may no longer have a chance at a win.

As with most things, I began to reflect and draw parallels between myself and my profession and the situation at hand. This is the National Football League. From an outsider’s perspective, resources are unlimited and there always seems to be someone else capable of doing a job, yet this punter was irreplaceable, and there didn’t seem to be an adequate alternative.

AS OUR SEMESTER winds down, we have been doing what we do at the end of every semester and that is meet with each of our players before they depart campus. We took a page out of Florida State coach Lonni Alameda’s book and asked each of them to write a lineup that would reflect what they felt would provide us the best chance at

winning, should we play tomorrow and under the assumption that everyone is healthy and ready to go.

After hearing what all 16 of them had to say, the results were eye-opening in a number of ways. Where the conversation went from there differed, depending on the athlete and where they felt they fit into the lineup, or didn’t.

A RECURRING THEME from us, though, was roles and acceptance of roles. We wondered if some of them viewed our activity as a trick question. Maybe they were thinking that if they didn’t write themselves into the lineup, even if they felt they didn’t belong there, that it represented a lack of confidence.

We were clear about the objective, and we are consistently honest and direct with them, so I’d like to think that wasn’t the case. We further elaborated once they completed the exercise.

We confirmed with them that by placing themselves in the lineup, they felt that they were one of the best nine hitters and of all of their teammates who played that same position, they believed themselves to be the best at it. We discussed where we felt they stood today. In some cases we agreed, and in others we didn’t.

A FEW YEARS AGO, I listened to someone on staff with a professional baseball organization speak about weekly practice plans and themed days in regard to objectives. I cannot recall the specifics, but one practice day was reserved for strengths and working things they are already good at, so as to remain good at them, and get better at them.

He told a tale of the fox and the hedgehog. In essence, the fox knows many things, the hedgehog one big thing. This simple statement is a proverb. The ability to determine one’s strength, work within that strength, and commit to being the best

at that strength can be more valuable than the ability to do many things at an acceptable or average level.

As I’ve probably said before, and may say again, I thoroughly enjoy and frequently use the phrase, “Jack of all trades, master of none.”

While I spared my players the entire fable, the message was that while you may not like or agree with your role, your ability to whole-heartedly commit to something you may view as insignificant is often times something that can be invaluable. We talked about the difference between good teams and great teams and what we feel those differences are.

WORKING HARD is not rare or unique. Neither is exceptional “team chemistry.” Lots of teams put in hours outside of those required. What sets us apart? To me, taking pride in and committing to a role you may not want can be a difference maker. I can’t think of many former or current players who I feel can genuinely do that.

My next analogy related to the History Channel’s Pawn Stars. Every time I watch that show and Rick, the owner, says, “Do you mind if I bring in my expert to take a look at this?” I think, “Of course there’s a person for that.”

How many people have that type and depth of knowledge and expertise? Maybe more than I think, but I’m thinking they will always have a job, and it will be a valuable one, because I can’t imagine there are many people who can do what they do.

I’ve looked down the bench for the last few years in search of a go-to pinch runner and haven’t had one. This was partly due to circumstance, but maybe also partly due to the fact that no one wanted to be “just a pinch runner,” and, in turn, no one found value or took pride in becoming the best pinch runner they could be.

While it may not be what they want, it could be the best way to

have a close to guaranteed job, not to mention consistent impact.

MY POINT IS that the ability to recognize strengths and shortcomings, and honest self-assessment are important, but the ability to truly embrace a role that is something other than what you may want is both rare and potentially invaluable.

In Nick Novak’s case, he had to embrace a role, if only for a day that was neither routine nor familiar, and was credited with his ability to do so respectably. While not always pleasant, conversations about roles are crucial, and the ability to accept them is largely unknown to us until spring rolls around.

By BREE NASTIHead Coach, Adelphi University

Bree Nasti is in her third season as the head softball coach at Adelphi University.

Adelphi won 27 games this 2014 and went 25-5 in Northeast-10 Conference play in her first season, winning the Southwest Division regular-season title and the program’s first Northeast-10 Conference Tournament crown to garner a berth in the NCAA Division II East Regional. In recognition of their efforts, Nasti and her staff were named the NFCA Division II East Region Coaching Staff of the Year. Prior to Adelphi, she coached at fellow metropolitan New York Divi-sion I schools Stony Brook, St. John’s and Hofstra.

Nasti has a master’s degree in kinesiology from Fresno State and has conducted research in the field of sports psychology, specifically coach-ing science and elite team sport coaching. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University at Buffalo, where she is the softball leader in nearly every offensive category and was a four-year letterwinner and a three-time All-Region and All-Mid-America Conference honoree.

It’s Important To Define And Accept RolesVIEWPOINTS

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By JAMI LOBPRIESMarketing Strategist

Are you diversifying your personal brand?

Last spring, I had a really cool opportunity where I worked with two women who are game-changers in the sport industry and got to travel to three U.S. women’s soccer national team games in Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, and San Diego.

The goal of this campaign was to bring current female leaders in sports together to create a conversation about keeping female athletes “in the game.” Staying in the game means encouraging our female athletes to pursue careers in the sports industry.

THE REASON this event was so special is because hands-down we need more women in leadership and decision-making roles in sports. Look at the NFL this year. If there was a woman on the NFL’s executive committee, do you think Ray Rice’s initial suspension would have only been two games? Maybe, but probably not. We need the female perspective sitting at the table and being involved in critical decisions that affect our overall sports industry.

I start this article with that story and a Professor Lobpries rant because I believe encouraging our female athletes to pursue leadership roles off the field starts at the youth level. We must guide them and encourage them to diversify their personal brands. This means we need to develop our female athletes on and off the field to be well-rounded, not just great softball players. Be the complete package.

One of my favorite authors, Malcolm Gladwell, says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to achieve mastery. As elite athletes, we train relentlessly in our sports to achieve mastery. Practice, lessons, extra time in the cage, working out, more individual training, an extra workout, video sessions and more practice.

We devote much of our young lives to pursuing excellence in our sport because we love it and we love the competition. In today’s world of sport specialization, we have to ask if our young athletes are devoting hours of practice to achieve mastery in other fields? Are they diversifying their personal brands?

THE MAIN REASON I believe it’s important to diversify your personal brand is so you’re setting yourself up for success in life after sports. I played alongside and against some exceptional softball players, but unfortunately some of them only knew softball. As I mentioned, we dedicate our young lives to pursuing excellence on the field, which is fantastic, but what happens when your sports career ends?

Have you established a skillset besides athleticism? Have you built a resume along the way? I read a tweet from a friend who played basketball in college and the WNBA that said:

“That moment you look at your resume and realize all you know is basketball.”

Are we encouraging our athletes to diversify their brands? In college, we were told that “everyone wants to hire athletes.” At the same time, my “weakness” on my resume was that I lacked industry experience because I devoted the majority of my time to mastering my craft of being an athlete.

Diversify yourself off the field. Being an athlete will help you succeed in life IF you learn how to translate on-field skills to off-field success, and devote time to developing your entire brand, not just your drop ball or home-to-first time.

• Work ethic. You hit extra, take extra reps, and put in extra time in the weight room. When you’re volunteering for an event, show off this work ethic. In the classroom, impress your teacher or professor with your attention to detail, timeliness and overall work ethic dedicated to your schoolwork. We notice.

• Competitiveness. Competition drives you, right? Can you find a way to channel that competitiveness off the field towards productivity? I’m so competitive that I wanted the highest grade, I wanted the best reviews and wanted to accomplish the most tasks in whatever I was assigned.

• Network. As athletes, you are fortunate that you’re consistently around influential business people. Have you ever had a conversation with your athletics director? Your boosters and season ticket holders? Your event coordinators? Your alumni? Your equipment manufacturers or sponsors? You should. These are the people that can and will help you once your playing career is over. What type of impression are you making on them? It starts with the initial conversation.

• Leadership. Are you involved in organizations? If so, are you just a member or are you taking a leadership role within the organization? Are you helping coordinate events and manage meetings? This is a fantastic way to gain experience off the field and one of the most feasible ways with regard to time.

• Volunteer. Learn the value of what it means to give back to your community. While you’re volunteering, make sure you’re networking as well.

Coaches, make sure you’re instilling life values through your practices, games, and off-field work. Reflect on those values and experiences so you’re really teaching your athletes about the value of diversify one’s personal brand. After a community service event, can you take time at the next practice to reflect on the experience? Allow your athletes’ input on the experience. This teaches many things—leadership, public speaking and it allows them to learn from each other about what giving back to the community means in the big picture of life.

Role play on your team. Force your athletes to experience a coaching role at practice or camp or clinic. Have them referee games during practice

or during clinics. Have them help put on an event, manage registration, merchandise, concessions, direct parking, sell sponsorships, sell tickets or help market the upcoming event by talking to local businesses, posting promotional flyers or advertising on social media. All of these skills translate into the business world, the place where most of our athletes are going to go pro. Add bullet points to your resume.

Athletes, diversify your personal brand. Devote time to your sport, but also to skills off the field. Look at the big picture of life and set yourself up for success when your playing career is over.

You have a platform as an athlete. Use it. You’ve garnered a social media following. Leverage it and tell your story. Become an expert at something you’re passionate about.

It could be a specific position, it could be a talent you have, such as art or music. It could be an interest you have, such as government policy or social activism. It could be anything.

Jami Lobpries is a sports management PhD student at Texas A&M, researching sports mar-keting and women’s sports. She played colle-giately at Texas A&M, where she participated in two Women’s College World Series, and profes-sionally in National Pro Fastpitch from 2009-12.

Lobpries uses her playing experiences and research to discuss marketing strategies to help grow women’s sports. Follow her on Twitter at @JamiLo2 and keep up with her blog at www.womenssportblog.com

Diversifying Your Brand Now Helps LaterMARKETING

SEE DIVERSIFYING PAGE 22

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It is now officially the holiday season and the final swing of classes are in session before Winter break hits and the real preparation for the season begins.

I RECENTLY returned to campus from my last Thanksgiving break as a student-athlete, and just typing that sentence alone is enough to stop me dead in my tracks. I have been a senior in college for four months now, but that reality only hits me every so often.

Usually, it hits hardest when we come up on the kinds of “lasts” that only come around once in your

career. In softball, there are a variety

of lasts. For instance, we just completed our last team practice of 2014 and are currently in our last week of morning lifting. While I can honestly say that setting my alarm for 4:50 a.m. will not be missed, it certainly will be different to wake up each morning without a foam roller and a few sprints.

AS A FRESHMAN, you’re just trying to catch up with the billions of tasks and assignments and time constraints thrust upon you once you become a student. There never seems to be time to eat, sleep or breathe, but eventually you settle in.

Once you’re an upperclassman, everything starts to speed up at all levels. Your schedule becomes routine, you fall easily into a pattern, and soon enough you’ve completed more than half of your schooling.

No longer do you wander campus trying to find a particular building or take the wrong bus to the local Walmart instead of your dorm. You’ve figured it all out and it sure is fun, but the time flies like never before.

IN MY SHORT TIME as a senior, I’ve realized that though uncontrollables make up much of our sport, schooling and overall lifestyle, there are plenty of ways to make sure that our opportunity doesn’t slip out of our hands too quickly.

One way to ensure our time is special as a student-athlete is to appreciate and value the people who understand us the most; our teammates. I’m waking up at 4:50 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, but I’m not alone. I’m pushing sleds up and down the turf on Thursdays, but so are three other girls right beside me.

THE SPECIAL ASPECT of college sports starts with the team atmosphere, which is something that is exclusive only to our experience at school. We can take with us the lessons we’ve learned and the valuable work ethics throughout our college careers, but we can’t take the people that shaped us and showed us support in every way.

There will never be another chunk of time to be around a group of people all pushing towards the same goal of winning a championship, defeating a record, or sweating until the sun goes down.

Surround yourself with your teammates and share your struggles, your triumphs, your fears and feelings. At the end of the year, the tears (both good and bad) will be

worth so much more.

IT IS DIFFICULT to try and gather every emotion that senior year brings, because I’ve felt them all on any given day. One of the most amazing parts of finishing my softball career is knowing that I have a special group of girls going through the exact same process in my class.

I do not have to face the looming uncertainty of my last game, last bus ride or last time to lace up my cleats alone.

Though I know that it is going to be so bittersweet to turn my tassel and step into a new story in my life, I am grateful still today that I can look to my side and see the same faces day after day.

With the best part of the year approaching in both the holidays and softball season, I vow to soak up every part of the rest of my career with a tight grasp and a light spirit, knowing that what I do now will result in some of the best memories I will always be able to look back on.

By PARIS IMHOLZPitcher, Iowa State University

Paris Imholz is a senior pitcher for Iowa State University, where she is majoring in journalism with a minor in sociology and child, adult and family services.

Imholz, a native of Antioch, Calif., led Bowling Green University in wins for two seasons before transfering to Iowa State. She earned Mid-American Conference honors both years, earning selection to the league’s All-Freshman Team in 2012 and the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team in 2013.

Cherish The Moments You Have Senior YearSTUDENT-ATHLETE PERSPECTIVE

Just make sure you are producing quality content and engaging the audience you’ve amassed. Diversify your skillsets.

Life transitions are tough. High school to college, college to professional or college to industry and professional athlete to real-world industry professional. I’ll be the first to admit I was scared through each, but I was fortunate that I unconsciously realized the value of diversifying myself off the field.

I think mine was due to my inherent A.D.D., where I have to be involved in a little of everything, but regardless, diversifying my personal brand has allowed me to transition from high school athlete to college athlete to

professional athlete to a career. I share this article and story because

I believe in the mission of the Stay in the Game campaign. I want to see other female athletes pursue careers and leadership positions in the sport industry and business world. Female athletes have a lot to offer the world, but, without guidance, these athletes may never realize their potential off the field.

With all of the specialization and 10,000 hours devoted to developing softball, they may be forgetting to diversify themselves off the field — those things that will translate to long-term success.

Keep encouraging our female athletes to diversify their personal brand and achieve success off the field, as we need more of our female athletes to stay in the game and become the next game-changers in the sport industry.

DIVERSIFYING YOUR BRAND NOW CAN HELP LATERCONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

will encourage more counties to consider bidding to host either

a Summer or Winter Olympics, perhaps as part of a multiple-city, multi-country or regional group. The hope is that the whole process can become more cost-effective, through the use of existing and temporary venues where possible.

DOOR OPEN FOR SOFTBALL TO RETURN TO OLYMPICSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

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(including 12 straight) and five NCAA Super Regional appearances.

In her tenure, Texas A&M has advanced to the NCAA postseason 15 times, including consecutive trips to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in 2007 and 2008. The three-time Big 12 Coach of the Year claimed her 1,000th career coaching victory this year at home against Wisconsin on Feb. 28, during the Texas A&M Invitational.

POSTING A 709-344-2 (.672) mark under Evans, the Aggies have recorded 18 straight, 30-win seasons, including eight 40-win seasons and a program-best 57 wins in 2008.

Evans began her head coaching career at Colorado State University in 1986, following two seasons as an assistant coach at Florida State. She led CSU to a 91-67 mark during her four-year stint, collected back-to-back High Country Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors her final two seasons and was chosen as the Central Region Coach of the Year in 1989.

Evans returned home to Utah in 1991 to take over at her alma mater. The two-time Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Coach of the Year as well as the West Region Coach of the Year, Evans directed the Utes to the WCWS in just her second year, plus back-to-back WAC regular season and tournament titles and two WCWS appearances.

KUBICKA’S TEAMS have won 30-plus games 16 times, including 12 of the last 15 campaigns, and she has led the Red Hawks to 14 NCAA tournament appearances over that span. That includes five trips to the Division III Softball Championship, where Montclair State was the 1997 runner-up and earned third-place finishes in 1992 and 2012. In addition, the Red Hawks have won seven Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championships and Kubicka has collected several New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) and Regional Coach of the Year honors.

Over the past four seasons, few teams have enjoyed the success that Kubicka’s

teams have achieved, winning 82 percent of their games and posting an 159-34 record, including three straight 40-win seasons. Montclair State won the 2013 NJAC championship and has reached the NCAA Division III Softball Championship the last three years.

THE RED HAWKS have twice set the school mark for wins in a season (44 in 2012 and 46 in 2013) and have regularly been ranked in the top 10 of the NFCA’s Top 25 poll, including spending several weeks at No. 1 in 2013.

Just a year after joining Montclair State, Kubicka guided the Red Hawks to a third-place finish in the 1992 NCAA Division III Softball Championship. Montclair State earned the final regional berth and won four straight games, including three in one day, to advance. Four years later, the Red Hawks reached championship game, and came within a run of winning the title in a 2-1 loss to Simpson College. She surpassed the 700-win mark in 2012, with a 5-0 victory over Ramapo in the opening round of the NJAC Softball Championship.

Kubicka also played a major role in the construction of a softball stadium that gave her team a first-class facility to match its success on the field. In

October, Kubicka was inducted into the Montclair State Athletic Hall of Fame for her service not only as softball coach, but also assistant athletic director.

A 1984 graduate of Trenton State (now The College of New Jersey), Kubicka played on the Lions’ 1983 national championship squad and earned her master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts, where she was an assistant softball coach for three seasons.

MYERS, who is entering his second year at Auburn, has enjoyed a very successful 18 years as a collegiate softball coach. He has won two NCAA Division I national championships and six more at the junior college level, while amassing 943 wins.

Myers made an immediate impact upon his arrival at Auburn. He led the team to 42 wins, the second-most in one year in Auburn softball history, and the NCAA regional final. The program made vast improvements, as the offense skyrocketed to some of its highest totals in program history and the defense tied for the second best percentage in the NCAA.

At Arizona State, Myers led the Sun Devils to national titles in 2008 and 2011, and made the trip to the

WCWS in Oklahoma City seven times in eight years. Under his guidance, ASU averaged 53 wins per season and won 60-plus wins twice. He became the third coach in Sun Devil softball history to amass 400 victories.

THE NORTH DAKOTA native, spent 19 highly successful years coaching Central Arizona College’s baseball and softball teams. From 1987-95, Myers built a record of 481-43 (.917 winning pct.) as the skipper of the softball program, winning six national titles, including a string of five straight from 1988-1992. A six-time National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national coach of the year, Myers was also selected as the National Softball Coaches Association (NSCA), now NFCA, regional and National Coach of the Year in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

Myers was inducted into the NJCAA Softball Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Arizona Softball Foundation Hall of Fame in 2001.

A 1976 graduate of Arizona State, Myers was a member of the Sun Devil baseball team from 1970-73 and played on the College World Series runner-up squads in 1972 and 1973. In addition, he was a third-round MLB draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.

THREE ELECTED TO 2015 NFCA HALL OF FAME CLASSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

and Staff Personalities” led off the featured speakers and a NFCA Hall of Fame Panel with former Hofstra head coach Bill Edwards, ex-Florida State leader Dr. JoAnn Graf, former Fresno State head coach Margie Wright and longtime Central Oklahoma head coach Dr. Gerry Pinkston was one of the best-attended events of the entire week.

Both a hospitality event sponsored by NFCA Corporate Teammate Diamond Sports at the Chateau Nightclub in Paris Las Vegas and a FCA Coaches Testimony allowed coaches the opportunity to enjoy fellowship to close out the evening.

DAY THREE of the convention had two particularly memorable

moments, the emotional presentation of the inaugural Donna Newberry “Perseverance” Award to Notre Dame head coach Deanna Gumpf at the Softball Summit and the induction of four new NFCA Hall of Famers — Baker, McSpadden, Cortland head coach Julie Lenhart and Alabama-Huntsville head coach Les Stuedeman — during a reception and banquet at Planet Hollywood’s Celebrity Ballroom.

THE TRAVEL BALL, high school and Cal JC caucuses, as well as the continuation of the NCAA Division I and III caucuses, fueled the morning hours, followed by more speaker presentations and the final day of exhibitor activities at the Bally’s Events Center, which featured 120 companies and approximately 600 representatives.

On December 6, the final full day of the convention, the Coaching Staff of

the Year brunch paid tribute to some of the best minds the NFCA has to offer, while several more speakers, a trio of roundtable discussions and the brand-new travel ball curriculum wrapped things up in style.

THIS YEAR, the always popular “Drills, Drills, Drills” segment featured North Davidson (N.C.) High’s Mike Lambros speaking about slapping, Cal State Fullerton head coach Kelly Ford and her staff advocating a series of team competition drills and Kentucky associate head coach Kristine Himes providing ideas for offensive drills.

The three-hour travel ball curriculum, featured a star-studded college head coaching panel and presentations by NFCA travel ball representative and Texas Glory coach Kevin Shelton, Fury Fastpitch’s Pat Moyer and Stanford head coach Rachel Hanson.

CONVENTION HITS HOMER WITH RECORD NUMBERSCONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

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