LADY WARRIOR SOFTBALL Welcome to the South Grand Prairie High School Girls' Softball Program. Since 1994 the softball program has enjoyed great success. From the years 1994-2011 the program has been to the playoffs 14 times. (1994- Bi-District Finalist, 1995- Regional Semifinalist, 1996- Regional Semifinalist, 1997- Bi-District Finalist, 1999- Regional Quarter-Finalist, 2000- State Semifinalist, 2001- Regional Finalist, 2002- Regional Semifinalist, 2004Area Finalist, 2005-Area Finalist, 2007-Area Finalist, 2008- District Champs, 2009District Champs, 2010-Bi-District Finalist, 2011 District Champs and Area Finalist) In the following pages, one will find my philosophy and goals that will continue to lead this program to many years of playoff success. TEAM GOALS - Each year, specific team objectives will change as the team's character changes. However, the following should be the general goals of the South Grand Prairie softball program. To COMPETE everyday in everything that we do. To become a family. To pass all our academic classes. To improve on the previous season; To win district To win a State Championship INDIVIDUAL GOALS COMPETE every day Become better in all phases of softball Do what you can to make the team Be the best teammate you can be Complete the roll you have on the team better than anyone else. PRIORITY SCHEDULING - If we are to attain any of the goals that we have set for ourselves, it is important that each athlete is willing to commit herself to the following priority schedule: 1. 2. 3. 4. Family and God Academic progress and responsibilities. SOUTH SOFTBALL Any out-of-season sports or other outside activities (ie. work). TRYOUTS/CHOOSING TEAMS - Again this year, with increasing enrollment, we will continue to field three levels of competition: Varsity, Junior Varsity, and JVII. We anticipate carrying approximately 12-15 players on the JVII team, 12-15 players on the Junior Varsity team, and 12-15 players on the Varsity team. Players' abilities will be assessed at tryouts, and on an ongoing basis, and no roster is ever "engraved in stone". All players in the softball program are eligible to move between the levels of play during the course of the season. Through the course of tryouts, the entire coaching staff will work with and evaluate all athletes trying out for softball. If any athlete does not understand why she has not been placed on the season roster, she is encouraged to contact a coach and set up a time to meet and talk about the situation ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL – South Attendance policy PRACTICE TIMES - After school practice times may vary for all levels of softball. In general though, you are expected to be available for practice from 2:00 to 5:30pm on school days. Throughout the season, the allocation of space may necessitate Saturday and vacation practices. The coaching staff will determine the days and times for these practices. Since there will be two coaches at the Varsity level and one at the Junior Varsity level, there will be times when the squad will be split in terms of infielders/outfields, pitchers/catchers, etc. Please be on time as the posted schedule specifies. If you are late, you prevent the other members of the team from maximizing their allotted time. PRACTICE ATTENDANCE - You are expected to attend all practices and games unless you are ill, or have been previously excused by your coach. Athletes are expected to contact the coaches for any absence or anticipated family commitment. Failure to follow this procedure will result in disciplinary action. ATTITUDE - You are a high school athlete and will be expected to perform as one. This means that when you come to practice, or to a game, you should bring an attitude which is conducive to the progress of the team. You must try to leave behind you all the frustrations of the day, or anything else that will detract from your performance on the field. We, as a coaching staff, will maintain a positive attitude toward you. There will be times when you will be confronted with mistakes you have made. We ask that you use this constructive feedback as it is intended, to make you a better player. DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER – THIS IS TEXAS!!! It could be cold, hot, or wet. We will go outside at every reasonable opportunity. Unless it is raining or extremely cold, we will go outside to practice. You need to collect all of your loose fitting, warm clothing and bring it to school. In addition to your cleats, bring another pair of shoes you can wear indoors or at the track. There will be times when we will go outside and then come inside for additional practice. In any case, NEVER wear your cleats into the building!!! EQUIPMENT CARE - The equipment you are issued throughout the season, including your uniform, is your responsibility to care for appropriately. You are expected to share it with no one, other than a teammate. It should be returned clean, as you received it, and in good condition. You will be billed for any equipment not returned at the end of the season or any school equipment damaged due to misuse. No additions to, or alterations of the school uniform may be made without the approval of the head coach. TRAVEL TO AND FROM GAMES - The school policy states that you are to travel to and from games with the team on the bus. There is only one exception to this policy: If your parents provide you with a note, requesting that you ride home with them. This note must be approved by a coach and school principal, and must be submitted to your coach prior to the departure of the bus. Under these conditions, the request shall be honored. It is recommended that you keep this type of request to a minimum. (See School Athletic Policy) FAN SUPPORT - The coaching staff encourages you to invite your parents and friends to enjoy our games. However, all spectators will be expected to separate themselves from the players during the game. Players need to be free from distractions in order to concentrate on the matter at hand. Parents in contact with players during the game will not be tolerated and will result in loss of playing time for the athlete. If an injury occurs parents are allowed to check on their daughter. It will be the responsibility of the players to remind their parent(s) and/or inform any guest who may be unaware of this policy. CAPTAIN SELECTION - The selection of a captain or captains will be left to the discretion of the coach. When captains are selected, they will be expected to function as role models for the other players. Their selection will be based on their proven ability to accept leadership responsibilities on the playing field, practice field, and in the classroom. Additionally, they will help facilitate communication between players and the coaching staff. PLAYING TIME – Playing time is earned in practice. It is not given to anyone. If an athlete does not understand why they are not in the line-up, we have an open- door policy, the athlete needs to come and talk to the coach of their team. Playing time will not be discussed with parents. Once the softball season gets underway the starters will continue to try to keep their starting positions during practice and the non-starters will be focused on trying to take a starters spot. Again playing time is not given to anyone. SUMMER SOFTBALL - Summer softball is not mandatory, however, it is our sincere wish to get as many players involved as possible. It is also our desire for the athletes to seek out the best teams possible and try out for them. Playing against the best competition all summer will greatly improve the player’s skills.