Hey everyone...
No real update today, but I wanted to answer some of the questions that have been sent in. To start I want to let you guys know the link goes to someone else, and they pass on messages to me. I don't personally respond to the emails, I use them to do these Q and A entries, so please don't get impatient and send the same email more than once, and if you don't hear from me, I just haven’t gotten around to your email yet. As of today I have 69 emails with about 4 letters in each still in my inbox!
Joe Nelson of Southlake, Texas wrote:
First of all, my daughter and I are big fans of yours, and have really enjoyed following your career, (even getting up at 4:00 am to watch you pitch in the Olympics! My question is, do you know of someone that offers beginner-pitching lessons in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area? My daughter is a little older than most beginners, (11th grade) but is very interested in becoming a pitcher. She is on the J.V. at Southlake Carroll. This is obviously just a shot in the dark, but you never know. Any other advice you may offer in getting started would be appreciated.
Thanks for writing Joe, and thank you for the support, even at 4 am! We like hearing that people (other than our families) love the sport enough to watch us at all hours of the night! I am not from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, so I really don't know the instructor up there. I do know there has been plenty of pitchers come from that area and make it at the Division 1 level, so maybe ask around the local leagues. As far as getting started, I don't have many tips other than it's a lot of work. Make sure mechanics are sound before moving on to other pitches!
Ashley Hasson wrote:
I pitch around 58-60 mph and really hope to go somewhere with my pitching. I was just wondering if you had any tips about gaining speed/ momentum and pushing off of the rubber. In your opinion what is the best-sanctioned tournaments that the college scouts attend the most? (ASA, NSA, USSSA, AAU.... etc...)
It's important as a pitcher to work on your spins and location. Speed is not the most important aspect. I never once tried to gain speed. I let my speed come as I grew and as my development continued. As far as tournaments, ASA softball is the premiere organizations the top colleges look at. AFA Nationals is also decently attended by college coaches.
Jenna Geibel wrote:
My dream is to play for Texas. I have been emailing coach Connie Clark about twice a month with stats and other stuff. My coaches are talking about making a tape this year, and sending stats and schedules too. We will probably send stuff until I have to apply to colleges. Do you think this is enough? I have also been sending things to coach Mike Candrea. I would also love to play on USA, or maybe an NPF team.
You want to email the coaches to let them know you are interested and give them some information about you. The most important thing to send though is your schedule. Stats on paper don't speak enough. Coaches look at other aspects, so send your schedule so they can come see you play. A video is a good thing to send too. Good luck with your goals!
Rebecca asked:
What kind of softball cleats do you have??
If you haven’t seen my commercial yet, check it out on the home page of my site! I wear Under Armour cleats, and they are truly the most comfortable cleats I have ever put on!
That is all for today! I hope everyone is doing well! I have to get going to the field! We're in San Diego for USA tryouts!
Cat #8
