Minors A Cougars

Weekly Update, Sunday, March 29, 2026

Hey Families,

Now We Know.

We worked hard. We built up expectations. We had our first two games and now we know.

Now we know what a fast pitcher looks like.

Now we know what a real game feels like.

Now we know what pregame looks like and what to expect.

Now as coaches we know what works for some girls and does not work for others.

Now as parents you know what game days look like and what to expect.

Now as kids they know what it feels like to step on that field and compete.

Now we know what we need to work on.

All of that is a good thing. Now we have a starting point and everything from here is about building on it. These girls showed up and competed and that is all I can ask for.

Big thank you to Coach Dustin for streaming live on GameChanger. We added 16 people to our attendance and that is amazing. He has mentioned he is going to try and do this when he can. Thanks again Coach.

This Week

Monday, March 30th - Practice

6:30 to 7:30 PM at Lake Tapps Elementary School

I am coming from another practice so I may be a couple minutes late but I will get there as fast as I can.

Tuesday, March 31st @ 5:30 PM - Game

vs. BLS Minors A Huskies (Gill)

Location: 1320 178th Ave E, Lake Tapps (Field 1)

Same routine as last week. Try to have your daughter there by 4:45 if you can.

What to Wear Tuesday

Black Pants, Black Star Socks. Full game uniform.

I know a couple girls' star socks did not fit. I forgot who that was so please let me know if that was one of your girls and I can work to get some bigger ones ordered. For this game just regular black socks is fine for those girls.

Spring Break

After Tuesday we are off until after spring break. I will be out of town on and off through the break but I already have a practice scheduled for Monday, April 6th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Keep an eye on GameChanger because I may throw a couple more pop up practices on the schedule for anyone who can make it.

I will still send out an email next Sunday to keep everyone in the loop.

Game Day Snacks

Tuesday's snack is on the Henrickson family. Thank you!

We still have 2 open spots on the sign up (5/12 and 5/21). If you have not grabbed one yet please do.

Sign Up for Snacks

CoachPilot App

Reminder for anyone who has not signed up yet. I will be posting lineups about 45 minutes before game time. Follow the link below to see the lineup and field positions for each inning.

https://pwa-henna-ten.vercel.app

1. Tap "Join the Cougars"

2. Select "Parent"

3. Enter the team PIN: 0324

4. Type your name, pick your player, tap "Let's Go"

Coach Pitch Note

Quick note on how coach pitch works in games. When there is a walk the coach steps in and gets 1 or 2 pitches to finish the count. The pitch has to be a strike and it does not matter what it looks like. This will evolve over the season. Right now at the beginning it is on all walks. By the middle of the season it will only be on bases loaded walks. By the end of the season there will be no coach pitch at all. Just wanted everyone to be aware of how that progresses.

I had to step in a few times last week and some of you had a little too much fun with it from the stands. Fair enough. I earned that.

Since you all clearly think I need the help, I found a pitching clinic I can attend to work on my game. It is in Hawaii. I have attached the brochure below. Donations are accepted and appreciated.

ALOHA SOFTBALL ACADEMY

Maui, Hawaii

Coach Pitch Mastery Retreat

An Intensive 2-Week Program for Coaches Who Struggle from 30 Feet

Day 1-3: Finding the Strike Zone (currently missing)

Day 4-6: Throwing Under Pressure (parent heckling simulation)

Day 7-9: The Mental Game (learning to block out laughter)

Day 10-14: Beachside Recovery and Reflection

$4,500

Includes oceanfront accommodations, meals, and unlimited mai tais for post-session recovery.

Flight not included. But Coach would really appreciate it.

Venmo @DanielGrande88

All donations go directly toward making Coach Grande a better pitcher. Probably.

As always reach out with any questions. See everyone Monday!

Coach Daniel Grande

623-332-2251

[email protected]