Weekly Update, Sunday, March 22, 2026
Hey Families,
Fair warning, this is a long one. We are transitioning into games and there is a lot to cover. I apologize for the length but I want to make sure everyone is on the same page heading into our first week of games.
What a week. After having zero softball the week before, last week more than made up for it. We had two great practices and a scrimmage and I could not be happier with how things went. I want to sincerely thank everyone who came out Saturday. Especially the coaches and volunteers who spent a couple hours getting the field ready. We pumped 20 buckets of water out of it and I do not think anyone could have guessed it by game time. It was amazing to be able to get everyone together on such a gorgeous day for some softball. Really cool stuff.
Monday was a beautiful fielding practice that we really needed. We got our situational stuff dialed in and it showed on Saturday, but we still have work to do. Wednesday we hit in the rain and the girls even got to do some sliding in the mud. Even Coach John got in on it, although he took a tumble practicing rounding the bases. The girls loved every second of it.
The scrimmage was exactly what these players needed and I am so happy we were able to have everyone there. We were a little nervous our timing was off going in and it showed early, but there were a lot of positives. I told the girls to attack the ball. The strike zone was top of the head to their feet and our girls went up there aggressive and swinging. That is exactly what us as coaches needed to see. Watching a girl go up and stare at pitches only tells us she can put a bat on her shoulder. I have already talked to the girls about how we will work at being more selective as the season goes on, but I loved the enthusiasm out of the gate.
Inning one was loud and I felt it. By inning three we were silent. I talked to the girls about keeping up that energy the entire game and bringing our teammates up when they are in the field and in the dugout. That is going to be something we focus on all season.
I could go on and on about what I saw on Saturday. If any parent would like a report on what I saw from their individual player I would be happy to provide it. Just reach out and I will put something together for you.
It is game week! No practices this week, just games. Here is everything you need to know.
Tuesday, March 24th @ 5:30 PM
vs. BLS Minors A Wildcats (Harguess)
Location: 7203 W Tapps Hwy E
Thursday, March 26th @ 5:30 PM
vs. BLS Minors A Wildcats (Harguess)
Location: 7203 W Tapps Hwy E
Tuesday: Right now it is calling for rain all day. I am not sure exactly how rainouts work up here yet, but as soon as I hear anything I will pass it along immediately through GameChanger. Fingers crossed we get to play!
Thursday: Looking like a beautiful day for softball. Also happens to be Coach's birthday and there is no place I would rather be than out on that field with these girls.
FULL GAME UNIFORM
Game jersey, red belt, socks, and pants as listed below.
Tuesday: Black Pants, Red Socks
We may have the star socks before game time. If they come in I will give the girls the option to switch if they want.
Thursday: Grey Pants, Red Socks
If Tuesday gets rained out we will wear black pants Thursday instead.
I encourage the girls to throw the pair they are not wearing into their bag for every game. That way if they show up in the wrong pants or socks they can just switch. Going forward it will be simple. Black one game, grey the next.
Here is how game days are going to work. Please try to have your daughter at the field by 4:45 PM if possible. I know getting there before 5:00 right after school can be tough, so just do your best. My warmups are not dependent on everyone being there at the same time.
Before the game:
1. Girls put their stuff down in the dugout
2. Grab a ball and a partner and start playing catch
3. A coach will pull girls one at a time for soft toss or tee work
4. Once everyone gets their hitting reps in we will do a quick ground ball drill in front of the dugout
5. We all come together as a team right before game time to get pumped up and take the field
45 minutes sounds like a lot of time, but when you are trying to get 12 girls warmed up, out of school, and in "ready to play" mode it goes fast. We will make it work no matter what time everyone gets there.
After the game:
1. Shake the other team's hands
2. Girls clear the dugout and get packed up
3. Team meeting somewhere behind the dugout (I am not familiar with these fields yet so we will figure it out)
One thing I am going to change from the scrimmage. I want parents to be part of the post game meetings. It is a good way to pass along information and I have nothing to hide. I want you to hear what all the coaches saw in your kids and what we are going to work on. A coach pulling the team into the outfield away from parents can build barriers, and at this age I do not think that is necessary. We are all in this together. We will try to keep these quick. It is a school night and we know everyone has places to be.
It sounds like the fields should be set up for us before games. If you see us scrambling to get things set up before a game that means they were not ready like they were supposed to be. Feel free to jump in and lend a hand if that happens.
After the game, both teams are responsible for field tear down including bases and dragging. Parents and siblings, if you want to jump out and get started on this during the coaches meeting you are more than welcome to. Not required at all, but if you want to help I want to give you the option. It is a great way for siblings to stay busy while we wrap things up.
I want to be upfront about this. The league does not have available fields for both games and practices, so we are only given game days. That said, we are free to schedule extra events throughout the week on our own.
I am also coaching a soccer team on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 6, so I will be working around that schedule. I may set up practices on other days including Fridays and weekends. We can always use the outfield at Tehaleh Heights, and there are several parks and fields around town to choose from. If you have one close to you let me know and we can rotate so everyone shares in the drive.
I will try to schedule these as far out as possible, but my schedule like everyone's is hectic and about a week out is as far as I can usually see. I appreciate your patience and flexibility on this.
We only have 2 spots left on the snack sign up sheet! If you have not grabbed one yet, please do so before they are gone.
Sweatshirts are in and handed out! If your daughter has any issues with hers please let me know and we can work something out to get another one ordered. It seemed like they all loved them. I know mine slept in hers Saturday night.
This is my final reminder on sweatshirt payment. If you have not sent it yet, it is $25 per family on Venmo @DanielGrande88 or cash. I will not be bringing this up again after this.
This is what we have been working toward. Game week is finally here. The girls are ready and I can not wait to see them compete. Let's go Cougars!
As always, reach out with any questions. See everyone Tuesday!