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The Ultimate Parent’s Guide to Travel Softball Teams | Everything You Need to Know

March 14, 2023

48 min read

If your young daughter plays fastpitch, at some point you’ll hear the debate around travel softball. 

Certain parents will tell you that your child should start playing travel ball as soon as possible. Others will tell you to avoid it completely. 

The decision to join a club softball team is a big one for your daughter and for the rest of your family, with many factors to consider. 

If you have questions about travel ball, you’ll find answers in this comprehensive guide, which covers:

•  How travel ball differs from recreational softball
• How travel ball works
• The pros and cons of both travel and recreational softball
• What to consider when making the switch
• How to find and tryout for a fastpitch travel team
• How much does travel softball really cost?

# How Does Rec Ball Differ from Travel Softball?

Fastpitch softball competition is split between recreational leagues and travel ball. 

Recreational, commonly referred to as “rec ball” is usually run by Little League Softball or other local organizations. 

The focus of rec ball is on having fun and teaching players the fundamentals of the game. 

The tryouts in rec ball are to ensure that talent is as evenly distributed amongst the league’s teams as possible in the name of fairness – and everyone makes a team if they register for the league. 

The rec season runs in the spring, from March to May, and games take place locally at a predetermined set of fields during the regular season.  

As a parent, you can usually expect a commitment of two games per week and maybe one or two practices. 

Typically, the cost is around $100, and teams are organized around age-based divisions for players ranging from 4 to 16 years old. 

# Travel Softball

Travel softball differs from rec ball in a few important ways. 

A big one is that club teams hold pass-fail tryouts, selecting and organizing players based on skill. Players without the requisite skills will not be offered a spot on the team. 

Such teams usually also travel to other cities or out of state to compete, hence the name “travel ball.” 

Organizations like the USSSA, the American Softball Association (ASA), Triple Crown, and the North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA) host tournaments all across the country for travel ball teams year-round. 

While not every team plays all year long, travel ball still lets your child play a lot more softball than they would in rec ball. 

Club softball costs significantly more than rec ball as well, ranging from $500 to $5000 for yearly player fees. 

# How Travel Softball Teams Work

The structure of a travel softball season differs quite a bit from rec ball. 

In rec ball, you play against the same teams throughout the season, at the same local parks, often practice 1-2 days per week, and play a single game on the weekend. 

In addition to being year-round, travel softball includes tournaments, more weekly practices, possible expectations that they’ll procure weekly 1:1 training sessions, along with attending weekend friendlies, scrimmages, or league play. 

Let’s break a few of these things down individually.

# Fastpitch Travel Tournaments

Fastpitch travel teams usually play in tournaments, as many as every weekend in the summer. Some teams play in fall and spring tournaments as well. 

Weekend tournaments guarantee between 5-10 games total, depending on how well your team performs. 

They start either Friday night or Saturday morning with “seed” play or pool play. After 3-4 games of seed play to determine your rank, bracket play starts. 

Most tournaments are double-elimination in bracket play. 

And winners of the tournament usually get a prize like small trophies or medals – but they can also earn teams so-called “berths” to compete in larger national championship tournaments. 

Berths are like special invitation tickets that grant travel softball teams admission to the biggest and most competitive stages in the game. 

That said, instead of weekend affairs, some tournaments are weeklong onslaughts with 1-5 games per day. 

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# Practices and Training Sessions for Travel Softball

Travel softball requires more time both on and off the field. 

Your daughter will play in more games, but she’ll also spend more time at practices and might even be expected to have individual private lessons, group clinics, or training sessions. 

If she’s playing at an elite level, then putting in extra work will feel essential to keep up with her teammates and competition. 

Practices can become fewer during tournament season, but training ramps up in the winter season. 

To be a high-level competitor in travel ball, most parents and coaches these days would lament the reality that there's no real break from the game. 

# Travel ball League Play

Finally, your travel team might sign up for a league. 

Essentially, some large cities host weeknight games or double-headers for club teams in the area to compete in. 

These leagues differ from rec softball because the teams are more competitive. They’re also more common in large urban centers where more teams are likely to be based. 

If your club team is from a small town, then you may not play in one of these leagues. Or you might travel further to play in one. 

To be clear, these league games are usually in addition to the weekend tournaments previously explained. 

# What Are You Committing To with Travel Softball?

One of the biggest differences between rec ball and travel ball is the time commitment. 

You and your daughter should be ready to spend a great deal of your time on softball once you sign up for a travel team. 

As you can see by now, travel ball encompasses more than just some tournaments. When people say it’s a lifestyle, you should take them at their word. 

Not condoning or condemning here – these are just the current realities on the ground. 

And if she’s serious about playing softball and dreams of competing in college ball, these are sacrifices she’ll almost inevitably be expected to make. 

Travel softball teams also bring a financial burden. 

If you’re spending more money on fees, equipment, uniforms, travel, or other softball-related expenses, that’s less you can spend on your daughter’s other activities. 

It might also mean less material things like video games, new smartphones, or new street clothes. 

So unless you are very well-off, both you and your daughter must be willing to accept some trade-offs to play club softball at an elite level. 

Of course, these realities can affect the financial decisions of your entire family. 

Let’s detail the pros and cons of both rec and travel softball, so you can more easily make an informed decision about signing your daughter up for club ball or not.

# The Pros and Cons of Rec Softball

• Emphasis on learning – With Little League/recreational leagues, everyone who signs up gets to play on a team. The focus is on learning the game and developing values like sportsmanship and leadership. Coaches will also let girls play at different positions so they can figure out what they’re good at and what they like best. 
• Stay local – If your daughter plays on a rec team, you won’t have to travel more than 30 miles from your town. Even in small cities, they try to organize leagues so that travel is minimal.  If you’d rather allocate your budget to family vacations than to transportation and hotels for softball, then rec ball may be more suited to your family.
• Less expensive – Rec ball is significantly less expensive than club softball. Although fees vary by region, the average is around $100 for a season, which includes a uniform.  Sometimes, coaches will even provide all the necessary equipment for their players.  In most cases, though, you might have to buy your child the right softball gear, which will increase the yearly spend to between $100-500 – depending on exactly what you decide to buy and how well her equipment held up the year before.
• Lower competition – Since anyone that wants to is allowed to play, there’s no filter for competition. Coaches and umpires are usually volunteers, who may have little experience within the game. Many players who want to improve and hone their softball skills to an elite level won’t be able to do so if they continue playing rec ball into high school.
• Less organization – Although not the case for all recreational leagues, some tend to be poorly organized. The entire league might be run by volunteers or city employees with no background administering youth sports. Poor organization can lead to fewer opportunities for your daughter to play, like if games get double-booked or canceled unexpectedly.
• Fewer games – You play fewer games in a season of rec softball than with a club team. The total is about 20 games, not counting weather cancellations. Fewer games mean less exposure and slower rates of skill development. If your kid loves softball and wants to play as much as possible, it might be time to move up to the more involved club teams. 

# The Pros and Cons of Travel Softball

• Better competition – For players who want to improve to an elite level, challenge themselves, and be part of a hard-working team, travel ball may be the way to go. With travel ball, kids learn the importance of bettering oneself for the sake of greater team success. They also face other elite players, making them more prepared to play at the collegiate level.
• More games – If your child can’t get enough of softball, then travel ball might be perfect for her. Travel softball affords many more opportunities to play and develop, even if you have to sit on the bench sometimes. And for the amount of money you invest in club softball, you can expect a decent number of games.
• Opportunity to travel – Some might view the travel aspect as a hindrance, but it can also be an opportunity. For some kids, the chance to venture outside their city or state could be a great way for them to become inspired. 
• Costly – We’ll get into the details of these costs below, but after reading this.  Suffice it to say, you will want to make sure that both you and your daughter clearly understand the commitment you’re making to playing travel softball.
• Missing out – In addition to costing money, travel will cost you valuable time. Your kid could miss out on social or school events. You, too, could miss out on work or extended family events by spending all your free time driving your daughter to tournaments and practices.  Many of the parents who can cover the financial curveballs that travel softball hurls at them, will be tempted to breeze past this warning. But it is worth serious consideration. 
• Difficulty level – Although your child might want to play travel ball, you should be realistic about her current skill level.  Travel softball teams are full of elite, competitive players who are often targeting college softball and its scholarships.  If your kid doesn’t have the same abilities but ends up on a highly competitive team, she may quickly fall behind, see less playing time, and become discouraged with the sport.  But the good news is that within travel ball, there is an entire spectrum of teams with varying levels of skill and expectations.  So part of the team or organizational selection on your end is being realistic as to where your daughter is now, while creating a plan and setting goals to help get her where she wants to be in a year, 2 years, or 5 years from now.  

# A Middle Ground Between Rec Ball and Elite Travel Ball

It’s worth mentioning that travel softball teams are split up into categories based on both age and skill level. 

For age brackets, there’s 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. 

Additionally, there are often “A,” “B,” and “C” levels for each age group. The “A” teams are the most competitive, the “C” teams are playing more for fun, and “B” teams fall somewhere in the middle.

So it’s possible for your daughter to play travel ball without facing steep levels of competition. Many “B” and “C” teams form to give kids a chance to play more softball than they would with a rec league. 

These teams focus less on college recruiting outreach and chasing softball scholarships and more on building character. 

Teams like these might play only in summer tournaments instead of year-round. And since they play fewer games, they require less time commitment, and there are fewer associated fees. 

Although these lower-tier teams are still considered “travel” softball teams, they might only or mostly play in local tournaments. 

Less serious club teams are a great middle-ground for girls who want more competition and playing time than rec ball offers, but who don’t want to commit to continuing to play in college softball. 

They’re also ideal for parents who’d rather invest less time and money in their child’s softball – so your daughter and your family can focus on other meaningful endeavors – but want more organized structure than rec ball.

# Should You Switch from Rec Ball to Travel Ball?

Whether or not you switch from rec ball to travel ball is up to you and your daughter. 

It’s truly an entire family decision. No blanket solution exists to suit everyone. And there’s also no particular best age for switching. 

The smartest thing you can do is continue on the path of research that led you to this article. 

Reading other parents’ experiences with travel ball versus rec ball on message boards and forums can be particularly enlightening. Their impressions might give you an insight into the sport you hadn’t thought of. 

Another great way to research travel softball is by word-of-mouth. 

Are there teams in your area? Can you get in contact with that team’s parents and ask them for advice? 

Sometimes the decision to try out for a club team is based on availability. 

If there are no travel teams in your area, you could join one out of town. This practice is actually much more common than you might think. 

For example, many elite, Hawaii-residing softball players will fly in and play for travel teams in places like California or Texas during tournament season. But, for most, doing so means driving or flying long distances for both practices and tournaments. 

Indeed, many softball parents will tell you that their decision about travel ball is based on circumstances. The location, budget, and presence of teams will all be factors in this decision-calculus. 

The most important factor, however, is your daughter’s interest in playing travel ball. 

If she’s willing to set aside other parts of her life for softball and wants a challenging environment to improve her game, then she should play some form of travel ball. 

Make sure both you and your daughter understand the time and effort that go into travel softball. Go over the pros and cons of club ball together, so you’re both informed. 

Once you and your child are clear about what you want, then you can make an informed decision.

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# how to find a fastpitch softball travel team.

Say you’ve weighed your options and discussed it with your child. You’ve both decided she should play travel ball. 

Now how do you go about finding a team? 

And what things should you look for in a travel softball team?

# Where to Look for Travel Softball Organizations

As mentioned, word-of-mouth is a great way to start your search for teams. Ask parents you know about travel teams in your area. 

If you live somewhere with a high concentration of softball clubs, like southern California, personal recommendations can come especially in handy. 

If you don’t know anyone involved in travel softball, then you can look online. Big organizations in your area will likely come up in a search engine, and this is a great way to find teams. 

But not every team has a website – or one that’s really optimized for search – so many won’t show up in search results. 

However, all teams that play in USSSA, ASA, Triple Crown, and NAFA must register with the organization. As a result, these websites might have directories of teams in your area. 

USSSA is a particularly great resource for this. You can use these online searches as a jumping-off point for finding a team, especially if there are a lot of them in your area. 

For cities and towns less inundated with travel teams, joining Facebook groups dedicated to travel softball is a great way to find recommendations. 

You could also search for a given team or travel organization’s Facebook page or Instagram profile, as nearly all will have these updated regularly even if they don’t have an official website. 

And social media posts from such accounts will often have the most accurate and real-time information about tryouts and team openings – such as, “Looking for a 2025 catcher”.

A final resource worth checking out is HeyBucket . There you will find tryout postings for most of the travel softball organizations around the country, along with a robust forum filled with parents and coaches discussing all things travel ball.

# Travel Softball Team Tryouts

If you want to join a travel softball team, you can expect to go through tryouts first. For teams that want to play in summer tournaments, tryouts can be held as early as the preceding August. 

At this time of the year, players are still fresh from their summer season, so ideally, they’ll perform their best at tryouts. Fall tryouts also give teams a chance to work out over the winter and coordinate fundraising efforts. 

# What Can You Expect at Travel Softball Tryouts

At tryouts, you can expect a 2-4 hour session similar to a practice. The coaches will introduce themselves and ask your daughter to do so as well. 

Travel coaches do this partly because they want to gauge your daughter’s confidence and maturity levels. 

This is especially important for teams focused on college recruiting, because these experienced coaches know that these same traits can make a player more or less attractive to college scouts. 

And their job as competitive travel coaches, aside from guiding her performance development, is convincing such scouts – who will eventually interact with your daughter – that she’s a great fit for their program.  

After introductions, the athletes will go through static stretches, movement-prep drills, and throw. 

Next, they’ll either start with offensive or defensive drills or live situations. 

Coaches will also want to assess your daughter’s baserunning. If she’s a pitcher or catcher, she will be asked to showcase these skills. 

Typically, tryouts are structured as stations, with girls moving from one station to the another. 

Encourage your daughter to always do her best at tryouts and hustle continuously without pause. 

Coaches at these tryouts are evaluating her attitude and work ethic as much as her softball abilities. If she makes a mistake, tell her – beforehand, not during – to just shrug it off and move on to the next rep.

# Warning to Parents During Fastpitch Travel Tryouts

You might have caught that less-than-subtle recommendation not to call out to your daughter in any way during a travel ball tryout. 

That’s because the truth is that for competitive travel ball teams, you as parents are also trying out in a way. Again, this is most true for college recruitment-age teams.

Coaches are always on the lookout for red flags from parents. 

Professional coaches also notice if your daughter looks to you in the stands directly after making a mistake during a tryout.

To them, this bad habit hints at both a lack of confidence on her part and a potentially toxic sports parent relationship, where she’s only doing this to please you and not because she herself loves the sport. 

For many travel ball coaches, such observed behaviors can lead to your daughter not making the team. 

In the interest of blunt honesty, if your daughter truly has top-percentile talent, such parent red flags may be willfully ignored at the younger levels of travel ball play. 

However, no matter how much potential your daughter possesses, these issues will become more of a problem at the older, recruitable 14U-18U ages, for reasons alluded to earlier. 

After asking about your daughter’s Rapsodo analytics metrics, GPA, SAT, and attitude tendencies, the very next question that all college coaches will ask your travel coach is “How are the parents?”

The travel ball coach has to tell the whole truth at this moment or risk losing their trusted reputation earned by years of hard work and relationship-building. 

Travel coaches know the truth will come out eventually – college coaches are often even more conscious, observant, and disqualifying in response to the red flags we listed – and not many travel coaches are going to be willing to lose face by lying.  

If your daughter is still within that 8U to 12U age range, this section is still worth heeding early. Stop bad habits on both your parts before they start. 

# How to Choose the Right Travel Softball Team for Your Daughter

There are eight major things you should keep in mind during your travel ball team selection:

# 1. Coaching style

How does the coach relate to the players and parents? Does the coach have experience playing or coaching softball, and at what level?

Do the coaches emphasize instruction, winning, or a combination of both?

The coaching style will have a big impact on your daughter’s experience with a travel ball team, so choose wisely.

As we’ve already discussed, cost is an unignorable factor in travel softball. Ask about a breakdown of fees up front.

Coaches should know how much everything on their side will cost before the season starts, so you’ll have a good idea of what you’re paying.

Look at what you get for your money – are uniforms and equipment or additional training opportunities included? Are tournament fees extra?

Keep in mind also that you’ll have to pay your own travel expenses in addition to whatever fees the team requires.

# 3. Structure

How is their season structured? Does the team play tournaments year-round or only in the summer? Which tournaments will the team play in?

At younger ages, staying closer to home for tournaments is ideal – your daughter can still learn and compete and you can save your money for when she’s more serious about softball, closer to college-age.

Traveling long distances to the most elite travel ball tournaments in the country will eventually be necessary if she’s interested in playing D1, though.

When thinking about the organization of the team you should also look into their practice schedule and winter workouts.

Off-season training sessions are when your daughter will build upon her skills the most, so these practices are vital for her improvement.

# 4. Skill level

How good is the team? Do they finish each tournament by losing their first two bracket games in a row?

Competing, improving, and having fun can be more important than winning. But losing badly every weekend also isn’t much fun and it doesn’t facilitate skill improvement or confidence.

# 5. Playing time

When it comes to younger teams, players should be moving around positions and getting as much experience on the field as possible.

During tournament pool play, everyone should have about equal playing time. Once bracket play starts, though, the emphasis is often on competing at the highest level possible.

As players get older, their positions will become more fixed, and playing time should be based on performance.

Most elite travel ball coaches won’t give you a straight guarantee on your daughter’s playing time. Their priority will be putting together the best team that can compete at the level they’re playing at.

# 6. College

You shouldn’t worry too much about college recruiting until your daughter’s freshman year of high school.

But second-year 14U team coaches and up should know the rules around recruiting and work to educate you and your player on those rules.

They should also have contacts in college programs and be a proponent for your daughter in these programs.

# 7. Personal development

You should look for teams that foster character building in your kid. Improvement in the sport and college ball preparation is important, but you and their coaches should keep an eye on the bigger picture.

What kinds of values does this team instill in its players? Do they encourage a strong work ethic, respect for teammates, and good sportsmanship?

These are the types of skills players should learn in youth sports because they translate to adult and professional life.

Above all, the experience should be fun. Your daughter should enjoy playing on this club team and everything it involves. If it’s clear the other girls on the team aren’t having any fun, that’s a bad sign.

Travel ball players and coaches are a serious bunch, but they shouldn’t be so tightly wound that they make the experience miserable for everyone else.

# Wrapping Up on What You Need to Know

Deciding to join a travel softball team is, as you can see, a big decision. 

You and your daughter have many factors to consider which will significantly impact her experience playing softball. 

You want your child to do activities she finds rewarding and enjoyable, which promote her personal development. 

Travel softball can achieve all of these things for her. But that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. 

We did our best to not make this about how things should, could, or used to be in our game. This wasn’t an opinion piece. 

Instead, we sought to make a super practical and unfiltered guide for moms, dads, and up-and-coming athletes trying to make a major life choice today – in the current year.

Hopefully, after reading this guide, you have the information you need about travel softball to make the right decision for you and your daughter.

# Bonus Material: How Much Does Travel Softball Really Cost?

Below are some rough approximations of expenses. 

We do not recommend focusing too hard on the numbers listed.

And not just because we don’t want you to have a heart attack.

It’s mainly because this is mostly an exercise to inform you more about the different types of costs incurred in a given year of travel softball. 

This is by no means exhaustive, but it does give you a good place to start when considering this decision from a financial perspective. 

So, without further ado. 

# Gate Fees and Concessions for Travelball

Most complexes that host travel tournaments charge parents and other adult supporters, like your relatives or friends, who want to attend the games a gate fee. 

This gate fee is usually between $5-10 per person per day though some charge by the weekend or week. 

Also, you and your family will get hungry and thirsty, and most athletic complexes do not allow outside food on the premises. 

Gate Cost: $300-800 yearly

# Travel Expenses for Club Softball

At the younger ages of 8U-12U, there is less distance traveled, as teams mostly compete within their local state or even county. 

However, they usually play more tournaments in total, as there is no so-called “dark period” for these younger athletes. 

The dark period is the time that high school-aged softball players cannot play travel ball because it is high school season, and the regulations do not allow them to play both at the same time. This period is enforced in almost every US state. 

Besides the travel to actual games, you must consider the travel to practices, which occur 2-4 times per week – depending on the team and organization. 

And for all this travel you and your family will need to get some food and drinks, at least some of the time. 

Moreover, there is the wear and tear on your vehicle and its maintenance to consider. 

Lastly, you or your significant other may need unpaid time off in order to attend various games and tournaments throughout the year.

Travel Cost for younger ages: $700-3,000 yearly

At the older ages, 14U to 18U, the travel cost varies greatly. 

It depends on the competitiveness of the team and whether they are focused at the regional level or if they are chasing D1 scholarships at the national level. 

Travel Cost for older ages: $2,000-10,000

# Gear and Travel Team Events

You’ll also need to at least consider purchasing your daughter’s bats, cleats, batting gloves, extra uniforms, extra socks, athletic tape, eye-black, hair accessories, and sliding shorts. 

Some of these items may be included in your monthly or yearly dues to the travel organization or team that your daughter plays under. 

And you will be expected to contribute financially – usually in the form of bringing snacks or drinks or buying tickets – and time-wise to various team fundraisers and bonding events throughout the year. 

Gear and Special Event Costs: $500-1,500 yearly

# Additional Expenses for Elite Softball

Most travel softball players get private lessons or participate in group clinics for hitting, pitching, catching, or fielding. 

Some travel softball athletes also get additional training or help keep them optimized physically from strength and conditioning coaches, PT’s, and/or chiropractors. 

Additional Training Cost: $500-4,000

Once athletes are recruiting age – technically 8th grade to 12th grade, but here we mean high school – they may want to attend college softball clinics and camps to get additional exposure to particular college coaches, and help their chances of getting recruited. 

College Camps/Clinics Cost: $500-2,000 yearly

# Travelball Expense Totals

So, the approximate price range, depending on a ton of different variables – which is why the price gap is so massive – for participating in travel softball each year is between:

 $2,000* and $23,300.

To be honest, both of these numbers represent extremes on the low and the high sides of the spectrum. 

But we included this expense exercise to help parents like yourself begin to think about how serious a financial investment travel softball is. 

The only way to make decisions that are best for your daughter and for the rest of your family is to be informed about what such decisions might entail. 

Finally, it should be mentioned that the majority of softball athletes begin travel ball at the 10U or 12U level – between 9 and 12 years old. 

If your daughter competes in travel all the way until the 18U level at 17 to 18 years old, you can now get a rough idea, from these yearly approximations above, toward what an entire competitive career in travel softball might cost.

We’ll let you do that career-length extrapolation on your own though – this no-nonsense guide has likely stressed you out enough by this point. 

That said, hopefully this guide was a tiny brick on you and your daughter’s long road through this wonderful game that we call softball.  

*On the lower number, we did not include the “Additional Expenses” categories, because they might not be needed depending on the age and competitiveness-level.

About the Author

Courtney Withrow

Professional Writer

Originally from the U.S., Courtney is a Brussels-based freelance writer with a Master’s degree in International Relations. She grew up playing softball and still loves the game.

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What to Look For in Travel Softball Teams

Table of Contents

Getting started with travel softball, the difference between travel softball and little league, which is better for my daughter: rec ball or travel ball, competitive travel softball: key considerations when picking a team, top 7 things to look for in a travel softball team, frequently asked questions, picking a travel softball team – final thoughts.

Travel softball can be one of the most stressful aspects of the sport, especially when it comes to choosing the right team. That’s particularly true for parents and players who are just beginning their travel softball journey, because it can be difficult to know how to evaluate a team and coach.

This guide will help you understand what to look for in a traveling softball team, and will answer some of the most common questions parents have about the process, including:

• What are the differences between rec ball and travel ball?
• How do I know which is best for my daughter?
• What is the true cost of travel softball?
• How should we choose which travel team to play for?
• Other frequently asked questions

Joining a traveling softball team can be a great experience, both in terms of enjoyment and player development. But it’s also a major commitment, so it’s important to think carefully about what kind of program is best in your specific situation.

My name is Alexa Peterson. I played four years at the University of Oregon, where I was First Team All-American, played in two Women’s College World Series, and went on to play six years professionally. I can say without a doubt that I wouldn’t have made it to the level I did without travel softball.

I made the switch from Little League/rec ball to travel ball when I was ten years old, and from then on I consistently played at the highest levels possible. By the age of thirteen, I knew I wanted to play NCAA softball, and playing against the best competition was crucial in helping me achieve that dream.

Travel softball is expensive and time consuming. But the reality is that if your goal is to play at the college level — and especially if your goal is to play for a Division 1 program — it’s an important part of the process.

During my travel softball career, I played for some amazing coaches that pushed me to be a better person and athlete, as well as some that didn’t believe in me. And while it’s obviously better to find a coaching staff that believes in you and is committed to nurturing your talent, I was able to learn important lessons and grow in both types of environments.

Before diving into the specific specifics of what to look for, it’s important to understand why you should consider playing travel softball (and why it’s not the right choice for every player in every situation).

Related Reading: Alexa Peterson’s College Softball Recruiting Journey

Recreational softball and competitive travel softball teach many of the same life skills, like teamwork and sportsmanship. But when it comes to things like time commitment and competitiveness, they can be as different as night and day.

Rec Softball/Little League: A Low-Key, Low-Cost and Less-Competitive Environment

“Rec ball” is shorthand for Little League Softball and/or your local city league. The regular season typically runs from March to May, with single games twice per week, and one or two practices per week. You’ll usually stay within a 30 minute radius for games and practices.

Little League, which is the most common rec ball organization, is open to girls ages four through sixteen, and everybody makes a team regardless of their skill level. Coaches are typically parents or grandparents, and the umpires are often volunteers.

This is a great place to learn the rules of the game, to see if your daughter enjoys softball, and to just have fun while learning sportsmanship and the very basics of fundamentals. The cost is typically around $100, which includes a uniform top.

Travel Softball: More Games and Better Competition

Back in the day, if you played travel softball, you were a serious player striving to become an elite athlete, and you had the full intention of playing in college.

Today, softball has grown so much that while there are still teams dedicated to providing elite players the absolute best competition to facilitate skill development, there are actually more and more girls playing travel softball primarily for the fun of it — often because they want to play more than the standard 20-game schedule offered by rec ball.

In general, there is no “regular season” with travel softball — it runs all year long, with club practices once or twice per week during the spring and fall season, and a full slate of weekend tournaments during the later spring and summer season.

Travel softball tourneys are typically Friday through Sunday, with teams playing anywhere from 5-10 games each. Fridays and Saturdays are pool play games, meaning you play a small number of the teams in the tournament, and then get “seeded.” On Sunday, you participate in double-elimination bracket play, with winners always taking home something cool like a trophy, medal, plaque or ring.

The cost for a year of travel softball can range from $500 to $5,000 and up, which includes a full uniform, and sometimes includes equipment. We’ll break the costs down in more detail later.

The answer to that question depends on two main things: her love for the game and your wallet!

If she can’t get enough of softball, wants to travel around for more games, and is excited to play throughout the summer, then travel ball is the way to go.

With that, the cost to play increases. Exactly how much depends on the level of competition your daughter is looking for. The most elite tournament teams (especially at the high school level) travel the farthest and play the most. Less competitive teams tend not to travel quite as far or as often.

When It Comes to Choosing the Right Level, Let Your Daughter Lead the Way

You as a parent cannot choose the level your daughter wants to play at. I’ve seen many parents try, and it never ends well.

If you’re a parent who never played a sport competitively, you might not understand her desire to spend every waking hour at the ballpark. But don’t hold her back if she wants to push herself.

On the other hand, don’t force her to join a competitive travel ball team if she just wants to have fun. Speaking from experience, the game, the desire to compete, and the love of always being challenged… those things are either there or they’re not.

It’s also important that you don’t make your child feel guilty if she tries a competitive team for a year and decides it’s not what she wants. She might have all the natural talent in the world, but if she wants to spend her summers going to birthday parties, having sleepovers and just living life, then let her!

And if she has a hard time deciding what she wants? Well, what a great life skills and bonding opportunity. Talk through the process and help her see the pros and cons of each option. Most importantly, let it be her decision, and make sure she knows you’ll support that decision (even if it’s not what you think is best).

With all of that said, here are some things you need to know about competitive travel softball.

Here are a few of the factors you should consider when evaluating your options and picking a team.

With the top-tier of competitive travelling softball teams, the coaches are generally not related to the players. (Sometimes you’ll find an assistant coach who is a parent, but rarely a head coach.) These coaches have years of experience, and often played many years themselves. They understand the intangibles of the game, and can teach a higher level of mechanics that go beyond the fundamentals.

Competitive travel softball players come to the field every day with the intent to compete, push past their limits, and get themselves to the next level. The fundamentals will already be in place, and there’s no question as to whether they will dive head first to catch a ball.

Many programs are run as a tight ship, with the goal of teaching and preparing their athletes for what college ball will be like: fast paced practices and a strong emphasis on execution.

These teams expect you to take the game seriously: 15 minutes early is on time; you walk into a tournament in an orderly fashion; and you recognize that while there’s a time and place to be goofy, you’re there to get better at softball.

Playing Time

Because the goal of this type of program is to prepare the athlete for college athletics, the teams want to win. At the same time, they also want to focus on player development.

So, during pool play, playing time tends to be more evenly distributed in order to give everyone game experience (as well as the opportunity to be noticed by college coaches, when the time comes for that). But come bracket play on Championship Sunday, the goal is to win and the best players will be on the field with the expectation of dominating the competition.

What You Get

Many high-level programs are fully-sponsored by product manufacturers, or at least get discounted rates on things like uniforms and equipment. In those cases, your club fees might include two or three uniforms, matching bat bags, visors and bats (some teams exclusively swing one brand).

A majority of programs at this level also have their own indoor facility for winter workouts and bad-weather training.

See also: How to Pick the Right Softball Bat

Time Commitment (spoiler alert… HUGE)

When I was playing travel softball as a teenager in Oregon, I had a teammate from Montana who flew in once a month for our team practices. While that’s not very common, driving three hours one way for a practice is totally commonplace. If you live in a big city, chances are that a good program is nearby. But if you live in a smaller area, you may end up putting a lot of miles on your car.

I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I accidentally conditioned myself to fall asleep every time I was in a car for more than 45 minutes. My weekend routine typically looked something like this for travel ball:

• Wake up at 5 a.m., get in the car and fall asleep for the whole drive there.
• Play five games
• Get in the car, and sleep for the whole drive home.

In other words, it’s a lot of time on the road. You, as the parent, are going to be doing the driving. Your daughter, as the player, is going to be pooped. It’s “quality time” in a certain way, but probably not in the way you’re envisioning right now.

Also, since most teams only have one practice per week, there’s an expectation that additional work is being done outside of practice. Hitting, pitching and defensive skills should be worked on roughly four days a week.

The majority of players at this level hire an experienced outside hitting or pitching coach. If you don’t put in this extra work, you will quickly fall behind your teammates and ride the pine (plus risk being cut at the end of season).

Games/Tournaments

There are typically four or five tournaments during October and November. Then, another tournament every weekend from late spring through July or August.

Depending on where you live, you could be spending a ton of time in the car, or even on a plane. The biggest softball hubs are Southern California, Texas and Florida. If you’re not in one of those states, expect to be travelling far and often.

Living in Oregon and playing competitively, I traveled multiple times every summer and fall to play in college exposure tournaments in Southern California.

The True Cost of Travel Softball

Some of you may have fainted after mentally calculating the cost of everything in that last section. But let’s recap…

• Driving to and from practice
• Driving or flying to and from games
• 15 to 20 tournaments per year (with tournament fees)
• Facility fees to practice on your own
• Private lessons
• Top-of-the-line equipment
• Rental cars

All of that easily runs anywhere from $2,500 to $6,000 a year, making elite travel softball one of the costlier youth sports. Plus, that’s in addition to fees and travel for camps, which many top-tier players also participate in.

Like I said earlier, if you’re in Southern California you might end up paying on the lower end of that range, because your cost for travel will be much lower than someone flying into California every weekend.

Also, keep in mind that many tournament teams have monthly dues of around $200 to play on the team and have access to their training facility. The cost of travel is not included in the monthly dues.

Travel Softball Sometimes Requires Sacrifices

Growing up, I was more on the lower end of the middle class. We always had food on the table, but the effort put in by my parents to facilitate my amateur softball career was exorbitant.

Looking back, I’m so thankful they gave all they did so that I could be successful — it’s something I can never repay them for. I imagine that we could have lived a little more comfortably had I not been playing softball.

For them, it was a matter of priorities. I wanted to play at the highest level I could, and they were willing to sacrifice to make that happen.

If money is a potential concern, you need to consider both your priorities and your daughter’s. Are you prepared and willing to skip “regular” family vacations because your weekends and your travel budget are going into softball?

And does she understand that playing this sport at this level most likely requires trade-offs when it comes to things like friends, clothes, phones, and many of the other things that teens often spend time and money on in high school?

1. Coaching: Are the coaches experienced? How knowledgeable are they, and will they be able to facilitate the proper degree of skill development for their athletes?

Ideally, you don’t want to have parents serving as coaches. If you stumble across a high level program that does, most likely the coach has been around for a long time and is trusted to look after the best interests of the whole roster (not just their own child).

Other important considerations are coaching style, character and overall attitude. Ask former or current players and parents to describe the coaching staff, and see if they would be a good fit for your daughter.

2. Cost : Figure out what your family can afford before you even start looking at options. If team dues seem ridiculously high, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth in terms of equipment, facility use, uniforms, etc. Also, some teams have fundraising opportunities that can bring down the cost to participate. If money is a concern, ask about this ahead of time.

3. Communication : It’s important to have all your questions answered. Feel free to ask about financials (what’s included in team fees, fundraising, etc.), playing time and how it’s divided up, and the coaching staff’s goals and priorities. If the coaches seem wishy-washy about these topics, don’t offer straightforward answers, or seem like they just don’t want to be bothered with the questions, that’s a red flag.

4. Competitiveness : Make sure you understand what level of competition you daughter wants. Does she want to be challenged? Does she want to be on a team that beats everyone 10-0? Is playing time important, or would she prefer to surround herself with the best possible teammates (even if that means less time on the field)? And keep in mind, the level of competitiveness usually coincides with how much work is expected outside of practice.

It’s also important for everyone involved to be honest about the player’s skill level. Joining a team where you’re not among the absolute best players can motivate you and build your work ethic, but joining a team where you get virtually no playing time or attention can hinder your development. This is a delicate balance to strike, but it’s something to keep in mind.

5. Chemistry : Consider the overall chemistry of the program, not just the chemistry among the players. Go to a couple of games and see how the team plays together, and ask to watch the team practice before committing. Overall, you want your daughter to have a good experience — on the field and off — with her teammates and coaches.

Watch and listen to how players respond to the coaches. Do they walk away, rolling their eyes? How do players interact with their parents? Your daughter will be around these girls for months at a time, and they say “you become who you surround yourself with.” So, what’s the vibe of the players? Do they look like they’re having fun, while still getting the job done?

6. College Recruiting : This is for those a little older (freshmen and up). If your daughter is interested in playing college softball, you’ll want to be part of an organization that:

• Knows the rules surrounding college recruiting
• Will help educate players and parents about those rules
• Will be advocates for them during the recruiting process
• Has connections with college programs

When I was coaching at a Division II school, there were a handful of travel ball coaches I knew well and could really trust to give me honest feedback on a kid as an athlete and a person. Those were the programs I kept going back to.

7. Character Development : Arguably the most important aspect of a program is the character and personal development that will take place. Yes, we want players to get better at softball. But players should walk away from their travel ball experience not only prepared for college athletics, but also for life in general.

Things like being on time, sportsmanship, work ethic, speaking respectfully, putting the team first, uplifting those around you, and attention to detail; those are all crucial life skills that youth sports can help build. Ask the coaching staff their thoughts on this, and what they do to help foster this type of development.

Here are a few questions that many travel softball players and parents ask when joining or switching teams.

Between $500 and $5,000 per year (with an average of about $2,000), depending on where you live, the level of competition, and the time commitment. On the low end, a $500 budget may be enough to cover your team fees and play in local tournaments with lesser competition. But if you need to travel far to get to competitive or college exposure tournaments (nearly every weekend during the summer plus multiple tournaments in the fall), it’s not unheard of to spend $5,000 per season.

Highly-competitive programs need to have high-level coaches. The majority of those programs cover their coaches’ travel expenses as an incentive. A few coaches who work for franchised organizations will get paid and actually make a small profit for their time.

Levels are separated by age and skill level. Age brackets are 8U (8-years-old and under), 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U. Within each age level there are three letters that designate the skill level: “A” is the highest level in a particular age group, followed by “B” (average) and “C” (kids who are playing mostly for fun). It’s also increasingly common for elite travel softball organizations to have two 18U teams, with the highest level designated as “18 Gold.” There are no tournaments for which classification as an “18 Gold” team is mandatory for entry — these teams participate in the same high-level tournaments as A-level teams.

There are multiple organizations that host tournaments around the United States. The main ones are USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association — pronounced U-Triple-S-A), PGF (Premier Girls’s Fastpitch, USA (Formerly ASA), Triple Crown, and NSA (National Softball Association). A majority of these tournaments are qualifiers for the organization’s national tournament, where the top teams from different regions compete in one location.

At tryouts, you should expect to be tested on your home-to-first sprint time, your home-to-home sprint time, and your overhand throwing speed. There’s usually a brief hitting session (front toss), as well as defensive reps and throws based on your position. Catchers usually have 2-3 reps to throw to each base, while pitchers are usually given the opportunity to throw all their pitches and have their speeds checked by radar. Every year, most teams host an open tryout, where anyone interested in joining has an opportunity to be evaluated by the coaching staff. Some teams charge a small fee for this tryout. Often, good organizations will reach out to a player that caught their eye and invite them to come to the open tryout. Travel softball teams will also sometimes have two different dates options for tryouts, so that athletes can attend the one that best fits their schedule.

I enjoyed my time as a travel softball player, but it wasn’t always easy — for me or my family. Still, I wouldn’t trade those times for anything… and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those experiences.

There’s a lot that goes into deciding what travel softball team to play for. I hope that this guide was informative and helped you understand what to look for, so that you can make the best choice for your family and have as rewarding of an experience as I did.

Alexa Peterson

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Club Rankings: the 2021 Post-Summer Extra Elite 100 16U Ratings… 1-100!

• By @BruntjensElla
• August 19, 2021

With the 2021 Summer travel ball season wrapped up, it’s time to reveal our 2021 Post-Summer Extra Elite 100 Club Team Rankings.

Yesterday, we kicked off the first of a three-part series going 100 teams deep each day per this schedule:

• Monday, August 16, 2021: 14U
• Tuesday, August 17, 2021: 16U
• Wednesday, August 18, 2021: 18U

We’ve worked with a panel of coaches and event producers to come up with an “RPI Index” ranking that factors in several comparables— the first is performances of teams in top national tournaments.

• PGF Premier National Championship
• Independence Day Tournament
• Alliance National Championship
• Top Gun Invitational (Maverick)
• Top Club Invitational
• DeMarini Invite
• Atlanta Legacy
• AZ Winter Invite
• TCS Nationals
• World Fastpitch Championships
• Scenic City

The RPI Index, which calculates the overall ranking, also uses the following information:

• the round in bracket play in which the team was last played
• average run differentials
• win percentage (for each event)
• average bracket games played
• plus, a bonus for Top 3 finishes

Note that ALL of these factors give credit to each team for the entire summer season’s body of work, not just one big win or one top finish in a tourney.

The more participation in one of the top Nationals, championships, invitationals above that teams play in, the more they are rewarded in the RPI Ranking.

2021 Post-Summer Extra Elite 100 16U Club Team Ratings

<em>*** Scroll down to see the teams ranked #’s 26-100…</em>

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Class of 2027 Extra Elite 100 Rankings Set to Launch April 29, 2024

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Experience Connecticut Mirage Softball!

Welcome to connecticut mirage softball.

Celebrating Its 23rd Year

The Connecticut Mirage was founded in 2002 and is one of the premier girls fastpitch organizations in Connecticut. We emphasize fundamentals, individual instruction, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the well-being of every player.

Ct Mirage 14U Wins Tournament

The Ct. Mirage 14U team won the Final Battle Tournament in East Hartford last weekend.  The Mirage entered Sunday’s elimination day as the number 3 seed.  After just getting by its first game 4-3, the Mirage won both the semi – final and final games easily to post a 5 and 1 record for the weekend and 23 and 12 overall.  The season concludes in Chelmsford, Mass. next weekend

Mirage 18 U Win big in NY!

The Mirage 18U Lagace team traveled to Amsterdam, NY this past weekend and ‘painted the town’ purple and teal. The team went 3-0 in pool play on Saturday earning the 1st seed for elimination play on Sunday. 

Mirage 16U Langhans Wins First Tournament

The Mirage 16U Langhans team beat the Ct. Angels 9-4 on July 11th to win the Tradition Tournament in Wallingford.

Mirage 16U Wins third tournament

The Mirage 16U (Bornstein) won its third tournament in a row at the Bethel Blast on July 4th.  The Mirage offense was held down from previous tournament wins, but still managed to outscore the opposition 22-12 to run its early summer season record to 15 and 0.

Mirage Wins Elite Summer Brawl Tournament

The Ct. Mirage 16U (Bornstein) won its second tournament of the season at the Elite Summer Brawl in East Hartford on June 27th.  After a 3 and 0 Saturday, the Mirage secured the number 1 seed allowing only two runs for the day.  After winning its first round and quarter round games easily, the Mirage led only 1-0 against the NWS Elite, but a seven run 6th inning put the game out of reach.  The Mirage then went on to handily defeat the Brewster Rockets 10-2 in the Championship Game to stretch its early season record to 12 and 0.

Mirage 16U Wins Season-Opening Tournament

The Ct. Mirage (Bornstein) won the Bridgeport Sound of Softball Tournament on June 20th going 5 and 0 and outscoring its opponents 49-13.  After beating the Barracuda Green 5-4 on Saturday, the Mirage faced the Green again in Sunday’s Championship Game and after leading 3-2 early on, the Mirage opened up to a 7-2 lead and coasted from there for a 10-3 win in its first tournament of the season.

Congratulations to the following Mirage players who have earned post-season honors:

🥎  Emma Anderson – Tolland – All-Conference CCC, Senior Select Team 🥎  Kamryn Arvisais – Enfield – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Kaleigh Bodak – Haddam/Killingworth – All-Conference Shoreline Honorable Mention 🥎  Christina DeNovellis – Rocky Hill – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Lyndsay Donston – South Windsor – All-Conference CCC, Junior Select Team 🥎  Maddy Ellis – East Catholic – All-Conference CCC, Junior Select Team 🥎  Sophia Fazzina – Berlin – All-State, All-Conference CCC, Junior Select Team 🥎  Hailey Gorack – Lewis Mills – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Samantha King – Stafford – All-Conference NCCC 🥎  Leah May – Portland – Jr. Select Team, All-Conference Shoreline Honorable Mention 🥎  Dani Riendeau – Enfield – All-Conference CCC, Senior Select Team 🥎  Emilia Santiago – All- Conference CCC 🥎  Alex Sciarretto – Bristol Central – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Rachel Shaw – East Catholic – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Caleigh Sheehan – Bolton – All-Conference CCC 🥎  Malena Signorello – Cromwell – All-Shoreline Conference Honorable Mention 🥎  Madison Tessmer – Cromwell All-State, All-Conference Shoreline, Junior Select Team 🥎  Gabriella Tomaino – Wethersfield – All-Conference CCC

A Little ABout US

We feel it is our job and responsibility to prepare girls to play at the college level. Many of our players, both on their own and with our help, are playing in college softball programs today.   Mirage teams have won numerous travel tournaments throughout New England and over 100 Mirage players have gone on to play at the collegiate level. Our organization emphasizes fundamentals, individual instruction, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the well-being of every player.   The team name was inspired by the famed Las Vegas luxury hotel and the purple, teal and white uniforms were inspired by the 2001 Maryland Legends. Today, the Mirage uniform colors are widely recognized throughout the travel ball circuit.

Values & Philosophy

The Mirage organization emphasizes fastpitch softball fundamentals, individual instruction, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the well-being of every player.

We feel it is our job and responsibility to prepare girls to play at the college level. Many of our players, both on their own and with our help, are presently playing in college softball programs.

Testimonials

“as the parents of a player from western massachusetts, our daughter’s choice of softball travel teams in our immediate area is limited. we feel extremely fortunate to have discovered the mirage organization and our daughter has flourished under the tutelage of experienced, dedicated coaches. the chemistry between teammates, parents and coaches has been excellent and has led to a strong, supportive atmosphere for all.”, “the level of coaching expertise available in travel, exceeds any other opportunity that may be available in other programs. this has been my daughter’s chance to build her confidence in a sport that she loves to play with the hopes of playing at a higher level.”, “travel ball really teaches the girls how to play the game and to be on top of their game. it gives the girls that want to excel a chance to compete and doesn’t hold them back like little league does. they learn so much more about the game; develop their skills, their knowledge of the game, and are just so much more comfortable playing than girls that don’t play travel ball. the difference is huge”.

Join The Connecticut Mirage Family!

We’re looking for players at all age levels. 

MIRAGE 16U TEAM LOOKING FOR A PITCHER!

CT Hurricanes Softball

The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything.

Vince Lombardi Jr.

CT Hurricanes Girls Softball is a not for profit fast pitch travel softball organization in Meriden, CT. We are committed to the development of young ladies between the ages of 12 to 18 in the game of softball. We stress sportsmanship, class, work ethic and integrity

Our cost is lower than most teams, with no compromise in quality. We have a dedicated indoor facility for year round use and a great outdoor multi-field complex. Our outdoor practice facilities are located at William E. Dunn Sports Complex, 402 Thorpe Ave. Meriden. Just down the street, our indoor practice facility, The Bat Cave, located at 30 Research Parkway, is available to all of our players throughout the season.

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Wildfire has a long history as being the only all girls softball organization in the West Chester area with an expansion into travel softball in 2017.  We pride ourselves on developing not only great softball players but great people who take the competitive and teamwork aspects of athletics into the classroom and throughout their social and post academic relationships.

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College Sports | C. Milton Wright grads Lauren Meyers and Meghan…

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College Sports | C. Milton Wright grads Lauren Meyers and Meghan Reed trying to repeat title feat for No. 1 Salisbury softball

Duo who helped lead mustangs to 2017 state title is leading sea gulls.

When they were young, Lauren Meyers and Meghan Reed played for the same softball travel team and learned under the same hitting coach. They had another connection, as daughters of fathers who were also their coaches (Brian Meyers and David Reed).

“The reason we hit with Coach Dan [Funk] was because we wouldn’t take advice from our fathers,” Reed said with a laugh. “I think that’s pretty similar for all father-daughter coach-player bonds.”

Said Meyers: “Sometimes when my dad would tell me things, I would be like, ‘I know, Dad,’ because I was already thinking the same things he was, and I already knew that I was not performing the way I should.”

The ties that bind Meyers and Reed continue. Both helped C. Milton Wright capture the Class 3A state championship in 2017, enrolled at Salisbury, and are currently starters for a Sea Gulls team that is 26-1 overall and 2-0 in the Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference, has won 21 consecutive games, and was elevated to the No. 1 spot in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association NCAA Division III rankings on April 16.

Reed, a senior in her debut as the team’s regular second baseman, is tied for first on Salisbury in hits (37) and ranks third in batting average (.440) and runs batted in (22), while Meyers, a graduate student first baseman, ranks fifth in RBIs (16) and seventh in batting average (.328). Coach Lacey Lord said the duo has contributed heavily to the squad’s success this spring.

“They’re reliable, and they’re consistent,” she said. “I think whenever you can get that, it’s very comfortable.”

Meyers and Reed have known each other since 2013 when they both played for the Churchville Lightning. With them, the travel team won the 2016 World Fastpitch Connection World Series in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the 2018 USSSA Eastern National Championship in the 16U “Open” category in Salisbury, and the 2020 World Fastpitch Connection World Series again.

Both players said their early friendship was based on their desire to get better.

“We both play the game in a similar way,” Reed said. “So being able to connect on that level certainly drew us to each other. Lauren being a year older was always someone that I looked up to for pretty much anything. I just always aspired to play the game at her level.”

Another link was Funk, their hitting coach who worked for the Churchville Lightning and offered lessons in his basement before renting commercial space next to the club team’s indoor practice facility. Meyers and Reed credited their batting ability and dedicated this season to Funk, who died at 58 on March 25, 2023, after a long bout with heart-related health issues.

“He was hard on us but we both went to him, and he kind of shaped us into the people and players we are today,” Meyers said. “I’m getting emotional just talking about him. If I needed a person to talk to, he was the one. If I needed advice on anything, he was the one — softball-related or not softball-related.”

As sobering as Funk’s death was, one of the duo’s fondest memories was the Mustangs’ march to the state title in 2017. Reed recalled the team nursing a 3-1 lead against Huntingtown before third baseman Michelle Cisco launched a three-run home run in the sixth inning to cement a 6-1 victory.

“Suddenly, we were up by so much that we began to think, ‘Oh, my gosh, we could actually win the whole thing,’” Reed said.

Meyers said she committed to Salisbury over York, Kutztown and West Chester in October 2018. Three months later, Reed chose Salisbury over Susquehanna and Lebanon Valley.

Meyers said she spoke highly of Reed to Margie Knight, who was the coach at the time. Reed said she appreciated having Meyers to provide direction.

“It definitely helped having someone that I knew that I could contact if I needed anything,” she said. “I think coming in freshman year in general, it was a little bit rough because of COVID. It definitely helped knowing that Lauren was in my corner.”

While Meyers has been a full-time starter over the last four years, Reed filled a void at second base last spring. Lord said Reed’s play and chemistry with Meyers on the right side of the infield have validated her decision to promote Reed.

“For some people, it might have taken longer to adjust because you’re playing next to somebody new,” Lord said. “Lauren played next to Maddie Lemon for a good amount of time, but I think when Meghan stepped in, you know they had that connection because they knew each other. It was very seamless.”

This spring will be the last for Meyers and Reed at Salisbury. While Meyers graduated with a bachelor’s in marketing last May and is pursuing an MBA, Reed will graduate next month and has accepted an offer to the veterinary school at Wisconsin.

But they are motivated to cultivate as much success as Salisbury can stomach in honor of Funk and late Sea Gulls coach Margie Knight, who died July 31, 2022.

“Closing out my softball career with Meghan means a lot to me,” Meyers said. “We know what each other has been through and how to help each other in times of need. And with both of us knowing Coach Dan, we know that this is for him and Coach Knight and other people we’ve met along the way. We both want to go out on a high note and finish what we started last year with a national championship.”

Even as they prepare to go their separate ways, Meyers and Reed said they’re not feeling melancholy about parting.

“It feels more like a see-you-later kind of thing,” Reed said. “Our houses are 10 minutes apart. But I still think we haven’t processed it yet. With all of the social media and texting, we’re not going to lose touch.”

Winning the national championship is the obvious priority for both players. Getting the chance to celebrate that accomplishment together would be a bonus.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Meyers said. “That’s definitely the dream.”

Added Reed: “I would cry. … Lauren and I have gotten all of our other victories together. Why not just add one more at the end?”

Stevenson at Salisbury

Wednesday, 3 p.m.

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Collier County softball hasn't played for a state title in 14 years. How can it return to glory?

Thirty years ago, you need look no further than Collier County to find the queens of Florida high school softball.

Softball was the sport in Naples and three area schools wore their crowns proudly.

Naples, Barron Collier, and St. John Neumann all captured state championships in 1994. It's the only time three Southwest Florida programs from a single sport captured state titles in a single season, and it all came over successive games on fields in Lakeland.

The accomplishment was so monumental, that the state championships won by the Golden Eagles, Cougars, and Celtics turned into a four-day celebratory affair in the Naples Daily News.

"Many of the Neumann faithful stayed on to view the Naples game. Then there were Naples girls who stayed to watch BC. The Collier County softball sorority was intact, many of the girls having played as teammates on summer squads," former Naples Daily News Sports Editor Tom Rife wrote in a May 14, 1994 column.

In that decade, Naples, Barron Collier, St. John Neumann, along with Lely, and Community School of Naples all made it to state championship contests, going a combined 13-4 from 1990-99, starting 9-0 before Neumann lost in 1995.

“I think it showed the success of Southwest Florida, as far as developing young female athletes in a certain sport," legendary Naples High and current FSW softball coach Robert Iamurri said. "In different counties and different areas, you’ve got a good youth organization. If you look at any good, consistent, high school program, there’s that young feeder program that gets the kids into it. There’s no coaching in high school. I try to tell people, high school is just making sure they stay focused and got stronger. All the skill was learned when they were 13, 14, 15, playing in the youth program.”

Since the turn of the century, that level of success has grown elusive for Collier County softball programs. Teams have gone 3-4 in title contests since 2000 with the last state championship in 2008 and the last title appearance in 2010.

So what happened to what was once viewed as the softball hotbed in Florida?

The layering system of growing talent deteriorated. The people involved in building the success left or passed away. And the depth to put together more than just one elite program locally eroded and remains a struggle in the modern day.

“You had a good youth program, and we were in three different classifications," Iamurri said. "The difference now, we had a Little League program where we developed a lot of kids. Even the second wave of kids, we could put them somewhere and play. You had a lot of depth and talent. ... You’re not developing depth to where you can feed all the high schools. High schools might only get two or three players."

Early beginnings

Collier County softball had a solid foundation with youth programs like Greater Naples Little League, Gulf Coast Little League and others.

It resulted in countless Greater Naples teams, headed by Iamurri and others, going to the Little League World Series. The Naples Braves, Queens, and Gators combined to win 18 championships, including eight in a row from 1989 to 1996.

“If you look at Collier County in the 90s and in the early 2000s, softball was the preeminent sport," said FGCU softball coach David Deiros, who coached at Lely and Gulf Coast in the 90s. "It was probably one of the highest-achieving sports. We had a lot of participation not only at the high school level but in the Little Leagues. A lot of the high school coaches were involved. I wasn’t. A lot of them were involved not only in travel ball but involved in Little League as well. Coach Iamurri was really involved in Little League and would go to the World Series and things of that nature. I know that many of the high school coaches, including my former assistant coach Tom Thompson, they ran travel ball organizations, and were playing nationally and regionally at a high level. I think that was a big deal back then."

Having the successful youth feeder systems is what led to the success down the road in high school, having just three programs to feed in Barron Collier, Naples, and St. John Neumann in the early 90s, while Lely had its own. Community School of Naples introduced softball in the decade, and by 1996, the program hoisted its first state championship.

Ashley Spencer had the opportunity to play against Greater Naples in her time with Gulf Coast Little League, recalling the competitiveness that existed between a small group of teams and smaller group of players compared to today's landscape. Now coaching at Seacrest, Spencer is finding success with her group, currently poised to post their best season since 2019.

“I always got to play against those kids, and it was great," Spencer said of her time in Little League. "... If you look at what all those programs were able to do (in high school), we were all just back and forth. Everybody was playing in nail-biting, 1-0, 2-1 games that would go extra innings constantly. It was a very focused into just a few schools.”

Collier County's population growth has been noteworthy, going from 152,099 in 1990 to just north of 400,000 as of last year. That's led to the openings of Gulf Coast, Palmetto Ridge, Golden Gate, and Aubrey Rogers over the past 25 years. It's led to the splitting of talent, rather than it being consolidated around a select few schools.

"You’ve gone from four high schools back then to eight or nine," Iamurri said. "Lely had their own league which fed Lely pretty good. We only had to feed St. John Neumann, Barron, and Naples. When you have five national championships coming into 94, you’ve got a lot of kids that can help three schools. They helped Barron and Naples without a doubt. The two or three private schools could get away with two or three real strong athletes and then five kids that have played because they’re smaller.”

The setbacks

A key component to winning a state title is having an ace pitcher. This year, the hitting has been on the right side of games more often than not among county teams.

The average ERA of a No. 1 pitcher in Collier County based on innings is 4.61 between the 10 of 13 teams whose data is available on MaxPreps.

Losing a handful of key coaches over the years played a role in a specialty that's looking to churn out elite arms that were on those state championship teams in Lynn Miller and Jean Bonnici of Naples and Elizabeth Bartels at Neumann, or Kris Schaus at Barron Collier before she graduated in 2004, leading the Cougars to three Final Four appearances.

Their successes paved the way for arguably the greatest arm to come out of Collier County in Jackie Traina, who was a four-time All-State performer,  a four-time Naples Daily News Player of the Year , and a four-time All-American at Alabama where she led the Crimson Tide to the 2012 national title. Traina finished high school with an 85-8 record on the mound and a 0.23 ERA, striking out 1,089 over four seasons.

Traina worked with coach Monica Conner when she was 8 years old and coached her on the 10U All-Stars when Traina was 9. Conner, Lori Greco, Connie Ledbetter, Vince Murphy, Bill Longshore, and George Pittman all had a hand in the successes of Greater Naples Little League and the sustained success that spanned across three decades. They are all gone now.

"You lose one, you’ll be a little weaker," Iamurri said. "You lost the whole core of that group in the 90s. You lost one here and there. George passed away in '88, but his presence was known. When you don’t have that, you’ve got people, good, bad, or indifferent, that are involved but their priority is really their daughter and not the program. I can honestly say when Steve (Weigle) helped and all those parents that helped, they knew my priority was the program and their kid benefitted from it. My daughter was on a national championship team (at Alabama) because you developed the program. One person is not going to carry that program. Sometimes you get sidetracked on one person, you forget about developing the whole group.

Another setback came in the 2010s, when Golden Gate and East Naples — where a lot of the growth in the county since 1990 has taken place — didn't have a softball program fielded by Gulf Coast Little League until recently.

With no youth softball to play, kids had to try something else, which in turn has seen a rise of success from area high school volleyball and soccer programs.

“When you have that lack of a starter program in a big area of town that affected Marco, East Naples, kids were just going to play something else," Gulf Coast softball coach Jessica Duesler said. "They’ll go play soccer or go play volleyball. They had just introduced lacrosse in the high schools then, and lacrosse took off really big."

Added Deiros: "You’ve also got competition now for volleyball, you’ve got competition now with soccer, where the better athletes have choices. Because of how AAU and travel works, it’s competition for the same athletes. Now, athletes have to choose between one of those three and they’re gravitating towards the other ones. Just talking with (FGCU volleyball coach) Matt Botsford about AAU volleyball, it’s done really well locally. The proof is if you take a look at the high school teams. There’s really good high school teams in volleyball, good high school teams in basketball, etc.”

A data analysis done by The News-Press and Naples Daily News in 2022 showed that participation among girls in softball in Collier County saw an overall drop from the 2017-18 school year to the 2020-21 school year. Between junior varsity and varsity programs, softball saw 245 participants among 12 schools (20.41 players per program) that fielded it at the time. Immediately after COVID, that number dipped to 195 participants across 11 schools (17.72 players per program).

“I think there’s more one sporters now than back then," Deiros said. "If you take a look at some of our best players in the history of Collier County and from Lee County, they’re all two-sport athletes. Cheyenne Jenks, who’s in our (FGCU) Hall of Fame, who’s in the ASUN Hall of Fame, she played soccer, she played softball, she played volleyball, and did volleyball and softball here. You have a lot of multi-sport athletes that were able to do all those things because there wasn’t exclusivity in how you did your training. Now, I think there’s more of that where club teams and travel ball teams are asking for larger and longer commitments from youth players. That’s what I’ve seen as far as that’s concerned.”

Coupling that in with added sports to the spring like girls lacrosse, beach volleyball, and potentially flag football as soon as next year, softball is starting to experience shortfalls. Junior varsity programs have essentially gone extinct in Collier County, just like they have in other sports centered around lack of participation and financial feasibility.

"I know my very first year as a head coach at Lely, that was the first year of high school lacrosse," Duesler said. "The number of tryouts went from 50 to 25. It was work just to fill two teams. If you look around the county, most schools don’t have JV teams. They just don’t have enough girls that come out. For example, at Gulf Coast, we decided it’s essential to have a JV team. While we only had about 22 girls total come out, we play JV games just not on the days with varsity, so our role players from varsity go down and join JV. They might do some baserunning on varsity, play outfield a little bit, but they’re going to be middle infielders in the long run. Instead of them just spending a year as a role player, they’re able to be a role player on varsity, but get a few JV games in, getting their cuts in, along with leadership skills."

The lack of multi-sport athletes has trickled over even to the Winged Foot Award — established in 1990 to honor the top senior scholar and multi-sport athlete in Collier County. It's also the most prestigious award a student-athlete can receive. Duesler was on Lely's committee to select the school's nominee each year from 2009-16 and 2017-20.

“The applicant pool is dwindling because by the time kids get to high school, so many of them are specializing in one sport," Duesler said. "You’re not getting kids, and they have to have a varsity letter in multiple sports to be eligible for that. That’s just a major difference. When I went to Lely High School, I can remember at least 20 really strong kids that were competing to be Lely’s representative for the Winged Foot Scholarship.

"I’ve sat on those scholarship committees and years after that, where you really are lucky if you have five strong applicants to choose from. It’s definitely a different landscape. Some of it is good, some of it is not.”

A school that hasn't seen a lack of two-sport athletes is the Seacrest softball program. The Stingrays thrive in the smaller setting, as each of their 15 players participate in at least two sports at the school.

Being a four-sport athlete herself when she was in high school, it's something Spencer takes pride in as a head coach. Spencer played volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and did double duty in the spring with softball and track when she was at Lely.

"That’s my favorite part of Seacrest, being a part of this community, is that in a smaller atmosphere," Spencer said. "We need it. We love it. We thrive with these kids playing multiple sports, because in a smaller pool of players, you all want to help each other out and get these kids encouraged to play multiple sports so that we can really put our best foot forward with the best athletes we’ve got. … These kids play all of their sports at such a competitive level at such a young age.

"It’s pretty amazing in that perspective too. They’re all playing sports and getting really committed to their sports, even if they are multi-sport athletes. They’re really diving into becoming really competitive at sports at a younger age than I would remember.”

Poised for an eventual comeback

After the pandemic, the Naples Knights travel ball organization formed with one team, and has grown to six — 8U, 10U, 12U, two 14U teams, and a 16U team. It's the base of the pyramid needed to sustain popularity within the sport and to keep it strong in the long run.

“It just shows that the sport is definitely wanted and needed," Spencer said. "The more people know that it’s out there, that’s big. The amount of knowledge these kids know at this age, the softball IQ that they have at the high school and travel level is far past what I experienced at the high school level. We had great athletes and great experiences getting to those championship games, but it’s crazy how much the sport itself has advanced.”

Duesler expressed excitement centered around MacStrength — a new baseball and softball facility that opened in Naples. The facility is not affiliated with a travel program, something that can be hard to come by in 2024.

"The guys there are awesome," Duesler said. "While we did have some indoor facilities that were in Naples at one point, they have always kinda been associated with a specific team or organization. ... It’s really nice, and they’ve been really working hard to spread the word about their facility. They’ve actually developed some really good relationships in the rec space, in the travel space, and with high school coaches.

"... The idea that a 10 and under parent is going to drive to Fort Myers for private lessons is not realistic. The idea that there’s something local in that industrial park off of Livingston, they’re looking to work from youth developmental all the way up to high school and above, that might get more kids to specialize in our sport. They’re going to know where to turn."

Duesler believes athletes spending more time training and less time playing will only strengthen players and the game.

"I do also think some of these facilities opening up down here are shifting the mindset, because you’re seeing a lot of really great players that are coming out of the north, and there's absolutely a lot of competitive softball when it’s sunny outside," she said. "But they’re spending a lot of time indoors working on the fundamentals and honing their craft, giving their body a rest. They’re that much more effective. As a player, if you’re always in game mode, it’s hard as a pitcher to stop and work on developing that next pitch or adjusting your mechanics that are getting a little off because you have a game again.

"These indoor facilities opening up in the summer when it’s raining or doing things, we’re going to have kids that are taking to working on their individual skills rather than that team focus. I think that will help grow softball in the area. It is important not just to win as a team and strategically win, but to fundamentally win. That’s what I think is going to elevate the game in the long run."

As for the key for a team in Collier County to get back to the promised land with a state championship?

Iamurri says it starts in the circle. Since accepting the FSW job in 2014 before the program debuted in 2016, he's built the Buccaneers into a national power, having won the last three NJCAA national championships. He's looked all over the world to find the best arms to pitch for his program, and its worked. FSW's all-time record is 455-53 (.896).

“You’ve got to invest in your pitchers first," Iamurri said. "You’ve got to have that core pitcher. It all starts on the mound. You look at the success we have here (at FSW), it starts right here on the mound. We’ve been solid on the mound all 10 years. We were lucky we had a girl from New Zealand help us our first year to build around. I think when you see that kid come through, you’ll start seeing teams emerge as contenders.

"Everybody has kids that can hit, everybody has teams that can field. It’s whether or not you have a shutdown pitcher that can shut somebody’s offense down, in case you aren’t hitting."

Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X:  @NP_AlexMartin .  For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow  @newspresssports  and  @ndnprepzone  on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County softball hasn't played for a state title in 14 years. How can it return to glory?

Moscow Hires Softball Coach For Vacant Girls Basketball Job

The highest profiled high school coaching vacancy in North Idaho - the Moscow girls basketball job - has been filled.

Robin Barnes, the school’s head softball coach, has been recommended to succeed Sally Greene, who resigned after the Bears won their fourth State A-2 championship in five years.

The Moscow school board will be asked to approved Barnes’ hiring at a meeting next week.

She is familiar with Moscow’s highly successful program. Barnes has coached the Moscow ninth-grade basketball team the past six years.

Barnes also will continue as softball coach.

Former Olympian and current Olympic coach Leo Davis will be the featured clinician at a track camp Aug. 14-16 at the Kellogg Middle School.

The camp will run from 8 a.m. to noon each day. Cost is $40.

Davis is coaching three Olympic qualifiers at Atlanta: Inger Miller of the USA (200 meters and 400 relay), Simon Arkel of Australia in the pole vault, and Silvano Hepburn of the Bahamas (100 and 400 relay).

Davis’ resume includes several stints as a coach at the University of Southern California and consultant to several Olympic teams.

The track camp is for boys and girls from eighth grade through high school. Info: Kellogg coach Ben Castro, (208) 252-0071.

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Hidden Lakes Country Club has a new course record.

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Dave Christenson was second with a 33-33 - 66. Three other pros - Dan Koesters, University of Idaho; Randy Buckenberger, Twin Lakes Village; and Bob Scott, Liberty Lake - shot 69s. , DataTimes

With climate change, is hydropower still a renewable energy resource?

Recently, US News & World Report listed the states with the best energy infrastructure.

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15 men brought to military enlistment office after mass brawl in Moscow Oblast

Local security forces brought 15 men to a military enlistment office after a mass brawl at a warehouse of the Russian Wildberries company in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast on Feb. 8, Russian Telegram channel Shot reported .

29 people were also taken to police stations. Among the arrested were citizens of Kyrgyzstan.

A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

Read also: Moscow recruits ‘construction brigades’ from Russian students, Ukraine says

We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron !

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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