Thursday, December 16

Spread the word - Tonight's softball open gym will run from 6:00 - 8:00, starting in the large gym and ending in the small gym. As a special treat, tonight's workout will be planned by varsity players Kali, Chloe and Danielle!

Wednesday, Dec. 15

NO OPEN GYM TONIGHT ... the frosh boys basketball team took our gym space. Please forward this information to anyone who may not have received it.

We have the option tomorrow night to go from 5-7 or 7-9. Email your preference to SGrothfam@aol.com.

Check out latest Patagraph UPickem

You can purchase a $37 gift card to Extra Innings for $15. This entitles you to one hour in the cage or 1/2 hour of instruction. For more details, go to:

http://pantagraph.upickem.net/engine/Splash.aspx?contestid=19807

For more information on the newest baseball/softball training facility in Bloomington/Normal, go to: www.extrainnings-bn.com

Open Gyms start this week!

Come ready to do some light throwing, basic fielding, and various hitting drills. We have the small gym reserved from 7-9 on the following nights in December - 1, 6, 8, 15, 16. Based on turnout, we may add additional nights. Contact Coach Sondgeroth with questions.

Fall Team Meeting and Notes

There will be a short meeting after school on Monday, September 27, for all girls interested in playing softball this spring. We will meet in Rm 216 from 3:00 - 3:20 to discuss off season workouts and upcoming fundraisers.

The first U-High softball fundraiser of the year is an "Eat at Monicals" night on Tuesday, October 5. We will distribute flyers at the team meeting on Monday.

Check out the new indoor baseball/softball practice facility in Bloomington/Normal- Extra Innings. I will try to have more information available at our team meeting on Monday. To check them out yourself, for to their website ... www.extrainnings-bn.com

The Bloomington-Normal Area Sports Commission presents the 3rd Annual State Farm Illinois Collegiate Softball Championship at Champion Fields in Normal on October 2-3. For more information about the tournament, visit their website - http://www.bloomingtonnormalcvb.org/details2.cfm?id=640

Contact Coach Sondgeroth if you have questions.

2011 U-High Softball Pre-Season Survey

Delavan Tourney CANCELLED

BOTH days of the Delavan Tourney have been cancelled. No practice tonight. Practice on Saturday from 10 - 12 at U-High. E-mail or text if you will not be at practice.

Rosati's Night #2

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who ate at Rositi's last Monday. We raised just under $120 for the U-High Softball program.

Thanks again!!!!!

Reminder - Tonight is Pizza Night!!!!!

Purchase dinner at Rosati's in north Normal TONIGHT and the U-High Softball team will receive 25% for all dine-in orders and 20% for all carry out orders. You must mention U-High Softball at the time your order. Thanks for supporting our program!

The Week Ahead - April 5 - 10

I hope everyone had an enjoyable weekend, The upcoming week will be one of our most difficult of the season and should give us an early gauge of just how good this team can be. Here is the schedule for the week:

Mon, April 5 - Var and JV Game vs Normal West at Maxwell Park - Varsity game starts at 4:15 - Girls should be at the field, ready to warm up, by 3:15. Please wear white uniforms.

Tue, April 6 - Var Game vs Olympia at Champion Fields at 4:30. Girls should be at the field by 3:30. JV team plays at Oly at 4:30.

Wed, April 7 - Var Practice 3:30 - 5:15 at Champion Fields.

Thu, April 8 - Var Game vs Central Catholic at Champion Fields at 4:30. Girls should be at the field by 3:30.

Fri, April 9 - Var Game vs Rantoul at Champion Fields at 4:30. Girls should be at the field by 3:30.

Sat, April 10 - Var DH vs Bloomington at Champion Fields at 1:00. Girls should be at the field by 11:45. JV DH vs Bloomington at Bloomington begins at 10:00.

We are assigned the 3-5 practice time this week in case we need to practice inside,

As always, let me know of any potential conflicts as soon as possible.

Sat, April 3 - Game CANCELED

After consulting with the athletic administration and the ISU grounds crew, we have canceled today's softball DH w/ Tri-Valley. Though the decision is disappointing, we will make every effort to reschedule at least one of these games as soon as possible.

Enjoy the weekend - we'll see everyone at Maxwell Park on Mon, April 5, at 3:15. Game time is 4:15!

The Week Ahead ... March 29 - April 3

Though the weather wasn't as nice as Tuesday, I was still very pleased with the outcomes of yesterday's two games. Our pitching was solid and we got offensive contributions from the top to bottom or our order. If we continue to improve on defense, we should enjoy continued success.

Our schedule for the upcoming week:

Mon, 3/29 - Practice, Var and JV 3:30 - 5:30 at Champion (5 - 7, if inside)

Tue, 3/30 - Var Game @ Ridgeview at 4:30; dismissed at 2:40, vans leave at 3:00 - JV Practice 3:30 - 5:30 @ Champion (5 - 7, if inside)

Wed, 3/31 - Var and JV game @ Morton at 4:30; dismissed at 2:30, bus leaves at 2:45 - Practice inside 5-7, if game is cancelled

Thu, 4/1 - Var practice 3:30 - 5:30 at Champion (5 - 7, if inside) - JV Game @ Clinton at 4:30; dismissed at 2:40, vans leave at 3:00

Fri, 4/2 - If we go inside, we will practice from 8 - 10 - If we go outside, we will practice from 10:00 - 11:30 - Either way, practice will be OPTIONAL

Sat, 4/3 - Var and JV DH with Tri-Valley @ Champion at 10:00 - Players should report to fields at 9:00

It's Going to be a Cold One out There ...

... but it still looks like it will be a beautiful day for softball!

Girls should arrive at field by 9:00 AM, ready to warm up at 9:15. We play two games today, with the first game starting at 10:00.

Reminder to all varsity families, we have requested that each varsity player donate an 8 pack of gatorade (your choice of color or flavor) for us to sell in the concession stand. If your player has not already done so, you may bring it to the game today and give it to Marianne Riddell or Erica Hundman.

Thursday, March 24

Practice update ... we will meet in Rm. 216 at 3:10 to complete the survey that was discussed at the preseason meeting. We should be done no later than 3:45.

Great Game Today!

The season opener started with bright sunshine and warm temperatures and built from there.

On the mound, Chloe struck out the first 13 batters she faced and 14 of 15 overall.

At the plate, we scored 12 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks. Our hits included 2 doubles and 1 triple. We also had 2 sac bunts and a sac fly, 2 SB, and 9 RBI. Kelsey led the way, going 3-4 with a triple, a stolen base, 2 runs and 3 RBI.

Keep up the hard work girls!

Check Your Uniform Bags ...

We have misplaced the JV black uniform #5. Please check your uniform to make sure you have the correct jersey and that you don't have two. Let Coach Sondgeroth or Coach Pessman know if you find it.

The Week Ahead: March 22 - 28

Mon, 3/22 - Practice at Champion Fields 3:30 - 5:30, Varsity and JV

Tue, 3/23 - Varsity Season Opener @ O'Neil Park @ 4:00 vs. Central Catholic. The girls are dismissed from their 2:00 class at 2:40 and should be at the field ready to warm up by 3:15. The weather forecast is for sunny skies and a high in the low 60's!!!!! JV players will practice from 3:30 - 5:30 at Champion Fields.

Wed, 3/24 - Practice at Champion Fields 3:30 - 5:30, Varsity and JV. At this time the weather looks like it will cooperate and let us get outside. If not, our assigned practice time inside is 7:00 - 9:00.

Thu, 3/25 - Practice at Champion Fields 3:30 - 5:30, Varsity and JV. Weather forecast dose not look favorable, meaning we should be prepared to practice inside at U-High from 7:00 - 9:00.

Fri, 3/26 - Practice at Champion Fields 3:30 - 5:30, Varsity and JV. Weather forecast calls for chilly temps, but we will make every effort to get outside ahead of Saturday's scheduled varsity DH.

Sat, 3/27 - DH vs Highland Park at Champion Fields at 10:00. Girls should be at the field by 9:00. If the weather does not cooperate, our assigned indoor practice time is 10:00 - noon. JV practice TBA.

Sun, 3/28 - Enjoy a day off!!!!!

Concessions Update

Mrs. Riddell has been hard at work on the plans for a softball concession stand for the upcoming season.

VARSITY PLAYERS: We are asking that each player donate an 8-pack of 20 oz. bottles of Gatorade for our concessions - your choice on flavor/color. Kali will collect them at the end of practices this week. When we are running low, I will request the same from the JV players.

PARENTS: We have set up a site on line to allow parents to volunteer to work the concession stand. To sign up, click here.

Thanks - Go Pioneers!

Practice - Saturday, March 20

What a joy it was to get outside and practice tonight. Still a little wet in the OF, but we accomplished nearly all of our goals for the practice in a short period of time.

We have adjusted the practice schedule for tomorrow a little.

- Varsity will practice from 9:00 - 10:30 at U-High. Immediately following practice, the Satchwells have invited the varsity team to attend the pancake and sausage breakfast at the Mennonite Relief Sale at the Interstate Center on Bloomington's west side. Better yet - they're buying! Thank you to the Satchwells for this generous offer.

- JV will practice from 9:00 - 11:00 at U-High, though they may get done a little early as Coach Pessman doesn't want to miss out on the (free) breakfast. Seriously, everyone should be out of the gyms and ready to head home no later than 11:00.

Reminder - we added a game to the varsity schedule on Tuesday, March 23, at 4:00 at O'Neil Park vs. Central Catholic. We hope the weather cooperates and that we see all of you there!

The bake sale is coming!

Link to sign up for shifts:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/shifts

Link to sign up for food items:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/uhigh

Softball Practice - Fri, 3/19 and Sat, 3/20

Friday, March 19 - Varsity AND JV teams at Champion Fields from 3:30 - 5:30 pm. Girls need to find their own transportation to/from the fields.

Saturday, March 20 - At this time, the weather looks like it may not cooperate. If we can't go outside, our assigned time is 8:00 - 10:00 AM! We will monitor the situation closely tomorrow and let the girls know exactly what is going on after practice tomorrow night.

Game Added to Varsity Schedule

We have added a game to the varsity schedule - next Tuesday, March 23, at 4:00 pm at O'Neil Park vs. Central Catholic. The girls will be dismissed from school at 2:40 and should find their own transportation to and from the diamond. Let me know if your daughter needs help securing a ride.

Softball Updates

- My apologies for practice running over tonight. As a parent, I know how important it is for our kids to stay on schedule. We will work very hard to make sure that this does not occur again any time soon!

- Team and Individual Pictures will be taken tomorrow night, Varsity at 4:00 and JV at 4:15. I believe the Varsity agreed to wear their gold jerseys, gold shorts, green socks and cleats/shoes. I believe the JV agreed to wear black jerseys, black shorts, gold socks and cleats/shoes. I would encourage everyone to bring both uniforms just in case we need to make an adjustment. If you need a picture order form, click here.

- We are going to try to practice at Champion Fields on Friday afternoon. Remember, the girls are responsible for finding their own way to the fields. Let me know if their are any problems with securing a ride. Please note that we will keep the girls until 5:15.

- Saturday's practice time is up in the air right now. If the weather is nice, we will try to get onto Champion again. But if the weather doesn't cooperate, then we are assigned to practice inside from 8:00 - 10:00 am. We will try to make a final decision by the end of practice on Friday.

- We may be adding a varsity game to the schedule next Tuesday, March 23. Hopefully, we will have confirmation either way before tomorrow's practice.

REMINDER ...

If you have not yet signed up for the in-town BNGSA team are intend to do so, your registration forms must be postmarked by TODAY - March 15! Remember to selct a coach (Fritz) and a player (Morgan Sondgeroth, Jessica Elliot, Rachel Gocker) to insure your spot on our team.

The Week Ahead - March 15 - 21

Mon, March 15 - Practice; 3:15 - 5:00 (rain or shine)

Tue, March 16 - Practice; 3:15 - 5:00 (rain or shine)
.....Uniform issue after practice; 5:00 - 5:30

Wed, March 17 - Practice; 3:15 - 5:00 (rain or shine)
.....Coaches will be in/out of practice due to P/T Conferences

Thu, March 18 - Practice; 3:15 - 5:00 (rain or shine)
.....Team/individual pictures will be taken during practice
.....Bring uniform and completed photo order form
.....Blank forms are available online - click here

Fri, March 19 - Practice; 3:15 - 5:00 (rain or shine)

Sat, March 20 - Practice; 8 - 10 (inside) or TBA (outside)

Sun, March 21 - OFF

Weekend Update

Players are expected to attend one of the two practices this weekend:
Sat, March 13 from 12 - 2 at U-High
Sun, March 14 from 12 - 2 at U-High

Please let Coach Sondgeroth know if you will not be able to attend one of these practices.

Summer Teams and Lessons

Remember - As per IHSA regulations (3.100), High School softball players may NOT have contact with their summer softball teams until the day AFTER the varsity loses in the state tournament series. The only exception appears to be participation in team fundraising activities. Read the IHSA regulations for full details -
www. IHSA.org/org/policy/index.htm.

Players CAN take lessons (3.110), as long as no more than two UHigh students take the same lesson at the same time.

Spring Break 2010

Due to the low number of girls attending practice (16 - 18), we have adjusted the practice schedule on Monday and Tuesday next week. The upcoming schedule is as follows:
Fri 3/5 - Practice at U-High 3:15 - 5:00
Sat 3/6 - Practice at U-High 10:00 - 12:00
Sun 3/7 - OFF
Mon 3/8 - Practice at Horton FH @ 8:00; end at U-High at 11:00
Tue 3/9 - Practice at Horton FH @ 8:00; end at U-High at 12:00
Wed 3/10 - OFF
Thu 3/11 - OFF
Fri 3/12 - OFF
Sat 3/13 - TBA; will notify girls of exact times on Tuesday
Sun 3/14 - Practice at U-High 12:00 - 2:00
Mon 3/15 - Back to school; practice 3:30 - 5:00 rain or shine!

Dinner out tonight ...

Remember the U-High Softball Fund Raiser at Rosati's tonight - North Normal location (by Starplex Theaters) ONLY! See flyers below for more details.

Apparel Order Form ... revised

I have reposted the apparel order form so that the entire sheet will now fit into your print screen (my apologies to those who have already printed).

Click on the form to enlarge and then print off a copy (can be black/white). Return competed forms (with payment) to me by 8:00 am this Friday.

Reminder to all new players - You need to purchase a forest green sleeve to go under your uniform. You have the option to purchase one with this order.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns - Coach Sondgeroth

Remember ...

... to check one of our sites (blog, facebook or twitter) on a regular basis, especially when you are absent from a practice or game.

For example, we were able to change today's practice time to accommodate the schedule of several of our upperclassmen. Unfortunately, not every player - or their parents - received this information, either because the player was absent or because the player failed to communicate this information to their parents.

Spring is the most difficult time in which to coach, as the weather can wreak havoc on our schedule on a near daily basis. We will do our best to keep these adjustments to a minimum and to communicate these changes in a timely fashion.

Players, please take responsibility for knowing what is going on and for communicating any changes to your parents. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Change in Practice Times This Week ...

We have made adjustments to the practice schedule this week on Wednesday and Friday:

Wed, March 3 - Practice from 3:15 - 5:00 in the Small Gym
Thu, March 4 - Practice from 7:00 - 9:00 in both gyms
Fri, March 5 - Practice from 3:15 - 5:00 in the Small Gym
Sat, March 6 - Practice from 10:00 - 12:00 in both gyms

If you will miss any practice for any reason over the next 2 weeks, please send me an e-mail listing these dates. Remember, we will be adding practice times next Saturday and Sunday to help the people who missed over spring break to get caught up!

Rositi's Fundraiser - Thursday, March 4

Answers to FAQs

1. Uniform cost? Cost to the players is minimal. We issue each player at least one uniform, usually two. We collect them back at the end of the season.

2. What doesn't come with the uniform that is needed? We ask them to buy a forest green undershirt (available on our apparel order form), a pair of socks (we will discuss this with them at a later date), and a pair of cleats (whatever they feel comfortable in). Additionally, we encourage them to buy a black UH visor (available on our apparel order form, as well.)

3. When will the practices move to Champion Fields? I don't envision us going to Champion Fields until after spring break. We may even wait until March 22, depending on the date of our first game.

4. Where are you meeting for practice tonight? All practices this week will begin in the U-High gyms. We are discussing changes in the schedule for Wednesday and Friday nights. We will let you know as soon as possible if these changes are made.

5. For the U-High in-town team, we sent in our application early. What should I do to get her on that team or is that something you can do? I will make contact with the people at BNGSA and see if we can't get her preference switched. We are registering with Coach Fritz and listing one other player on the team (Morgan S, Jessica E, Rachel G, Anna F, etc.)

6. When do Spirit wear order forms come out? I will be distributing them at practice tonight . Orders are due to me by 8:00 Friday morning.

7. Physical should be good. Will you check on it for me to make sure? If I have not said anything to your daughter, then she is good to go. As of last night, only 4 players (2 Srs and 2 Jrs)were officially without a physical.
.

Open Gym This Sunday

12 - 2 PM in the U-High Gyms. See you there!

BNGSA In-town Registration

Reminder to all girls planning to play on the BNGSA in-town team ... Final registration session will be held today at Coleen Hoose from 12-2 PM. On your form, there is a place to request a coach (Fritz) and one player (Morgan S, Rachel G, or Jessica E are all planning to play on the team).

Forms can also be mailed. If they are postmarked by postmarked by Feb. 28, the fee is $65. If postmarked by March 15, the fee is $75. If ostmarked after March 15, you may not get on the team.

Let me know if you have questions - masondg@ilstu.edu.

My apologies ...

I forgot to distribute Dick's Sporting Goods coupons at the meeting last night. Coupons get you 10 - 15% off lots of softball related items. Players should see me if you (or your parents who have to buy most of the stuff) are interested.

My mistake ...

PLAYERS and their parents should both attend tonight's meeting at 6:00 in the U-High Large Gym. We will discuss game schedules, practice schedules, equipment orders and more.

Spring Sports Parent Meeting

Please remind your parents to attend the Spring Sports Parent Meeting on Wed, Feb. 24, at 6:00 pm in the Large Gym at U-High.

Next Open Gym

We will hold an open gym this Sunday, Feb. 21, from 12:00 - 2:00 pm at U-High.

Booster Club

We need a parent rep to work with the Booster Club sports rep, Tom Dulee. If interested, contact Coach Sondgeroth.

Short Meeting TODAY

Short meeting after school today, Fri, Feb. 19, for any softball player planning to play intown BNGSA this summer. Let's meet in Rm. 216 from 3:05 - 3:20.

Spring Parent Meeting - Wed, Feb. 24

The annual Parent Meeting for all Spring sports has been scheduled for Wed, Feb. 24, @ 6:00 pm in the Large Gym @ U-High. Please remind your parents that it is very important that they attend this meeting. Go to U-High website for more info.

T-Shirt artwork is done!

Seniors - see me asap to review the t-shirt artwork and to make final recommendations for apparel.

NO OPEN GYM ON SUN, FEB, 14

Let me know if you want to meet on Monday - SGrothfam@AOL.com.

Open Gym - Sunday, February 7

12:00 - doors open
12:15 workouts begin
1:45 - workouts end
2:00 - everyone on their way home

Pitchers and and catchers need to let me know ASAP what their plans are for the weekend!

If you are thinking about playing sports in college ...

I received the following article in an e-mail from the moderator of a softball coaching group to which I belong. I thought those of you considering college softball might find the information in this article very interesting. Enjoy!

Last night I held an information session for the coaches, players, and parents of my association. The purpose of the seminar was to educate them about college softball. I talked about the reality of college softball, the recruitment process, the academic requirements, what coaches are looking for, and so on.

I also spent time explaining to the young athletes that were present that besides refining their softball skills and having the best grades possible in school, they have to pay attention to the little things. I told them that college coaches are often looking at these little things to give them an idea of the personality of the player. They want serious and committed athletes and want to avoid potential slackers or trouble makers.

Here's a sample of the little things they might be looking at...
- How do you respond to your coaches and teammates?
- How respectful are you with everybody?
- How do you treat your parents? <--- Mike Candrea told me that one!
- Do you hustle like running on and off the field?
- Do you look professional like having your shirt tucked in?
- Is your stuff organized or are you always looking for your glove, bat, etc.?
- Are you prepared to compete?
- Do you take the game seriously or do you just goof around?

There are a lot more but you get the idea. These little things reveal a lot about your personality, your mindset and your character. And personality traits, character and a winning mindset are absolutely crucial to a softball program. Good coaches know that and will try to recruit athletes with that possess it and evaluate that through the little things that I've listed above.

Do you pay attention to the little things? They do matter a lot. Think about it.

Coach Marc - "Your Softball Peak Performance Coach"


Now about what Marc said...

I really can't emphasize enough the importance of having a plan for college recruiting and definitely paying attention to the "little" things like Marc talked about earlier today. I've heard a number of college coaches say they pay attention to appearance and the condition of your equipment. Why?

Because it gives them an insight to the respect and pride you have in yourself (based upon the care you put into how you present and carry yourself) and the respect you have for the game (based upon how you care for and treat your equipment from your shoes, to your glove, to your bat).

Also - don't think that just because you are moving through high school, that you are getting closer to playing at the next level. I know some student-athletes who are sophomores right now that are actually further away from their goal of playing at the college level than when they were a freshman. How is that possible?

Well, as a freshman in high school, it's likely you have no grades or transcripts to speak of and probably no college contacts either. However, you do have just about all possible scholarship/roster spots for your class still available.

Now take current sophomores. Some still don't have college contacts. Some now have grades, but they are NOT the kind coaches are looking for (so in essence, they moved themselves away from their goal by making poor choices academically). In addition, they now have less time to make contacts, less time to work on academics, more of a academic hole to dig themselves out of AND it's possible that college coaches have already filled some of their roster spots for that graduating year so already
less opportunities than the year before.

Can you see how simply being a sophomore doesn't necessarily mean that you are closer to your goal of higher education? In fact it's possible that, if you don't have a plan and you are not making the right choices on and off the field, you may now be in a slightly "worse" position than you were as an incoming
high school freshman. Yikes!

Plan and be meticulous about your efforts. Give your best in everything that you do! Have a good one and each day, strive to move closer to your ultimate goals.

Sincerely,
Stacie Mahoe
SoftballPerformance.com

Open Gym - Sunday, January 31

Pitchers/Catchers may report at 11:15
All other players report at 12:15
Everyone done by 2:00

Great turnout at open gym today!

18 players and 2 coaches ... we will run the same schedule next week.

Don't forget to post your apparel requests on one of the sites.

Softball Open Gyms begin Sunday, Jan. 24

Softball open gym schedule for Sunday, Jan. 24.
12:15 gyms open
12:30 workouts begin
1:45 workouts end
2:00 gyms empty

No Open Gym Sunday, Jan. 10

Due to complications with gym space at U-High, we will not have and open gym on Sunday, January 10. Hopefully, the gyms will be back to normal this week and we can get in next Sunday.

In the meantime, winter conditioning workouts with Coach Pessman begin this week on Monday and Wednesday. Meet in the small gym after school on Monday IF YOU WANT MORE INFORMATION regarding the winter workouts. The actual workouts begin on Wednesday, January 13.