Dear Parents and Players,

My name is Brian Valiska, and I am the Varsity Head Softball Coach in Holmen.  I have been coaching softball in Holmen for 15 years, with this being my first year as the varsity head coach.  The softball program will continue to be built around providing an experience that will help participants grow and excel as people and players.  One of my goals over the next couple of seasons is to align the softball program beginning with the 7 and 8 year old introduction to softball level and progressing through the varsity level.  Brad Reinhart, Assistant Park & Recreation Director, and I have met several times to begin aligning the Holmen Softball Program.  Parent Volunteer Coaches will again play a crucial role in the success of our program.  Thank you for being part of the Holmen Softball Program, and I look forward to working with you.  Here is our plan for the 2011 Summer Softball Season.

Parent Coaches & Coaching Clinic

Parent Volunteer Coaches are needed for all teams.  Volunteer HEAD Coaches will be reimbursed for their registration fees for one of their children that play on their team.

When:  Sunday, April 17, 2011

Time:    3:00 - 5:00 pm

Where: Holmen Middle School, Gym A

2011 Introduction to Softball  (Ages 7 & 8)

Brian Valiska, Varsity Head Softball Coach, will lead this program.  The main objective of this program will be developing solid softball fundamentals through the use of quality repetitions.  Players will participate in a variety of drills to help develop and enhance their softball skills.  The majority of game-play will be modified to ensure safety, skill development, and meaningful repetitions.  There will be no traveling at this level.

2011 Girls 10 & Under Softball  (Ages 9 & 10)

The main objective of this level will continue to be developing softball fundamentals.  Player positions and basic game strategy will also be an emphasis at this level.  Participants will play multiple positions throughout the season.  Monday and Wednesday evening league games with weekday practices scheduled by your coach.

Girls Traveling Softball Registration Deadline: April 22, 2011

2011 Girls 12 & Under Softball  (Ages 11 & 12)

The main objective at this level will continue to be developing fundamental softball skills.  More specific player position skills will be introduced at this level.  Offensive and defensive game strategy will also be enhanced at this level.  Participants will continue to play multiple positions throughout the season.  Girls participating in this program will have the opportunity to register for participation in the 12 & Under Upper or Lower Level.  Some of the differences between the upper and lower level are: all stealing is allowed in the upper level, 8 run max. per inning (first 3 innings) in the lower level, and "No Walk-In Run" (runs can't be scored by walking a batter) in the lower level.  Teams will be established as equally as possible.  Monday and Wednesday evening league games with weekday practices scheduled by your coach.

Girls Traveling Softball Registration Deadline: April 22, 2011

2011 Girls 14 & Under Softball (Ages 13 & 14)

Player position specific skills will be enhanced at this level.  Game strategy will also be an emphasis at this level.  Girls participating in this program will have the opportunity to register for participation in the 14 & Under Upper or Lower Level.  The 14 & Under Upper Level games will be played with 9 defensive players while the 14 & Under Lower Level games will be played with 10 defensive players.  Teams will be established as equally as possible.  Monday and Wednesday evening league games with weekday practices scheduled by your coach.

Girls Traveling Softball Registration Deadline: April 22, 2011

AGES FOR GIRLS SOFTBALL: A players age as of Jan. 1st of the current year determines the age classification in which the player is eligible to participate. (Baseball, Soccer, & Track ages are determined by different dates due to national and regional governing organizations)