Welcome to the 2023 Anoka Tornado softball season! The coaching staff is very excited and eager to start the season. We would like you to be informed of some of the important items you need to have a successful season!
IMPORTANT LINKS!
(important updates/info for parents/players)
Facebook: Anoka High School Fastpitch
FB Group: Anoka Softball - Pitchers
Intagram: @AnokaSoftball Twitter: @Anoka_Softball
AHS school game calendar:
Anoka Softball Practice/Game/Event Schedule: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1DYbA2H0USaoAYpTiDXHnkN7cAJJftFej7JHLXqUqTJE/edit?usp=sharing
ONLINE REGISTRATION:
This must be done prior to Mar 20, 2023 Information is on our website and social media platforms.
TRYOUTS:
8-12th grade: March 20-24
Transportation will be your responsibility
If you are unable to attend for any reason, you will be put on the lowest level team your grade allows until a tryout has been completed
The selection of all teams will be based on the following criteria:
Coachability/Attitude
Tryout performance/speed (based on measurable criteria)
Desire and responsibility
Aggressive team and individual play
Athletic ability and natural coordination
Softball knowledge
Team needs
Players are scored in five general categories: base running, infield, and outfield skills, throwing and catching, hitting and bunting, and pitcher and catcher skills if applicable.
DAILY PRACTICE INFORMATION:
Representing ANOKA ONLY clothing at practice
Outside:
In full gear, stretched, and ready to start
You must have clothing for the weather. Long sleeves are preferred in early spring
Outdoor shoes
Inside:
Times TBD as gym space and weather conditions will be changing daily. Please refer to the calendar on the website!
Lifting and conditioning will be Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Please refer to the calendar on the website and be in communication with your coach.
You must have indoor shoes available at all times due to weather conditions
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
NO SHORTS
Glove
Tennis shoes
Sweats
T-shirt/long-sleeve shirt/sweatshirt
Wear ANOKA Softball clothing only. If you do not have Anoka Softball, wear something that says Anoka or Anoka colors!
Bat if you have one- otherwise the school has some older ones to use (not good ones)
Fielding Mask is mandatory (infield)
Outside shoes/cleats and warm clothes in the event we can get outside – This is mandatory daily in case of weather-related changes.
ALL players will be required to purchase their own helmet, belt, and socks for the season. This is to ensure your pants and helmet fit you as you want them to.
*If you can not do this, we have limited sizes of pants and helmets available, please see one of the coaching staff.
OTHER PRACTICE/TRYOUT INFO:
You will be required to be stretched and ready to start in at the designated time on the calendar.
If you are late, it is the coach's discretion as to the penalty. Ex. Team or individual conditioning, staying late after practice, extra duties as assigned by the coach, etc.
Academics come first, please make sure you are keeping up with your schoolwork. If you need to attend “Lighthouse” please arrive to practice with a pass.
If you need to make up any work after school, please come with a pass from your teacher. (Also, try to give coaches a heads up)
You will be required to turn in a grade report to your coach every two weeks provided by the coaching staff
FUNDRAISING:
Adrenaline fundraising cards (22 per athlete with incentives)
Swing into Spring
Online bed sheet fundraiser
Online donation platform
Why do we fundraise?
Team building events/opportunities
Extra coaches that the district doesn’t pay for
Equipment replacement when needed
New pitching machine, nets, balls, tee’s, etc.
Senior night
Youth night
Teacher appreciation
New/Modifications to fields
JV was upgraded in the 2022-2023 school year
** Reminder it is our expectation that every athlete and family participate to the best of their ability in our fundraising efforts**
MANDATORY PARENT MEETING: March 22 @ 6:45
One parent is required to be in attendance
*If one parent can not attend, they will need to set a meeting with the coaching staff to get the needed information.
Anoka Softball Mission
“To become better softball players, better decision makers, build character to become strong young women on and off the field, and to have fun while participating in a team environment and playing the game we love!”
TORNADOES TO THE TOP
Expectations
Upon making the softball program, there are day-to-day expectations that the coaching staff and your teammates will expect you to follow.
1. Make a commitment to yourself and your team! HAVE FUN!!!
A lot of players have multiple coaches throughout their careers and even within one year. The outcome is always the same: What is best for the team and player. You are expected to listen and do what your coaches are asking.
For example: Team routine. The coaches will ask you to follow a daily routine in stretching, throwing, fielding, etc… You are expected to do them daily as your coach directs.
12 Things all athletes can do that require no talent (control the controllables)
Be on time
Have a strong work ethic
Make an effort
Good body language
Positive energy
Be passionate
Have a good attitude
Be coachable
Do extra
Be prepared
Be respectful
Communicate
2. Always be early:
Late arrival will result in missing time with skill development and could affect playing time.
If you are staying after school due to academics, please make your best effort to let your coach know in advance. This will help greatly for practice planning purposes.
Upon arrival to practice, you must present a pass from your teacher along with their contact # in case verification needs to be obtained.
3. Equipment:
Everyone will do their part in learning how to set up and break down the equipment used daily.
All equipment needs to be returned to the proper storage shed and place to ensure the next group can easily access the equipment.
4. ALWAYS JOG/RUN FROM STATION TO STATION. THIS IS YOUR WARNING.
If a coach sees you walking in the gym or on the field, you will be given the opportunity to get stronger or in better condition! In turn, this could mean missing out on skill development.
5. BE A GOOD TEAMMATE
We are all here to learn, develop and work together! Your positive attitude affects not only your mentality and performance but your teammates and coaches as well!
6. SOCIAL MEDIA/TEXTING/EMAILING: Post what your Grandma/Grandpa would approve and appreciate!
If a negative post regarding the school, players, opposing players/school or coaches are reported. A meeting with the AD and parents will be mandatory.
This infraction is not tolerated and is A POSSIBLE immediate removal from the team.
7. NO complaining about practice, conditioning, or playing time
If you want to talk to a coach, players must set an appointment before or after practice to discuss how you can improve to earn more playing time. This meeting must be scheduled AT LEAST one day in advance. Coaches will only speak to the player regarding the opportunities to improve to earn more time.
8. Playing time is not guaranteed, however, our coaches do their best to get everyone in each game. It will NOT be equal time.
Varsity/JV players WILL NOT be guaranteed any playing time. Playing time will depend on the needs of the team before individuals. TEAM FIRST mentality!
B/9 playing time is NOT EQUAL, however, our coaches will get everyone in every game as much as possible.
Coaches often suggest you try a lot of different positions. DO NOT lock in on one position as someone may be better than you. Being flexible and coachable is the best athlete to have!
9. Masks:
All infielders must have a fielding mask with them at all times and wear them anytime they are in the infield.
10. Absences:
YOU need to notify coaches of any absences. DO NOT RELY ON A FRIEND TO TELL YOUR COACH YOU ARE ABSENT FOR ANY REASON. THEY WILL FORGET!!! Take responsibility.
Excused absences: illness, school-approved activity, or family emergency. In case of an emergency, the parent will need to notify your coach.
Missed practice due to anything other than the above-mentioned reason may result in a loss of playing time at the coach's discretion. More than 3 will result in a mandatory parent meeting. This meeting will take place BEFORE you are allowed to participate in practice or games.
11. Fundraising Efforts:
It is the expectation that each player does their best in participating in all the fundraising activities that have been identified by the booster members and the coaching staff. The funds raised go directly back to you and the program. Without this, we can not function and do many of the activities that we have in the past and have planned for the future!
Questions? Please email Coach J!
ROLL NADOES!
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