Washington Coaches, Players Host Softball Clinics
SEATTLE – Last weekend, the Huskies entire coaching staff and roster hosted a pair of clinics for the local softball community, helping youth softball teams learn new skills and techniques in preparation for the upcoming season.
On Saturday morning, about 150 youth softball players learned from current Huskies players, and in the afternoon, head coach Heather Tarr and the entire Washington coaching staff taught about 150 coaches the latest in instructional strategies.
In the morning session, each Washington player led a group of 8-to-11-year softball players in learning new skills.
“I think the best part about our clinics is you get to learn from and meet our student-athletes,” Tarr said. “They’re our best ambassadors for our program, especially to the younger kids, because they can see themselves in those players and really get to know them and make a connection with them.”
With great weather over the weekend, the Washington coaching staff was able to instruct the coaches in attendance in the Dempsey Indoor facility, outside at Husky Softball Stadium, and in the football assembly room of Husky Stadium. The camps will help elevate the level of play in youth softball across the state, as both players and coaches were able to learn from the third-ranked team in the nation.
“It’s huge to continue to grow the game in Washington so that more young players from the state of Washington continue to play at the next level,” Tarr said.
The Huskies distributed schedule posters, pocket schedules, and promotional information at the clinics. The No. 3 Huskies open the season on Friday, February 7 vs. No. 18 Baylor at 9:00 a.m. at the UNLV/Sportco Kick-Off Classic in Las Vegas, Nev.
New this year to Husky Softball is the Team of the Game promotion. Youth softball team with players currently in 8th grade and under, plus two coaches, will receive free General Admission tickets, be on the field with the Huskies for the national anthem, and receive an autographed team poster, as well as a group welcome during the game. Family and friends can also purchase General Admission tickets at a discounted rate of $3. Space is limited. To sign up, contact email eallett@uw.edu
Representatives from Sterling Athletics, Mizuno, and Glitterbandz – a company founded by former Washington infielder Ashley Charters that make and sells headbands – were at both camps.
For the latest on upcoming Huskies softball camps, visit washingtonsoftballcamps.com.
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Short Hops
· The 2014 season is just 10 days away. The Huskies open the season Friday, February 7 vs. Baylor in Las Vegas. The Huskies complete 2014 schedule is available here.
· Reserve season tickets for the 2014 season today. Single-game tickets for the Huskies 12-game home schedule go on sale Wednesday, February 26. More information is available here.
· The Huskies open their home schedule Friday, March 14 against Pac-12 foe Utah at 5:00 p.m. at Husky Softball Stadium. Promotions include "Softball Friday Night Under the Lights" and Professor Appreciation night, where professors with an invite gain free admission, and faculty and staff tickets are just $3.
· All season long, take advantage of the Huskies new ticket redemption promotion. Exchange a used ticket from a previous 2014 Husky softball home game for a $3 general admission ticket to a future 2014 regular season Husky softball home game.