For many of the 26 girls who attended Sunday’s K-3 youth softball camp, it was their first foray into the sport.
Later in the day, 17 4-6 graders had their turn, but all of them have played in U10 or U12 summer leagues.
Third grader Hailey Grisim had never played softball before. She said her mom made her attend the camp, but it was really good anyway. While she discovered the importance of keeping her eye on the ball when at the plate, her biggest takeaway was learning how to quickly get to a grounder to make the play and to not let the ball roll through her legs.
“We had to run up and crouch down and put two hands down and catch the ball.”
While the group practiced all aspects of the game, hitting, base running, throwing, fielding, varsity coach Mike Barten, who led the camp, said the main goal of the first session was simply to get the younger girls some softball exposure.
“It was to have kids find out what softball is about and hopefully grow that interest at a kindergarten and first-grade level.”
Many of the older group had solid skills already, so the camp was a chance to refine them.
Every player on Cleveland’s varsity softball team signed up to help put on the camp without any extra encouragement, Barten said, and he was proud of their participation.
“It’s such a good group of kids that do a lot of things without having to be asked. It was fun to watch them interact and good for the campers to see the high school kids.”
Senior Lilly Lamont, who worked with the younger group, said she enjoyed the experience.
“They look up to us, and that’s a big thing for me.”
Also instrumental in organizing the camp was parent April Thompson.
Through the dedication of coaches, parents and student volunteers, Clipper elementary students can also attend basketball, baseball, football and volleyball youth sports camps.
Above: Lilly Lamont shows fourth grader Addy Hoffmann some of the finer points of swinging a bat.
Laci Hollerich watches kindergartner Jordie Seely hit a ball off a tee.
Ava Hahn winds up for a pitch during batting practice.
Girls line up for a turn at bat.
April Thompson gave every camp participant a softball bracelet. Here, Hailey Grisim displays hers.
Greta Hahn instructed the younger girls in fielding techniques.
Lacey McCabe waits with her group for a turn at bat.
Many of the older girls already had good batting skills.
Fielding and baserunning practice.
The grades K-3 group with varsity softball helpers, from L-R, Delaney Thompson, Keira Schipper Lilly Lamont, Laci Hollerich, Cassandra Connor, Taylor McCabe, Ava Hahn, Greta Hahn, Lacey McCabe, Cecelia Gair and Anna Lamont.
The grades 4-6 group with varsity softball helpers Kiera Schipper, Delaney Thompson, Taylor Wolf, Lilly Lamont, Cassandra Connor, Kaitlyn Flowers, Cecelia Gair and Anna Lamont.