Each summer, girls have a chance to improve their softball skills courtesy of the Shawano Girls Softball program.
“We usually are very competitive,” President Bryan Zook said.
The league has two age groups — 14 and under, and 15 to 17. The older group starts as soon as the high school teams are done with their season. The younger group starts when school is out.
Shawano Girls Softball is dedicated to introducing girls to and teaching the basics of the sport. Teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play are stressed, along with an enjoyment and love for the game.
The teams usually play at Martzke Sports Park. There are no tryouts, so anyone can join. The teams also play games in Green Bay, Appleton, Fond du Lac and Bonduel.
The only cost to the player is $60, which covers a jersey and fees for the league and tournament games. There is also a competitive travel team during the summer.
“We’re always looking for more girls,” Zook said. “No experience is necessary.”
Each player supplies her own glove, but the program supplies bats, balls, helmets and catcher equipment.
The program is funded mostly by donations, along with some income from the concessions. Part of Zook’s job is to send out letters asking for help with the program.
Zook said softball provides life lessons for the girls, and it is a developmental program working with young athletes who will eventually attend Shawano Community High School.
“It gets them ready to move to the next level,” Zook said. “We are a feeder program for the high school.”
Other officers are Jayson Bastar, secretary, Keith Herm, treasurer, and Dave Wiegand, equipment manager. High school coaches Kevin Isaacson and Tyler Raddant are board members, along with Bill Laabs and Brian Johnson.
They meet once every two to three months but more during the season.
“They also do much to help get the girls softball up and going every year,” Zook said. “I couldn’t do it without their help.”
For more information, call Zook at 715-853-6606.
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