We believe consistency matters.

Our goal is to have established coaches at each age level, much like a college program has a coaching staff in place as new classes of players come through. Instead of a coach following one team from age group to age group, our coaches learn the needs of the players at their level and become part of a larger development system.

The coaches at each level also understand what came before them and what comes next. What we teach at 8U should prepare a player for 10U. What she learns at 10U should help her succeed at 12U. By the time she reaches 14U and showcase, she should have a strong foundation and be ready for the demands that come with playing at a higher level.

We want to develop amazing athletes, but we also recognize these years are pivotal in shaping who they will become after softball. If we all collectively believe in sports as a powerful tool to teach them life skills, then we must also recognize a responsibilty to help them grow these skills while they are a Vol. An emphasis will be placed on developing accountability, charisma, confidence, and building character that allows them to succeed today on and off the field as well as tommorrow in their life’s journey.

Our players will have opportunities to learn leadership through mentoring our younger athletes, serving their community, and understanding the importance of academics. As they get older, we want them to take more responsibility for their preparation, communication, and goals.

The lessons learned through sports can last much longer than a season. We want our players to leave the Vols better prepared for whatever comes next, whether that includes college and pro softball or a path outside the game.

Travel softball changes as players get older, and it can be hard for families to know what they should be doing and when.

When should a player attend camps? What is the difference between college levels? When does recruiting begin? How important are grades? What should a player be doing on her own?

We want to help families answer those questions before they become urgent.

As players move through the organization, we will provide age-appropriate education about development, academics, camps, recruiting, and college softball. Our goal is to help parents understand the process while teaching players to take more ownership of their own future.

Our organization is led by coaches and former players who care about softball and want to stay involved in the game.

Many of our coaches played at the high school and college levels and can share those experiences with the girls they now coach. We believe there is real value in young players learning from women who have been where they hope to go.

Just as important, our coaches are part of one staff. They communicate across age groups, share ideas, and work together to help players develop throughout their time with the Vols.

We want an 8U player to be able to look at a showcase player and see where the game could take her. We want that showcase player to understand that younger girls are watching how she plays, leads, and carries herself.

That connection between our players, coaches, teams, and families is a big part of what we are building.

Our goal is to create an organization where players can grow, families can feel supported, and coaches have the resources to do their best work.

From 8U through showcase, we're building something our players can be part of for years.