Emory, Va. - On Saturday, March 21st, the Emory & Henry softball team used newly renovated Wasps Softball Field to host a free clinic for aspiring female athletes from around the community. Even with poor weather conditions, 33 girls from the Abingdon, Chilhowie, and Glade Spring Little Leagues and East Tennessee Insanity Travel Team were able to hone their skills with the E&H team and coaching staff. Head Coach Tommy Forrester commented, "This clinic was a huge success for so many reasons. First, it provided young athletes in our community an opportunity to learn more about softball and to interact with our collegiate student-athletes. It also allowed our Emory & Henry softball players to teach the game they love and to rejuvenate their passion by watching youth and children who are playing with pure joy."
The clinic was broken up into two age groups, 10 and under and 11-14, so as to maximize each participant's individualized instruction. These two groups moved from station to station, learning skills such as outfield defense, infield defense, pitching, hitting, and base running, and the mental aspects of the game. The kids were put through drills, game scenarios, and practice plans that gave them the same experience as a collegiate athlete in a softball practice. To culminate the clinic, both the younger group and older group played in a scrimmage to test all of the skills that they learned throughout the day.
Junior pitcher and team captain, Taylor Banner, had this to say about the clinic, "It was truly an awesome experience to be able to help coach and spend time with a wonderful group of girls who love the game of softball. We are all really excited about our new field and couldn't wait to share that blessing with the community."
Following the clinic, campers and their families joined the team and coaches for lunch in the Van Dyke Dining Hall. According to Forrester, "This was a great end of the day and gave some time for the community and student-athletes to fellowship together."
Forrester also stated, "It was a great day for our community and our team and I am looking forward to the next clinic." The softball team will host two free clinics a year, as well as other paid clinics for girls all around the community. The Emory Fastpitch League will kick off in the Fall.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15