Here’s a few things that are somewhat standard protocol to keep in mind a few weeks before your showcase.

• Check the tournament website and see what colleges will be represented there.
• Determine if you have an interest in any of those colleges.
• Call or email the coaches and let them know you will be playing and invite them to come watch an inning or two of your game.
• Make sure you tell them what number you are and if you can, the position you play and the field you will be on.
• Create a player profile for yourself and attach it to the email.
• Let your coach know that you’ve invited this particular scout to watch this game and hopefully, he/she will put you in the line-up.
• If you see the scout out there and don’t have a chance to talk with them at the showcase, call them afterward and thank them for coming out.
• Remember, you may not get a call back depending on NCAA rules, but they will get the phone call and it will leave an impression.
• Oh and try not to be nervous.  Even if you get out there and strike out, they are also watching your attitude and your parents as well.

Side note: Some coaches are looking for more than just talent.  They are looking for girls who know the game. So, know the game ladies!

Good luck, play hard!!

Before you pick a name, search for it on eteamz.com and on Google.  

There isn’t anything more annoying than a new team choosing the same name as another team.  It’s confusing for one.  At least make the effort to check it out ahead of time.

If you can’t come up with anything original and are forced to copy a name, please add the managers name to the end.  It’s really courteous to do that for all the other teams that share your name.  That way, everyone can figure out who’s having the try-out, who’s playing in what tournament, etc.  We all hate guessing games, so don’t be so mysterious.  If it’s your team, slap your name on the end of it.

Picking a Logo

This can be tough, but here are a few tips.  When you choose a logo, go for something with no more that 3 colors.  (2 is ideal)  The reason is that when it comes time to have this embroidered or silk screened, it is easier and will be cheaper for you and your team.  The more colors, the more complicated, etc. 

Make sure your logo is easy to read on the front of the jerseys and also easily identified on a left chest and on a hat.  When you are playing at tournaments, you want people to be able to identify you from a distance and not have to guess what team you are.

Last thing, (FYI) if your logo is too big and "heavy", avoid tackle twill on the front of the girls’ jerseys.  They won’t like the way it feels and it will be uncomfortable for them to play in.

Choosing Colors 

Keep in mind, your parents will have to wear this stuff too, so avoid obnoxious colors and you’ll be more likely to have parents wanting to wear your apparel and support the team.

Avoid the ‘optic yellow’.  It’s the same color as the ball and most umpires don’t like it when the pitcher wears the same color as the ball.

While some good teams wear pink, it’s not too popular.

Figure out what the main color will be and ask yourself if the girls will look good wearing it.  For example, if your main color is orange, will the girls look good in orange pants?  Probably not.  Get all of this planned out ahead of team and you could avoid issues later on. 

Here is the list of girls that received an invite to the Olympic Selection Camp on Sept 10^th-14^th in Chula Vista, CA.

You will surely notice that 24 of these girls are California softball players.

1. Lisa Fernandez – Long Beach CA -  UCLA

2. Jennie Finch – La Mirada, CA -  Arizona

3. Kristie Fox – San Diego, CA -  Arizona

4. Laura Berg – Santa Fe Springs, CA – Fresno State

5. Jessica Mendoza – Camarillo, CA -  Stanford

6. Taryne Mowatt – Corona, CA -  Arizona

7. Stacey Nuveman – La Verne, CA -  UCLA

8. Lindsay Schutzler – Monterey, CA -  Tennessee

9. Jenny Topping – Whittier, CA – Cal State Fullerton

10. Natasha Watley – Irvine, CA -  UCLA

11. Mackenzie Vandergeest – Thousand Oaks, CA -  Arizona

12. Caitlin Lowe – Tustin, CA -  Arizona

13. Lauren Lappin – Anaheim, CA -  Stanford

14. Brittany Lastrapes – Laguna Niguel, CA – Arizona

15. Lovieanne Jung – Fountain Valley, CA -  Arizona

16. Andrea Duran – Selma, CA -  UCLA

17. Ashley Hansen – Chandler, AZ – Corona del Sol H.S.

18. Katie Burkhart – San Luis Obispo, CA – Arizona State

19. Monica Abbott – Salinas, CA -  Tennessee

20. Crystl Bustos – Canyon Country, CA – Palm Beach C.C.

21. Kaitlin Cochran – Yorba Linda, CA – Arizona State

22. Eileen Canney – Paradise, CA  -  Northwestern

23. Amanda Freed – Cypress, CA -  UCLA

24. Vicky Galindo – Union City, CA -  California

25. Alicia Hollowell – Suisun, CA -  Arizona

26. Tairia Flowers – Tucson, AZ -  UCLA

27. Ashley Monceaux – Tucson, AZ -  Baylor

28. Kristen Zaleski – Temple, TX – Texas State

29. Cat Osterman – Houston, TX -  Texas

30. Angela Tincher – Eagle Rock, VA – Virginia Tech

31. Kelly Kretschman – Indian Harbour Beach, FL -  Alabama

32. Jennie Ritter – Dexter, MI -  Michigan