Windham softball clinic helps prepare younger athletes for new season

By Matt Pascarella

As the spring softball season nears, Windham High School’s varsity softball players and coaches put on a winter clinic to teach athletes ages 7 to 12 the skills of the game, along with technique while establishing a connection with varsity players and coaches. The six-week clinic runs through the end of March.

Windham seventh grader Annabelle Stilwell practices making
a dicing catch during the Windham High School Winter
Softball Clinic at Windham High on Sunday, March 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA

“I love softball,” said Windham varsity softball coach Darcey Gardiner. “As much as I love my high school kids, there really is a different type of joy being able to work with the younger athletes. Not only do I get to know them beforehand, making that connection with them when they are in third, fourth, or fifth grade, really helps our program a lot as they get older. These girls are learning softball for the first time, so to see them dive headfirst for the first time and make a catch, that’s some pure joy that you don’t always see with the older girls because they do it every day. Working with these younger girls ... helps us connect with the community and our softball team.”

The clinic focuses on teaching proper softball mechanics to younger athletes from the beginning. Regardless of age, teaching proper throwing mechanics is a big focus point and helps Gardiner when the younger athletes make it to the high school level. Hitting mechanics is another aspect that gets focus during the clinic. Gardiner needs all her players to understand weight and balance and to swing the bat hard.

Windham High School varsity athletes along with the WHS softball coaches lead the clinic. This gives the up-and-coming softball athletes a chance to establish relationships and learn from the varsity players and it gives the varsity players an opportunity to teach their skillset to a younger generation.

“It’s fun and there’s nice coaches,” said Windham seventh grader Annabelle Stilwell. “It’s taught me a lot of communication and how to keep your eye on the ball. I practice a lot and play for travel teams. My goal for this clinic was to show up and do my best. I’d like to play varsity softball when I’m in high school.”

Windham senior Nola Bryant said that the clinic has been a perfect opportunity for young athletes to come and get extra reps before the season starts. They have seen many athletes improve over the past few weeks. Bryant said when athletes are consistent with the program each year, it can really help improve their performance on the field. The clinic can make a big difference in play if a player is consistent in their attendance each year, she said.

“Starting this clinic four years ago, I maybe had two or three pitchers here, now I’ve got 10 to 12 pitchers,” said Gardiner. “The big thing in softball is pitching and catching; and getting them started here in this clinic is how you build the pitching. We’re used to the Brooke Gerrys and the Kennedy Kimballs. We don’t have a Brooke or Kennedy anymore. Brooke and Kennedy both started in a clinic just like this. So, to get those younger kids to understand this is the start to build a foundation for the pitching and catching is huge.”

Bryant said she’s had the chance to work with the kids in many different game situations, and the clinic makes her a better player by giving her the opportunity to become a better leader. She’s also got the chance to help the athletes with their throwing mechanics, things like arms slots, following through, and stepping.

There are two softball clinic sessions remaining on Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, March 29. The drop-in fee is $15. The regular clinic runs from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. with pitchers and catchers from 3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. If you cannot make the first half, you can drop in during the pitching and catching portion. <