RELEASE DATE: 1/21/08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mountaineer softball team offers free softball clinic for girl’s ages 5-11 this Saturday at Decker Gymnasium – Session include instructions for parents on how to teach pitching

MANSFIELD – The Mansfield University women’s softball team will present a free softball clinic Saturday Jan. 26 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  at Decker Gymnasium.

The clinic is designed for young players ages 5-11 and their parents. It will cover the basics of hitting, throwing, and catching with special sessions on pitching including one designed to teach parents how to teach their daughters to pitch.

“We’re trying to reach out to the younger players and show them the fundamentals of softball can be fun,” said Mansfield University head coach Edith Gallagher. “We want them to get a jump start on the season and learn how to become better players.”

Parents will also have the opportunity to learn how to teach softball fundamentals, especially how to teach the fundamentals of pitching.

“Angie Stackhouse is our pitching coach and she will show parents drills and proper pitching technique to help their daughters learn how to pitch,” explained Gallagher. “It will be a learning clinic for everyone.”

The Mountaineer softball team will work hands-on with the young players with sessions broken down by skill levels.

“It doesn’t matter what level of skill you have,” said Gallagher. “We have something for the first-time player to girls who have already played organized softball.”

In addition to the clinic, participants are invited to a pizza party afterwards and free admission to the Mansfield women’s and men’s basketball games against Cheyney starting at 1& 3 p.m.

Players should bring their gloves and bats if they wish with all other materials and equipment provided.

For more information contact Coach Gallagher at 662-4633 or by email egallagh@mansfield.edu