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Off topic softball question

Tomo

Tomo

Member
Hey all,

There is a good chance my job may be moving me and my family to the Des Moines area. My daughter loves softball and is very good at it. She is still young and if we make the move we would want to get her in a school that has a good softball program among other things obviously.

Which high school could you recommend we take a look at within a 30 mile radius of Des Moines that has a good girls softball program? Any class is fine.

Thanks,
Pat
 
I have been in the Waukee area for ASA tournaments for my daughter before. They are supposed to have a pretty good program.
 
I am a head high school softball coach of nearly 20 years, so please understand that this is my background before you read my reply.

I am NOT a big fan of the AAU or ASA teams in Iowa. It's not really a big deal for us up here, but I know in other parts of the state they are in direct competition with the school teams. That being said, my oldest daughter is a senior this year, and was an all-state pitcher last year as a junior. She, as well as several of her teammates, are excellent players whom we will miss a great deal. Nonetheless, I constantly remind them that softball (or sports in general) are secondary to their academic careers. I've coached a bunch of great players throughout the years, and enjoyed some very successful seasons, but I've not had a single player who went on to make a career of it, other than a couple who were crazy enough to go into coaching. My advice is look at the academic, social, etc. part of the school before the softball team. There are literally dozens of great softball teams in the DesMoines area, so choose your school based on criteria other than softball. Just my 2 cents, and best of luck to you and your family in this decision.

NWBuck
 
NWBuck said:
I am a head high school softball coach of nearly 20 years, so please understand that this is my background before you read my reply.

I am NOT a big fan of the AAU or ASA teams in Iowa. It's not really a big deal for us up here, but I know in other parts of the state they are in direct competition with the school teams. That being said, my oldest daughter is a senior this year, and was an all-state pitcher last year as a junior. She, as well as several of her teammates, are excellent players whom we will miss a great deal. Nonetheless, I constantly remind them that softball (or sports in general) are secondary to their academic careers. I've coached a bunch of great players throughout the years, and enjoyed some very successful seasons, but I've not had a single player who went on to make a career of it, other than a couple who were crazy enough to go into coaching. My advice is look at the academic, social, etc. part of the school before the softball team. There are literally dozens of great softball teams in the DesMoines area, so choose your school based on criteria other than softball. Just my 2 cents, and best of luck to you and your family in this decision.

NWBuck
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Thanks NWBuck however I have to ask something...I don't get the "look for academics" part of your post. Is assuming that most schools with good athletics will have good academics wrong thinking on my part?

By the way coach do you mind if I fill your inbox with softball questions? :grin: My daughter is a fifth grade pitcher.

Thanks,
Pat
 
I graduated from Southeast Polk in 03. My graduating class had a great softball team and I know they've done well in recent years as well with some good finishes at state. They have a pretty darn cool coach too (if it's still the same one) as well as a brand new, state-of-the-art high school. Their sports programs have really been taking off as of recently. It's in Runnells, just off of 163, and there is some great hunting in the area, including some good opportunities for park hunts. Also a short drive from Central Campus and DMACC in Ankeny if she wanted to take some college courses in high school, which a lot of us did when we were there.

I should also add.... STAY AWAY FROM ANKENY, and Dowling Catholic too for that matter. haha
 
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SDbow said:
Is assuming that most schools with good athletics will have good academics wrong thinking on my part?
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Maybe...maybe not. The point of my post was to make sure you explore that end of it first. I'm sure many of the schools mentioned have great teachers as well, which is the primary ingredient of a quality education. Beyond that, in this day and age I'd ask questions about school climate as well...such as does the school have problems with drugs, violence, gangs, etc. These are all things that would be more important to me as a parent than how good their softball team is.

By the way SDbow, ask away and fill 'er up on the inbox if you want. My favorite things to talk about (in no particular order) are deer hunting, softball, and a good head-scratching Calculus problem :D

NWBuck
 
I live in Johnston, and they beat out Waukee last year for the 4A state championship. Two of the daughters of the Waukee's head coach play for Johnston. We have a great little league program for younger players, along with some good ASA teams. I have coached USSSA baseball team for the last 8 years, and know some people on the softball side. My older son starts freshman ball this year so it will be nice to be a parent and watch, but I am not sure what I will do with all my free time not being at the ball fields every night and weekend. Send me a PM and I can give you some more info if you would like?
 
The cost of living is higher, but Ankeny has great schools and a fantastic sports program. The city is very well policed; so the drugs and crime are held in check for being so close to Des Moines. Ankeny also has some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet! It has been a few years since i lived there, but i'm sure it hasn't changed other than it keeps growing in poulation!
 
My hunting buddy is HEAVILY involved in girls softball. Seriously, he spends more time on softball stuff than I could have ever believed possible. If your eventual goal is to get your daughter a softball scholarship then you need to get her involved in tournament programs and national exposure events. PM me and I can give you more info.
 
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