WANTED: More girls, interested parents for Prince William Girls Fastpitch Softball League

Prince Williams Girls Fastpitch Softball (PWGFS) League is a volunteer-run non-profit serving the Prince William County area. 

All girls from ages 5 to 16 are welcome to join the league, regardless of their skill level or past experience in the sport. The league’s website explains that its goal is to offer a positive, safe, fun environment while maintaining sportsmanship, teamwork, confidence and pride.

To honor the start of the softball season April 26, families joined at Andrew Leitch Park in Dale City to take part in the festivities and support their players.  A moon bounce was available for younger children, and the concession stands served up snacks. 

Girls wore brightly colored shirts and huddled in groups with team names such as the Bandits, Shamrox, and Purple Storm.  Each team paraded around the grassy field with ponytails swinging and cleats making fresh indentations in the dirt.

After opening remarks, the crowd removed their hats and bowed their heads for the invocation, and then placed their hands over their hearts during the national anthem.  The first pitch was thrown, and the crowd cheered.  It was a day utterly symbolic of American culture.

Jeff Benskin has served as coach and president of the league since 2004.  “It’s better if you start playing at a young age. But if you have the right mindset and you listen and work hard, you can do it,” he said. “Many girls end up loving the game and play on school teams.  Some go on to play Division 1, 2, and 3 for colleges across the country,” he said with pride.

The league is divided into six divisions, based on age - 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, and 18 and under. PWGFS is an Amateur Softball Association (ASA) affiliate and follows all ASA rules.  The league values safety, and all volunteer coaches are certified through the ASA ACE Coach Certification Program.

The PWGFS league offers a variety of summer camps and clinics for $60.  Players are divided into groups based on their skill level.  They will learn the fundamentals of the game, and progress from there.  More experienced players will be challenged with more complex drills.  Gatorade will be provided to keep the girls hydrated. 

The summer session for ages12 and up is scheduled for July 14-18 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.  The summer session for the younger players is scheduled for July 20 to Aug. 1, also from 6:30 to 9 p.m. 

The camps are held in the evening to avoid scheduling conflicts and to allow the girls a reprieve from the summer sun.  Registration can be completed online.

Some parents may be hesitant to sign their daughters up for fastpitch softball, envisioning softballs propelling towards their daughters’ heads at lightning speed. 

PWGFS Coach and mother Tracy Clary elaborated on the difference between the two.  “In slowpitch, the pitching distance is 50 feet, and the pitcher uses a half windmill motion to throw the ball in a high arc.  In fastpitch softball, the pitching distance is smaller, and the pitcher uses a full windmill rotation to throw the ball with almost no arc.  The batting styles are also different,” she said.

“Something else for parents to consider is that is girls want to continue to play in high school and college, they need to be familiar with fastpitch.”  The ball is machine-pitched, which means it is regulated and consistent, and all pitchers are required to wear a facemask.

Gators player Ava Glover, 13, explained the heart behind the sport. “Softball is a family sport, everyone can get involved and come watch our games. One of my favorite things about softball is that you bond really well with your teammates,” she said.

Hayli Main, 13, revealed the hesitation she had at playing fastpitch softball with the Bandits. “I played slowpitch at first, and now fastpitch. I was nervous at first because the ball was faster, but my coach helped me,” she said with a smile. “Now I’ve made a lot of friends and we have fun!”

Many of the girls have played the sport for a number of years, which is a reflection of the level of commitment they feel towards the game. 

Nicole Belk has played softball for 13 years, since she was six years old. She now volunteers as a coach and umpire for PWGFS.  “This league is a great avenue for young ladies to gain an education in the sport.  I was coached and mentored by others, and now the league has given me the opportunity to provide that mentorship to young girls.” 

Belk’s father Larry chimed in, “Positive things happen out on that field.  We hope that the girls carry that off the field, too.” 

In an effort to promote quality pitching, the league offers a Pitching Program open to ages 7-16 for an extra fee. “This is a year-round program and is a great way for the players to hone their pitching skills,” said Benskin. “We plan to add a catching program as well.”

While registration and equipment require a modest investment, the PWGFS league is more concerned with getting players and parents to invest their time in the sport.

Benskin explained, “For those who don’t have the financial capability to pay, we have the Lacy Scholarship Fund.” The league also keeps donated equipment on hand for those who need it.  To request assistance from the scholarship, send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

“I want to be a professional softball player when I grown up!” said 8 year-old Grace Clary.  The young athlete plays for the Pink Sox under the guidance of her parents, coaches Steve and Tracy Clary. 

She had played the sport for two years and hopes to play in the Olympics one day. “I look forward to every practice and every game,” she said enthusiastically.  Her only complaint?  “I just wish there were more games!” 

Parents can learn more about the Prince William Girls Fastpitch Softball league rules, summer camps, and registration process on the PWGFS website at http://www.PWGFS.com.