Softball Gold Medalists and Hall of Famers Team Up for National Coaches Clinic Series

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This isn't just another softball clinic for coaches, it's for anyone who would like to be inspired, motivated, better, and learn about the game of softball from women who excelled and are passionate about the sport.                      

Created by Olympic Gold Medalist Christi Ambrosi. She teamed up with 11 time National Champion and 4 time Hall of Famer Sue Enquist who coached at UCLA for 27 years. Joining them was 3 time Olympic gold medal recipient Leah O’brian Amico, as well as Deb Hartwig who caught at Cal State Fulerton. Not to mention former UCLA player Julie Adams who played an entire College World Series with a dislocated shoulder. This group (including others) hosted their first National Coaches Clinic in Dallas TX. When I asked Ambrosi why she created this clinic she said,

  "I wanted to provide an opportunity for parents, players and coaches to be motivated and inspired by former softball greats that exibit passion for the game. It's been unfortunate that kids today have had so much pressure to get scholarships that they have forgotten why they started playing in the first place. Its our goal to take attendees of our clinics back to the root of why we all play sports: for the love of the game." ~Christi Ambrosi  

I was lucky enough to be in attendance for this event.  As a softball  coach I was excited to learn a few new things and be on my way. I was not expecting an experience that would change the way I coached and how I viewed the game of softball.   

Not only did they teach about their passion for the game, but they spoke about hard work, using positive words, what makes a great teammate, what key attributes each successful coach has, and what makes a champion. They expressed a positive empowering message to everyone in the room. You couldn’t walk away unaffected by their words. It’s not all about the numbers on the scoreboard. It’s about what the clinic represents, The Heart of the game.

It wasn’t like the past 19 clinics I had been to. The instructors were approachable from the moment I arrived. They were there to answer questions until they had to go to their session, then afterwards they were available for follow up questions.

 The  first day ended with a round table discussion. The instructors came to our table and answered stated questions as well as individual ones that we had. The clinic was very well balanced to make all attendees feel important. The athletes and parents were able to talk and take pictures with their idols. The parents and coaches (travel team, high school and college) were able to spend downtime learning about the instructors and how to solve their individual team issues. It was more than just ideas from great coaches. The speakers, would speak about hitting for the coaches, but would talk to the athletes and get them up to demonstrate how easy it was to teach them the skills. 

"We want to make it more personal for coaches, athletes and the players. We want them to be able to ask us the questions that they have. With this unique format, it brings that unique opportunity for all to not only get to know more about the game, but also to get to know all the coaches." ~Leah O'brian Amico

The clinic was very well organized, stayed on schedule, and remained informative throughout. They thought of everything. There were instructors that were experts in their field of nutritrition, injury prevention, hitting, infield, pitching, catching, and technology.

  If you have never seen RightView Pro, the clinic is the place to get a hands on demo of the program. Compare your player to Babe Ruth, or Jessica Mendoza! See the key elements your players are missing in their swing to make them powerful. If you have ever heard your players tell you that they can't feel what you're telling them when you correct them. This program is what you need to show them their swing step by step and what drills to work on. If that wasn’t easy enough, there is an app coming out  that allows you to compare your player from your Iphone, Droid or IPAD.

Coaching tools have come along way, and so has coaches clinics. Go to one that speaks directly to the coaches, players and parents. Go where you can eat lunch next to an Olympic Gold Medalist.  If you leave this clinic with nothing less then inspired than you are in the wrong sport. If you want the opportunity to have this experience go to their site and register. The next clinic is in Phoenix on December 9-11th go to the  National Coaches Clinic  and be inspired!

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This post is related to an ongoing story:

• Softball National Coaches Clinics

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There is 1 comment on this post. Join the discussion!

Mihireson says:

I was lucky enough to be in attendance for this event. As a softball coach I was excited to learn a few new things and be on my way.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111014020803AAd1GAC

Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 12:04am EST

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