|
|
 |
College not the end for softball athletes
College not the end for softball athletes
March 12, 2009 2:47 PM
By Garland Cooper
Sadly, 2008 may have been the last year that softball is showcased in the Olympics. While there are people working hard to return the sport to the Olympic Games in 2016, the future of the sport is unsure.
With that said, it is important for fastpitch athletes to remember that there are more options after college, and there will be opportunities to play regardless of the Olympics. Don't look at the Olympics as the end of your softball dreams; there are plenty of other ways to impact the softball world. Here are just a few:
1. PFX TOUR (PRO FASTPITCH X-TREME TOUR)
ESPN RISE
Professional softball is one option to continue playing after college.
The founders of the PFX Tour have responded to the fact that over the past three decades the sports that have developed the tour concept have proven to be successful. With that in mind the PFX Tour brings professional and amateur athletes together at tournaments.
During the Tour, young athletes get the opportunity to watch, learn and interact with their favorite stars at the event. The PFX Tour offers packages that bring the amateur athletes, coaches and fans up close and personal to today's softball stars.
The PFX Tour is designed to help promote the sport worldwide, build an elite level for more than only a few select athletes, expand the sport's fan base, create an opportunity for athletes who have graduated from college to continue to play, provide a financial package that grows with the Tour's success to offer a career choice in the sport, generate value to sponsors for a "win-win" relationship and above all, give back to the sport from the grass roots up.
Athletes that have participated in the PFX Tour include: Natasha Watley, Lisa Fernandez, Jessica Mendoza, Tairia Flowers, Laura Berg and Andrea Duran to name a few!
2. NPF (NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL FASTPITCH)
NPF, formerly the Women's Pro Softball League, is intended to provide family entertainment for people of all ages and to showcase the top talent in softball today. It is the goal of the league to entertain and provide positive role models for young people.
The NPF consists of five teams: Rockford Thunder (Ill.), Chicago Bandits (Ill.), Philadelphia Force (Pa.), Washington Glory (Wash. D.C.), and Akron Racers (Ohio). The season will start in late May and run through the last weekend in August when the top teams compete in playoffs.
NPF works to support grassroots softball. Their task is to generate national and local awareness not just for NPF, but for the sport of softball at all levels, to help develop grassroots programs, continue to introduce young female athletes to the sport and at the same time, provide elite female athletes with opportunities to showcase their skills, talents and abilities on the playing field and in the community.
Athletes that have played in this league include: Cat Osterman, Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott, Vicky Galindo, and Kelly Kretschman.
3. INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Not only are there these opportunities here in the United States, but there are several opportunities to play overseas in Europe, Japan, Australia or elsewhere.
Michelle Smith, Lisa Fernandez, and Amanda Freed are among the players that have gone to play in Japan. Former National Team players Natasha Watley and Monica Abbott are currently playing in Japan this season!
Also, don't rule out playing in Europe. Many recent college graduates are asked every year to go and play in European countries such as Italy, Croatia, and Austria.
These opportunities are great for athletes not only because it offers another venue for players that are passionate and want to continue to play, but it also offers a chance to travel and see the world.
Just because the Olympics may no longer be in a softball player's future does not mean there are no more opportunities to play. There are endless opportunities so there is no reason to be discouraged or give up hope of continuing to play after college! All you softball players out there, keep working hard!
|
|
