The point of this document is to layout my vision of next season so your family can make an informed decision about what is best for your child.  I am not trying to convince you or influence your decision, I am simply trying to inform you and your daughter of how I would like the next season to run. 

Please keep in mind that I am a volunteer and not paid. I pay the full amount for my child, plus I pay for additional team equipment, cover most field costs, etc.  Coaching takes a lot of time and effort. It can be rewarding and also, very stressful. I understand that when you are paying for your child to participate in a program, that it comes with expectations.  I hold myself to a very high standards, not because you paid for the program, but because how important coaches were to me in my life. I am sure there are more knowledgeable coaches out there, but no one will work harder and care about your child as a young person more than I will.  

 Plans and Goals for next year:

• *Take only 11 players if possible to maximize playing time and attention.

• Position Ratios- Each player will play a position or positions on a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio.  This means that your child will develop a main position skill set, but also have a secondary position to increase playing time options. If/when at all possible, this will match needs at their high school. 

• Competition at positions will determine player’s ratio and player’s playing time.  Competition pushes people to be the best they can be. We can do this and still have a team mindset.

• Parent involvement: Ideally, we would have a parent to help handle the financial books so that there is full transparency of where the money goes. Additional parents for fundraising to keep the cost lower for everyone, if interested.  Social media people to help share our successes and development. Parents as a group decide the amount of tournaments we play, where and when, within reason. 

• Meet kids where they are and where they want to go.  For those players that want to play beyond high school, we will  increase our current ability to help you get recruited and help families navigate the process.  Field Level app, video productions and parent information nights will be a big part of how we can help. We can help develop a plan for each player of what they do well and what they need to work on. This includes not only physical skills, but leadership and how to be a good teammate. ( “How are they as a teammate?” Is always one of the first questions that college coaches ask us.) 

• Measuring success - I don’t believe a team’s overall record is the only way we measure success. Personal player growth and a love for the game is just as important.  If they don’t love the game and enjoy their teammates, then it becomes “work” to them. When they love to play, then they will want to put in the “work”.  That being said, I love to win, because winning is a byproduct of hard work, preparation and desire. 

Again, this is not to influence your decision.  If my goals or outlook don't match what you want for your child, then, I am not the coach and this is not the program for you. 
Joe Hough

NWS Elite 16U

Sean Wilson, Coach  413-884-5530

The NWS Elite Fastpitch 16U Softball Teams purpose is to promote
and utilize the game of Fastpitch Softball to assist in the development of young women,
who will then be able to utilize the skills they have learned such as teamwork,
dedication and working towards their goals throughout their lives.




Being a travel team, players are expected to be dedicated and attend all practices and games.

PRACTICES
Practices are held in the Fall from September through October
and then at an indoor facility from November through mid-March.
Practices are held on Saturdays during the off-season and usually 
Tuesdays and Thursdays during the tournament season in
Agawam and/or Southwick.

TOURNAMENTS
Tournaments are held mid-June through July.
Fall ball is September through October in East Hartford, CT.
We compete in 2 to 3 Winter tournaments in Lake George, NY.

We usually end the season at the USSSA World Series Tournament held in Maryland in July.
Attendance at this tournament is not required as we
understand it may not be financially possible for all families.

We hold fundraisers to offset the costs as much as we can.
Any ideas for new fundraisers are always welcome.

COST
Cost is $1200
This includes bat bag, helmet, uniforms and tournament fees for fall, winter and summer.
Winter practice fee is $200.

Payment can be made in full or broken down into the payments as follows:
1st payment of $300 - Due September 1
2nd payment of $300 - Due December 1
3rd payment of $300 - Due February 1

NWS can offer financial assistance to a player in need.
Please contact the Head Coach for more information.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We are always in need of sponsors as we are a 501c3 non-profit organization. 
We seek and receive donations, that allow us to keep the costs to our players as low as possible. 
It is with the help of our sponsors that we are able to continue offering our softball programs. 
Please review our sponsorship page and assist however you can. 
On behalf of the league, the players, volunteer coaches and board members, 
we thank you for your consideration.

MAKE A DONATION NOW
We gladly accept donations to help us continue offering our softball programs. 
Contact Chris Chrisanthopoulos, NWS Elite President to make a donation. 
Your donation may be tax-deductible. Please check with your tax advisor.