For specific team information about the current teams feel free to contact the appropriate coaching staff. Should you have any questions regarding the Stingrays Fastpitch Organization, please feel free to contact Mark Crabill commissioner@stingraysva.org.

Additional Information

Hydration

Players should drink, drink, and drink water before, during and after the tryout days. Players should start drinking before tryout days to hydrate their bodies properly. Coaches will monitor the players consumption of water to insure they are drinking. It is a good idea to have Gatorade-like drinks to drink after the tryout so that they may replenish the minerals and vitamins lost via sweat.

Hydration for Athletes (from www.pelotperformancecoaching.com) »

Hydration is going to be critical not only for your health but it effects your performance on the field. If you wait until warm up time to start drinking you are 24 hours behind and it’s almost impossible to catch up with this kind of heat.

It is very important that you start hydrating today. Drink plenty of water as well as Gatorade or your favorite sports drink, stay away from soda, tea and other drinks that have caffeine.

Pedialyte is a very good product and has a ton of minerals and electrolytes (and it comes in several delicious flavors).

What to bring — All softball equipment, including glove, bat, helmet and cleats. Catchers should bring all their gear. If you wear a facemask you should bring it.

What to wear — Players should wear normal practice attire and gear including cleats. We recommend that the girls wear pants and not shorts. They may be asked to slide.

Come Early & Be Prepared — Players should arrive early to register and be ready to start 10-15 before tryout start time.

Pitchers — Be prepared to pitch at the tryouts. Let the coaches know the types of pitches you throw.

Catchers — Bring your catchers gear. You may be asked to catch for the pitchers during tryouts.

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Top 10 Tips for Players at Tryouts

1. Dress like a ball player – Wear softball pants; not shorts. Wear a shirt with your last name on it; not a nickname. If you don't have a shirt with your name, wear something bright and/or as unique as possible. Please wear cleats; not tennis shoes.
2. Smile – Act like there's no place in the world you would rather be.
3. Talk – Talk with the coaches, other players, on the field and encourage those around you. Look everybody you talk with in the eyes and be a good listener as well.
4. Hustle – Whether running onto the field, getting ready to hit or going through drills, hustle and give 100% (with a smile and while talking).
5. Leader – Be up front and center. Don't stand in the back or be the last player in the group to go through your drills/stations.
6. Take risks – Tryouts are not a place to play it safe. Dive, layout for balls, make off-balanced and hurried throws if you must, swing hard; no wimpy swings. Go big or go home!
7. Be self-sufficient – Have everything you might need in your bag. Stay away from your parents. Don't talk with or even look at your parents during tryouts. They're being evaluated too and coaches do not want helicopter parents or parent coaches.
8. Look good failing – When you make an error, strikeout or mental mistake, forget about it immediately. Do not have a pity party. Build a bridge and get over it. Laugh it off if you must. And no matter what, do not have a pity party. Some of the most impressive things I've ever seen have been the effort that some players made while failing.
9. Ask Questions – If there is something you are unsure of or need clarification on, ask. Do not be quiet and/or shy.
10. Have fun! – Let there be no doubt to all those watching that you're having fun playing a game you love, regardless of the outcome! Breathe, relax and be confident. Know that you're giving it your best effort.
11. Here is a bonus – Always thank the Coaches and evaluating staff for their time and let them know you will be anticipating a follow-up good or bad.

— Rob Rea - Original Virginia Travel Softball Teams

• Preparing for Tryouts with a Competitive Softball Team (from livestrong.com) »

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. —Michael Jordan