About pf
Why Premier Fastpitch. . .
Since the fall of 2011, The Premier Fastpitch Team has gained prominence in Illinois and is a rising organization in the world of youth fastpitch softball
The Summer of 2018 Premier Fastpitch 16U Paulson finished ninth at PGF Nationals, ninth at JO Cup, 12th at the TCS Nationals and 17th at the Colorado Fireworks. The team was ranked 11th in the final standings at Fastpitch News and 27th at FloSports.
Premier Fastpitch grew to six teams for the 2017 season – 12UA, 14UA, 16UA, two 16U Gold, and 18U Gold.
In 2016, our 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U teams all qualified for ASA/USA A Nationals. Premier Fastpitch’s 18U Paulson placed third at the ASA/USA 18U A Nationals in 2016 and won the 2016 Illinois ASA A State Tournament . The 12U team placed third while the 14Us and 16U finished in the top five in the ASA Illinois ASA A State Tournaments.
By the end of the 2014 season the PF 16U Teams had earned top finishes in the nations top tournaments. PF Black took 7th place at the ASA/USA Gold Nationals in Oklahoma while the Orange finished 17th. Both teams qualified for the event by taking first and second in the Pekin National Qualifier. The Black finished second at the Illinois A State Tournament and had a top five finish at the Colorado Firecracker. The Orange Team placed in the top 10 at state and in the top five of the Colorado Sparkler.
The 2013 Premier Fastpitch 16 and under team, comprised of mainly 14-15-year olds and only one 16-year old, finished it’s season with two tournament wins and a 49th place finish at 16U ASA “A” Nationals in Sunnyvale, CA. The 16s beat the Georgia Southern Force, Illinois Force, Extreme Elite and Midland Magic and finished in the top eight of their bracket at the Colorado Sparkler Tournament. The team was 70-23 for the season.
A number of Players have been honored with high school all-conference accolades as well as named to all-area-teams conducted by area and regional newspapers, most as freshman.
In 2012 at 14 and under, Premier was 67-13 winning 10 tournaments and the Illinois ASA “A” State and Illinois NSA “A” State titles. At 14U ASA Nationals in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Premier lost to eventual runners-up Team Arizona and was the second highest placing team from Illinois.
Premier Fastpitch now has three teams for the 2013-14 season, two 16s and a 14 and under team. The 2013 team will now compete as the Premier Fastpitch 16U Black Team and only lost two position players this past season but gained another pitcher and another strong player.
Premier Fastpitch began as one team in the fall of 2011. Premier Fastpitch is for players who want to push themselves to be better, not only as softball players, but as individuals. The organization’s goal is not only to prepare for the next level, but also to develop a passion for the game and a determination to win. “If you work hard good things will happen.”
The teams expect one hundred percent out of everyone from the moment players step on to the field. Players learn to focus on the small details and repetition will create good habits. Players will learn game situations and tactics to help them learn how to win against adversity.
Players encourage each other and play as a team, develop a good character and attitude, and be responsible and accountable for themselves. The coaches cherish the opportunity they have to develop a group of individuals in multiple aspects of life. They want each to walk away from this program as a better person.
Premier Fastpitch is based in Mattoon, IL and is coached by Kristi and Dan Paulson.
Who Are We and What Are We About
The Premier Fastpitch Organization was formed with the mission to provide young girls the opportunity to achieve their softball dreams. Players in the Premier Organization have aspirations of playing at the highest level possible.
All players learn advanced skills, high-level game experience and knowledge, and players will face the best of the best competition.
Premier Fastpitch players are taught to hustle, encourage each other, play as a team, and to develop good character, positive attitude, and sportsmanship. Players will learn to focus on the small details and repetition needed to create good habits. Players will learn game situations and tactics to help them learn how to win against adversity.
The goal is not only to prepare for the next level, but also to develop a passion for the game and a determination to win.
As coaches, we cherish the opportunity we have to develop a group of individuals in multiple aspects of life. We want each to walk away from this program not only a better softball player but also a better person.
Why Black and Orange??
You may be wondering why Premier Fastpitch chose Black and Orange as their colors. Bert Bradley, the father of Kristi Paulson happens to be a Pitching Coach in the San Francisco Giants Organization. He has been in Professional Baseball for almost 30 years now. He has worked with many of the greatest pitchers in Baseball. The girls really look up to him and his knowledge of the sport of baseball. They also enjoy his unique sense of humor.