Welcome to the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Guardians Softball program website.

Here, you'll find our core values, mission, roster, athlete of the week, how to support our program, and how to contact coaches.

2025 OSAA Schedule for IBW Softball

2024 OSAA Results for IBW Softball

View Official IBW Guardians OSAA Webpage

be a guardian

Be Courageous:

- Integrate mental toughness exercises into practices, fostering resilience and a courageous mindset among players.
- Implement visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and mindfulness to strengthen players' mental fortitude, preparing them for challenging situations.

Be Energetic:

- Kick off practices and games with dynamic warm-up routines, including lively stretches and team-based exercises to infuse energy into the team.
- Include fun and high-energy drills during practice sessions, promoting quick movements, teamwork, and friendly competition.
- Incorporate energetic music into practices, creating a vibrant atmosphere and allowing players to contribute to the lively warm-up playlist.

Be Gracious:

- Cultivate sincere sportsmanship by encouraging players to demonstrate respect for opponents, officials, and teammates throughout all phases of games. "ROOTS" acronym - Respect the Rules, Opponents, Officials, Team Members, and School/Self
- Advocate for volunteerism, community engagement, and fundraising, instilling a sense of giving back and gracious representation of the team in the broader community through hosting clinics and keeping the field in shape.

Be Helpful:

- Foster a collaborative environment where players actively participate in setting up and taking down equipment during practices, promoting a sense of responsibility and teamwork.
- Encourage players to take on coaching roles, supporting and guiding each other during drills and skill development.

Be Encouraging:

- Set an expectation for players to cheer each other on enthusiastically during all aspects of both practice and game play, creating a positive and uplifting team culture.

By incorporating these elements, the Be A Guardian initiative will seamlessly become an integral part of the program, shaping not only the players' skills but also their character and teamwork.

2024 Highlights

Core Values

Commitment: is fundamental to our program; we emphasize that attendance at practice is not just expected, but essential. We firmly believe that consistent participation fosters not only individual skill development but also team cohesion and success. Our policy is clear: if you miss practice, you miss out on the game. This instills a sense of responsibility and dedication in our players, teaching them the importance of showing up and giving their best effort every time.
Attitude is another key value we emphasize. We utilize the Respect the Rules, Opponents, Officials, Team Members, and School/Self (ROOTS) acronym to guide our players in understanding the behaviors and mindset we expect both on and off the field. By holding each other accountable to these principles, we cultivate a positive and supportive team culture where mutual respect and collaboration thrive.
Wellness is paramount to the overall health and performance of our players. We prioritize their physical and mental well-being by incorporating regular strength and conditioning sessions into our training regimen. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on recovery strategies and hydration practices to ensure our athletes are adequately prepared and resilient throughout the season.
Joy is at the heart of our softball program. We believe that the love for the game should be evident in everything we do. Whether it's celebrating a hard-earned victory or navigating through challenges with resilience and optimism, we strive to cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment in our players' softball journey. By fostering a positive and enjoyable environment, we not only enhance their overall experience but also fuel their passion for the sport.