ANNOUNCEMENTS : 

Varsity, JV, C Team: What’s the difference?

For most, the C team is an introduction to high school softball.  We’re focused on developing individual skills and playing experience as well as helping players juggle the demands of high school and athletics.

JV is about refining the skills and mindset that players need to succeed at the Varsity level. 

The Varsity team is built to compete. Plain and simple.

While each team has a different mission, our program as a whole is focused on building character, teamwork, sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, representing the school, and competing hard every day.

Not everyone makes a team and not everyone makes the team they expect. Players should be committed to practicing and competing all season no matter which team they’re on. Call-ups do happen, and some players divide their time between two rosters. Be ready.

Practices

The Varsity, JV, and C teams practice every day after school.  Teams may have additional practices and other activities on Saturdays. Practices continue until the final game we play, including the post-season. 

Per RRPS policy, all practices are closed. If a parent wishes to attend a practice, it must be scheduled with the Head Varsity Coach. 

Games & Post-Season

The Varsity playoffs and state tournament are in May. Cleveland HS is the host site for the NMAA State Tournament each year. Parents and athletes of the program are expected to assist in the work required to run the State Tournament, it’s also not unusual to have JV players on the post-season Varsity roster. C-Team, JV, Varsity Parents, and athletes, please keep your schedules clear until the season is officially over.

Uniforms & Gear

We issue uniforms—jersey, pants, visor, bat bag, jacket, hitting top(s)—after the first day of practice. We expect players to provide their personal items. Make sure you have turf shoes —there are no metal spikes allowed on the turf field.

Transportation

We provide bus transportation to and from school for most away JV and C-team games, and we expect players to ride with their team.  When transportation is not provided, parents will be given ample notice so that players may drive to closer locations. 

Varsity transportation will depend on the location, the time of the contest, and the number of licensed drivers on the team. 

Eighth-grade participants are required to provide their own transportation each day for practice and to the high school to catch the bus for games. Eight-grade students may NOT be checked out early from school to attend practices. When an early release occurs, parents and the middle school attendance office will be notified of the time the athlete is dismissed with an activity absence. 

Spring Break

The Storm Softball schedule does not stop for Spring Break. We play games and have practices all week. Please plan to spend the holiday cheering on your player and do not schedule travel or vacation during this time.

Academic requirements

One of the most important lessons players learn is how to balance the demands of schoolwork and sports.

The NMAA mandates a specific academic eligibility criteria for athletes, and there will be periodic grade checks during the season. There are serious consequences for teams that use players who are academically ineligible. Students who ar academically ineligible at the time of tryouts will not be permitted to tryout for a team.   If you have questions, talk to the CHS Athletics Office or Coach Castillo. 

Code of Conduct

NMAA academic eligibility criteria and RRPS Code of Conduct are minimum standards.  The Storm Softball program has its own set of more stringent expectations and guidelines; this Code is clearly communicated during tryouts, in our handbook, and reinforced throughout the season. Please see our quick reference guide for information on team expectations. 

WE CAN USE YOUR HELP

There is no shortage of ways to support CHS Softball. 

We encourage all parents, family, and friends to make a one-time donation, buy a banner ad for the ShockYards outfield, volunteer their time, or come to games and cheer on the Storm! 

Fundraising helps pay for costs not covered by RRPS, including, in-season out-of-state travel, equipment, field improvements, fall & winter training programs, and stipends for assistant coaches. Learn more about how you can help here.

If you have questions, ask a coach, or the family of a returning player.