DR3 Fastpitch Blog

It came at 11:03 PM.

I was lying in bed, exhausted from a long lesson day, halfway debating whether to even check my email. And there it was: a message from a player I hadn’t heard from in over a year.

“Coach D… I just wanted to say thank you. I almost quit softball this summer. I was miserable. B...

This story still gives me chills.

I was running a 12U game with one of my lesson girls on the mound. She was new to pitching and just finding her confidence. But she had crazy energy, a big smile, and always begged to hit.

Her coach came up before the game:

“We’re thinking of just letting her ...

Okay, confession time.

Yes—I became a “P.O.”

Yes—I had a complicated relationship with hitting in college.

But also? I once hit a walk-off.

It was my junior year, and I hadn’t swung a bat in months. We were down a player due to illness, so my coach asked if I could just stand in to get throug...

 I was 20, sitting in the training room with tears in my eyes… again.

Injured. Again.

Frustrated. Again.

My junior year—and my seventh injury since I was 14.

But this time… it felt different.

Not just physically, but mentally. Emotionally.

My identity as a pitcher, a leader, ...

@meganncclare didn’t start pitching until she was 14 years old. Most would say that’s “late.” But what they don’t see is the heart, the work, and the resilience she’s poured in since day one.

I’ve had the privilege of working with Megan since she was a freshman in high school — and watching her ...

In the world of softball, reaching your goals swiftly requires strategic thinking and dedication. Discover smart strategies to accelerate your journey to success on the diamond.

• Define Clear Goals: Specificity is key. Instead of vague aspirations, pinpoint precise goals for your softball journe

  ...

Being a leader is no easy task, especially when you inherit a team with diverse strengths and personalities. In softball, the shortstop often embodies the qualities of a good leader, guiding the team toward victory. Let's explore why shortstops make excellent leaders on the diamond.

Understanding T...

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a batting slump, full of great hitting ideas but struggling to put them into action? You're not alone. Just like in any aspect of life, softball players encounter barriers that hinder their progress at the plate. Let's dive into what might be stopping you and ho...

Effective communication is essential for softball pitchers, who need to convey strategies and instructions clearly under pressure. Mastering low-stress communication can enhance your performance and team cohesion. Here’s a guide to help you achieve just that with three simple steps.

1. Acknowledge ...

Communication is key in softball, both on and off the field. Effective communication can mean the difference between a winning team and one that's plagued with misunderstandings and stress. Here are three easy steps to ensure low-stress communication with your teammates and coaches, helping you to f...