10U/12U PLAYER EVALUATION Details

For more information about the 2024 player evaluations, visit the link found below. All players will default to using their utility score for team selection. Only players wanting to base their team selection on specialty scores will need to complete the electronic team selection preference form prior to their evaluation date. This preference may not be changed after scores have been recorded.

All players, including pitchers and catchers, will be evaluated at all stations for their utility score and overall ranking. The pitching and catching stations are considered optional except for the players who chose to have their team selection based on specialty score. These players must also be evaluated at their specialty position.

• 2024 Player Evaluation Details
• Pitcher/Catcher Team Selection Preference Form

Coaching Application

Anyone interested in being selected as a coach for a 2024 Eagan Softball team will need to complete the following application by January 27. Interviews for Fastpitch head coaches will be scheduled and held on Sunday, February 4.

• Coaching Application

Parent Meeting

Required for all Fastpitch age levels.

• Date: Tuesday, December, 12
• Time: 6:30pm
• Location: EHS, Lecture Room C

Typically, this meeting is held in February. However, there are a few changes to the registration to go over in addition to our uniform fitting night and tryout process. We look forward to seeing you there!

• 2024 Parent Meeting Slides
• Youth 1st: Role of Parents

Uniform Night

All Fastpitch players (8U-18U - including 10U League Only) must come to the uniform fitting.  Players will have an opportunity to try on different sizes of pants and jerseys. Players should wear sliding shorts and a t-shirt or tank top.

• Date: Wednesday, January 3, 2024
• Time: 6:00pm-9:00pm
• Location: DHMS, Cafeteria

Jersey Number Availability Reference

The following should be used only as a reference. It does not guarantee that the jersey number will be available by the time you register your player. Returning players will be able to keep their existing number.

• Jersey Number Availability Reference

The Eagan Fastpitch program is designed to give a higher level of competition for the more avid player. Players develop confidence, skills, and teamwork while competing against teams from surrounding communities.

Age level level is determined by birth year. See the age eligibility chart.

PLAYER EVALUATIONS

Player evaluations for 10U and 12U teams are generally conducted in February. The following skills are evaluated: hitting, bunting, fielding, base running and pitching. Catchers are evaluated starting at 12U.

Note: There are NO tryouts for 8U, 14U+ or League Only teams.

Players not selected to a team will have the opportunity to play on an In-House or Slowpitch team.

Due to the time commitment involved, we ask that players prioritize Fastpitch over other sports during the season.

Season

The season begins in early April with practices and continues into mid-July or late July. Practice nights will vary. Teams compete in the Tri County League at the A, B and C levels with games on weeknights. Game schedules are published by the league in late April. In addition to the state qualifier and state tournaments, tournament teams will compete in 2-3 weekend tournaments throughout the season. A number of past teams have qualified for, played in, and won state and national tournaments.

10U League Only (10U LO)

A great option for players looking to move up from In-House softball, but don't want to give up their weekends. League Only players do not attend tryouts. Teams will compete at the C level in the Tri County league. Teams play one game per week starting in early May and then two games a week starting in June. They do not participate in additional weekend tournaments like the tournament teams.

This is still a traveling program so players will have to travel outside of the Eagan area for games. In the past, teams have traveled to Farmington, Mendota Heights, White Bear Lake, River Falls and Hudson.  Travel will vary year to year depending on registered teams and posted game schedules.

These teams will participate in the state qualifier tournament the last weekend in June.  In addition, teams may qualify for and play in the state tournament in July - usually following the July 4th weekend.   

Volunteer Requirements

All parents from the MN Stars and community teams are required to volunteer about 9 hrs (2 Dib shifts per player) at either the Eagan Down 'N Dirty Tournament in June or the 12U Northern National Tournament that we host in July.  

These tournaments are our only form of fundraising for the program. The revenue from these tournaments helps keep our program costs down. These funds help pay for items such as: fields, equipment, clinics, player insurance, tournament fees and dome during the winter months.  

During registration, you may opt out of volunteering your time at the tournaments by purchasing the buyout option for $300. Otherwise, a volunteer deposit check for $400 is collected after team formation. This check will only be cashed if your volunteer hours are not fulfilled by the end of the season. 

Additional Team Fees

Some teams collect money for a team fund to cover miscellaneous team expenses. This fund can range from $30-$100/player depending on the age and level of the team. Miscellaneous team expenses should be discussed at the first team meeting and may include things like a team banner, additional indoor gym time, hair ribbons, pins for trading at Nationals, or gift bag exchanges (required if team attends Nationals).

Some teams collect their fees for Nationals up front while some choose to wait until they earn a berth. Most parents prefer a team fund versus a pay-as-you-go method as it is easier to manage. This decision will vary by team, and should be discussed at the first team meeting.

All players will need the following:  

• Fielder's glove (ask your coach on sizing if not sure)
• Fielder's mask
• Royal blue batting helmet with face mask
• Fastpitch bat (ask your coach about proper size/weight)
• Softball cleats - molded, not metal
• Sliding shorts - padded, worn under pants

Royal Blue is the recommended helmet color for all Eagan teams.

Eagan Softball has a supply of bats available for use during the season. If you are interested in using one of these bats, have your coach contact the Eagan Softball equipment manager. Otherwise, please speak to a coach before buying a bat to ensure that you buy the correct length and weight.

Fielder's masks are recommended for all infield positions.  All current fastpitch players wear them. Most coaches will require a fielder's mask for ALL infield positions. Safety first!

Equipment requirements will be discussed at the first meeting with your team. Again, do not rush out to buy equipment if you are unsure of your team requirements. Feel free to contact a board member if you have any questions.