Hello Dottie,

I coach competitive 10U travel in Maryland and would caution against moving up too fast. The jump from 10U to 12U can be significant in the talent level and even more in the pitching (not to mention the change in ball size). I have 2 girls on my team that could play 12U but they wouldn't get the playing time needed to build a solid foundation and learn the fundamentals by moving up early. I would find a good 10U travel program in your area and have her really learn solid fundamentals competing in 10U before making the jump into 12U. A good program will do just that for your daughter. Good luck!

I agree solid fundamentals at the younger age groups are vital. Only when you age out or out grow the talent on said team do you need to move up. The problem I have is that many coaches don't know how to teach so going to fielding and hitting clinics can help as well as private lessons. SO many reach the 14 and even 18 and cannot throw the ball properly!

hey dottie i am one of the 2 sophmores playing on our schools varsity team, as a younger player I have always played at least a level ahead. Although, it might be tough I found it helpful to test myself to keep up and it made me that much better. If she loves softball and wants to be up I think it would be a good idea. This ould help her further on because I have learned that in high school there will be girls in different grades and ages and she could get a lot of experience playing a level up. hope this helps and good luck with the season

Thank you everyone for your responses. I'm so torn... she has a great deal of natural ability and has been playing beyond "league" for the last couple of years. Beginning in her first (and only) year of 8U her coach trained and played them more like an A ball team. We played practically year round and went to a lot of open tournaments where we won.

She's already slap bunting, sliding and leaping up in one motion like she's seen the college teams do and she taught herself to do that. She's also already picking out her college (yes, at the ripe old age of 10 lol) based on the softball program.

Morgan, it means a lot to me that you responded. You are an actual player who has gone through this and you KNOW first hand how it feels to be in that position. I'm still not sure what we'll do... it's really a tough call. But I do know I'll come back with any problems or questions I may have lol
Thank you! :-)

Hello Dear,
My name is Miss Nancy,a tall good looking young girl,so lovely and caring with good understanding.fair in complexion,care with good sharing,honesty.I saw your profile which interested me much and i decided to contact you. I really want to have a good friendship with you even if you have married we can be friends ,i have a reason of selecting you as my friend,pls if you wish to know more.Pls contact me through this my e-mail address ok ,We need to talk and know ourself more and equally share pictures to each other.hope to hear from you.

Please reply me direct to my box with your e-mail
nancy_myx2/at/ya/h/o/o com
Yours New Friend
Miss Nancy
Thanks