What I always do in a situation like this is weigh out your pros and cons, make a list comparing the two teams, benefits, and losses for what can happen.

Personally, if she really wants to grow in the sport, putting her with a higher skill level will only allow her to flourish. The challenge will allow her skills to grow and she will make new friends. I am sure she will keep the old friends as well.

Hope that helps.

I would suggest letting her play 14u. This would allow her to player against older girls, who are likely to be better. Playing against or around people with greater skill than yourself allows you the opportunity to learn and grow physically and in skill. She is already an excellent pitcher in her division so she would be only a little below the upper division, if any at all.

Yes I agree with you, in that she would have to raise up another level and she would learn and grow a lot, but I worry about the social aspect of it too. The girls on the team are her closest friends and she spends all her time with them. I worry that if she is around these older girls that she will be introduced to things that is not at her maturity level, like boys, makeup, the attitude that teenage girls start getting at that age, etc. I have to think about those things too.

I would keep her with her level. There is plenty of time to grow with the older girls. Right now it sounds as though she loves being on the team that she is on. You really need to figure out why you would want her to go to the 14u. If it is truly because you want to put her in with the big girls, you have to also understand that it could be a negative for her, she leaves her friends, she is no longer one of the best players on the team, and she may not play as much. Also as you stated she may be introduced to things that 11 year olds just are not really ready for (or the parents for that matter).

Ultimately I would look at it as an honor that she was invited to the team but would politely turn down the opportunity. No matter what decision you do make though I do hope that it turns out well.

I agree with all those considerations. I would suggest you ask her how she feels about moving up? and if she would be comfortable playing with the older girls. As for the more mature material, It is definitely something to be considered. You should keep in mind what kind of person your daughter is, such as how easily is she influenced by her peers, What things does she value (friendship, material things etc.) Then you can try and gauge how big of an impact the bigger girls will have on her. But of course regardless she will need her parents guidance!! It really all comes down to: How big is this opportunity? would you regret passing it up? Hope we've all helped :]

i would move her up but also let her decide wat she wants 2 do

What ever she feels comfortable with.You don't want her to feel uncomfortable with a team, because then she might not pitch all that well. It is her decision.

Thank you all for the advice. I feel more confident in the decision to keep her on her current team and see how that goes.

just ask ur daughter and think of how it would be on the team see what coaches work harder and are better for ur daughter to work with i know its not much but just think bout it!

Good choice let her stay on her current team. In the 12u division she is still pitching to girls that have turned 13 years of age. So she will still be challenged. Let her enjoy the game and give her more opportunities to build her confidence by dominating games while mastering her pitches.

thats amazing she sounds like a great pitcher!!! but make sure whatever the choice is.. its what she wants to do and she is happy doing it.

Melissa, I just wish she could play for me! You're doing all the right things as a parent and I think all of the advice here was thoughtful and informed. Keep us in the loop on how it all goes for you both. I'll get to make a similar decision next season and although every situation is unique, the considerations are pretty much the same.

I usually lean toward not playing the kids up, myself. Most of us don't get to be an all-star even once in our lives, much less at every level we compete at. Let her enjoy the spotlight when she can. She may get plenty more chances, but at least she'll get this opportunity to stand out and it may be inspirational enough to keep her driven at each and every level she reaches.

I've had enough kids (both my own and the ones I coach) to know that there's never just one right answer and sometimes it's just a 50/50 proposition with good and bad both ways. You make your best judgement and work at getting the best result whichever way you go.

If she can hang with the team both in maturity and skill I say let her go. It sounds like she takes pride in her performance and if she isn't challenged her performance may suffer.

Wow, all great advice, I only have one thing to add and that would be to have her stay at 12U, but maybe 'sub' on the 14U team once or twice, just to get the skill challenge, if they let you. Some teams allow a guest pitcher, especially during the fall when teams are still forming.

Well it's been a while now and nothing has really changed for us. i feel like my dauhter is not improving and her drive is fading because of the team's lack of motivation. She is one the youngest on the team and she is still influenced by the older ones. she has a pitching coach who is very known in our town, but he had formed another 12u team about 6 months ago and has not had a lot time for her practice, so my husband is her full time pitching coach. her coach on her travel team does not work on her pitching and has really not helped her improve in anything else. Her batting is alright but her fielding has suffered a lot because her coach never plays her anywhere but pitcher and right field. When she was in 10u she played shortstop and 3rd base, alog with her pitching. her pitching coach who has the other 12u team has been trying to getr her to go on his team but they are moving to 14u in Jan. I know her pitching is up to their level but I know everuthing else is not. I don"t see her improving at all on the current team she's on and we have been there for 10 months now without winning or even placing in a tournament. I want what"s best for my daughter. She wants to be the next Jenny Finch. We are trying to look towards her future and do what"s going to be best for her in high school and college. I know she might not be the starting pitcher on the 14u team but she will get pitching time and she will keep getting better in her pitching and everything else because that coach is very good. I just want her to have something to show for all her hard work and accomplishments and with a good strong team and coach behind her I think it might be the right thing to do. ANY SUGGESTIONS? ANYONE BEEN THROUGH THIS BEFORE?