Melisa R.

I'm from the Littleton, CO area and recently just moved to the Sugar Land, TX area. I went to high school at Highlands Ranch High School. Where I played basketball and softball all four years as a starter on the Varsity teams. Receiving many accolades for academics and athletics. I went off to play Division 1 softball at the University of Northern Colorado from 2008-2010 then transferred to Texas Tech University to fulfill my education and my collegiate softball career. I've helped coach my father's 18 and under Gold Competitive girls team and gave lessons here and there when I was back for the summer (2008-2012). I've played for many talented coaches who have had a huge impact on my softball career and as a person. Those coaches have helped me become the best player and now coach that I could be. Continually learning different drills to implement to work with all different skill levels and athletes.

I enjoy working with players of all ages and levels, but I especially enjoy coaching teenagers. In my experience I have been able to make the biggest impact on their game and their lives. My specialities include, mechanics fielding, throwing, pitching and hitting (left or right side). I not only teach the mechanics, but also try to explain the game to these girls and work through situations with them to allow them to become not just a better ball player, but also smarter by obtaining knowledge of why plays are called or what to do in certain situations.

I start my sessions with stretching, warming up arms, legs, or whole body depending on what is on the agenda. If it's a hitting day: tons of tee work, followed with front toss, and maybe some live pitching. On a defensive day throw to get arms warmed up, drills that break everything down, take ground balls or pop flies and work on different situations. I want to share the knowledge I have retained in my years of playing ball and be able to give back to see the younger generation be able to reach their goals of playing at whatever school they want to go play at. Most of all to enjoy the game and remember that it's just a game and this game should bring happiness!

Played summer ball from
Colorado Pride- 10U
Colorado Comets- 12U
Colorado Fear- 14U
Fort Collins Buckaroos- 16-18U
Colorado Stars Gold- 18U

Highlands Ranch High School 2005-2008
Softball and Basketball 4year Varsity Starter/Letterman
SOFTBALL
All- Colorado- All 4 years (only time it's been done in Colorado)
Player of the Year- 2007
Sports Women of the Year Nominee- 2008
BASKETBALL
2nd Team Tournament team 2007-2008
3 time State Champions 5A

University of Northern Colorado 2008-2010
All- Independent Co- Freshman of the Year- 2009
MVP- 2010

Texas Tech University 2010-2012
Went to Regionals both years

Defensive Day
1. Talk about what's the goal for that session
2. Dynamic stretching
3. Get arms loose (start from a knee and work up)
4. Drop steps
5. Soft hands
6. Infield drill
7. Ground balls/ Pop flies
8. Throws to different bags
9. Talk about situations

This is just some of the things, but different drills will be incorporated

Offensive Day
1. Talk about the goal for that session
2. Dynamic stretching
3. Dry swings to get mid section warmed up
4. One arm tee work
5. Tee work (inside, middle, outside)
6. Front toss
7. Talk about situations while hitting

This is just some of the things, but different drills will be incorporated as well