Wisconsin softball opens Badger Softball Pitching Academy
October 02, 2014 | Softball
Oct. 2, 2014
MADISON, Wis. --The University of Wisconsin softball program will host a one night a week camp for eight weeks, featuring assistant coach Missy Beseres Dow and student assistant coach, Cassandra Darrah, who possesses the highest winning percentage (.666, 86-43) in Badger history.
The Badger Softball Pitching Academy sessions will help pitchers take their game to unparalleled heights. All aspects of pitching (mechanics, pitch selection, pitch development, etc.) will be addressed, and participant to instructor ratios are kept low to allow for individualized attention. UW softball staff and players will be present each night to help young pitchers develop their skills. The sessions are open to all females between grades 6-12.
“Pitching is such a pivotal role in our game, and to be able to create a weekly academy is something I am very excited about,” Beseres Dow said. “In designing the academy, I wanted to make sure we kept the numbers low to maintain our teaching philosophy and learning environment here at Wisconsin.”
Beseres Dow brings a rich pitching background to Wisconsin after competing professionally for the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch league and having a standout four years at Penn State. She ranks second in PSU history with 53 victories and holds the school record with 746 strikeouts. The two-time team MVP led her squad to a program-best 39-16 record in her senior season.
“Pitching is my passion, and I am thrilled with the opportunity to share techniques and drills that helped me grow as a mid-west kid into a professional athlete and former Big Ten pitcher,” Dow added.
Darrah, the 2013 Big Ten tournament MVP, finished her stellar career with 557 strikeouts and 23 shutouts. Her 2.47 earned run average ranks third at UW while her total wins (86) rank second all-time at Wisconsin.
Each session costs $35 per hour. The sessions will begin Oct. 21 and continue every Tuesday night through Dec. 16, with the exception of Nov. 11. There will be two options for sessions each night with one going from 7-8 p.m. and the other from 8-9 p.m. All sessions will take place at the Goodman Softball Complex. Pitchers must supply a catcher that is 18 years or older, and will be asked to sign a release of liability upon arrival.
Sign up for your spot here!
