Aspiring young softball players across the Florida Keys have a new opportunity to develop their skills this summer with a comprehensive two-day girls youth softball clinic. The community-led initiative seeks to ensure that local girls can participate in summer sports. The clinic is organized by a dedicated group of parent volunteers, in collaboration with Miami-based 305 Softball and coach Beatrice Navarro. A local recreation-league girls softball team is also supporting the efforts to provide summer playing opportunities for girls throughout the Keys.
“It’s just something to work on the girls’ basic skills such as hitting, batting, pitching and catching,” said head rec-league coach Joceyln Mowry. “It’s a two-day weekend camp for any girls throughout the Keys, ages 10 to 14. We are excited to have such expertise come down and give some great training to our kiddos.”
The clinic will cover essential techniques in hitting, focusing on proper swing mechanics and power generation. Participants will also sharpen their fielding abilities, including ground balls, fly balls and throwing accuracy, alongside mastering effective base running strategies to turn singles into doubles. Expert coaches will guide players through pitching fundamentals and catching techniques, ensuring a well-rounded development experience.
The clinic will take place on Saturday, June 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marathon Community Park. A registration fee of $30 applies, with sponsorships available upon request to cover the cost, ensuring every girl has the chance to participate.
“We want to make sure girls have more opportunities in the Keys, and if financially they can’t afford it, we will make it happen,” said Mowry. “There really aren’t that many softball-related things to do in the summer, so this was just a way for us to bring in something fun for the girls to do. We encourage all levels to participate, so even if players have never picked up a ball, we gladly welcome them.”
Players are expected to arrive with their own basic softball essentials, which include a well-broken-in glove and proper footwear such as cleats or sneakers with traction. Players can bring their own bats, sliding pads, properly-fitted batting helmets and face masks, and catchers should bring their full gear. Players without their own gear can contact Mowry so that gear can be provided. An extra pair of sandals can be useful for off-field comfort, along with hats or visors and extra pairs of socks.
Girls on the rec league team have already started preparing for the clinic by working out at the park and gathering together to work on their skills.
“I’m super excited for the softball clinics because I get to practice with my friends and learn new skills from awesome coaches,” said rec-league player Gracie Adams. “I really want to get better at pitching and hitting this summer. It’s going to be so much fun and I can’t wait to play more games.”
More information is at 440-864-3882 or 305softball.com.
