Staff
 
Elaine Sortino has 31 years at the helm of the UMass Minutewoman softball program

Elaine Sortino
Head Coach
University of Massachussetts Softball

Elaine Sortino has made winning a habit at the University of Massachusetts. In her 31 years at the helm of the Minutewoman softball program, Sortino has established herself as one of the nation's most successful collegiate softball coaches and helped to put Massachusetts on the softball map. 

Coach Sortino has over 1,100 wins. She is the eighth coach in Division 1 history to reach this plateau.

On December, 4, 2004, Sortino was inducted into the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame at its annual convention in Las Vegas, Nev. In 2004, the NFCA also named UMass the 34th-best softball program all-time. 

 

  Denise Davis is the founder and Chief Instructor at Planet Fastpitch

Denise Davis

Founder and Chief Instructor

Planet Fastpitch

Denise Davis is the founder and Chief Instructor at Planet Fastpitch.  Planet Fastpitch (PFP) is a unique place that provides year-round instruction to softball players of all abilities.

 

 

 

 



Instructors

All Elaine Sortino Softball School instructors are current and former collegiate players, as well as college and high school coaches, National Professional Fastpitch players and Olympians, all of which are hand picked to ensure the highest quality of professional softball instruction. In choosing this softball school, athletes benefit from learning from a team of coaches who are current with cutting-edge techniques and who have competed at the elite level.

 

 
           
Teach And Encourage: A Look Inside UMass' Summer Sports Camps :  Most students may have left the UMass Amherst classrooms for the summer, but campus gymnasiums, playing fields, swimming pools and ice rinks are hustling and bustling. Summer time is camp time in Amherst, and young campers have many opportunities to build their skills in baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, swimming or hockey. Read the entire article here.
           
Schools
           

 

Total Skills School
June 24th - June 27th, 2012
  • This session provides instructions on the specific softball skills needed to make players ‘elite’. It focuses on all positions.
     
  • Training sessions will be similar to those of a college pre-season. Players will be instructed twice a day in infield, outfield, catching or pitching. Instruction includes hitting, bunting, base running, sliding and positional defensive play. Mental training and team-building sessions are provided.
     
  • Limited space available:  100 players.

 

Pitcher/Catcher School
July 8th - July 11th, 2012
  • This session is designed for athletes who desire intensive and in-depth instruction in the skills and psychology of pitching and catching.
  • Pitching instruction includes all components of speed and power through quality mechanics. Moving pitches (rise, drop, curve, off-speed) are also taught. Pitchers receive personalized instruction with great attention to detail.
  • Catching instruction includes stance, pick-offs, receiving, framing, blocking, passedballs, tag plays, bunts, and pop-ups.
  • Pitchers and catchers learn how to call and pitch a game, how to read a hitter and about the importance of mental and physical strength and fitness.
  • Hitting and fielding instruction is also provided at each session.
  • Limited space available:  90 pitchers, 50 catchers.