2027 Tryout Information
2027 Stillwater Area Fastpitch Association Evaluations
The 2027 Stillwater Area Fastpitch Association (SAFA) Travel Team Tryouts are a week away! These tryouts are for all age levels of our 2027 travel programs. Please note: There will be no additional travel team tryouts held during the winter/spring of 2027.
LOCATION:
Stillwater Area High School
Varsity Field & Field #2
5701 Stillwater Blvd.
Oak Park Heights, MN 55082
CHECK-IN AND EVALUATION TIMES:
Players should arrive at least 30 minutes before their tryout start time to check in and warm up. They will receive their try-out number at check-in. Tryouts are closed to spectators. Parents and guardians will not be permitted to observe any portion of the evaluation process.
Based on current numbers, we will not hold 14U try-outs at this time and all registered players have been placed on a team. More information on the season will be shared in September.
The 8U/10U/12U evaluation schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 8/29 - 12U Evaluations:
9:15-10:00 Check-in/warm-ups
10:00-11:00 12U Pitchers/Catchers
11:00-1:00 12U All Position Players
Sunday, 8/30 - 8U/10U Evaluations:
9:15-10:00 Check-in/warm-ups
10:00-11:00 10U Pitchers/Catchers
11:00-12:30 10U All Position Players
12:30-1:30 8U All Position Players
If a player’s evaluation concludes before the scheduled end time, an email notification will be sent to parents/guardians indicating that their athlete is ready to be picked up.
EVALUATION INFORMATION:
Evaluations will be done externally by FLEXX Softball.
Players will be evaluated on the following:
1) Hitting - Players will hit a hard ball from a pitching machine.
Speeds:
8U: around 35 mph
10U: 35-40 mph
12U: 40-45 mph
2) Infield: 2 warmup balls, then 5 balls either hit or rolled to them (2 at them, 1 to left, 1 to right, and 1 slow roller which they will then throw to 1st base)
3) Outfield: 1 warm up ball, then 5 pop-flys. Players will start from 5 different positions (center, and then 4 cones: each placed to the right, left, front and back of the center position). Players will catch and throw into a cut-off.
4) Arm Strength: A radar gun will be setup to measure arm strength.
5) Running: Laser cells 60' apart and give players 2-3 tries recording their fastest time.
6) Pitching (optional for girls who want to pitch, strongly encourage those who may want to pitch):
4 warmup balls then 12 pitches focused on speed and accuracy.
7) Catching: (optional for girls who want to catch, strongly encourage those who may want to catch)
6-8 pitches will be thrown to evaluate on their receiving and framing.
3-5 in the dirt and get evaluated on their blocking.
Stillwater Area Fastpitch Association selection committee will perform team formations based on tryout scores and previous coaches input.
Head Coaching interviews to be conducted after teams are formed. To help with having a successful 2027 season, we encourage parents to sign up for coaching during this registration period.
WHAT TO BRING:
Glove
Fielding mask
Cleats
Bat (pitching machines will be used during hitting evaluations)
If you do not have a bat, one will be available to borrow.
Batting gloves (optional)
Softball pants are recommended
Catching gear (for players trying out as catchers)
Equipment will be available if needed.
Water bottle
GENERAL TIPS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Pitching: Players moving up to 12U will transition from an 11-inch softball to a 12-inch softball. If this is your first year at the 12U level, we encourage you to begin practicing with the larger ball before tryouts.
Pitching Distances change at different age levels:
10U: 35 feet
12U: 40 feet
14U: 43 feet
While velocity is important, our evaluators place a strong emphasis on consistently throwing quality strikes. Demonstrating accuracy, control, and the ability to work within the strike zone is just as valuable as pitching speed.
No Make-up Dates: There will be no additional make-up dates for tryouts. If you cannot attend evaluations, please reach out to your age-level coordinator. Players who miss will be evaluated based on prior coach input, stats, etc.
Have fun: Most importantly, remind players to have fun at evaluations and let them know it is ok to make mistakes during the try-out process. Evaluators will look at much more than whether you hit every ball or make every catch. Encourage players to stay positive, encourage each other and demonstrate hustle.
AGE LEVEL COORDINATORS:
8U: Kyle Kraemer- kyle.t.kraemer@gmail.com
10U: Kristina Massey- massattack9@yahoo.com
12U: Carly Wagner- cmsjodin@yahoo.com
14U: Tom Sebo- trsebo@gmail.com