Girls Step up to the Plate for Fun and Life Skills

Article By Cam Clausen, Batavia Park District Intern

BATAVIA, IL –Community. Teamwork. Growth. Batavia Park District’s girls softball program is an opportunity for players to build strong friendships and develop self-confidence and independence while they hone their skills on the diamond.

Girls softball has been a staple in Batavia for decades. The program’s 6U, 8U, 10U and 12U leagues have several teams each season, giving girls of all ages the opportunity to start or continue their softball journey, said Athletics Supervisor Nathaniel Jarosz, who oversees the program.

“Softball teaches kids the importance of listening, following directions and working as part of a team,” said 6U softball coach Eric Hall. “The friendships and sense of belonging they build are every bit as valuable as the softball skills they’re learning.”

Through softball, players learn skills that will help them mature off the field. While softball is a team sport, it also has aspects of independence and responsibility.

“Players need to know when they’re up to bat, grab their own bat, put on their helmet and get ready when it is their turn” Hall said. “Those may seem like small things, but they’re the same kinds of transition and organizational skills that help kids be successful at home and at school.”

Brian Houdek, 10U softball coach, agreed. He has been coaching for six years and has coached multiple age levels.

“I was looking at pictures of my old softball teams and it’s great to watch these girls grow, mature, become better softball players, and become mentally tougher,” he said. “This is the best part of softball.”

Teams are structured by age group so that players compete against peers of similar age and skill level, Jarosz said. For example, 8U is for ages 8 and under and encompasses players age 7 and 8. Players ages 9-10 would be on the 10U team.

The diversity of age levels in the softball program allows for girls to keep coming back year after year, he noted. Girls can stay familiar with the fields and facilities and continue to foster friendships as they get older. “The players form a family. They have played together for years.”

The park district’s softball teams finished their spring season in June, and registration is open now for the fall season. Register at bataviaparks.org/softball. Registration deadline is July 13.
As another exciting season begins, the Park District looks forward to watching young athletes build friendships, develop new skills and discover the joy of the game.

For more information about Batavia Park District softball leagues, call (630) 879-5235 or visit bataviaparks.org.

Photos credit Mark Black for Batavia Park District.


Batavia Park District’s girls softball leagues help players ages 5 to 14 build skills, independence and responsibilities. Registration for fall leagues ends July 13.


Through softball league participation, players learn discipline and how to work together as a team. Registration is now open for fall softball leagues. Register at bataviaparks.org/softball.