Posted: Apr 05, 2007

Softball Team Mentors Chicopee Chix

CHICOPEE CHIX LEARN SKILLS FROM ELMS COLLEGE SOFTBALL TEAM

CHICOPEE, MA, April 5, 2007 - Recently honored by the Girl Scouts of the Pioneer Valley as one of its annual Women of Distinction award winners, Elms College softball coach Cheryl Condon is recognized by the players, coaches and parents of the Chicopee Chix organization as someone richly deserving of the honor.

Condon and her softball team undertook the task of instructing 35 players of the Chicopee Chix organization at Bellamy Middle School in mid-March at a preseason skills and drills clinic. For all involved, it was a great learning environment.

Melissa LaRochelle, a coach and parent of players on both the 12-and-under and 14-and-under teams, kept the Elms involvement a secret from her youngest daughter, Mackenzie.

"Someone should have taken a picture of Mackenzie's face. She was speechless," said LaRochelle.

Mackenzie's initial reaction was, "These big girls are here to help us? I can't believe it."

The Elms had several throwing, catching and hitting fundamental drills planned for the two-hour clinic. At one point, the Chix teams were divided into small groups working on a catch-and-throw drill performed while the girls were in motion.

Each group competed against the other under a time limit and then reported the number of successfully completed catch-and-throws.

"The smiles on the girls' faces while competing against each other was cute to see," said Andrea Lindsay. "What's impressive is that the Elms College has taken the time out of their busy schedule to help these girls."

Coach Rick Noble said, "I found that the Elms College players and coaches were enthusiastic and motivating to our girls. They radiated a genuine respect and appreciation towards our players and really took the time to show them skills that will keep them moving forward this season. As a coach and a dad, I really appreciate the Elms College involvement with our daughters."

Not only did the parents have complimentary things to say about this clinic. The girls themselves had plenty of good things to say.

Samantha "Duff" Hill said that she learned new drills that would make her a better softball player.

Amanda Pise agreed and said that it was fun learning to improve her game. Jamie Miner said that the Elms girls helped her build her confidence for the next playing season.

"It was a nice way to meet local college softball players," said Chantel MacDonald. "Not only did we get to meet the team, but we can cheer them on at their games. Thank you for this opportunity."

Coach David Bayeur had nothing but praise for the event.

"The Elms College has once again done an outstanding job, which has been a huge help in the development of our young women," said Bayeur. "Their players and coaches promote positive attitudes and strong team skills, which is a winning combination. The Chix girls will remember these years for the rest of their lives."