LETTER FROM WAUKEE HEAD
SOFTBALL COACH JEN SLAUSON
September 9, 2005
To the parents of Waukee's youth
softball players:
Twelve years ago I joined the Waukee School District and coaching
staff. As many of you, I have experienced tremendous change in this
city, especially related to Waukee athletics. As the number of Waukee
athletes increase, there will continue to be increased competition
in both the Waukee program and with our competition. It continues
to be a challenge to retain the talent of Waukee athletes, as our
competitors strive to bring these kids in with better programs,
facilities, equipment, etc.
When I first began coaching the varsity softball team, my athletes'
only experience had been through the Waukee Little Girls softball
league. While this league provides a great outlet for exposing kids
to the game, the skill level and playing experience didn't prepare
Waukee athletes for varsity-level softball. I encouraged young players
to join ASA teams through West Des Moines or Urbandale. As these
kids improved and became more competitive, parents began to see
the value of the ASA program. Five years ago, there was enough commitment
from players and parents to form an all-Waukee softball team to
compete at the ASA level. The athletes that first began in Waukee's
ASA program are now in 8th and 9th grades. I have watched these
kids mature and make significant improvements over the years, and
I'm thrilled to have such a skilled pool of kids to work with at
the high school level.
In the 2002 - 2003 school year, the Warrior Athletic Club (WAC)
was established the help organize Waukee players and coaches under
one cohesive system. As Waukee's head varsity softball coach, I
worked to educate individuals on the ASA program and the several
options available for players. We continue to add more participants
and teams to the program, and several positive outcomes have come
about in the past five years. Centennial Park fields received major
improvements and lighting, the Waukee Elementary field received
a new batting cage and new fencing, and the City of Waukee has taken
over responsibility for the Little Girls softball league. We have
also conducted several clinics.
Yet, this continued growth has led to several new challenges, and
it's time for a new phase to begin. There is a lot of work that
needs to be done. Traditionally, this work has been done by only
a few individuals. I would like to organize a WAC softball committee
of possibly 6 to 10 members. My vision is to create a Board that
meets monthly, probably more often in the springtime. This committee
would provide direction and uniformity to our youth teams and programs.
I envision all Waukee ASA teams wearing the same style of uniform;
I would encourage WAC to find cost-efficient equipment for all teams
to share; I would like to help guide the coaches with their practice
plans; WAC would keep a calendar of all practices and games; WAC
would collect team results from the fall, spring and summer teams;
WAC would be proactive in hosting a major ASA tournament at Waukee
facilities, as well as always looking for ways to improve our current
softball complex and developing a plan for future expansion.
With the support of a strong committee and passionate people, I
truly believe that the future of the Waukee softball program is
more than bright. I've had the great pleasure over the years to
work with dedicated and wonderful players and parents, and I look
forward to building on and continuing the success of the program
as we work together to meet these challenges head on.
If you are interested in serving on the WAC softball committee or
in coaching ASA softball for the 2006 spring/summer season please
contact me by e-mail jslauson@waukee.k12.ia.us
or call 987-5163. A meeting is scheduled for September 20th at 7:00
in the high school library to discuss ASA tryout procedures, how
teams will be formed, and vote to form a WAC softball committee.
In best regards,
Coach Jen Slauson
