07/28/2026
SAUK VALLEY ELITE 10U GIRLS FASTPITCH
2026-2027 Player & Parent Information Packet
Head Coach: Joseph Brewer ("Coach Joe")
Assistant Coaches: Jason Decker & Ellie Woods
Welcome
Welcome to Sauk Valley Elite Fastpitch!
Thank you for your interest in becoming part of our program. Our coaching staff is excited about the opportunity to build a competitive, positive, and development-focused softball experience for young athletes who love the game and are willing to work hard.
While wins and championships are goals, they are not our only measure of success. We believe in teaching fundamentals, developing confidence, encouraging teamwork, and helping every player become a better athlete and person.
Travel softball requires commitment from players and families alike. We believe clear expectations lead to a better experience for everyone involved, and this handbook is designed to answer many of the questions you may have before joining our team.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop fundamentally sound softball players while teaching life skills that extend far beyond the field.
Our coaches will emphasize:
• Respect
• Accountability
• Hard Work
• Teamwork
• Sportsmanship
• Positive Attitudes
• Mental Toughness
We believe that effort and attitude are always within a player's control.
Coaching Philosophy
Our job is to teach.
Our players' job is to learn.
Mistakes will happen. We expect them. We coach effort, preparation, and improvement—not perfection.
Every practice should make us a little better than the day before.
We will challenge players to compete, encourage one another, and always represent Sauk Valley Elite with pride.
Player Expectations
Every player is expected to:
Arrive on time and ready to practice.
Give maximum effort during every drill.
Encourage teammates.
Respect coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and facilities.
Display positive body language.
Hustle on and off the field.
Accept coaching with a positive attitude.
Put the team's success ahead of individual accomplishments.
Players who consistently demonstrate these qualities will earn the trust of the coaching staff.
Parent Expectations
Parents are one of the most important parts of our program.
We ask parents to:
Encourage all players—not just their own.
Allow coaches to coach.
Display good sportsmanship at all times.
Avoid coaching from the stands.
Respect umpires and opposing teams.
Help create a positive atmosphere.
Our players are always watching how adults respond to adversity.
Attendance & Commitment
Travel softball is a commitment.
Practices are where players earn opportunities on game day.
Players are expected to attend:
All scheduled practices whenever possible.
Team scrimmages.
Tournaments.
Winter workouts.
We understand that illness, family emergencies, and school events happen.
Please communicate with coaches as early as possible if your player will miss an event.
Repeated unexcused absences may impact playing time.
Playing Time
Playing time is earned—not guaranteed.
At the 10U level, player development remains our highest priority.
Every player will have opportunities to play and improve throughout the season.
However, tournament situations may require coaches to make decisions based on:
Attendance
Effort
Practice habits
Coachability
Team needs
Defensive and offensive matchups
Hustle and attitude
Our responsibility is to do what gives the team the best opportunity to succeed while continuing to develop every player.
Communication Policy
Communication is critical to a successful season.
We encourage players to begin learning to communicate with coaches themselves whenever appropriate.
Parents should never approach coaches during or immediately after games regarding playing time or coaching decisions.
If a concern arises:
Allow a 24-hour cooling-off period.
Contact Coach Joe to schedule a conversation.
Meet privately to discuss concerns respectfully.
Our coaches are always willing to listen and communicate professionally.
Sportsmanship
We expect our players and families to represent Sauk Valley Elite with class.
We will:
Respect officials.
Respect opponents.
Win with humility.
Lose with dignity.
Never tolerate bullying, poor attitudes, or disrespectful behavior.
Character matters just as much as talent.
2026 Fall Development
Since this team is forming later than expected, our primary focus this fall will be player evaluations, team chemistry, and establishing fundamentals.
Fall tournaments are possible, depending on our progress during the first few weeks of practice.
We also plan to schedule multiple scrimmages against area programs to gain valuable game experience.
The work completed during the fall and winter will help determine our 2027 tournament schedule.
Tentative 2027 Tournament Schedule
Our goal is to compete in approximately 6-7 tournaments during the Spring and Summer of 2027.
Possible tournament locations include:
Moline, Illinois
East Moline, Illinois
Bettendorf, Iowa
Burlington, Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
North Liberty, Iowa
We are also exploring the possibility of hosting a Sauk Valley Elite tournament in Morrison, Illinois.
Tournament selections will depend on registration availability, competition level, and overall team development.
Team Fees
Current projected player fees are approximately $1,200.
This estimate includes anticipated tournament entry fees, uniforms, insurance, equipment, and operational expenses.
Before finalizing costs, we will hold a parent meeting to discuss the team's needs, priorities, and budget.
Transparency is important, and we want families to understand exactly how team funds are used.
Fundraising & Sponsorships
We are committed to helping families reduce the cost of travel softball.
Sponsorship Program
Players will receive sponsorship packets to share with local businesses.
100% of sponsorship dollars earned will be credited directly to that player's account.
Team Fundraisers
Team fundraising events will benefit everyone equally.
Money raised through team fundraisers will be divided evenly among all rostered players.
Participation in fundraising is strongly encouraged.
Looking Ahead
Our vision is to build a program that families are proud to be part of.
We are committed to creating an environment where players improve every day, compete with confidence, and develop friendships that last well beyond the softball field.
Thank you for considering Sauk Valley Elite.
We look forward to meeting your family during tryouts.
TRAIN HARD, BE ELITE!!!
Coach Joseph Brewer ("Coach Joe")
Head Coach
Sauk Valley Elite 10U Girls Fastpitch
