Our mission is to create a collaborative program which supports the Ankeny area softball player who wishes to participate in both high school and club softball. We are committed to partnering with Ankeny high school programs to nurture athletes’ growth, foster unity between school and club opportunities, and empower every athlete to reach their full potential in softball - varsity, college, and beyond. The Elite program will emphasize high-level development - preparing players for varsity softball while supporting them through the college recruiting process.

Eligibility

• Primarily for Ankeny students, Ankeny residents, and AGSA athletes

  • Non-Ankeny students/residents are welcome to attend tryouts and receive bids for the program

  • Approval will come from the Club Director

 

Coach Pool

• Parent-coaching will continue

  • Coaches who have already come through AGSA system as first preference

• Paid outside coaches will be used as consultants when and where necessary

• Practices- potential for paid development and joint practices.

 

Program Dues

• $850

• Spring tournaments will be an additional a la carte cost for those participating

• Costs can be offset by sponsorships

 

Tryout Process

• Occur in May, with bids going out by the end of May

• Elite athletes will have the opportunity to receive a bid before traditional Club tryouts

• Once accepted in the first year, athletes are guaranteed a spot within the program before tryouts

• Existing members have the option to pay dues in May to bypass tryouts; if not paid in advance, they would be added to the tryout pool.

 

Team Selection

• Club Director will assign teams based on tryouts and team needs

• Bid process will not be based on coach preference - teams looking for this model should remain in competitive program

• Teams will not be school-specific

 

Time Commitment

• 14U/16U will participate in approximately 6 fall tournaments and 2 winter tournaments
  • Tournaments include some CIS and also expanding to PG, PGF, Alliance and Top Gun, Showcase tournaments and camps

• Potential for additional tournaments for players not committed to Varsity/JV with schools

• Camps and Clinics primarily in the offseason, but could take place in a non-school-ball timeframe

May: Tryouts and team formation

June - July: Finish current season

Fall Season:

• August: Begin practices (two times per week; two hours per day)

  • 14U - expect to play approximately six tournaments (three local and three showcase tournaments); expect regional travel

  • 16U - expect to play six tournaments (two local and four showcase tournaments); expect regional travel.

• Season wraps up around Nov 1

November: No planned activities

December - March

• 14U/16U - Attending recruiting events and camps based on the college/university of interest. 2-4 optional indoor tournaments based on interest and demand.

  • Coach or club director will assist with recruitment efforts

  • Coach or club director will not influence collegiate choices based on personal preferences

 

Practice

• Outdoor practices will be held at the ACHS and AHS fields

• Indoor practices will be held at The X

 

Uniforms

• “Ankeny Elite” similar branding to AGSA competitive programming

• Exploring options for jersey sponsors

 

Equipment

• Process will follow current practices for AGSA - locate and purchase necessary equipment for practices/games (balls, tees, nets, etc), and the rest is the responsibility of the player (bats, gloves, protective equipment, etc.)

 

2026- 2027 Elite Program Timeline

April 1: Elite registration opens

April: Form Elite Committee

May 4: Elite coaches selected

May 11- May 15: Elite Tryouts

May 18: Bids go out

June 1: Teams finalized