Tryouts for the 2025 - 2026 season
Details
Thank you for your interest in the Western Mass Heat. We are a Fastpitch Softball Travel Program focused on developing the skills of our athletes to play at the highest competitive level, softball IQ and confidence. We play in USA Softball, USSSA and Fastpitch Nation tournaments mainly in New England and New York.
FAQs
Where do you hold practices?
We mainly practice out of Springfield, MA and surrounding towns. Our winter training is held at 413 Athletic Training Center in Chicopee, MA.
How much does it cost?
We are a non-profit organization and seek to limit the fees to cover the cost of the program.
Heat team fee typically range from $1,000 - $1,800 for the year. Cost mainly driven by number and types of tournaments your team will play in. The team fee can be paid in one lump sum or we offer weekly and monthly installment payment plans.
Limited need-based scholarship funding available. In addition, we run fundraisers to help all players that participate defray some of the cost.
You will be provided with the team fee in your offer letter and well before you‘re required to make a commitment.
The fee includes 2 full uniforms, helmet, bat bag, tournament fees, team insurance, and indoor winter training.
All team fees are the responsibility of the player/parent(s). Team fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
How frequently do you practice?
In the fall, we will practice 1x per week for about 6 weeks. In the winter, we practice on Sunday afternoons and evening for about 10 weeks.
In the fall and winter, we permit excused absences for other sport commitments. During our tournament season (see below), we do not permit absences for other sports.
During the season, you should expect to practice 2-3x per week. Practices are mandatory during our season, which starts in April for 10U - 13U players (prior to high school). We start after the high school season for 14U - 18U players.
The season ends the last week of July or first week of August. Younger age groups may end early to mid-July.
What age group do I sign my daughter up for?
2025-2026 Season eligibility based on September 1st cut-off:
10U - Must be born between 9/1/2014 - 9/1/2016
12U - Must be born after September 1, 2012
14U - Must be born after September 1, 2010
16U - Must be born after September 1, 2008
18U - Must be born after September 1, 2006
Look-up your daughter's age group on USA Softball here.
Do I need to live in a certain town to join a team?
There are NO residency restrictions. Our teams consistent of players from dozens of cities and towns throughout western/central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. We encourage girls from across the region to tryout for the Heat softball team.
What to bring to tryouts:
Great attitude
Cleats (sneakers for indoor tryouts)
Glove
Helmet
Bat
Face Mask (required for 10U and 12U and encouraged for 14U+)
Softball pants
Water
Catchers Only: catcher gear
What dates/times are tryouts?
7/10/25 (14U only) 6:00 pm - 7:30pm at Pope Francis High School
7/21/25 (10U & 12U Only) 6:00-7:30pm at Pope Francis High School
7/22/25 (16U & 18U Only) 6:00 - 7:30pm at AIC
7/28/25 (all ages) 6:00 - 7:30pm see location below
7/29/25 (all ages 6:00 - 7:30pm see location below
Pitchers and catchers will be asked to stay to 8pm or a little later.
Players only required to attend one tryout. Coaches may request a player attend an additional tryout to showcase additional skills.
Where will tryouts be located?
Tryouts will be held at the following locations:
10U, 12U and 14U: Pope Francis High School, 99 Wendover Rd., Springfield, MA 01118
16U and 18U: American International College (AIC), 125 Cortland St., Springfield, MA 01109
Please bring your glove, bat, helmet and protective equipment to the tryout. Please wear softball pants and t-shirt/jersey with a number on it.
What should I expect for game schedule in 2025-26?
2025 Play in 1-2 fall tournaments and scrimmages
Indoor training consisting of intensive position specific training, team training
2026 Spring tournaments (10U - 12U)
2026 Summer tournaments (all ages)
Can my daughter play for an older team?
While we strongly discourage younger players from playing up an age group, we encourage older players (14+) to play at the age group that offers the best development and allows them to achieve their goals. Players trying out for an age group will be evaluated to the standards of the applicable age group.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO TRYOUT.
What is the time commitment?
During our season, we practice 2-3 times per week. We play in tournaments in the summer, which consists of 3 games on Saturday and single elimination bracket play on Sunday. Tournament season starts in late April for 10U, 12U and 13U. Tournament season starts in mid-June for 14U, 16U and 18U. The season ends the first week of August for all age groups, but 10U and 12U usually end before the last week of July.
In the fall, we practice 1x per week, but permit excused absences for other sport commitments. During our tournament season (see above), we do not permit absences for other sports.
More Information or questions e-mail:
