Adam La Serna, Fastpitch Trainer/Coach

Coach Adam

Coach Adam's Fastpitch Biography:


    Adam La Serna enjoyed playing Mens Local Fastpitch 10  years ago in Seattle. However, sacrificed his love for playing the game by devoting all his extra time to coaching and teaching pitching, hitting, and fielding to his goddaughter, Shay Naranjo and her little league and select teams.  Shay and her teammates would later develope into Top National Level ASA Pitchers, Hitters, and College prospect in 2006 placing 9th in the Nation with Acers-Glenn 16A from Auburn,WA. All her teammates received college offers to play fastpitch and at this time have graduated college. Shay's former teammate Kelli Bornander of Lakewood,Washington went on to become one of the best, if not the best pitcher in NSU Softball History.

    " In the beginning, like most parents, we visited with the local Little League pitching instructors at that time and learned about the fundamentals of the mechanics for throwing a fastball. Once Shay mastered those basics, it was time I consulted with the University of Washington and Teresa Wilson, one the best Pitching Clinicians in the World of Fastpitch. I learned how the Female Athlete uses the entire body for the Pitching Motions for maximum Efficiency. All American, Amy Hanson-Suiter took me under her wing year round and assisted me and my pitchers in pitching,hitting and catchers training. Coach Amy later became Head Coach and Coach of The Year in her first season at Western Washington University."
    "I could not have been in a better situation wile training with Amy and Teresa. They made me feel part of the UW family of softball friends. From there I was introduced to other UW Players and later on to Olympic Players and Coach Mike Candrea. Coach Wilson eventually coached at Arizona with Coach Candrea. Also, Olympic coach Bobby Simpson guided me over the years as my other mentor in Hitting Training. I was able to broaden my knowledge base of 20 years in the Sports Training field to now Pitching and Hitting in woman's Fastpitch Softball. I really thank the great coaches that supported me."
- Coach Adam

    Coach Adam earned the respect of many fastpitch coaching staff in College, High School, Little League and ASA,USSSA communities and peers alike and has become well known ASA Fastpitch Pitching and Hitting Instructor/Coach for his, personable approach and his involvement with the Elementary youth and High School Sports community since 2000. He is known for developing Champion Fastpitch Pitchers and Hitters and is active on the local, national and regional level for Fastpitch Development. Adam reaches out to Boys and Girls Club for sponsored events and toward Seattle and Tacoma Police Officers and Detectives with training their childrren at quality Fastpitch Camps in Lakewood, Puyallup, Auburn, Tacoma and Seattle.
    Coach Adam assists the parents and recruiters during the college recruiting phase for a college prospsect's smooth transition. Coach Adam is a member of the National Coaches Association. Known for preparing High School,ASA, Fastpitch Training Programs to Elementary, LL,High School coaches since 2001. Always improving his coaching skills, Coach Adam received additional training and support from then UW Coach Teresa Wilson and assistant Amy Hanson. Furthered his art of Pitching and Hitting with Cheri Kempf of Club K and in  Hitting Mechanics with Olympic coaches Mike Candrea and Bobbys Simpson. Coach Adam began training college players and professional player Kim Gonzales in batting practices as well as taught Kim how to pitch. Gonzales is now an assistant coach for Seattle University.
    Later on he developed Fastpitch Training Programs and founded Strike Zone Fastpitch Academy in Seattle as Director/Head Trainer. In 2006 Founder of La Serna Fastpitch Academy at BLE in Puyallup,WA as Head Fastpitch Coach and Trainer created Fastpitch Training Systems and conducted Camps and Clinics preparing local Junior High,LL,High School,ASA Faspitch Pitchers and Hitters for year-round Tournaments. Founder of Tacoma Indoor Fastpitch Center for Soccer Center owner, Marian Bowers. Adam conducted daily camps and clinics at the Tacoma Fastpitch Cente/Soccer Center for 4 years before moving location further south. Bowers plans on maintaining Coach Adam as Head Fastpitch Instructor for her new Indoor Sports Facility where Bower's Tacoma Stars train for professional soccer.  
    Adam is among national leaders in Sports and Human Development and prepared for International weightlifting and wrestling competitions in the USMC.  Received Honorable Discharge with Meritorious Accommodations, Good Conduct Awards and Desert Storm Desert Shield Medals in 2004 while recalled to reserve duty. Presently pursuing his business degree online with Colorado Tech University.

    Coach Adam maintained a lifelong career in the Health and Fitness, Nutrition Industry and enjoyed sports competitions,swimming & running marathons, competitive bodybuilding before he became a fastpitch coach. Presently Adam trains and also instructs Mixed Martial Arts Training preparing men and women in 2010 for local competition.  Adam has a world clas wrestling and weightlifting background as a lifetime drug-free athlete; graduated from Renton High School as a prep scholar athlete and 2-time State competitor in wrestling and prepared for National competition while in the Marines accomplishing 3rd place at the Armed Forces Nationals. Lastly, Adam’s proud parents are Louis “Lou” a published historian and accomplished artist and Lou's wife Gloria Serna is a proud veteran of the USMC/Retired.

    " Fastpitch is my life and it has been a major influence in my life as an athlete,fan and coach. I enjoyed pitching for the past 10 years as a player and pitching to my student hitters. My favorite pitch is the "Change-up" and what it does to even the best batters. I look forward to meeting anyone interested in learning about pitching and hitting and the game. To my devoted fastpitch community of parents,players and coaches, Thank you all for your continued support and hope to see you all at the ball park."

Coach Adam

Adam La Serna, Head Coach/Trainer

LFA Fastpitch Academy

(206)227-9698

adam124gold@hotmail.com



Jordon Kelly, Highline Nationals LL, WST 14u

Jordon Kelly

LFA 14u Camp member

" The Future of Tyee High School Softball? "

Jordon Kelly is an Honors Student and just finished traveling to Washington DC with fellow Honors students. It takes hard work and dedication to staying at the top of her class. Jordan uses the same dedication and hard work training at the La Serna Fastpitch Academy in Tacoma,Washington twice per week with Coach Adam for pitching and hitting instruction. "I've been around baseball and softball for many years. I coach both my daughters in Little League so it was time for Jordon to train with Adam. We know what he has done with the Top Pitchers in Seattle.

I told Jordon this is not Little League Camp and forget about the idea it being easy. LFA Camp is the most challenging Pitching Camp in Washington. Adam's philosophy is one way, HIS. Universally it's sound,solid no fooling around pitching instruction. His 14u ASA pitchers and High School pitchers dominate batters. You are going to have to work harder than before because your ASA/NSA competition is working just as hard, Adam knows how to prepare you for the next level in Select Fastpitch. I really like her drop and change-up she used at the Ice Breaker Tournament. The team won 5 out of 6 games!! Now Jordon is learning the Rise ball and my other younger daughter Maddie is on board with coach Adam each week for lessons and is showing improvement."

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dad/coach-Tom Kelly

Strong Defensive Mechanics

Strong Defense Mechanics

“No Matter What-SoWhat”

By Coach Adam La Serna, LFA

“The biggest Key to Effective Fielding is Anticipation. The player that assumes the ball is being hit to her is a Confident defensive Fielder and is ready at all times, no matter what-so what. Knowing what to do once a fielder receives the ball is just as important as knowing how to receive the ball properly. The Two Elements of Defending the Field of Play when combined is a vital force to oppose!”

– Coach Adam

Outfield
1. Fast Smart First Step in the Drop-Step load.
2. Track the Ball using forward momentum.
3. Position the Body to Receive the ball.
4. Receive the ball Effectively and is in Position for Efficient Defensive Throwing with Proper Glove Travel.
5. Unload the ball quickly using Proper ball and glove Travel to the Throwing "Rolling C" Throwing Load.

6. Throws Properly to Receiver with Proper Mechanics.

Infield
1. Excellent Ready Position Posture.
2. Keep your feet moving before during and after receiving the ball for ground-leverage and enhanced center-of-gravity, Core Strength and Stability for making faster throws.
3. Use proper Upper body mechanics so that the core muscle load of the upper body can properly be/get used for Speed and Dynamic Kinetics.
4. Aggressive movement to the ball and “going all out no-matter-what-so what” confidence.

Tacoma Fastpitch Center
2610 Bay Street,Tacoma,WA
(206)227-9698 Bodycoach@hotmail.com
Google http://tacomafastpitchcenter

SPSL All Area 1st Team Winners, Alexa Derrick Pitcher of the Year

Alexa Derrick pitches

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Emerald Ridge High School

to

2009 SPSL League Champions

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Emerald Ridge Pitcher

-Derrick receives All State Selection along with

catcher Kendell Andrews

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2009 Emerald Ridge Photo Album: http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/photo/highschoolgallery/highschools.html#id=album-45645&num=910286

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High School Softball links:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/highschools/index-p2.html

SPSL PLAYERS TO WATCH 2009 Season
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Kyndell Andrews, senior, catcher, Emerald Ridge
Breanne Bilbrey, senior, outfielder, Kentlake
Caitlin Colvin, senior, pitcher, Bonney Lake
Marki Creger-Zier, junior, shortstop, Steilacoom
Taylor Darnielle, senior, outfielder, Wilson
Alexa Derrick, senior, pitcher, Emerald Ridge
Amanda Fitzsimmons, senior, pitcher, Auburn Riverside
Erin Fujita, senior, outfielder, Jefferson
Beth Kasshun, junior, pitcher, Steilacoom
Hannah Kiyohara, junior, infielder, Jefferson
Nicole Morrow, senior, catcher, Rogers
Devynne Nelons, junior, shortstop, Stadium
Bobbi-Jo Schaapveld, junior, pitcher, Rogers

Stephanie Shupe,Freshman,pitcher,Lakes
Heidi Wells, sophomore, pitcher, Stadium

SPSL 4a All Area 1st Team Winners: http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/highschools/index-p2.html

Emerald Ridge Roster:

Kyndell Andrews Senior/C

Taylor Buie Freshman/2B

Kelsey Burgi Junior/SS

Kerrianne Davidson Senior/3B

Alexa Derrick Senior/P/DH/1B 2009 Pitcher of the Year,1st Team SPSL

Mikayle Dwyer Sophomore/3B

Kristine Massey Sophomore/OF

Alisha McKnight Senior/P/1B

Taryn Petty Sophomore/P

Stephanie Riley Freshman/OF/2B

Savannah Seay Sophomore/C

Samm Sowards Junior/OF

Lindsay Thompson Junior/OF

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Emerald Ridge vs Decator April 30th, 2009

Photos link/Album below:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/photo/highschoolgallery/highschools.html#id=album-45645&num=910286

4A SPSL South -Rankings:

Emerald Ridge 17-0

Rogers 16-3

Puyallup 11-6

Beamer 7-9

Bethel 6-9

Graham-Kapowsin 4-11

Spanaway Lake 3-9

Curtis 3-10

Decatur 1-12

SPSL North - Rankings

Kentwood 16-3

Auburn Riverside 16-3

Jefferson 14-4

Kentlake 12-6

Tahoma 10-10

Kentridge 8-10

Auburn 6-11

Federal Way 3-15

Kent-Meridian 3-15

Puyallup Herald comments on Emerald Ridge Softball Team:

The Jaguars will rely heavily upon ace pitcher Alexa Derrick and hurler Alisha McKnight throughout the postseason.
“Alexa is our No. 1 pitcher and McKnight will pitch for us, too. I don’t want Alexa pitching every game. We need to keep her fresh,” Wardle said. “Our best lineup is when Alexa is pitching and when McKnight is on first base.” - Coach Wardle

There’s a unifying reason why Rogers and Emerald Ridge Jaguars have advanced to the state fastpitch tournament. The common denominator amongst these two elite programs is each squad possesses an ace starting hurler who paralyzes opposing teams from the pitching circle. Alexa Derrick (Emerald Ridge) and Bobbi-Jo Schaapveld (Rogers) have literally carried their respective teams on their shoulders all season long. Emerald Ridge inserts Alisha McKnight into the starting lineup from time to time to give Derrick a rest but Schaapveld is typically the only Ram to pitch for her team.
The state tournament will be no different this weekend.

For more news on Emerald Ridge Softball: www.puyallupherald.com/102/story/3911.html

For Player Statistics via Seattle Times:
Tahoma High fastpitch team faces Emerald Ridge at districts - Covington Reporter Covington/Maple Valley Reporter
BREAKING NEWS : SEARCH: Tahoma High fastpitch team faces Emerald Ridge at districts By Covington Reporter News May 22 2009, 11:46 AM UPDATED The Tahoma ...READ MORE
FASTPITCH: KW falls to Emerald Ridge, takes SPSL's No. 2 seed - Kent Reporter Kent Reporter
BREAKING NEWS : SEARCH: related stories Kent Reporter South King County FASTPITCH: KW falls to Emerald Ridge, takes SPSL's No. 2 seed By Kent Reporter Sports reporter May 15 2009 Rain ... READ MORE
FASTPITCH News; Kentwood drops league title game - Covington Reporter Covington/Maple Valley Reporter
... long layoff can have. The Conquerors stumbled out of the blocks, then were handcuffed by Emerald Ridge ace Alexa Derrick, falling to the Jaguars 7-2 in the South Puget Sound League ... READ MORE
High School Sports Friday's softball state tournament scores Seattle Times
... 12:00 AM Friday's softball state tournament scores At SERA Fields, Tacoma Kelso 8, Emerald Ridge 2 Stanwood 4, Rogers (Puyallup) 1, 8 inn. Auburn Riverside 5, Lake Washington 0 Walla ... READ MORE
Prep wrap-up: Softball postseason action update; In the top of the seventh inning in another loser-out game Saturday morning against Emerald Ridge. Jefferson (13-10) beat the Jaguars, 10-5. Against Emerald Ridge, the Jaguars rolled out to a 4 ... READ MORE
Final 2009 Seattle Times softball rankings ... Walla 24-2 3, Mountlake Terrace 18-4 4, Central Kitsap (Silverdale) 19-4 5, Emerald Ridge (Puyallup) 21-1 6, Auburn Riverside 19-5 7, Stanwood 20-3 8, Kelso 18 ... READ MORE
FASTPITCH: Tahoma can't find its groove and is bounced from district playoffs - Covington Reporter Covington/Maple Valley Reporter
... went two out in the West Central District playoffs. First the Bears faced a polished Emerald Ridge team that jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead in the early innings then ... READ MORE
High School Sports Amanda Fitzsimmons pitches Auburn Riverside into 4A softball semifinals Seattle Times Newspaper Seattle Times .. . Top-ranked Rogers of Puyallup was eliminated in two games Friday, falling to Stanwood and Emerald Ridge of Puyallup. The ER game went nine innings and gave the Jaguars a three-game ... READ MORE
... More sports: Class 4A state tournament At SERA Fields, Tacoma FRIDAY'S GAMES First round Emerald Ridge vs. Kelso, 11 a.m. Stanwood vs. Rogers (Puyallup), 11 a.m. Lake Washington vs ... READ MORE
High School Sports WCD Softball The Rogers breaks a 1-1 tie with nine runs in sixth inning Seattle Times Newspaper Seattle Times
... sixth seeds to state, avenging two earlier losses to the Conquerors (18-6). Top-ranked Emerald Ridge of Puyallup rebounded from Friday's 2-0 loss to Central Kitsap, the team's ... READ MORE

P Alexa Derrick, Sr., Emerald Ridge; P Kelsey Robinson, So., Puyallup; P Alisha McKnight, Sr., Emerald Ridge; IF Bobbi-Jo Schaapveld, Jr., Rogers; IF Haylie Watson, Jr., Rogers; IF Alyssa Rupp, Jr ... READ MORE
High School Sports All-league boys soccer Seattle Times Newspaper Seattle Times
... , So., Emerald Ridge; Teddy Ciocca, Sr., Emerald Ridge; Erik Nothstein, So., Graham-Kapowsin; Stephen Dutson, Jr., Rogers; Erik Lissak, Jr., Beamer. Forwards -- Tanner ... READ MORE
FASTPITCH:Tahoma struggles in shortened league playoffs - Covington Reporter Covington/Maple Valley Reporter
... the final out sealing the victory for Beamer. Tahoma will play at noon today against Emerald Ridge and an opponent to be determined at 4 p.m. at Sprinker Recreation Center near ... READ MORE
BASEBALL: Class 4A WCD brackets; state rankings - Kent Reporter Kent Reporter
... -3), 11 a.m. (winner takes No. 3 seed) GAME 8: Jefferson (12-9) vs. Emerald Ridge (14-6), 2 p.m. (loser out) GAME 9: Loser 7 vs. Winner 8, 5 ... READ MORE
High School Sports All-league girls basketball Seattle Times Newspaper Seattle Times
... Jackie Brown, Sr., Bethel; G Audrey Sullivan, Jr., Emerald Ridge; G Charleen Pleasance, So., Emerald Ridge; G Sherelle Williams, Jr., Rogers; G Sarah Quantz, Sr., Decatur. HONORABLE MENTION Beamer ? Shyla ... READ MORE

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Friday, May 15th, 2009
4A WCD softball pairings set
Posted by Doug Pacey @ 10:18:06 pm
The rains finally relented and the Narrows and SPSL softball tournaments were able to get underway on Friday evening. Emerald Ridge knocked off Kentwood for the SPSL title and Taylor Darnielle tossed a no-hitter in the Narrows League title game, leading Wilson past Stadium.
One Narrows League berth is still up for grabs -- it will go to Gig Harbor, Foss, Olympia or Lincoln -- but here are the nearly complete first-round pairings.
Friday, May 22At Sprinker Recreation CenterGame 1: NL No. 6 vs. Kentwood, 10 a.m.Game 2: South Kitsap vs. Puyallup, 10 a.m.Game 3: Kentlake vs. Rogers, 10 a.m.Game 4: Beamer vs. Wilson, 10 a.m.Game 5: Spanaway Lake vs. Stadium, 10 a.m.Game 6: Bellarmine Prep vs. Auburn Riverside, 10 a.m.Game 7: Jefferson vs. Central Kitsap, noonGame 8: Tahoma vs. Emerald Ridge, noon.

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Tacoma News Tribune Links: Emerald Ridge vs Decator http://www.thenewstribune.com/static/photo/highschoolgallery/highschools.html#id=album-45645&num=910286

ASA LINKS:

http://asawashington.org/

Michele Smith (web-links-video)

Michele Smith, 2 Time Olympic Gold Medalist

blogs.myspace.com/michelesmith

Michele Smith of Toyota Shokki Fastpitch Team

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eElQ8b2dkjU

Acers Kasner 12u "Never Give-up Attitude"

Anna Kasner "locked on tartget"

Acers Kasner 12u on the rise. "Never Give-up Attitude"

major key to competing... no matter what!

Potential in a young 12u team?

" I have the pleasure of training some of the best High School Teams in the Nation and some of the newly young fastpitch players, playing ASA/NSA for the first time and stepping into some very big shoes of local fastpitch legends. Its a big jump from City League non-competitive play going right into Junior Olympics. It takes a "fearless coach with a vision" and a great group of young ladies that want to compete. I saw that in Jason Kasner and some of his Acers 12u last Summer in 2008 while attending LFA Summer Fastpitch Camp. Two of Acers youngest players, Anna Kasner and Kendahl Sugai have worked the hardest since 2008 Summer Camp. They keep bringing the "Attitude" that they are pitchers and hitters and they mean business. And they are not even 12 years old. I have to say 50% of that confidence and attitude comes from great parenting and guidence. As a Pro Trainer you hope that is the case when training new talent. Sometimes the burden is left on the player's shoulders to carry. No parent around. Some players will do it. Well some did at the Ice Breaker with big-girl style. Eyes were on the youngest team there. Can these girls compete with the big-girls? Coaches all around the Northwest commented on how well the Acers played against the older players. One coach from Oregon was amazed! I see great things to come from the young Acers in the very near future, even now they are leaving their mark on the field. Good hitting ability and pitchers with great heart throwing movement fastballs and great change-ups. Sometimes Fastpitch is not always about winning but it is a very nice prize."

- Coach Adam

"I don't know, its a big step for me, that's why I went to Fastpitch Camp. My daughter Anna shows some potential and works very hard. She needed a team and Acers offered me a coaching job. It worked out. Coaching and developing young players in ASA takes one step at a time. We're still growing, and I think the lumps taken were lumps to learn from. We made some big jumps over our last weekend tourney, the girls hopefully learned not to give up and to support their teamates, no matter the score. I think our little talk after the first day got them fired up for Sunday and they played really well. We should have beat Bellevue Blast, Sudden Impact is a 12-13 year old team and they could hit, although the second day Cydni made some great pitches that they dinked around. I think that if we played the Hurricanes on Sunday, it would have been a lot different. Against the Blaze, the girls pounded the ball, it was the best that we as coaches have seen when it came to hitting. The defense was also stellar, and what can we say about Michelle and Cydni.

- Coach Jason

Welcome Auburn Acers, All ages, for Pitching,Catching,Slap Hitting- Fastpitch Training with coach Adam La Serna, Acer Coaches;Jason Kasner,Darin Sugai and John Petrovich

http://www.eteamz.com/Acers_Fastpitch_Org/teams//Acers_Fastpitch_Org/teams/

Acers Kasner12u: Pitchers; Michele Fowler,Anna Kasner,Kendahl Sugai,Sidney Mason.

ASA Links:

http://asawashington.org/

DRIVING DIRECTIONS May 9th Tournament at Sunset Park, Lakeland Hills,Auburn
1306 69th St SE
From I-5 or Hwy 167, take the Hwy 18 East. Take the Auburn-Enumclaw Exit.
At the end of the ramp, continue through the light to the next light at ‘A’ St. SE. Turn left. Continue on ‘A’ Street or 3.5 miles as it turns into East Valley Hwy. E.
Turn left onto Lake Tapps Pkwy E.
Continue up the hill for 1.1 miles to the light. Take a left onto Lakeland Hills Way.
Take the next left onto 69th St.
The entrance to the park is on the left.

Our game times for this weekend are the following

9:00 Acers Kasner vs. Blaze 97

10:30 Acers Kasner vs. White Rock Renegades

2:00 Acers Kasner vs. Bellevue Blast McCarthy

Please have the girls there at Sunset Field by 7:45 Saturday. If you need directions let me know.

Jason
206-919-9189

Acers-Kasner 12u,

Mothers Day Tournament 2009

“ And an Inspiration from Above”

Congratulations Diane and Jason for Hosting the 12u Mothers Day Tournament and having a huge successful fastpitch weekend. You're an inspirational Fastpitch Family (Kasners) that really dedicated your time, understanding and loyalty to your Acers 12u Team and their families. The Acer Parents provided such great enthusiasm and worked the tournament well together as a team.
It was a pleasure to have been a guest instead of a coach or trainer and I was able to just enjoy the game, the parents and players, coaches and tournament officials. Most of all what I valued as Fastpitch Coach, I learned how a "Class-Act" Tournament should be directed and properly hosted with a respectful tournament theme "Mothers Day" where all the ladies received flowers on their special day. On a sad note, that provided inspiration to one of your players whose mother not present due to a recent tragedy, the young player obviously dedicated her heart and mind to do her best. After some outstanding RBI Slap Hits in key situations, it was awesome how this player turned sorrow into a challenge then used that to motivate her to do her best. That was evident by the tears I had running down my face and few other parents did too. I know her mother was smiling down on her from up above.
Personally, I made some new fastpitch friends, got to know some of the Acer's Parents, enjoyed some delicious BBQ and met some Canadian Participants and Coaches that impressed me with the Canadian style of playing which seemed similar to baseball.
The many teams present at the tournament seemed to really get along and make for a competitive environment and level playing field. Any team would have won the tournament because of the fantastic weather and scheduling times, great officiating, and overall characteristics the weekend provided and set the tone for all to compete for a championship.
By the way the Infield Maintenance Crews were prompt and kept the fields in a safe, game-ready playing conditions.

All my best to your Team!

Coach Adam


Coach Adam La Serna
La Serna Fastpitch Academy
(206)227-9698
Bodycoach@hotmail.com
http://tacomafastpitchcenter/

High School State bound West Seattle Thunder Players

West Seattle Thunder Fastpitch Athletes (Current and Former) are well represented at the 2009 High School State Fast Pitch Tournament

22 current and former West Seattle Thunder players will be representing their high school teams in the 3A state fast pitch tournament on May 29 in Tacoma. (This represents about 10% of the athletes who will be participating in this event). Several of these athletes were key in helping their teams earn a state berth.
For West Seattle High School during the District 2 games, Thunder 18U teammates Kelsi Baker and Corinne Kleeberger shared the pitching with Kelsi pitching 18 of the 23 innings played during the Friday games. Kristin Jackson (18U) who caught all 37 innings during the distict tournament also had 2 hits in the WS Wildcats must win game against the Mt Si Wildcats. Annie Patnode (16U) drove Kelsi Baker in for the winning run in the 9th inning to advance the team to State for the first time ever. West Seattle was helped to the win in part by some cheering support by Holy Names Thunder players and other Holy Names West Seattle community members. Holy Names took 4th in the District tournament with contributions from 18U Thunder athletes Madie Baker and Ally Gale who combined for multiple hits during the tournament including 2 triples by Madie Baker. (Several former Thunder athletes contributed to their team’s successes including Farleigh Winter, Holy Names and Millie Osborne, Katelyn Elder and Cortney Elliott all from West Seattle High School)
In the District 3/4 Tournament both Mount Rainier and Kennedy advanced to State. Helping Kennedy stay alive in their first and must win game on Saturday was the hitting of Natalie Budner (Thunder 16U), her sister Sabrina (a former Thunder player) and Halle Davis (Thunder 16U) who combined for runs in a come from behind 4-3 victory over Timberline. Other Thunder players contributing to Kennedy’s success include Jenni Grosz (16U) and former Thunder athletes Toni Spadoni, Kerri Selk and Shannon Josie. Kennedy qualified for state with a win over the Thunder laden Mount Rainier Rams including 16U teammates Kelsey and Kristi O’Keefe and 18U Amanda Hopkins and Hillary Klein. (Former Thunder players on the Rams include Sonny and Maddi Dorhoffer and Tayler Fillmore). The Rams also went on to win their final game on Saturday to qualify for the State tournament.
Several former Thunder Fast Pitch players will also represent Seattle Lutheran which has qualified for State in the 2B bracket. Additionally, Emilie Schwartz (Thunder 16U) is headed off to state, not for fast pitch but for Track representing the Northwest School.
Good luck to all in state which begins 5-29-09!

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TACOMA — The Bainbridge fastpitch team opened the Class 3A state tournament Friday morning with a 6-1 win over two-time defending champion Kennedy at the South End Recreation Area in Tacoma.
Lindsay Willmann threw a 1-hitter and Bainbridge pounded out nine hits, including doubles from Taylor Greenfield, Hailey Willmann, Chelsie Kakila and Haylee Baker. The Spartans scored four runs in the second inning and two in the fourth.
Bainbridge plays Union, a 2-0 winner over Lynnwood, in the quarterfinals at 3 p.m. Friday.
In the Class 2A fastpitch tournament in Selah, North Mason's game against Anacortes was scheduled to start at noon.

West Seattle Thunder-Schwartz 14u

Ice Breaker Tournament

April 4-5

video: http://animoto.com/play/XegeGBzkl7DdeVY5kxjBtQ

produced by: Mike and Mishana Egan

West Seattle Thunder 14u. A Team that keeps performing at the highest levels each season did just that at The Ice Breaker Tournament April 4-5 weekend. Team Preparation is key and key individual performers stand out as leaders.

Congratualtions! Keep up the great winning tradition.

-Coach Adam

Player Position ERA
Benita Beale P/ERA 1.56
Kayla Estes P/ERA 10.5
Jordan Kelly P/ERA 2.80
Sylvie Thomas P/ERA .78 (leads the team in k's with 17)

The girls did great, finished 5-1. Sudden Impact got our number this time due mostly to the one bad inning we had all tourney, five run first where we gave them five outs. Held them to one more run and we ended up losing 6-2. Sylvie had one of her tougher outings, after the game she told me her elbow was hurting and she couldn’t really throw the drop. I think it’s just a muscle strain, as the pain doesn’t seem to be in the joint, but on more on the forearm muscle. So we kept her out the rest of the day and iced, hopefully she’ll be OK. Benita pitched another great game in the last one and beat the Woodinville Reign 5-1. Yes, we were proud of them. They were one inning away from being 6-0. Sylvie definitely was not her normal self in the SI game, e.g. in her first complete game she threw 50 strikes and 11 balls, while in that game she was down around 60% strikes, which is way below her average. -Coach Jeff

Congratulations on a fantastic weekend in the Tri Cities. You all played great but more importantly, you all came together as a team. It was a true pleasure to watch and participate. Thanks to each and every one of you. For those of you who have not heard, Thunder had an outstanding weekend at the Ice Breaker winning 5 and 3/4 games and losing 1 inning. That is how close we were to being a perfect 6-0 for the weekend. This was a tremendous start to the season but one that left room for growth and improvement. It will be a lot of fun for all of us to set new goals so that we continue to improve over the season. - Coach Steve

May 9th Mothers's DAY Weekend Tournament

9:00 AM vs. Seattle Spice Field 3 Celebration Field Federal Way
10:30AM vs. Grays Harbor Heat Field 2 Celebration Field Federal Way
3:30 PM vs. Maple Valley Stealth Field 3 Celebration Field Federal Way

Audrey Birklid "Natural Born Hitter"

Hard Worker

Honor Student

A Catcher

A Hitter

photo "Pre-Load" by Kayla Cearley

photo " "Next Inning" by Kayla Cearley

2007 was a year of "finding talent" in the Fife Milton area for fastpitch players to come out of the Little League division and try-out for Junior Olympics in ASA/NSA Fastpitch. Then it was not long before Audrey and her parents were invited to come out to join a pick-up game with Sudden Impact 12u. After getting noticed, Coach Raj Bains asked Audrey to think about joining the team. Not long after, Audrey was playing Junior Olympic softball. After a couple months of practices, the team played in a few season openers and won Championships. To become a champion softball player in ASA/NSA takes alot of work,falling down and picking yourself back up, never giving up and trusting your coaches and teammates. With 2008 now underway, Audrey has dedicated herself to quality training with her Team coaches and coach Adam at the Tacoma Soccer and Fastpitch Center where she has developed her own hitting technique and has a bigger bat. "I see Audrey wanting to learn about hitting so she can dedicate herself to her team more as a hitter and starting catcher. It was difficult for Audrey to overcome an intensive hitting program we provide for serious teams and players at the Fastpitch Center. Fun is the reward for hard work and discipline that the player puts in. Because they get to experience the results after winning a few games and a championship or two. Leaders will grow out from those experiences. I treat everyone the same, nobody gets special treatment or favors. Simply put, if you don't want to get better or train hard, you won't be training in our Fastpitch Academy. There is a place for average performers. Just not here. Once Audrey realized what her dad Jason asked of her to do her best at training camp, she just kept taking it all in and then delivering. Averaging extra base hits and a couple triples in her last few games last month. I like to think that Audrey has natural ability and instinct. She can make a big hit look easy. There's alot of work that goes into a serious/intense hitting program. Easy, it is not. If the young ladies can take the pressure to perform at camp then they can use that new skill anytime they go out and compete. I like to tell them it gets easier." -coach Adam

Marah Williams " The Rocket"

The Legend from Magnolia

Garfield High Varsity Freshman Pitcher

Marah "The Rocket" Williams is no stranger to the fastpitch community in Seattle. A Legend and a Champion who put Seattle Fastpitch Club in high gear winning Seattle Metro Championships and many other tournaments qualifying time and time again for Nationals. Marah was recruited to Garfield High school Softball last summer after playing in a pick-up summer game at Woodlawn Park and she was only a Freshman. Four years ago Mike Williams and his wife Penny LeGate introduced me to their daughters Marah and Molly at the Strike Zone ball club in Seattle where I was training pitchers. My focus was on Molly but Marah was standing around watching and eventually wanted to try pitching. The 10 year old later started a journey to early fastpitch stardom. Later I travelled to Magnolia at the request of Mike so he can be closer to home and get dinner started for the family at his usual time. What happened in those many months and years of training was Marah's incredible fastball,curve and change-up. A couple years later playing 12u little league and Select Club ball, Marah made a name for herself and the Teams she played for. A dominant pitcher then, Marah just had fun doing what she loved. "The parents,players and local fans just could not wait to see her pitch, they just loved to watch when Marah pitched, said dad Mike. Soon other parents of other teams started to take notice of Marah's exceptional abilities. I had parents coming up to me after games and asking questions about Marah's age,who trains her and leaving their phone numbers with me, including a rival pitcher's dad that was taking his daughter to a UW pitcher for training." Mike really enjoyed training with and learning all he could about pitching. When Marah turned 12 I remember coming to practice and Mike had full catcher's gear on! Marah's speed started to overwhelm him on sunny days and wanted to protect his body. I learned so much from Marah about the essentials she learned and applied to become a legendary pitcher in her community. Now pitching for Garfield, Marah takes on a whole new role as a starting Varsity pitcher.

Peyton Roy, Fife Milton All Star Pitcher

Adam,

Our daughter Peyton has been training with you for 2 years now and this Little League season is the best. She is pitching with good confidence and more aggressive on the mound, beating teams 15-0, 18-1 and the improvement is amazing.

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Thanks Adam!

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Jana and Troy Roy, FMF LL
Edgewood,WA

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All Star

Peyton Roy

2008 All Star Pitcher

Peyton makes an All Star Performance April 14th 2009

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Pitching an 18-1 Shutout

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"Whatever it Takes" describes Peyton's training ethic. Her attitude, never give up! I really admire any athlete that comes to practice and trains hard because they feel that will give them an edge over the competition. Peyton keeps improving and that's what matters to her. " I like to pitch and hit because its fun and I get to strike-out batters and then later go up to bat and hit."

With frozen waterbottle in hand, it did not matter to Peyton. Peyton practiced in all types of weather in 2007. Rain,snow or ice did not slow down this pitcher in the making. I think because Peyton plays soccer all year round is the reason for her discipline to practice her pitching and hitting in any weather. I have yet to train pitchers in the snow and ice but when parents and pitchers call, I come and train with them. I just think it is nuts sometimes but you know what, there is nothing nice and pretty about playing fastpitch softball. It is a growing sport that can get rough and physical. Fastpitch requires all skill levels physically and mentally. I just thought to myself, ok these soccer players love the outdoors so I will show up in my warm-ups and train them. Alongside Peyton is her good friend and soccer and fastpitch companion, Andie Nelson. I remember many times training with both of them and said, ok this is only for an hour. A few hot chocolates later and hour goes by, then 90 minutes and now its 2 hours! Pitching, Hitting, Fielding in the snow and ice or rain. I learn so much from training players but this was a first. Really, that was the motivation behind opening up the indoor Tacoma Fastpitch Center. 2008 fall training was a little warmer but I miss the hot chocolates!!

Kelsey Cearley a "Rising Star" in Graham Washington

Determined

Dependable

Disciplined

Dedicated

photo "Pitching in The Fog" by Kayla Cearley

"KC" Cearley

A Rising Star In Graham Washington

Graham, Washington is known for it's spectacular views of Mt Rainier and spectacular fastpitch softball players. I had the pleasure of training some very good players in the Graham and Puyallup area over the past 5 years. One of it's legends will be leaving soon and making room for the next, possible High School greats and the next legend. What makes a legend? Ask any big college recruiter or coach and they will tell you someone with dedication to fastpitch and growing in their position, with determination to win and being a dependable person. A player that can be counted on time and time again in all areas of fastpitch on and off the field. Kelsey Cearley is a rising star in Graham,WA. Now pitching for Sudden Impact 14u.

I really did not know what to expect from day 1 training Kelsey as a pitcher 2 years ago. Let's just say she was unasuming. Very small in size for her age group, 11 at the time. KC had a work ethic you're not used to seeing in a beginning pitcher back then. In less than 6 months she went from learning how to throw a fastball for location, "spot", to winning several championships with her team Sudden Impact 12u. That's not supposed to happen, its rare. Sudden Impact became a dominant force overnight. The parents started with 2 players and built the team from there, holding tryouts and recruiting local fastpitch trainers to send their top players their way. " I think she likes it? One thing she is good at is learning new things. KC likes to be active and wants to be the one in the spotlight, especially at home challenging her older sister Kayla and everyone in the house at everything. Kayla was the first to play softball then KC, sais dad Terry. KC has performed excellent in the spotlight for Sudden Impact the last two seasons. What I am enjoying the most as her Pitching Coach is KC's ability to learn new grips and pitches or "tweek" an existing pitch to make it better. Not every pitcher has that ability at her age and level."

Now in 2009 KC is doing it all again...pitching,hitting,slap-hitting. At the 2009 Ice Breaker Tournament, KC pitched a no-hitter and drove in RBI's as a slap hitter winning 15-1 in her first game!

Slap Hitting does 3 important things for your offense; 1. Creates RBI's when runners in scoring position. 2. Puts pressure on the Defense, 3. Put runners on 1st base that have speed.

- Coach Adam

Slap Hitting is Strategic. Here is a strategy that can be used when the front of the box line is not visible. Here in the video, this slapper gets away with an illegal front foot placement and gets on base. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp1JVE6KgMY