Prior Lake Athletics for Youth

We are currently in need of a Director to oversee the InHouse Softball Program.  Please contact Kari Ahlstrom, VP of Softball, if you are interested or would like more information.

My name is Kari Ahlstrom VP of Softball and my role is to oversee the Traveling and In-House programs for all P.L.A.Y. In this position I work very closely with George Kraemer (Traveling Director), Open Position (In-House Director), and the rest of the Softball Board to ensure we support the program mission, remain focused on our overall objectives, establish appropriate budgets, provide opportunities that accommodate all levels of competition, and position the program for long-term success.

The 2012 season goal is to continue building on the success our program has enjoyed over the years.

Softball will undergo some changes in the next few years to build for the future and bring further integration to the overall program. Continuing in 2012 you will see new committee members focused on the goal to better align our program with other P.L.A.Y. sports, the high school program and further integration of the Traveling and In-House programs, selection of In-House Tournament Teams and increase involvement of coaches and community through a committee structure. 

The mission of Prior Lake Softball is to create a healthy, competitive, drug-free environment where young girls and women can build their skills as athletes and people. We strive to afford opportunities to develop and enhance softball skills to compete at all levels. Our athletes are encouraged to develop confidence, high self-esteem, and respect for the game to better support their future roles as quality citizens.

I would like to thank all the committee members, coaches and volunteers that helped in 2011!  Special thanks to our departing Board Members for their long-term contributions to the program. We could not have had such a great season without you!

In 2012, the need for volunteers will be greater than ever. We have many opportunities to help on both committees and are in the process of developing teams to work on individual projects to alleviate some necessary time commitment. We need people to step up and help, so please contact any of the listed board members if you are interested in donating some of your time to the program.

 Currently, we have two tracks to our softball program "Traveling' and 'In-House". The programs share the same overall mission of P.L.A.Y. and the softball organization, but do so with different commtiment expectations, competitive levels, and approaches to the sport of Softball. The main defferences in the programs can be found on the website, by going to each program. Moving between the two different programs from one year to the next is always possible should the players, parents or coaches feel necessary. The program leadership and direction comes from our softball board.

This program is a larger commitment from the players, parents, coaches, and volunteers. More details on the specific time commitment can be found on the website. Traveling Softball, "Fastpitch" , is intended to be a competitive experience with the opportunity to have fun and learn softball fundamentals. If you are looking for something less competitve, you should consider In-House Softball.

In terms of participants, this is the larger of the two programs. This program is less of a time commitment and a shorter season than Traveling. Many of the participants in this program are outstanding athletes and enjoy the game of softball, but might have stronger commitments to other activities or interests. All games are played within the Prior Lake /Savage School District limits. In-House Softball is intended to be a moderate competitive experience with the opportunity to have fun and learn softball fundamentals. If you are looking for something more competitive, you should consider Traveling softball.

 As much as we all wish our daughter might be the next Jennie Finch, the reality is that 99.99% will not. Even progressing on to playing high school varsity or college softball is unlikely for most players. For this reason, our mission and objectives are focused on assisting in the development of quality citizens. We win and lose with dignity, maintaining respect for all players, coaches, umpires and fans. All are members or our community, and like the rest of us, make mistakes from time to time. The expectation of participants in our program is to understand and support the Code or Conduct Pledges, no exceptions! Enjoy the season, the experience and Go Lakers!