Softball Academy: Building Skills, Confidence, and Community

Submitted by Saskatoon Public Schools

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On Saskatoon's west side, Tommy Douglas Collegiate hosts an unmatched program that is shaping the future of softball. Since 2009, Softball Academy has been helping Grade 9-12 students grow as athletes, earn coaching certifications, and prepare for opportunities at the next level. Many alumni have gone on to play university softball on scholarships, while others have become coaches themselves.

At its core, Softball Academy offers a chance to train with elite coaches and build lasting friendships while earning high school credits. Students leave the program with extra practice hours, a boost in confidence, and connections that last well beyond graduation.

Grade 12 student Ashlyn described how the community she's gained through Softball Academy makes her a better player: "I love the energy. There's something new every day. Somebody's having a laugh; there are so many personalities here at Softball Academy that you never know what you're going to expect each day. The coaches come with so much energy (…) No matter what you're doing, you're getting reps, you're getting better, and you're having fun with your friends."

World-Class Facilities and Experiences

Softball Academy students gain access to outstanding training facilities: three indoor softball diamonds, two batting cages, and dedicated weightlifting and fitness areas.

One of the program's highlights is its annual three-day camp, typically held in international locations. These camps give students the chance to experience high-performance training environments, meet coaches from various levels, and get noticed by recruiters. This school year, the class will head to Orlando, Florida.

Emma, a Grade 12 student, is in the program for her fourth year. In her words: "The Academy means everything (…) it's become home for me. We practice and play in state-of-the-art facilities, and we have very high-level coaching, which really helps. (…) We're competing alongside a lot of other athletes who are all working towards the same goal and we're just pushing each other to be better."

Meet the Coaches Behind the Program

Softball Academy's reputation is built on the expertise and passion of its coaches, Don Bates and Trevor Ethier. Both have competed and coached at the national level, earning numerous championship titles along the way.

Trevor Ethier

Current Women's National Team Program Assistant Coach

Canadian Native Fastpitch Championship Gold: 2008–10, 2014

Canadian Men's National Team: 2003–14

Gold Medal, ISC World Championship: 2010

Senior Men's Canadian Championship Gold: 2008

Pan-Am Championship Gold: 2003

Don Bates

Pan-Am Championship: Gold, 2012 and Bronze, 2014

Head Coach, Canadian Men's National Team: 2010–14

ISF World Championship Bronze: 2009

Assistant Coach, Canadian Women's Olympic Team (Beijing): 2008

Gold Medal, International Challenge (Australia): 2008

Whether on the field or in the classroom, Saskatoon Public Schools is proud to give students the opportunity to achieve excellence. Want to know more about Softball Academy at Tommy Douglas Collegiate?