Girl's Softball in Richmond, Kentucky
Presenter Hometown
Chantilly, Virginia
Major
Recreation and Park Administration
Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Jon Mcchesney
Mentor Department
Recreation and Park Administration
Recommended Citation
Sallberg, Alexandra K., "Girl's Softball in Richmond, Kentucky" (2017). University Presentation Showcase Event. 79.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2017/undergraduate/79
Abstract
From the sport’s creation in 1876, women’s fastpitch softball is a sport that has evolved nationally and worldwide. The organization of travel fastpitch softball teams, with participants ranging from 8 to 18 years old, has encouraged and increased the competitiveness of the game. Travel teams saw tremendous growth in the early 2000s. Nationwide tournaments that host the most talented teams attract hundreds of collegiate coaches to scout potential future players in hopes of offering them the ultimate goal: a college scholarship. While many cities and states are well advanced in the sport, there are some cities that struggle to grow. Richmond, Kentucky is a location where girl’s softball is present, however, the sport is struggling to expand. Factors that affect the growth and advancement of girl’s softball in Richmond include, funding, quality and amount of adequate facilities, the absence of experienced coaches and loss of interest. The research question to be examined is how do we improve these factors so that girl’s softball in Richmond can grow? This study involved a literature review as well as interviews with players, coaches, and parks and recreation professionals to ascertain the issues facing girls’ softball in Richmond, Kentucky.
Presentation format
Poster
Poster Number
099
Girl's Softball in Richmond, Kentucky
From the sport’s creation in 1876, women’s fastpitch softball is a sport that has evolved nationally and worldwide. The organization of travel fastpitch softball teams, with participants ranging from 8 to 18 years old, has encouraged and increased the competitiveness of the game. Travel teams saw tremendous growth in the early 2000s. Nationwide tournaments that host the most talented teams attract hundreds of collegiate coaches to scout potential future players in hopes of offering them the ultimate goal: a college scholarship. While many cities and states are well advanced in the sport, there are some cities that struggle to grow. Richmond, Kentucky is a location where girl’s softball is present, however, the sport is struggling to expand. Factors that affect the growth and advancement of girl’s softball in Richmond include, funding, quality and amount of adequate facilities, the absence of experienced coaches and loss of interest. The research question to be examined is how do we improve these factors so that girl’s softball in Richmond can grow? This study involved a literature review as well as interviews with players, coaches, and parks and recreation professionals to ascertain the issues facing girls’ softball in Richmond, Kentucky.
