14 & Under Orland Park Sparks: Welcome

November 25, 2009

The 14U Sparks Black got off to a great start this Fall by going 7-1 in three different Round Robins/Tournaments.  Although the team did not have many Fall practices, the girls definitely proved early on that they are going to be a team to be reckoned with! 

Behind strong pitching, tight defense, timely hitting and aggressive base running, the 14U Black played pretty solidly for a team that was still getting to know each other.  The girls will be working extremely hard over the winter until sometime in February when the High School girls from the roster will end Sparks' practices and start practicing with their individual High School teams.  At that point, the 14U Black and Red teams will be combined for the Spring season until sometime in May when the teams will break back into their respective teams for the Summer schedule.  

This year's 14U Black team is being coached by the father/daughter tandem of Steve and Allison Parker.  Not only have the girls really started to gel with the coaches, they are excited to see if Coach Steve will be busting out that all-red sweat suit again next year as he did in Joliet!

Congratulations to the following girls who are a part of the 2010 14U Sparks Black:

# 2  Haylie Arndt             SS/3B
# 3  Jorgi Calombaris        SS/3B/P
# 8  Jordan Arndt            2B
# 9  Emily Gerhardt          3B/SS
#11  Brittany Ruzella         OF/SS
#12  Ranesja Woods          OF
#17  Kara Meter              C/3B/SS
#19  Rebecca Lincoln          C/OF
#20  Ashley Reitenbach       P/OF/2B
#21  Brianna Gyrion           2B
#23  Savannah Kinsella        1B/SS/3B
#27  Allie Bettenhausen       P/1B
#32  Nina Tholl                2B/3B/OF

The Orland Park Sparks were founded in 1979, and since have developed a tremendous history of providing the best available fundamental instruction, quality competition and exposure for young athletes. The program was founded with honest values and has strived to be not only the best in Illinois, but throughout the Midwest and the nation. The Sparks have also been instrumental in providing a venue for tournaments that host several competitive teams. Additionally, many of the Sparks staff have been called upon to be clinicians for coaches, players, and umpires.

The organization has developed an outstanding tradition nationally, based on success in some of the highest-level tournaments. The Sparks teams have made repeated visits to ASA National tournaments at all age levels. The 18 & Under team has made it to the Nationals 12 consecutive years, highlighted by the 1996 Class A National Championship. Sparks teams have also finished in the Top 10 nationally on four other occasions. Because of the consistent level of success, the Sparks name has become synonymous with high-caliber softball throughout the nation.

The 14 & Under Sparks would like to thank you for visiting their page. The calendar is updated weekly with games, tournaments, and other information so please check back often. Good luck to all and see you this summer.