Gabrielle Cromley Capstone

For my Capstone, I coached a PeeWee softball team consisting of seven and eight year old girls for the 21st Ward Fillies Softball League. Throughout the fall and winter, I researched sports psychology in children, coaching methods, the impact of team sports on children, as well as drills and games. During these months, I helped with moving the equipment to storage for winter after the fall ball season ended. I also worked to prepare the concession stands, fields, equipment, and team for the opening day. During March, I made my own drills and practice plans with the guidance of my fellow coaches. Practices began in April and we have practice for an hour twice a week. I am now beginning to incorporate my practice plans into them as well as lead practice. Since opening day in April, the team has had eight games and stands with a record of 6 wins and 2 loses.

Throughout my research and experience with coaching, I learned that teaching children is arduous and requires creating fun, innovative, and memorable lessons so that they have an impact on the child. I also realized how important it is for children to grow up with a healthy lifestyle and how sports cause social and mental growth with competitiveness, teamwork, and compassion. I will coach this team for the rest of the season and I will continue my passion for softball by being an assistant coach for the Science Leadership Academy Rockets in the fall.

Photo Album, Drill/Practice Plans, & Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lHR99r5D1aT_wC16XoJpc-llMS6r0-sucDyGGOjNdIY/edit