If you’re a sports fan, perhaps you’re already looking forward to spring and the return of the Great American Pastime. The whip of the pitcher’s arm, the crack of the bat, infield dust enveloping a sliding baserunner, the roar of the crowd!
We’re talking about fastpitch softball, a dynamic version of baseball developed nearly a century ago and now played primarily by women and girls.
Through fastpitch softball athletes hone their physical skills, develop a strong work ethic, and grow their self-confidence. Winning games is always a goal, but the camaraderie and friendships among teammates are the biggest prize.
Vashon High School has fielded a varsity softball team since 1979; at least one of my aunts played in the inaugural season.
However, Pirates Softball faces an oncoming crisis: after the 2027 season there will not be enough players to field a team. The current roster will graduate and there are almost no middle school players in the pipeline.
Where did all the girls go? Research indicates that by age 14, girls drop out of organized sports at approximately twice the rate of boys. In adolescence, gendered social pressures can discourage girls from pursuing athletics.
National scrutiny around athletes’ gender identities (and those athletes’ fear of social stigma or outright violence) does not create a welcoming environment for gender-nonconforming participants. Women’s softball receives relatively little financial or cultural support in collegiate and professional settings, which reduces the visibility of girls’ role models. Expensive “select” clubs have crowded out volunteer-run, affordable community recreational programs.
Vashon Youth Baseball & Softball, the island’s nonprofit recreational league for kids ages 4-14, experienced an existential drop in fastpitch registration during the first COVID years. The resulting gap of absent players threatens the future of the VHS team.
To rebuild the pipeline from youth fastpitch to high school, we need to welcome back the current middle schoolers who haven’t played in several years and build enthusiasm for softball among elementary kids. We’re calling out an SOS to Save Our Softball!
Friends in Fastpitch Clinics:
VYBS is partnering with VHS for “Friends in Fastpitch,” a mentoring program that will pair current VHS softball players with younger athletes in grades 3-8.
Led by VHS staff and VYBS coaches, this winter program offers younger athletes the chance to learn or refresh their core softball fundamentals, receive individual and small-group coaching, and be inspired by mentors who have been in their cleats before.
High school mentors will gain valuable experience working with our community, as well as the possibility of a VYBS volunteering scholarship. Whether players are new to softball or ready to take their skills up a notch, Friends in Fastpitch will provide a positive, high-energy, supportive space for them to grow.
Clinics will take place in January and February in one of the school gyms. Registration is free but required; exact dates and times will be announced.
2026 season:
VYBS has strong hopes of fielding an 11U team (grades 3-5) that will play teams from around Puget Sound. At the 14U level (grades 6-8), for now we are exploring partnerships with nearby mainland leagues whose softball programs are also under-enrolled.
Movie fundraiser:
In March, VYBS will welcome moviegoers to the Vashon Theatre for a screening of A League of Their Own, with all proceeds benefiting the softball program for new uniforms, new equipment, and player financial aid. Admission is by donation and any amount helps.
Community support:
We ask our neighbors to support Pirate Softball by volunteering your time, energy, connections, or funds. Did you play sports at VHS and want to give back by supporting the softball program? Are you a summer adult slowpitch enthusiast interested in helping at clinics or practices? Do you know a college softball athlete or a sports personality who could connect with the Friends in Fastpitch participants? Contact VYBS to help out!
More information about the Save Our Softball initiative, upcoming clinics, fundraising events and player registration is at vybs.net. Also check VISD school newsletters, The Beachcomber, the Vashon Theatre website, and the VYBS Facebook page. Together let’s ensure that future VHS softball athletes can show their Pirate pride as they take Rochelle Munger Field!
Lindsey Gay (they/them) is the VYBS president. They have been coaching youth baseball since 2019 and enjoy playing in Vashon’s adult summer slowpitch softball leagues.
