Participation in sports builds self-esteem, encourages a healthy lifestyle, improves school attendance and teaches invaluable principles of teamwork. With middle school years being important and formative years, it is necessary to begin instilling these values in our students before they reach high school. By adding a middle school softball team to Snook ISD's current athletic program we would ensure these students have access to a quality school-based program that fosters teamwork, leadership and skill-building. Softball at the middle school level is growing in and around our local area. Currently, there are three other schools in our softball district with middle school softball teams. Due to the increase in softball at the middle school level, the number of teams in Little League for these ages has decreased as these athletes are participating in school-based programs rather than community programs such as Little League. Currently, the nearest 14 and under (14U) team is located over 1.5 hours away. Due to the distance, most towns that have a 14U team find it unfeasible to travel to Burleson County for games.
Snook ISD needs a middle school softball program in order to stay competitive with surrounding districts. Unlike baseball, there are no realistic Little League opportunities for middle school-aged girls interested in softball. A school-based middle school softball program will allow young girls to develop, maintain and continue to improve their softball skills. These young student-athletes will directly feed into the varsity softball program when they enter high school; therefore making our overall program stronger. This proposed program would be a cooperative venture shared by administration, coaches, and parents working together to provide a positive experience for students.
