About Sting

Do you love softball? Take your game to the next level with the Sting program. Sting is for the more motivated and committed player who wants to play at a higher level and a faster pace. Sting teams work to become highly skilled, and will feature fast, accurate pitching. With multiple and often back-to-back games in weekend tournaments around Northern California, the experience is exciting, challenging, fast-paced, and fun. But it's more than just thrills and skills. It's also an amazing opportunity to grow as a player, teammate, and a person.

Sting vs. Recreational Play

Sting differs from recreational play in several ways. While the recreational league emphasizes fun and basic skills, and affords all kids an opportunity to play all positions, Sting emphasizes fielding a competitive team. Although all team members will see playing time, some players will play more than others. Also, whereas rec players rotate to learn all positions, most Sting players concentrate on no more than two positions.

Sting Seasons

Depending on the number and skill level of players in a given year, Sting fields teams for 10U, 12U and sometimes 14U. And because Sting seasons are short (roughly eight weeks), player (and family) commitment to full participation is essential.

10U & 12U “All Star” Teams

Eligibility: The summer season begins with tryouts for the 10U and 12U teams in late April. Players trying out must have participated in the previous ABGSL Spring season. For 10U, a player must be 10 years old or younger on December 31st of the prior year. For 12U, a player must be 11 or 12 years old on December 31st of the prior year. When registering for tryouts, players indicate which seasons they’re available to play: summer and fall, summer only, or fall only. Summer players in good standing who wish to continue in the fall have first priority for fall team positions. Any fall positions not filled by summer players will be filled first by “fall only” recruits.

Summer Season: Summer season starts slowly during the month of May, with 1 practice per week while players finish up the ABGSL rec season. At the start of June, Sting players move into high gear with 3 weekday and 1 weekend practice, except on tournament weekends. In summer, teams typically play 4 local (within 1.5 hour's drive) tournaments and 1 overnight tournament. They typically play in Class B or Class C USA Softball or All-star Tournaments (AST). The season usually wraps up by the end of July.

Fall Season: During the fall season, which starts in late August, players practice 2-3 weekdays plus Sundays. They play 4 or 5 local (within 1.5 hour’s drive) tournaments in the months of September and October, wrapping up by Halloween.

14U “Select” Team

Eligibility: Participation in the ABGSL recreational league is not required. 14U tryouts occur in December for the following spring season. Spring players in good standing who wish to continue in the summer and fall have first priority for those teams if they are available. Another open tryout may be held prior to the summer season to give an opportunity to recreational league players (and others) to join the team.

Spring Season: The Spring season begins in January/February. Players practice once or twice per week during the week and once on weekends, depending on field availability. They will play an estimated 5 or 6 tournaments before Memorial Day.

Coaching

When possible, Sting prioritizes female-identifying Head and Assistant Coaches with high-level softball experience. They are typically supported by Parent Coaches.

Family Participation

Family participation is a key component to a successful Sting season and a significant commitment. Families should be prepared to take on various jobs to support the team.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sting fees are higher per season than recreational fees due primarily to paid coaches and tournament fees. Families can expect to pay about $1000 per player per season (this is slightly higher for 14U). Additional costs include uniforms ($150–$200), personal gear, and tournament-related expenses (meals, travel, and lodging).

A limited number of scholarships are available on an as-needed basis.