The NJ Avalanche Was Started in the Fall of 2006 with Just One 14U Team. This Team Consisted
The NJ Avalanche was started in the Fall of 2006 with just one 14u team. This team consisted of 5 players from the Babe Ruth World Series team (Mt. Olive) and 6 players from the Little League World Series team (Pequannock) of the summer of 2006.
The NJ Avalanche does our best to play schedules that are appropriate to the level of our teams. If you are looking for trophies, this is not the place. If you are looking to have your daughter trained in a professional manner and challenged on a regular basis, then the Avalanche will meet or exceed your expectations. Our top teams play in the highest level showcases, tournaments and qualifiers within a reasonable budget. We do have second tier teams for developing players as well. All of our schedules are posted on our website. The fees are determined by the number and cost of tournaments that are done each season.
All teams from 12u and up are coached by one non-parent coach and one or two parent coaches. We have a very simple philosophy about our program, we carry the least amount of players possible to guarantee playing time for all players. Our goal is to have every player that wants to play softball in college be given the tools to obtain that goal if they are willing to put the work in.
10u
-Youngest team within our organization
-Combination of 1st year and 2nd year players
-Plays mostly local schedule of tournaments
-Coached by parents and assisted by college girls in the summer
-Practices 1-2 times a week during the seasons (outside)
-Additional indoor practice is optional at a fee per week
-Rosters no more than 12-13 players
12u
-Consists of 1st year and 2nd year players
-Plays mostly local schedule of tournaments
-Coached by one non-parent coach and assisted by parents as well as college girls in the summer.
-Practices 1-2 times a week during the seasons (outside)
-Additional indoor practice is optional at a fee per week
-Rosters no more than 12-13 players
14u
-Combination of 1st year and 2nd year players
-Plays an aggressive local schedule of tournaments with an occasional travel tournament
-May play in a National Event at the end of the summer if the team coaches, organization and the parents agree.
-Coached by non-parent coaches
-Practices at least 1 time a week during non-high school season. Otherwise 1-2 times a month during the high school season.
-Rosters 12-13 players depending on commitment
18u – Showcase
-Plays in mostly college showcases/tournaments in both the Fall and Summer.
-Has one major trip per year for a Showcase (may involve airfare)
-May play in a National Event at the end of the season
-Trained and coached by Jim Drury
-Practices 1 time a week or as needed except during high school season.
-Rosters 11-12 players
18u Team
-Plays a lighter tournament schedule of 4-5 tournaments.
-Coached by non-parent head coach. Assistant may be a parent.
-Trained by Nicole Degenhardt, coach of
-Practices 1 time a week or as needed except during high school season.
-Rosters 11-12 players.
-Option to play in mid-week league. Seniors in 23u/non-seniors in 18u league.
23u League
-Plays in Wednesday night double headers.
-Starts mid-June
-Made up of girls who are or have graduated high school or already playing in college.
-This is to keep up your skills but also be fun.
-Plays for 7 weeks
-Some travel around Northern NJ.
-Rosters 15-20 girls to allow for absences
23u Tournament Team
-Girls who are playing in college that want to have stiffer competition and structure than the league.
-Plays in 4 or 5 tournaments in June and July in NJ and PA
-Rosters 12-15 girls.
-Coached by a parent.