Q. Do you have open try-outs? What if I was not one of your recruits?
A. Yes, we have open try outs, and everyone is welcome to try out for the team. There are so many talented athletes, we can’t know about every one. If we didn’t actively recruit you, we may not have known about you.
Q. How many players are on the team?
A. Our team usually numbers between 16 and 20 members.
Q. Do you have your own field and locker rooms?
A. Yes, our enclosed field has dugouts, a protective outfield fence, bullpen area, batting cage, and electronic scoreboard. We also have locker rooms and athletic trainers at the site. Our facilities are located at the 33 acre King’s College Betzler Fields sports complex. Other King’s athletic teams have facilities at the complex, including baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and football.
Q. How long does softball practice last?
A. The average practice time is 2 hours.
Q. Do you take a spring training trip?
A. Yes, in past years, we have traveled to Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, and North Carolina. This year’s trip is to Disney World. We travel and play during the week of spring break, so no classes are missed. We also make sure we have time to enjoy the sights on our trip.
Q. Does the softball team train during the off-season?
A. The off-season program is very flexible and sport specific. Each team member is assigned a workout partner, and sport specific training program. The basic program consists of weight training, aerobic activity, and drills. This program is then tailored to each individual’s position and particular needs. The time required is approximately 35 minutes, 3 time per week. Our pitchers work with a pitching coach to learn new pitches and work on their mechanics.
Q. What type of training facilities are available to me in the off-season?
A. We have two weight training facilities available. The Alumni Hall facility contains weight machines, stationary bikes, rowers, and stair climbers. The Mines houses over 13,000 lbs. of free weights. There is also an indoor hitting tunnel and pitching mound, racquetball courts, and an Olympic sized indoor swimming pool. We provide you with all the tools necessary for you to become a successful player.
Q. Does King’s play during the fall season?
A. King’s plays a fall season, which lasts approximately 4 weeks, and includes 2 tournaments. All games are scheduled on weekends, so no class time is missed. The fall season provides an excellent opportunity for the team to get to know each other early in the school year.
Q. How far does the team travel, and how do they get there?
A. The average travel time for a game is 2 hours. However, the team does travel to Florida and Maryland for tournaments during the season. The usual transportation is a team video bus. Players can relax and watch movies or complete class work if they choose.
Q. How long is the traditional spring season, and how many games do you play?
A. The season begins with indoor training near the end of January, and continues until playoffs are complete in May.
Our schedule includes 40 regular season games plus conference and NCAA championship tournaments.
Q. Has the team been successful?
A. Absolutely! The team averages over 20 wins a season, and won the 1999 Eastern College Athletic Conference Championship, 2000 MAC Championship, and 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Freedom Conference Championships! We have also been selected to 7 consecutive NCAA Regional Championship tournaments.
Q. Who takes care of my uniform and practice clothes?
A. Our custom made uniforms are laundered after each game by the equipment manager. Practice clothes are also laundered for the team.
Q. Can I play more than 1 sport?
A. Yes you can. While it is often difficult to participate in 2 varsity programs due to the time requirements and academic demands, it is possible.
Q. Are professors cooperative when I am unable to attend class due to a game?
A. Professors are notified in advance by the athletic office, so they are very cooperative. The game is considered an excused absence.
Q. How important are academics to team members?
A. Academics is the reason our graduates are so successful, and are offered jobs upon graduation. King’s currently posts a 99% placement rate within 1 year of graduation.
Our team G.P.A. has been the highest in the Middle Atlantic Conference and ranked 17th in the nation! These are true student-athletes. Softball players are encouraged to excel in class, and have tutors available for extra insight. Each player is also tracked academically, to ensure that they are successful in every class.
Q. What makes King’s so special?
A. The people here at King's are what makes it special. King’s combines an excellent education with a personal touch. Every member of our faculty and staff are committed your success.