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STAMFORD, Conn. Stamford softball teams have developed a sterling reputation at the youth and high school levels. The first-year Stamford Storm and manager Brett Price hope the 12-year-old fast-pitch team can add to that luster.
Price and the players parents sought a higher level of competition for the girls. They were also seeking an environment on and off the field that catered to the needs of the girls. "We obviously had concerns at first, but so far, the overall results have been nothing short of fantastic," Price said. "The girls have known each other for several years, but not all of them have played on the same team before. The girls have really gelled as a team. There's real friendship among the girls. Also, the parents' friendship and spirit has just elevated the whole experience for everyone."
The Storm made its debut in the Westchester Fall League last year. This summer, it is playing in the Fairfield County Fastpitch Softball League and six travel tournaments. The Storm is 9-2 in the FCFSL.
Several things make The Storm unique. The team became affiliated with Pro Swing, an indoor baseball and basketball facility in Port Chester, N.Y., that operates year-round. The Storm has been working out at Pro Swing weekly since January. "By the time we got out on the field in April, we had already been working out as a team for quite a while, which seems to have paid off, as this season's schedule is quite challenging," Price said.
Keri Meyer, a former Northeast Conference Player of the Year at Robert Morris College, assists Price. She has also held coaching positions at two Division 1 universities. "These girls are talented and they have the desire to learn and win. I'm proud to be a part of this organization,'' Meyer said.
One other thing that makes the Storm unique is that parents take an active role in running the team. Easily identifiable in their purple shirts, the parents do everything from coordinating car pools to cookouts between games to field preparation at its home at Trinity Catholic High School. "The Stamford Storm is very much a family-based team and at its core is truly all about the girls,'' Price said.
Many of the players are familiar names from past All-Star teams that have achieved success. They include Hannah Davis, Zoe Carrillo, Taylor Price, Alexis Melfi, Jenna Della Jacono, Ryan Correa, Allison Pitasi, Julie Mandel and Emily Bates. The team also includes 11-year-old players Ava Fusaro, Lauren O'Neill and Amanda Price.
The season concludes with the FCFSL Tournament in Bethel beginning July 21. The team will hold tryouts for next season in late summer. Most of the players on the current squad will play for an under-14 team next year, with the others staying on the U12 team. Price is hopeful of developing a U10 team in the future.
"We have absolutely no regrets about going independent and calling our own shots,'' Price said. "The girls are having a blast, we're being successful on the field and the parents have been amazing in their support and enthusiasm. I only see great things in the future."
To find out more about the Storm, contact Price at (203) 524-4612 or at stamfordstorm@optonline.net.
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