Beginnings

The Connecticut Eliminators are a non-profit PONY/ASA/USSSA affiliated organization that began in 1993.  Our parents and the coaches were looking for a new venue for our girls, a way to deliver quality and competitive softball throughout the best year. We are constantly challenging our girls’ desire to take their game to a higher level and be the “Best of the Best”.

 

Mission Statement

Our players have a common love for softball and a special enthusiasm and dedication to the game. The outcome of which has been a higher level of play, at a very competitive level, which is both focused and fun to watch. As each season progresses, we have seen the fast-paced growth of our ballplayers’ individual and team-related softball skills. This leads to a mental attitude that is focused on the need for conditioning, commitment, integrity, accountability and hard work. In other words, the ability to become a total player!

 

More importantly, we have seen the evolution of such life skills as self-confidence, leadership, and sportsmanship. They have formed new friendships and learned that sports are truly about having fun!

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Coaching

Our coaches are focused on both teaching and coaching. As they instruct the teams about the actual game of softball, they are teaching by transmitting their knowledge directly to the girls. Coaching is something they do on the day of the game. That’s when they substitute players, plan strategies, and make adjustments.

The emphasis here is on quality. Our coaches have experience at many different levels of play. Some of
them have played at the collegiate level, others have attended clinics to further enhance their knowledge and their ability to deliver quality techniques and fundamental skill development. As the season progresses, they align and enhance core individual skills with team dynamics.

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Player’s Role

● Work hard and be aggressive. Never be out hustled or out-fought. Never give up!
● Enjoy the game, many lessons about life are taught from your adventures on the field.
● Take an interest in your teammates and friendships will grow along with the success of the team.
● Stay focused - Winning and losing comes down to who can stay focused.
● Finally, being part of a team means being 100% committed, giving 100% effort, and being 100%
coachable.

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Spring/Summer Travel Program

● The Spring/Summer travel program begins in April and ends in July/early August
● Most teams participate in outdoor and indoor tournaments throughout the Fall and Winter
● Eligibility is determined by the girls’ age as of January 1, at 12:00 a.m.
 

Our 10u, 12u, and 14u (middle school) teams will play between 8 and 11 tournaments, which include a
national tournament. Our 16u and 18u teams will play between 5 and 7 tournaments (mainly college
showcases/tournaments), which could include a national tournament.

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Fees
The CT Eliminators has been built around using dedicated volunteers to administer the organization and do some “low key” fundraising to support our program.

Fees for the travel season will cover the cost of tournaments/showcases, uniforms, team
equipment, insurance, use of our outdoor field facility as well as other Pony/ASA/USSSA registration
related fees. It does not cover the cost of personal equipment (cleats/gloves), travel, hotels, or meals.

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Additional Programs

● Fall Ball - Fall ball or fall and winter tournaments at the discretion of the coach.
● Training Facility - Train anytime at our outdoor practice field.
● Winter Training - 2+ hour practices weekly (November through March) in a state of the art
indoor facility to help prepare for middle/high school teams and the Spring/Summer travel
program.
 

Player Accomplishments

● Many of our players earn state/conference accolades.
● Many of our players continue on to play at the collegiate level.
● Many of our players now coach within the Eliminator Organization.
● Some of the schools that Eliminator players have attended are:

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Albertus Magnus, Allegheny College, American International College, Brandeis University, Bridgewater State, Bryant University, Central CT State University, Clark University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Eastern CT State University, Hamilton College, Hofstra University, College of the Holy Cross, Ithaca College, Keene State University, LeMoyne College, Merrimack College, Northern Kentucky University, Quinnipiac University, Rhode Island College, Roger Williams University, Siena College, Southern CT State University, Springfield College, Sacred Heart University, Salve Regina, University of Maine, UMASS Amherst, Tufts University, Stonehill College, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, Western CT State University, Western New England University, Wheaton College, Union College, and many more!

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Contact

Kelly Paterson, President of Softball Operations
Phone: 860-620-7837
Email: kellyannpat@gmail.com