
Preparing young athletes for their future athletic careers is something to be cherished. Between teaching them fundamentals, the right mindsets, the power of teamwork, and how to have fun, it truly is a beautiful thing–especially for Brandi Alonzo. Going into her third year of hosting the Viterbo Softball Clinic, Alonzo finds comfort in working with young softball players and giving them lifelong and meaningful lessons. “My philosophy with kid’s clinics is we want to make it fun. We want to make it engaging, and we want to make it just a positive memory for them. We don’t want them to remember all of the technical things that we do, but rather that they’re always going to remember who made it the best day. It’s really about the positive experience and the takeaway for the kids.” Alonzo shows us just how much she loves what she does.
When it comes to working with young players, the fundamentals will not always be there but making it engaging and fun is always a way to inspire and create future success. “Seeing the willingness to try new things is a big part, and the enthusiasm that some of them have. I mean I know we’re going to have a few only here because their parents made them, but the ones that are here because they love it are awesome. It’s just awesome to see the next generation grow.”
Between being forced to attend and wanting to, Alonzo makes it fun for the kids either way. With a day full of fun, skill testing, and meaningful teachings, Alonzo structures her clinics to make sure the kids leave being a little better than before and remembering something they will use later on in life. “A typical day is going to be a good portion on our defensive fundamentals, and then a good portion on our offensive fundamentals. We’ll either break it up into one whole section of each or we’ll rotate through every part of the game at all times. The current players do a really good job of helping the fun aspect because it’s only me, it’s going to be very boring and only based on fundamentals in the game. Also, putting your own spin onto the things we do makes it fun and trying different drills that may be a little silly but in doing so makes it fun.”
Overall, the Viterbo softball team cherishes teamwork and leadership. Alonzo is a coach who truly loves her role and having players to help her execute her wishes for the kids; it’s a beautiful and impactful experience. For Alonzo, it’s just another part of her everyday life; making the game of softball fun and making players want to be better.