We have 10U, 12U, and 14U teams, plus 16U and 18U teams that play after the high school season. [Confirm: are 16U and 18U combined or separate this year?]

USA Softball and NAFA now set age divisions by a September 1 to August 31 window instead of the calendar year. For example, a player born November 1, 2014 could play 10U in 2026, even though she would have played 12U under the old rules. Little League hasn’t adopted this change yet, so for players in both, we’ll talk it through family by family. Our goal is always to put each player where she can keep growing. See the age chart to find where your player falls.

This is a competitive travel program, and players should be able to throw, catch, and hit consistently. Previous experience is strongly encouraged. If you’re unsure whether your daughter is ready to move up from Little League, have her try out. It’s the best way to find out. Most levels will require cuts because spots are limited, so please talk with her beforehand about the possibility of not making the team. That doesn’t define her future in the sport, and we’re happy to talk through any concerns. If travel ball isn’t the right fit yet, Central Oregon has strong recreational programs, including Bend North Little League and Bend South Little League.

Positions and playing time are earned through skill, preparation, and what the team needs. Coaches make these calls with two goals: helping each player grow and building a team that plays well together. We’ll tell players exactly what to work on, and we’ll tell you when they’ve done it. If your daughter wants more time at a position, ask her coach what she needs to show. We’re glad to have that conversation.description

We’re a team, and that includes parents. We ask families to support the process, cheer for every player, and bring questions to us directly. In return, we’ll be open about where your daughter stands, what she’s working on, and how she can keep improving

varies by level and depends on how many local games we can schedule. We anticipate:

• 10U: 3-6 tournaments, including 1 local tournament and some local games against other Central Oregon travel teams

• 12U: 7-9 tournaments, including 1-2 local tournaments and some local games against other Central Oregon travel teams

• 14U: 7-11 tournaments, including 1-2 local tournaments and some local games against other Central Oregon travel teams

• 16U: 4-7 tournaments, including 1-2 local tournaments and some local games against other Central Oregon travel teams

• 18U: 4-7 tournaments, including 1-2 local tournaments and some local games against other Central Oregon travel teams

We estimate $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the number of tournaments. The 10U team is expected to be at the lower end because it plays fewer tournaments and doesn’t do fall ball. A more precise estimate is given at the parent meeting during tryouts.

We want the program to be accessible. Scholarships are available for families who need financial support, and they’re handled confidentially. Payment plans are offered, and each team has fundraising opportunities. In recent years, team fundraising has lowered costs significantly. Some teams eliminated uniform expenses entirely and cut tuition by several hundred dollars. Because fundraising is team-based, the more effort a team puts in, the more it saves.

Most tournaments will be out of the area, but we prioritize local tournaments in Bend whenever they’re available. Many are held in the Portland metro area, Salem, Medford, and along the Coast. Tournaments usually mean several games over a weekend, typically Saturday and Sunday. Older teams may consider out-of-state tournaments, and each team decides based on its own situation. Specific locations aren’t set yet.

Our goal is to offer fall ball for all teams that want to play. This is a year-by-year decision based on interest and coaching. Each team is set for the full year (fall and spring/summer), and each coach decides on fall tournaments.

No. Our goal is to build up the Mt. View softball program, but we welcome players from all over Central Oregon, and growing Central Oregon softball as a whole matters to us. Players are assessed at tryouts to make sure they’re ready for the level of play. Player selection is ultimately up to the organization, and coaches decide case by case. Players can apply to any school, so we’ve found that address doesn’t determine where they attend high school.

We support our players, especially those on the 10U and 12U teams, who want to participate in both Little League and Jr. Cougs. Families should be aware that conflicts will arise, and players should work with their coaches to manage them. The expectation is that Jr. Cougs will take priority over Little League practices. Any Jr. Cougs games should take priority over Little League practices or games. We will do our best to plan around All-Stars at the 10U and 12U level. 14U and above will not be working around LL in any way.