READER PHOTOS: Second Annual Girls Softball Clinic

Hasbrouck Heights Little League hosted its second annual girls’ softball clinic on Sunday, April 29.

The two-hour program was open to all girls, 6-8 years old, enrollment in the league. The instructional session was led by Leslie Korkgy-Valenti, the owner and chief instructor of in Lodi.

Valenti is currently the pitching coach at Felician College , and her resume includes coaching in clinics with professional and Olympic players and coaches. 

She was assisted by the Hasbrouck Heights High School varsity softball team and head coach Jackie Ferranti as well as league softball managers Sue McGuire and Dara Hochstadter. 

The day began with the creation of Softball Buddies, pairing off the Little League and varsity players. The high school players led the younger girls through a series of warm-ups and running drills.

Coach Leslie and Coach Jackie taught and demonstrated the proper softball skills. Then the girls and their buddies practiced proper fielding, throwing and batting. “This was a terrific opportunity for the girls to learn the fundamentals,” said Valenti. “The high school players shared their love of the game and provided encouragement, support and team spirit.” 

“The goal was to create a 'softball buddies' program, which gave the varsity players the opportunity to mentor the younger girls and give them a 'softball buddy' to look up to,” she added.

Editor's note: Information provided by Faith C. Ballantine-Armonaitis.