We're Based In
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Practices are at Check out the following links: www.whssoftball.com
Copyright (c)
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As the saying goes, “all good things must come to an end.” And, it is so for the Diamonds Gold softball team. However, that doesn’t mean that the Diamonds will be forgotten in our minds or in our hearts. It has been a wonderful time for all of us meeting new friends and having many terrific experiences. This team was born out of a “B” all star team from the Thousand Oaks GSA league by Joe Smith in the fall of 1999. It was Joe’s charismatic personality and strong knowledge of the game that brought out the best in all of the players. His post game talks were legendary for being inspiring and uplifting. Parents, as well as players, gathered around to hear his talks. He worked his best magic after a loss making everyone feel good about themselves. It was commented on more than one occasion that when outsiders saw the team after a loss they thought we were the team that won. From the outset, this Diamonds team had a different philosophy than most travel teams. Its charter was to develop players into the best that they could become. It was not about winning at all cost, but about preparing the players to play at the next level. We didn’t carry large rosters of 15 or 16 players, and that was on purpose. The philosophy was that in a tournament everyone started at least one game, and everyone played in most games. We believed that you only improved by getting game time. We didn’t “inventory” players to sit on the bench to satisfy a coach’s ego. The coaching staff was loyal to the players and expected loyalty in return. There was never a player cut during the regular season for lack of ability. Once a player was asked to join in the fall they were kept through nationals. We went through tough times but seemed to weather them and become stronger. There were many tournaments during the first year when we finished by 9:30 on Sunday morning. All of us had time to make church services! As the first year closed and we went to our first national tournament, the Triple Crown in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, things began to look up. We became stronger and started winning on a regular basis. The turning point came when, in her last game as a Diamond in December, 2000, Megan Spehar led the team to qualifying in the AFA tournament by coming through in a championship game. Although Megan never played for us again we all remember finishing 9th the following summer in the AFA nationals in Blue Springs, Missouri thanks to her. The team eventually went to 5 national tournaments in 4 years. There are too many good times to enumerate here but this was a team that, above all, persisted. There were several times when the team could have folded. But the players, and parents, simply wouldn’t let it happen because they felt loyal to the organization. When Joe Smith stepped down Kevin Gardner took over, when Kevin stepped down Scott Kelley took over. When Scott left, we went on a 3 month search for a new coach and Harry Day stepped up. It’s a testament to the lasting friendships bonded during the tenure of this team. The team peaked last winter ending the winter season by winning four consecutive tournaments, three of them national qualifiers, leading into the high school season. ======== There have been a number of very fine players that played for the Diamonds over the 4 years of its existence. Deanne Young and Sara Dorr, who moved onto the Ballistics, Cambria Miranda who moved onto the Worth Firecrackers, Megan Spehar and Ava Amini who moved to the Jets to name just a few. As to the disposition of the current roster, Megan Ackerman has joined the Southern California Select (gold) located in Torrance as their short stop. Jenna Driscoll has also joined the Southern California Select as their center fielder. Lindsay Gordon has moved onto the Spoilers (gold) located on Santa Clarita as a pitcher. Ashley Kirk has too joined the Spoilers as a pitcher. Karina Slauenwhite has also joined the Spoilers as a catcher. In closing, we want to thank those who made this team special. Joe Smith for starting this team and his positive attitude. He was ever generous with his time, money and encouragement. Cliff Slauenwhite who jumped in with both feet to find a new coach to keep us together. Todd Driscoll who never gave up and took on many coaching duties to keep the team alive. Chuck Ackerman who always kept us informed with this web site.
We take inspiration from all of the family members who give so much so that their daughters can excel in this sport that we all love and wish them and their daughters all the best in pursuing their future goals.
It’s been a great ride, good luck to all.
You broke the record with hit number This page was last updated on 08/28/03.
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