We started out with the 2nd & 3rd DD'S moving on to travelball at 9 and 10 years of age. They tried out with a couple of established travel programs and made them both, but we decided to go with the team that was a little more local, who also offered them spots a couple of days later, and it was a very good choice for their first year in travelball. Both were considered All-stars in our local rec league and we wanted to challenge them (physically/mentally) by playing on a team full of All-Stars and competing against the best players at there age. The 10 year old adjusted better, as she was one of the tallest and more outgoing kids on the team. She batted higher up in the lineup and played a key defensive position. The 9 year old had to learn early on to work hard, and to accept batting 8th or 9th and playing RF/CF.
I remember the very first tournament up at Spano Dome and seeing the Pitts. Power & Indy Dreams pitchers pretty much dominate my little All-Stars and wondering what the heck did I get my DD's into...lol. Later in the year, we placed 2nd in a tourney and both girls are sitting in the back seat holding their tropheys. The 10 year old was all smiles, as she had played really well, but the 9 year old was crying. I ask her what was wrong and she said "Daddy, I didn't help my team at all...I didn't get 1 hit the whole tournament" in between sobs. My heart sank and I told her that she played great defense, even throwing a couple of girls out at 1st and 2nd from the outfield. And that we would work really hard on her hitting and everything would be alright. She ended up not starting very much the next couple of tournaments. But she hung in there and by the end of the year we won the NSA Eastern Wolrd Series in Chicago, and she had the 2nd or 3rd highest average on the team for the tournament, starting every game.
The funny thing is, they both experienced growing pains each and every year as we continued to challenge them. And although the slumps still come each and every year, they both now know how to battle through adversity much more quickly without Dad or Mom getting involved. The good thing is they both still have passion playing HS and Travelball, with the dream of someday playing in college.
I would say one of the keys is when they hit 7th or 8th grade, that you really listen to what they want and let them make some of the decisions on what extra-curricular activities they want to pursue. I know I had to bite my toungue and go through 2 years of middle school cheerleading with one of them. I did not like it at all, but I forced a smile and supported her 100% during her practice and events. In the long run it really did strengthen our relationship, as she really knew that her Dad was proud of her and would always have her back no matter what she pursued.
She does well in the travel world, but is not walking all over anyone!
