Welcome!

Hello Catcher Academy Crew! 

We have just completed week three and I am in awe of the talent and drive I have seen in all of my athletes thus far.  I am very excited to see where this academy season takes us. 

I would first like to introduce myself to those not sweating it out with me week to week.  My name is Colby Wittman and I have been leading the Dugout Dolls Catcher’s Academy for the past 5 years!  Prior to joining the DD staff...much prior...I graduated from St. Joseph High School in St. Joseph, MI- where I  was the starting varsity catcher for four years before continuing my career at Ferris State University.  After my playing days came to a close, I quickly entered the coaching realm--working with travel and high school teams before finding my home in The Dollhouse.  I take pride in continuing my knowledge of the game and helping my athletes achieve their goals.

And that brings me to the reason behind this blog post- GOALS.

I have been incredibly lucky to have had a number of amazing role models help guide my athletic career, the number one being my Dad.  From a young age he instilled the idea goal setting in my day to day life. We talked constantly about what I wanted to achieve and how I was going to do it. And at the end of those conversations, my Dad showed me the power of actually writing them down.  This practice brought me success on the field and has carried over to so many other areas of my life.

Because of all of that, I’m bringing a little of my Dad into Catcher’s Academy this year.  I have asked each of my athletes to think about and write down three goals. My guidelines were loose and the girl were really allowed to take them in any direction they wanted.  But if they needed a little inspo I suggested:

1. Something to work for during this Catcher’s Academy
2. Something to accomplish this year 
3. Something to achieve one long term.  

I chose to do this for two reasons.  First, this makes those “dreams” all young athletes have something they can hold, look at and focus on.  And two, it gives me an inside look at what is going on in their heads and their hearts so I can make a more personalized plan to help them on their way.

Some ladies have already started and once again, I am taken aback by the thoughtfulness and drive behind their goals and game.  

Here's a great example of one I received this past season:

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I love that her goals are not only skilled base but about getting stronger physically--setting her body’s purpose in such a positive light! 
Remind your catcher to put in the thought and bring her sheet with her next week.  (I will have extra paper on hand if they forget!

Thank you for your support in our program and your daughter! I’ll see you at the Dollhouse!