By Joyce Laidler
The Coral Springs Panthers 12U Hoyt/Thompson Fastpitch Softball team underwent a makeover in the Fall Season of 2016 but it didn’t involve any make up except, of course, eye black. At the start of the season the team hired coaches Ron Hoyt and Mike Thompson. These coaches are no strangers to softball with Hoyt coaching the West Boca High School Bulls, Thompson coaching the Pine Crest Panthers, and both coaching the 18U Alley Cats for several seasons. Last fall, the coaching duo decided to return to 12U ball where they felt they could teach fundamental skills to developing players and lead the team through their teen years.
The Panthers enjoyed some success in their first season under Hoyt/Thompson finishing with a 20-5-1 record, including a First Place win in the Santa Slugfest Tournament that ended the season. Gearing up for the busier spring season, the Panthers continued to fine tune basic skills and work on more advanced game play. The advantage of having professional coaches experienced with older players means these girls are learning skills beyond their age group. After only four tournaments this season, the girls have taken Second Place in the Boca March Madness, First Place in the Angels4Autism, and First Place in the Thunder in the Pines tournaments. The team is off to Ft. Myers this weekend to try for a three-peat in the Grab the Bats tournament.
These girls train together and individually on their specific positions six days a week. In the off season, many of the girls participated in a speed and agility program to further develop base running skills and endurance. They are quickly making a name for themselves and the town of Coral Springs as a force to be reckoned with. As important as their success on the field, is the story of comradery and true friendship. They support each other through thick and thin as the team has truly become family.
As a parent, watching our girls play every game is a thrill but some events are more meaningful than others. Participating in the inaugural Angels4Autism tournament in Lake Lytal was a privilege. It raised funds and awareness for Autism with every player, coach, family, and friend in attendance. Honorees with Autism started the games by throwing out the first pitch. Aside from taking home First Place in the upper bracket with an 8-0 win, we were treated to the team’s first out of the park home run by Erin Love. It was a beautiful shot, but the real memory is the way the team met her at the plate as she came home. Pure elation. That’s what makes this team special. There’s no place they’d rather be than with their Panther Family.
