How
can I be sure the Virginia Lady Eagles are right for my daughter?
We in the VLE organization are proud of the history and reputation of
the Virginia Lady Eagles. The players come first. We are dedicated to
fostering teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership through competition on
the playing field. While superior playing skills are necessary to compete
at the regional and national level, they are not the only criteria used
in selecting our players. Academic acumen, respect for fellow players
and coaches, willingness to learn and the desire to excel are personal
traits sought by the team managers and club directors, and in which players
must continue to demonstrate growth.
We are established. VLE started in 1990, making us one of the oldest,
most experienced, better financed, and most successful fastpitch organizations
in the region.
We are successful. Our teams consistently place well in state, regional
and national tournaments. Most recently, both the 14U and 16U teams earned
State Championships, and the 12U team was a State Championship runner-up.
The 18U team has gone undefeated in major showcase tournaments this past
fall.
Our seniors go to college. All of our graduating seniors go on to college
with some sort of academic or athletic scholarships.
Our coaches are experienced and unbiased. It is VLE policy that a Team
Manager does not have a child on the team he or she runs. This year (2007/2008)
the same is true for most of the coaches that assist the managers. The
current VLE coaching staff accounts for over 70 years of cumulative softball
coaching experience, and two area high school coaches are also VLE managers
and/or coaches. Dean Spruill, VLE 16U Team Manager, coached his Kempsville
High School team to the 2005 State Championship.
When
and how long is the softball season for the 12U and 14U teams?
The 12U and 14U teams start playing in the spring, typically in mid-March.
They will play about 10 tournaments (the exact number depends on the Team
Manager and the budget provided to him by the Board). The spring / summer
season will typically last into June (maybe July), again depending on
which tournaments the Team Managers choose to play. After tryouts in August,
the new teams will play a short season in the fall, typically consisting
of 3 or 4 tournaments from September to November.
When
and how long is the softball season for the 16U and 18U teams?
The 16U and 18U teams start playing after the high school season ends,
typically in June. The season lasts through July, with tryouts in August.
The 16U and 18U teams will play about 7 tournaments in the summer. Most
will be showcase and /or state or national tournaments. After tryouts,
the teams will play a fall season of showcase tournaments (about 4 or
5).
When
are tryouts?
Group tryouts are typically in early to mid-August; however, a player
can arrange a personal tryout at any time by contacting the Team Manager.
How
much travel is involved?
The amount of travel depends on the individual Team Managers. Typically,
the 12U and 14U managers arrange their teams’ schedules such that
about half of the tournaments require an overnight stay. Much of the 16U
and 18U teams’ schedules involve travel to well-known, well-attended
showcase tournaments. Some 18U tournaments require travel by air.
What do the VLE teams do over the winter? From about Thanksgiving through New Years, the VLE teams take a break. There are no tournaments, practices or other VLE activities. Beginning right after New Years, each team conducts a few batting practice and pitching practice indoors. Weekly defensive drills are also scheduled, outside if the weather permits, or inside if not. Additionally, winter conditioning sessions may also be scheduled.
How
does the VLE raise funds?
VLE is funded only by Bingo proceeds and players fees. There are no other
fundraisers, or fees paid to VLE.
How much is the player fee and when is it paid?
Each player must pay an annual fee of $250.00. The fee is paid in September
after August tryouts and the teams are selected. This organizational fee
includes all VLE related functions
Is
there a refund if the player is cut or quits the team?
If a player is cut from her VLE team before January of the new season,
the VLE will offer a refund of the organizational fee, as long as all
VLE related gear is returned.
Who
works Bingo and how often?
Adult volunteers, related to the player, are required to work Bingo about
once a month. Players do not work Bingo. We attempt to coordinate the
Bingo schedule with each team’s tournament schedule, so in some
months during the softball season adult volunteers from one team may have
to work Bingo more than once. At the end of the year, however, the volunteers
from each team will have worked an equal number of Bingo sessions.
Where
is VLE Bingo played?
VLE Bingo is played in the Bingo Palace at 444 South Lynnhaven Road, Virginia
Beach, VA 23452. The phone number is 757-431-1448.
Do
you HAVE to work Bingo or is there a way to opt out?
There is no way out of working Bingo. Each player must have at least one
Bingo volunteer (an adult relative) work each obligated Bingo session.
Sixteen bingo workers are required. From time to time two volunteers from
a family may be required.
What
if I miss working a Bingo session?
The VLE board has a written policy regarding Bingo “no-shows”
and late arrivals. If you fail to work obligated Bingo sessions without
prior approval, it will result in your player being excluded from future
games and/or tournaments, and could ultimately result in the release of
your player. The policy is posted on the VLE web site.
What
if I just can’t make the Bingo session?
The VLE board understands that there will be times when other obligations
or mishaps will keep you from working Bingo. If at all possible, arrangements
must be made with your Team Manager or Bingo Coordinator prior to the
Bingo session. You will be required to work through the Bingo Coordinator
to find a replacement worker. If no replacement can be found, you will
be asked to work another age group's bingo at some point.