MN Stix
RYFSA provides levels of play in 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. In addition to our house teams, advanced play opportunities exist at 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U within our Minnesota Stix program. These teams are selected via player evaluations at the end of each summer season in August.
About
About MN Stix
Evaluations
Player evaluations are performed by experienced coaches. Interested players will be evaluated on their skill in several areas, including hitting, throwing, fielding, speed, and knowledge of the game. Specialty positions, including pitchers and catchers, will be evaluated for roster spots in these positions. Player evaluation decisions of the Stix are final and cannot be appealed.
Player and family commitment
Participation on Stix teams require a very high level of commitment. Players will be expected to attend games and practices as scheduled. Possible fall and winter league play does exist at the discretion of individual team coaches. Weekend tournaments with travel from June-August, including state, regional, and national tournaments, are an integral component of this program and players are required to attend. This commitment extends to the players’ family as well, as it is the family’s responsibility to ensure players attendance. If you are unable to make this type of commitment, players should not participate in evaluations.
Financial costs
Stix fees are $1,700 per season. These fees support tournament and league registration fees, uniform costs, field maintenance, umpire costs, and other operating expenses. Travel costs are the responsibility of each player/family and can include transportation and hotel accommodation for out-of-town tournaments. Individual equipment, such as bats, gloves, cleats, bags, etc. are also the responsibility of each player.
Scholarships
MN Stix players are not eligible for scholarships. Funds raised for scholarships are focused on inexperienced players in need, exposing them to softball. The financial commitment for Minnesota Stix players is extensive and families will need to consider these costs prior to participation in evaluations.
Team and coach expectations
Stix teams compete with elite and club teams across the Midwest. The skill level required to be selected to Stix teams demands significant talent to be competitive against this level of competition. Equal playing time, extensive and regular player position rotation, and equal innings for pitchers will not be provided. While the focus of these teams is assisting in further development of advanced skills, the ultimate goal is to compete and win.
League and tournament selection
The Stix Director will select an appropriate league and tournament schedule for Stix teams and assist team coaches in registration for their schedule. The tournament schedule will be one that challenges these teams and provides for appropriate competition.
Team budgets
Fees assessed to players shall be sufficient to cover tournament and league registration fees, uniform costs, field maintenance, and umpire costs. All expenses will be subject to approval by RYFSA. Any excess of unspent funds is an asset of RYFSA, not individual teams.
Player expectations
- Attend and be ready to play at all practices and games on time.
- If a player misses a game or practice, the player must notify the head coach in advance.
- A positive attitude and support of the team is critical to success.
- Players, parents, and coaches will represent RYFSA/MN Stix in a professional manner with a high degree of sportsmanship and respect at all games and tournaments.
- Players are recommended to improve their skills by attending camps and clinics.
- Head Coaches will determine which, when, and where players will play in practice and tournament games. POSITIONS AND PLAYING TIME ARE NOT GUARANTEED AT ANY TIME.
- Players/parents wishing to discuss an individual situation may approach the head coach after practices or at another time. These situations will not be discussed prior to, during, or after a game. A minimum 24-hour cooling-off period for such discussions is always in effect.
- No use of tobacco products, illegal drugs, or alcohol. Use of these items will result in suspension.
- Coaching staff may enforce additional team rules as they feel necessary.
Coaches
Meet the coaches
Kim Jones - 12U
Kim is the varsity coach at Pine Island High School (since 2014). She has coached young ladies from the ages of 8U through college and has coached both summer and fall softball in Rochester, and Pine Island. Prior coaching experience includes being an assistant coach at Elmhurst College, in Elmhurst, IL, an assistant coach at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and a consultant pitching coach at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Kim has presented at several coach’s clinics, and has coached pitching clinics along with group and private lessons. Her international experience includes playing a summer tour in the Netherlands against both the Dutch and Belgium National teams and other native local teams and has coached a summer with the Swedish National team. Kim enjoys teaching the fundamentals and helping young ladies build confidence through the game of softball.
Jen Stewart - 14U
Jen closed out her softball career playing for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, earning All-conference and 2nd Team All-Region her sophomore through senior years. She was recently inducted into the Cardinals Hall of Fame, and continues to hold many pitching records, including career-high strikeouts and shutouts. Jen has been coaching youth softball for many years and enjoys passing on her love and knowledge of the game.
“My philosophy is if you work hard and play hard with a good attitude, you WILL have fun and succeed!”
Sarah Heise - 14U
Sarah grew up in Rochester, MN and played travel soccer and softball/baseball year round through high school. She is passionate about promoting the growth of softball in southeast Minnesota and creating community connections through the sport of fastpitch. She has been coaching youth sports for the last 10 years, through basketball, soccer and mostly softball. Her coaching philosophy revolves around 3 pillars: effort, attitude and energy. Coaching for the Stix and promoting the strong female athletes in our area is an honor and provides an opportunity for Sarah to give back to her community.
Katie Seward - 14U
Katie grew up in South Florida and started playing softball at age 6. She played 2nd base in college at Harvard, twice earning First Team All-Ivy honors. In her senior year, she was named a member of the Capital One Academic All-District team and was Harvard’s nomination for NCAA Woman of the Year. Katie loves being part of a team and is excited to coach the game she loves.
Josie Pautzke - 16U
Josie was born in New Ulm, Minnesota and has played softball since she was 8 years old. She graduated from New Ulm Cathedral High School and was a 3x All-State pitcher, 3x All Conference team member, and the Tomahawk Conference player of the year in 2019. She recently earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations and business. Josie is excited to coach at a higher level of play and to pass her knowledge onto the youth in the sport!
Other coaches biographies to be added:
- Brian Murry – 16U
- Ashley Martin – 16U