Catching Development Coordinator

Elk River Youth Softball Announces New Catching Coordinator Position

Elk River Youth Softball is excited to announce that we are beginning the search for a paid Catching Coordinator to support players and coaches throughout our program.

This new position reflects our continued commitment to player development, coach support, and the long-term growth of Elk River Youth Softball. The Catching Coordinator will provide consistent instruction for players from 8U and up while partnering closely with our volunteer coaching staff to strengthen catching development across every age level.

Adding this position moves our association another step closer to our goal of creating a unified, year-round development program that gives young athletes the instruction, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

We are excited about this next investment in the future of Elk River Youth Softball and look forward to welcoming someone who shares our passion for teaching young athletes and growing the game.

Elk River Youth Softball

Winter Catching Development Coordinator

Paid Seasonal Position | Winter Development Training 2026–2027

Elk River Youth Softball is seeking a passionate and experienced Winter Catching Development Coordinator to lead catching instruction and player development during our 2026–2027 Winter Development Training program.

The ideal candidate will have catching experience at a competitive high school, club, and/or collegiate level, along with a strong desire to teach, mentor, and inspire young female athletes.

This individual will work with catchers from 8U through 12U, helping beginners establish strong fundamentals while supporting more experienced catchers in advancing their technical skills, game awareness, and confidence behind the plate.

The Catching Development Coordinator will also collaborate with our volunteer coaching staff to promote consistent instruction, terminology, and player development throughout the winter training program.

Primary Responsibilities – Winter Development Training

• Plan and lead organized, age-appropriate catching development sessions.
• Teach proper catching fundamentals, including stance, receiving, framing, blocking, throwing mechanics, and footwork.
• Help beginning catchers develop proper techniques, confidence, and an understanding of the catching position.
• Help experienced catchers refine receiving, blocking, transfer speed, throwing accuracy, pop times, and overall defensive consistency.
• Develop players' understanding of game situations, communication, field leadership, and the catcher's role in managing the game.
• Teach proper warm-up routines, injury prevention techniques, and safe catching habits.
• Provide positive, constructive, and individualized feedback to players at varying skill levels.
• Introduce drills and development activities that players and coaches can reinforce outside scheduled training sessions.
• Partner with volunteer coaches to reinforce catching fundamentals and support player development.
• Share observations and recommendations with coaches regarding player progress, developmental needs, and areas for improvement.
• Promote consistent catching instruction, terminology, and developmental expectations across participating age groups.
• Create a positive, encouraging training environment that builds confidence, develops skills, and fosters a love for the game.
• Help Elk River Youth Softball strengthen its long-term catching development pipeline.

Winter Development Training Schedule

The Catching Development Coordinator will provide instruction during 10 scheduled Saturday training sessions from December 2026 through February 2027.

Saturday Training Times

Age GroupTraining Time12U10:00–11:00 AM10U11:00 AM–12:00 PM8U12:00–1:00 PM

2026 Training Dates

• December 5
• December 12
• December 19

2027 Training Dates

• January 9
• January 16
• January 23
• January 30
• February 6
• February 20
• February 27

Total Commitment: 10 Saturdays | 3 Hours per Saturday | 30 Scheduled Instructional Hours

Training will be incorporated into Elk River Youth Softball's larger Winter Development Training program. The coordinator will work alongside volunteer coaches to provide focused, age-appropriate catching instruction during each scheduled session.

Preferred Qualifications

• Competitive catching experience at the high school, club, and/or collegiate level.
• Strong knowledge of fastpitch catching fundamentals, mechanics, defensive techniques, and player development.
• Previous coaching, instructional, clinic, or private-lesson experience preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with both beginning and experienced catchers.
• Understanding of age-appropriate catching instruction and skill progression.
• Passion for teaching, mentoring, and developing young female athletes.
• Willingness to collaborate with volunteer coaches and support the association's player development goals.
• Positive, patient, dependable, and encouraging coaching style.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to helping grow and strengthen the Elk River Youth Softball program.
• Ability to pass required background checks and complete applicable youth-sports safety training.

Compensation

This is a paid seasonal instructional position specifically for the 2026–2027 Winter Development Training program.

The position includes 30 scheduled instructional hours across 10 Saturdays.

Compensation will be discussed with interested candidates and will be based on experience, qualifications, and the agreed-upon scope of the position.

This position is limited to the winter training program and does not require a commitment to the fall or spring/summer softball seasons.

Help Develop the Next Generation of Catchers

Elk River Youth Softball is looking for an individual who brings competitive catching experience, strong instructional skills, and a genuine passion for developing young athletes.

The Winter Catching Development Coordinator will play an important role in helping our players build confidence, establish strong fundamentals, advance their defensive skills, and develop into knowledgeable, capable leaders behind the plate.

Through focused winter instruction and collaboration with our volunteer coaches, this position will help strengthen catching development throughout Elk River Youth Softball and build a foundation for future seasons.