Why the Danes?
In Wisconsin and Minnesota there are a lot of "club softball" options. However not all options are equal and it is important that you understand what makes the Danes different and unique from the many others out there.
#1: We have a proven track record of success and a long history of consistent performance.
Unlike the many travel programs which have been created over the past few years as Minnesota softball has opened up and Wisconsin softball has moved away from "HS based teams"; the Danes have been around for 15 years and proven that year in and year out they have the ability to put together elite teams and strong experiences. We are not a team whose winning record is built around a single dominating pitcher; we have developed dozens of college pitchers over the years.
That proven track record, not just of helping kid find college softball opportunities but developing the skills needed to start as a freshman at the college level and achieve post season honors like All Conference, All Region and All American; also means that you will be respected when your softball resume shows "The Danes". College coaches know and respect the Danes program.
See more details in Tim's Blog focusing on Freshman performance.
#2: Our head coach is a softball coach; not a parent
The Danes have graduated generations of players without a change in leadership. We have the same President and Head Coach we had 15 years ago. Coach Husted is not in this for the best interest of "our player"; he coaches for the best interest of the program and you can count on the fact that unlike the many "daddy ball" teams that have popped up so their daughter has a place to play that in our program; all players are a priority.
#3: We have 1 team
The Danes have a single 18U . When you play for the Danes, and tell people you play for the Danes (including college coaches) they will know you play for the elite team that they have seen compete; not one of a half dozen different 18U levels with coaches names or colors in the team name. The honor to play for the Danes 18U team is given to 16 players each year. If we offer you a roster spot, you have 1 of those 16 spots on our top team, we won't demote you if we find a great D1 kid we can fly in or a better option two states over.
#4: We respect the financial commitment.
Unlike many of the elite programs, we realize your families don't want to waste money flying all over the country playing softball to then end up accepting that scholarship from a school in the Upper Midwest. We play our regular season in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois; providing ample exposure to a large number of realistic D1, D2 and D3 programs that the vast majority of our athletes will want to attend college. We want parents to be able to attend and enjoy their daughter playing with the Danes, not have to sacrifice cause the airfare is too expensive.
We also realize that the cost of elite travel softball (team fees, travel, equipment, etc) over a few years will generally equal or potential exceed a softball scholarship; we believe that we maintain a level of cost that makes it value added since it replaces the costs of just being a "kid" and the time is much more value added as players are gaining both on field and off field leadership skills, softball skills and it is replacing less healthy activities.
#5: We know what we are doing.
The Danes are led by a coaching staff who leads coaches and player clinics. Coach Husted has coached at the D3 college level, has been a consistent presenter and clinician at college team sponsored and Danes Clinics and has proven ability to improve players to the level needed to compete at all levels of the NCAA. Many Danes Alumni have gone on to use the foundation of knowledge about softball to not only have successful college careers but also to become high school and college coaches.
#6: To compete at the college level, you need the overall experiences that club softball provides
The Danes have the utmost respect for the many wonderful youth coaches and high school coaches who help prepare and train athletes for this wonderful sport. But we also know that for the elite players, they need to extend their network early in their high school career to play with and against players of their own ability to maximize their skills and fully achieve their potential. We know that leaving a community team, especially when you are a strong player can be a difficult decision; however we also know that many players arrive at the D3 level of NCAA softball expecting achieve the same success as they had in HS ball only to find that they lack the fundamental skills required to compete for a roster spot and/or playing time. We can help to fill that need, and do it in a way that allows for our players to continue to compete in other HS sports.
#7: The Danes Experience is a Blast
Ask our alumni, players, parents or coaches; playing for the Danes will be a life long experience. For every memory of great game, for every increased skill or ability; you will get hundreds of memories of traveling with and being a part of a team which lives and works like a family. You will make life long friends, professional contacts and learn skills that will serve you not only as a player but as a parent, spouse, student and employee in your future life. For every tough drill or intense practice, you'll get hundreds of jokes, laughs and high fives. Playing for the Danes is a great experience for all involved.