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WELCOME TOTHE SOFTBALL PROJECT

With group and individual lessons, strength & conditioning classes, various camp and workshop opportunities, The Softball Project offers an elite, comprehensive approach to training. Your daughter will be coached by former Professional and Division 1 athletes who provide a unique influence gained only by competing at the highest level.

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Because it’s so much more than a game.
It’s an opportunity.
To cultivate a work ethic you can be proud of. To be led by women who have lived your dreams, and are eager for you to do the same.
It’s a life lesson.
A chance to find out what you’re really made of. To decide how bad you want it. To give everything you have in your body, and then push a little further.
It’s an environment.
A safe place to take that risk. To be able to taste defeat and let that fuel a fire so deep, giving up is not an option.
It’s a sisterhood.
You’ll build confidence and pursue excellence in character and performance, all while creating some of the best memories you’ll ever have

What WE EXPECT

Eye contact. Paired with the best effort & body language you have to give. That’s it. Show up every week, give us that, and we’ll make you better.

What they’re saying

From the first lesson with Kelsey we saw immediate results. Kelsey’s direction and guidance in breaking down and explaining the components of a quality swing in a way Gracie can easily understand is second to none. Kelsey has been an amazing role model for my daughter not only teaching her about the game but also about confidence, work ethic, and other important life skills. Kelsey’s knowledge and passion for the game has inspired my daughter to work hard and strive for excellence. She not only challenges Gracie but also encourages her to believe in herself. I highly recommend Kelsey to any softball player that is trying to take their game to the next level.

Crystal Kiker

Mom to Gracie of Team NC

Kelsey is one the the most understanding, encouraging, and dedicated people I have ever met. Every week I look forward to working with her because she not only makes me a better player, but also a better person. I admire her journey as an athlete and coach and I would not be where I am today without her.

Jenna Carter

College of Charleston commit

Kelsey Bruder is the premier softball batting instructor in the Charlotte area. Her accolades as an instructor and immensely successful collegiate and professional career led us to seek her out. My 11 year old daughter has been taking batting lessons with Kelsey for 2 years and the transformation has been incredible. Kelsey skillfully tailors her instruction to each batter, recognizing and correcting breakdowns in the swing and teaching proper mechanics. I’ve seen vast improvements in my daughters bat speed, power, pitch recognition, and consistency since attending lessons with Kelsey, which has directly translated to an increase in extra base hits and an improved batting average. Kelsey’s style of instruction is the perfect mix of positive reinforcement and encouragement while setting challenging expectations resulting in a dramatic boost to her confidence. On a personal note, my daughter has made a very special connection with Kelsey, viewing her as a mentor, role model, and someone she aspires to be like and make proud. Participating in lessons with Kelsey was the best decision we have made for our child’s softball career.

Jackie Miller

Mom to Madelyn of Lady Blues

There is a big difference in being able to hit and being able to teach the mechanics and mentality of hitting!!! Kelsey is the best I have seen at teaching the mechanics and the thought process of hitting, as well as being able to connect with and push her students to their maximum potential. She is also a great role model for any young athlete to have a relationship with. I have personally witnessed the success of multiple kids playing at the highest level of the game under her instruction. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! She is a GAME CHANGER!!!” –

Tracy Holmes

Former Team NC coach and dad to Darbi of North Greenville University softball

My daughter has been working with Kelsey for about 3 years and words alone cannot completely describe our experience with her. She has helped her develop and excel not only in softball but also in life. She is compassionate, caring, but doesn’t mind getting tough when needed. She is a true mentor and role model for our daughter. We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with her.

Tonya Hanson

Mom to Ciara of the Vienna Stars

Kelsey Bruder is an amazing instructor! Not only has she played the game at the highest level, but she is a positive teacher of the game. Kelsey is professional, dedicated and makes each player feel special. She helps her students reach their goals by developing their skills and their mental game She is a wonderful role model for young athletes. We LOVE her!!

Linda Mcgowan

Coach of Lady Lightning

What they’re saying

From the first lesson with Kelsey we saw immediate results. Kelsey’s direction and guidance in breaking down and explaining the components of a quality swing in a way Gracie can easily understand is second to none. Kelsey has been an amazing role model for my daughter not only teaching her about the game but also about confidence, work ethic, and other important life skills. Kelsey’s knowledge and passion for the game has inspired my daughter to work hard and strive for excellence. She not only challenges Gracie but also encourages her to believe in herself. I highly recommend Kelsey to any softball player that is trying to take their game to the next level.

Crystal Kiker

Mom to Gracie of Team NC

Kelsey is one the the most understanding, encouraging, and dedicated people I have ever met. Every week I look forward to working with her because she not only makes me a better player, but also a better person. I admire her journey as an athlete and coach and I would not be where I am today without her.

Jenna Carter

College of Charleston commit

Kelsey Bruder is the premier softball batting instructor in the Charlotte area. Her accolades as an instructor and immensely successful collegiate and professional career led us to seek her out. My 11 year old daughter has been taking batting lessons with Kelsey for 2 years and the transformation has been incredible. Kelsey skillfully tailors her instruction to each batter, recognizing and correcting breakdowns in the swing and teaching proper mechanics. I’ve seen vast improvements in my daughters bat speed, power, pitch recognition, and consistency since attending lessons with Kelsey, which has directly translated to an increase in extra base hits and an improved batting average. Kelsey’s style of instruction is the perfect mix of positive reinforcement and encouragement while setting challenging expectations resulting in a dramatic boost to her confidence. On a personal note, my daughter has made a very special connection with Kelsey, viewing her as a mentor, role model, and someone she aspires to be like and make proud. Participating in lessons with Kelsey was the best decision we have made for our child’s softball career.

Jackie Miller

Mom to Madelyn of Lady Blues

There is a big difference in being able to hit and being able to teach the mechanics and mentality of hitting!!! Kelsey is the best I have seen at teaching the mechanics and the thought process of hitting, as well as being able to connect with and push her students to their maximum potential. She is also a great role model for any young athlete to have a relationship with. I have personally witnessed the success of multiple kids playing at the highest level of the game under her instruction. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! She is a GAME CHANGER!!!” –

Tracy Holmes

Former Team NC coach and dad to Darbi of North Greenville University softball

My daughter has been working with Kelsey for about 3 years and words alone cannot completely describe our experience with her. She has helped her develop and excel not only in softball but also in life. She is compassionate, caring, but doesn’t mind getting tough when needed. She is a true mentor and role model for our daughter. We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to work with her.

Tonya Hanson

Mom to Ciara of the Vienna Stars

Kelsey Bruder is an amazing instructor! Not only has she played the game at the highest level, but she is a positive teacher of the game. Kelsey is professional, dedicated and makes each player feel special. She helps her students reach their goals by developing their skills and their mental game She is a wonderful role model for young athletes. We LOVE her!!

Linda Mcgowan

Coach of Lady Lightning

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Want to keep your kids practicing over Christmas break? Or refresh their skills for spring season? Join us for a day of training during our winter camps! Jan 3rd will have pitching & catching as our defense portion, Jan 4th will have infield & outfield.

To register, find us on our MindBody app, click the “classes” tab, & choose the date that applies to you. Any questions email kelsey@thesoftballproject.com

Hope to see y’all there!
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PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME FORMER ST BONAVENTURE STARTING PITCHER, RYLEE HEHIR TO THE TEAM!

Heres the stats:
- Hehir is ranked 6th in program history for strikeouts
- Ranked 7th in program history for appearances
- Ranked 8th in program history for innings pitched
- Ranked 8th in program history for starts
- Ranked 9th in program history for career wins
- 2020 Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll Honoree.
- Coached one collegiate season at Suffolk University while completing a Master’s Degree.
- Currently coaching the 14u NC Fury travel team and has given pitching lessons for almost 10 years

Rylee will be available Tuesdays 4-6p, Wednesdays 4-8p and Fridays 4-8p beginning Dec 4th. Her availability is open to be booked on Mindbody now!
...

Cherie! Man I’m so proud of you. A D1 scholarship is something so many people dream of & now all of your hard work has come to fruition. Iona got a good one! @cheriecarter2026 ...

PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME FORMER UCLA BRUIN & 2019 NCAA WOMEN’S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES NATIONAL CHAMPION, PAIGE HALSTEAD TO THE TEAM!

In her time as a UCLA Bruin, Halstead started in 196 games behind the plate, and posted a .989 fielding percentage across four seasons. She won the Women’s College World Series Championship with the Bruins in 2019, where she started at catcher in all five UCLA victories.

Between her seasons at UCLA, Halstead was a frequent member of Team USA (2015-17). In her time on the international stage, Halstead represented the United States five times:
• Junior World Cup of Softball (2015),
• Junior Women’s World Championship (2015),
• World Cup of Softball (2016-17),
• WBSC Women’s World Championship (2016).

Since her time as a Bruin, Halstead has played Professional softball for Athletes Unlimited as well as being the first woman to collaborate with All Star Sports on a line of softball catching gear. She is now currently on staff as the catching coach for the NCAA D1 Charlotte 49ers.

Paige is also a co-founder of the Make Waves Foundation whose mission statement is “to positively contribute to the empowerment and success of student athletes in their journey through athletics and life.”

I can not overstate the magnitude of this addition to my staff. Paige’s talent is truly remarkable and her ability to communicate catching mechanics is second to none. She has accomplished what your girls dream of doing, and is eager to share her knowledge. I hope you all take advantage of her experience!

Paige will coach catching on Mondays 5-7p, Thursdays 7-9p & Fridays 4-6p. Her availability is open to be booked on MindBody now under the “appointments” tab.
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Working with the resistance band to stay grounded in her legs, driving the back side through, and staying balanced when the front foot lands.

Main Focuses
•maintaining proper distance
•avoiding any drift in the swing
•keep all the power in your legs.

Power comes from the ground up!
...

Want to keep your kids practicing over Christmas break? Or refresh their skills for spring season? Join us for a day of training during our winter camps! Jan 3rd will have pitching & catching as our defense portion, Jan 4th will have infield & outfield.

To register, find us on our MindBody app, click the “classes” tab, & choose the date that applies to you. Any questions email kelsey@thesoftballproject.com

Hope to see y’all there!
...

Stop at contact to feel the power & control in your swing!

A drill I use a lot to bring athletes back to the intention of their swing
• reinforces proper swing mechanics
• improves balance & control
• focuses on core strength & engagement
• promotes a short & direct path to the ball
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Who says little athletes can’t hit the big fly!?! Our girl Avery Clark showing great sequencing and goin deep. Proud of you sis! ...

Kynzy!!!!!!! So excited for you! Been grindin for years for this moment and we’ll keep at it. Love that all those hours in the cage have been validated. Congrats sis! @kynzyashtun ...

GRAND SLAM for TSP athlete @laneytucker2! So fun seeing the hard work pay off! ...

Balance, separation, and drive. Working on staying grounded through the heel and creating power as the hands separate and the front foot lands. Focused on driving the ball with intent

step by step movement to FEEL!
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Super pumped for our TSP athlete @alexis_juhl on her commitment to UCONN! We have seen tremendous improvement in her game the last year- I have no doubt that she will be a critical piece to their line up. Cant wait to watch you shine at the next level sis! Proud of your work! ...

Last chance to catch this years summer camps!

Monday July 22nd - Thurs July 25th, All Skills Camp, 10a-12p, $300

All camps are for girls ages 7-12
Registration is open now & space is limited!

Find us on our MindBody app, click the “classes” tab, & choose the date that applies to you.

Hope to see y’all there!
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Cross over position here focus on hard to contact through to extension, feeling the back hip lead the hands to the ball.

Hip . Hands . Barrel through. Final step with right leg

In that order we are able to get to contact quick with strong barrel control all the way through for your power slap
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