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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

Follow us on Instagram

Breaking it down here starting in our crossover position to make sure our barrel stays above the ball on our soft slap & that we are snapping our wrist on top of the ball!

@ ONE her knob starts making its way inside her body & the ball

@ TWO her hand are above the ball & her top wrist snaps over!

Below you will see there’s a plate placed where we should be getting the ball down to create an early bounce to get our slow roller going!

#softslap #slappingdrills
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Never too old (or young) for some beam work! Learn to control your body & your movements will be more efficient. ...

Our focus today at TSP = POWER. 💪
Resistance bands * Ball Knee * Mtn Climbers * Warriors * then finished with a solid mix of screw x rise. Carly understood the assignment 👏 🔋 🔥
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Virginia commit @briebiddle05 working on staying connected. By keeping the barrel connected to her shoulder, she’s focusing on initiating the turn with her body, not her hands. ...

Bullpens are for working on the little things. The one who makes the quickest adjustments always wins and that’s a fact. ...

My girl Sarah Rocheleau from Catawba Ridge hitting a laser beam to break the game open. This girl is an absolute joy. So happy to see her succeed. ...

when I ask slappers what do they want to work on, the number 1 answer is “outside pitches” with a face that kinda looks like 😅 i feel it! Sometimes as our body is in motion we often pull off towards first.

Start doing drills working on the outside pitch (even river) with a smaller bat in your training. It will keep your posture true and more aggressive!

Remember key points for great posture to reach the outside pitch
- nose over toes
-feet towards short stop #slappingdrills #slapping
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How did you spend your Sunday Funday?!
Carly got that drop ball dialed in today 🔥🔥

🎯1 set of Target Slams (3 different 🎯, 7 tries at each) .
🚧 finished w/ "Decision-Point-Overs" to make sure we got that late break.

#TheSoftballProject #PitcherLife #Fastpitch #DropBall
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MIDWEEK BEAM WORK IS THE BEST WORK 🤙🏻 ...

Short bat! Love the feel of this before my normal swings. Couple things to note-
1. My lower half stays planted so I can feel my upper body work. Front toe is open simulating the front hip having already begun to rotate.
2. Upper body is firing from a stretched position- I’ve held tension & am syncing my top elbow dropping into the slot with my turn.
3. I’m emphasizing my barrel staying through the zone by keeping my top hand palm up and getting my back shoulder through the ball.
4. If you pull off, you miss. The bat is only 2 ish ft long.

Hope this helps. Happy hitting, friends!
-Kelsey
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Pitchers!

What fine-tuning mechanics have you been focusing on lately? Anna Grace has come so far in the last few weeks of focusing on keeping her hips/bellybutton straight on her push, as well as using her legs more, paying attention to her glove and having a strong snap.

Add these to your workout for a leg burner:
🔥Jump squats
🔥Jumping lunges
🔥 Uphill sprints
🔥 Broad Jumps

& my FAVORITE…Long toss!

@brittanypickett
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BIG TIP TUESDAY!

These four games go hand in hand in our own game. But which player are we in those games? Which game are you playing & are you playing the right way?

When playing the comparison game DONT compare yourself to others. compare YOURSELF TO YOUR BEST SELF!

when playing the confidence game don’t put yourself down all it does is create low self esteem in a time that your team needs you. Talk good to yourself! Affirm yourself in the box, learn to encourage yourself!

embrace challenge, embrace pressure! Don’t be scared to fail IT’S APART OF THE GAME! Pressure is a privilege! Don’t back down, want to be in the moment!

The caring game… the biggest one that sets you apart from being a player and being a teammate. You can’t have a me, me, me mentality in this game. Always look to the left and right of you and see if your teammate is out of position or needs help. Communicate and always have a TEAM mentality. The team before me!
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Tuning in to see TSP alum @janelleilacqua get her FIRST collegiate start against the #5 team in the country… AND SHE GOES YARD!!!!!!!!

I was NOT okay 🥹 Couldn’t have scripted it better if I tried. Insanely proud of you sis, keep grinding!
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Take things slow when you’re trying to feel what your top hand is supposed to do in your swing. Creating a path, pulling back on that same path, and then getting to extension helps you feel a little more control and some slight barrel awareness. Give it a try with your top hand, bottom hand, then both 👍🏼 ...

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