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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

Attacking low in the zone today!

I asked Brynn what she is feeling when attacking these pitches…

- staying in her legs more
- staying stacked and behind the ball
- working her knob up to the ball
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“It’s a part of the game” is usually the first response when athletes have fear of sliding or new to softball… trust me I’ve been there. But who’s going to break it down for you and build your mental/physical to attack it head on with confidence ?

Book with me “Tianna Batts” under an “outfield lesson” and leave a note with “sliding practice”!

Side note: she was not all in at first … but can you tell 👀
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5 home runs in her last 7 at bats???? Sorry, WHAT!?!?!? TSP athlete @gabbholl has been on an absolute terror in ACC play. Sooo gratifying to see from a kid that works so hard. Fire me up sis! ...

This is an awesome drill to make sure those hands are not dropping. Emeryson is doing a great job of controlling her barrel, not letting her hands drop, and having a strong backside. Give this drill try in your next hitting session! ...

Great day to be TSP athlete Sophie Strugar from Team NC Tucker/Benson. Went big fly not once but twice. This kid is gonna be one to watch. Unreal IQ, can hit AND pitch. Eesh 😮‍💨 ...

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

With maternity leave on the horizon, I am bringing in another coach to help with the volume of girls who want to continue training in my absence.

PLEASE HELP ME WELCOME THE 2025 PERFECT GAME NUMBER ONE RECRUIT IN THE NATION, ANNA HINDE TO THE TEAM!

@anna7hinde is a junior at Charlotte Christian School and is committed to play in the ACC for the Florida State Seminoles. Anna has played 18u in the top events nationally for four years with Team NC and is a two-time State Champion with CCS. She holds the single season home run record, has been First Team All State for three years & earned Conference Player of the Year honors her ninth grade season. She is an Academic All-American and was awarded the Charlotte Observer Female Athlete of the Year honor. Last summer, Anna was named a PGF Junior All-American and competed in the PGF All-American games with the most decorated amateur softball players in the country. Anna is a catcher, third baseman, power hitter who is eager to give back to the game that has already given her so much.

Because Anna is a junior instructor, her lessons will cost $40 per session. I see a special opportunity for girls to connect with someone who is in their same stage of life, plays at the highest level, has gone through the recruiting process and ended up with FSU (the 2023 NCAA World Series Runner-Up). I have coached camps with her and her eye for correction & ability to communicate is truly beyond her years.

Her availability is open to be booked on MindBody now. Options for “Anna Hinde Hitting Lesson” & “Anna Hinde Defense Lesson” are found under the “appointments” tab.
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The difference between safe & out on a soft slap depends on two things usually…

1. Landing in the front corner of the box after contact
2. Early bounce near home plate

Focus on feet placement & ball placement when training to execute in game!
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Steps we should take to execute getting a sacrifice bunt down

1. Start in the front of the box - so your chances of placing the balls fair are high

2. Square around with a flat bat covering the plate at the top of the strike zone - so your chances of bunting and seeing strikes are high

3. Eyes behind barrel + Catch the top half of the ball - no stabbing or poking at the ball

4. Don’t move your feet or get out of your stance until the ball is down

#bunting
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Addison Crawford (2025 Rollins commit) getting it done on the mound AND at the plate. Love a pitcher who can hit! ...

Gib’s first homer of the season! We are so proud of all the hard work she’s been putting in. She’s just getting started 💪 we can’t wait to watch her grow more and more in the cages and on the field! ...

Bye ball 👋🏼
Big fly for Alexis Juhl (2026 C/1b) to start the season. Gonna be more of those to come this year! Want to hit like this? Come see us!
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Tip Tuesday : train realistically! Challenge yourself.

Here we are power slapping a low + outside pitch. You should be able to execute your slaps no matter the location in the zone.
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4-6 weekend to start off high school ball for @jaiharris41 (2026 C/UT Team NC Baylog Tracy). Gonna be a big year for her, I can feel it 💪🏼 ...

Working soft slap here with a resistance band on our top hand - since most slappers are transitioning from the right side their top hand being their non dominant hand tends to be weaker and causes the barre to drop down after contact. Working w/ the band focuses more work on snapping hard above the ball + being in control of the barrel.

It’s important that when soft slapping our barrel ends up after contact : above the ball + your wrist

#softslap #slapping #slappingdrills
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TSP athlete @mrt18m_ goin big fly against NC St! 4 RBI game for her. Love seeing our girls succeed at the next level 🥹 ...

Power slap warmup walk through -

Before we just hop on the tee & jog through a power slap. We want to start off slow feeling where our body should be at cross over ( in the middle of our body, balanced, right heel up, hands go into separation)

Once we make contact swinging all the way through - be intentional on that 3rd BIG STEP out of the box (with your right foot)

What’s so important about the 3rd step? getting out the box with a good stride & aggression of taking 2nd base
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Top hand work - working bat path, barrel control, & getting our elbow in the slot driving through to extension! ...

Happy National Catcher’s Day to all our past, present, and future catchers out there! We love and appreciate all the work you guys do! We celebrate you today and everyday‼️ Tag your favorite catcher in the comments⬇️⬇️ ...

Chop Slap Progression - starting crossed over

Main focuses

• Angle your hands down

• Attack inside top half

• Early bounce near tee

• drive soft slap to contact - snap hard over : creating high bounce

• 6/12 spin on the ball

#chopslap #slappingdrills #slapping
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