1. Minnesota Vortex / A’s KICK-OFF MEETING
AUGUST 27, 2018

2. AGENDA Program Overview (Mike Carter – President)
Financials (Rich Baker – Treasurer)
Web & Communications (Ted Ellefson – Vice President)
Tournaments (Ted Ellefson – Vice President)
Winter Training (Jack Thibault – Player Development)
College preparation/recruiting (Dan Maus – Secretary)
Other – Uniforms, fan apparel, social media… (Dan Maus – Secretary)
Team Meetings

3. Vision & Mission VISION
Most admired girls fastpitch club in the upper midwest
MISSION
We provide an uncompromising commitment to developing players on and off the field and knowing that the quality of our coaches and the satisfaction of our teams and families is paramount

4. Winter Development Teams
First and Second Year 14U Elite Level Teams
1st and 2nd Year 16U & 18U Elite Level Teams
College Preparatory Development

5. Welcome & Program Overview – Mike Carter
Thank You, Welcome
Program Success
2017/18
Top 8 Texas Top Gun - 4th Place Overall USSSA National Championships - Champions GOLD NAFA Northern Nationals, 3rd Place GOLD NAFA Northern Nationals - Runner up (16& 18) GOLD State - Champions TTFC State Champions - USA Elite Select WFC Top 12 finish - USA National Championships Top 16 finish - Rookies Champions - Lexi Kretsch Tournament Champions - S&C Showcase Champions - Fall State Champions - WFC Illinois Last Chance Champions - Top 60 recognition - (22) 2017/18 players to report to their college teams this fall
Introductions: Teams, Board, Managers, Coaches

6. Vortex/A’s Volunteer Organization
Board of Directors
Dan Maus
Secretary
Mike Carter
President
Ted Ellefson
Vice President
Rich Baker
Treasurer
Jack Thibault
Member
Organization Level Volunteers
Jack Thibault
Coach Coordinator & Director
Player Development
Ted Ellefson
Fall Tournament
Director
Stacey Pinkerton
Beth Peta
Uniform Director
Jack Thibault
Social Media Director
Brad Drey
Lexi Kretsch Tournament Planning
Ted Ellefson
Rich Baker
Director of fields
Ted Ellefson
Vortex/A’s
Team Equipment Director
OPEN
Vortex/A’s
Marketing Director
OPEN
Spirit wear
Director
OPEN
w/ Jen Arends
Fundraising
Director
OPEN
Organizational Web Design and Copywriter

7. Coaches & Team Managers
Vortex 05 Gold
HC: Lisa Koehler
AC: TBA
TM: Sara Lackey
Vortex 04 Gold
HC: Jack Thibault
AC: Lauren Oberle
AC: Jayme Langbehn
TM: Steve Bartz
A’s 16U Gold
HC: Mike Carter
AC: Hannah Bergh
TM: Ted Ellefson
A’s 16U Maroon
HC: Jim Leicht
AC: TBA
TM: Jill Huwe
A’s 16U Blue
HC: Morgan Garbecht
AC: Dan Krause
TM: Stacy Markert
18U A’s Maroon
HC: Gary Prantner
AC: TBA
TM: EB Allen
18U A’s Gold
HC: Mitch Zwack
AC: TBA
TM: Brad Drey
MN A’s 18U
HC: Dan Rubischko
HC: Jim Berbee
AC: TBA
TM: TBD
* Additional coaching resources will be assigned for winter training and for teams in the spring

8. Welcome & Program Overview – Mike Carter
Background Checks – Managers, Coaches, Assistant Coaches, and Board Members
Vortex Philosophy
Respect for all aspects of the game, facilities, and members
Giving back, community partners, volunteers, scholarships
Expectations & accountability - We are all accountable!
Player Contact Policy:

9. Financials – Rich Baker
Non-Profit Organization
In great financial situation
Budgeting
Team Based
Fundraising Opportunities (Organization wide & Team Based)

10. Web and Communications – Ted Ellefson
Vortex Web site:
Social Media
Facebook: Minnesota Vortex/A's Fastpitch Organization
Lexi Showdown: @Lexi_Showdown
Sports Illustrated Play app for Smartphone

11. Tournaments – Ted Ellefson
Head Coach and Mike Carter to plan a tournament schedule which aligns with the team’s goals and objectives
Tournament Classifications
USSSA Fastpitch. All teams are registered and have team insurance
USA Elite Select (ES)
Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF)
North American Fastpitch Association (NAFA)
USA Softball - no teams currently planned for registration
Decisions for additional registration with NAFA, USA Elite Select and/or PGF are made by Head Coach & Mike Carter

12. Winter Training – Jack Thibault
Individual player development plans, video analysis
Position specific, team and individual training
Sign up for days/times that fit your schedule
Winter training goals
Locations/Facilities:
Minnetonka Dome, Wayzata Dome, Batting Cages of MN – Edina, Hit Dawg – Plymouth, Chanhassen TBD
Trainers and Coaches
Additional opportunities (e.g. clinics)

13. Fundraising – Dan Maus Minn Vortex/A’s Organizational Fundraisers
Summer Tournament
Lexi Kretsch Summer Showdown – Hosted by MN Vortex/A’s
Volunteers Needed: Committees, ALL Hands-on
Heggie’s Pizza Sales
Team Fundraising options
Cub Foods - Bag Groceries for Tips
Renaissance Festival – pick up garbage, work concession stand
Canterbury Park – work concession stand
Other
NOTE: Team Manager to check with Board on any team fundraising choices.

14. College Recruiting & Preparation - Dan Maus
Play in College Showcase Tournaments: especially 16U teams and 1st year 18U
Contact coaches attending the tournament with your schedule
SportsRecruits software all team access (specific uses for age groups)
Create player videos
Winter college info meeting
Leverage Minn Vortex A’s Leadership connections to college coaches

15. Other – Dan Maus
Uniforms: if any additional is needed, contact your Team Manager or Team Uniform Coordinator
Minn Vortex and A’s Fan Apparel (delivered to your home)

16. Questions?

17. Team Meeting – Coaches & Team Managers
Coach, Assistant Coach, and Manager Introductions
Introduction of Players and Parents (all to meet each other)
Coaching Philosophy & Expectations
Accountability, Learning the game, Expectations beyond practice/games
Schedule: practices, games/scrimmages, tournaments
Signed Code-of-Conduct sheet
Parent volunteer needs: Fundraising, Sponsorships, Travel Coordinator, Social coordinator (e.g. team lunch, dinners, other activities)