Minnesota Vortex & A's Club Operations Overview
The Minnesota Vortex and Minnesota A's program strongly supports multi-sport athletes at the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U level. While the Vortex and A's both provide the opportunity for year round training, we also know the importance of well rounded, confident athletes and citizens. Therefore, our off-season work consists of individual instruction, clinics, dome ball and team practices but also takes into consideration the young athletes 2nd sport and other community based commitments. During the primary softball season, you are expected to make softball your priority sport and are expected to attend all scheduled practices and games. The Minnesota Vortex Softball Club was born out of great community players who desire to compete at the highest level. The Vortex and A's teams play in the Top Tier Fastpitch League. Each Vortex and A's team expects to play several local and regional tournaments and also qualify for out of state National Tournaments.
The typical Vortex or A's player is an athlete interested in playing softball at the highest level, who wants to be challenged and gain knowledge in a positive environment. The Vortex and A's teams are made up of great players, but just as importantly, great friends and teammates. The Vortex is committed to providing excellent coaching and player development. Most of our players will have the goal of playing collegiate softball and the majority of our players will reach that goal.
Additional Information
Fall Season (Mid/Late August through Mid October):
2 practices per week
3-4 tournaments (1 out of town)
League Games/Scrimmages added at coaches discretion
Break: Mid/Late October through Mid November
Winter Season (End of November through Early March):
Winter Training Sessions (pitching, hitting, catching, infield, outfield, performance training, etc.) available for sign up Monday-Thursday Evenings & Saturday mornings. Sign up when you're able to attend around other commitments. Dome ball games on the weekends. Dome tournament(s) is at coaches discretion.
Spring Season (March-May):
Most program players are playing with their High School programs at this time. If players are not participating in High School ball, we will provide training.
Summer Season (June-July):
2 practices per week. 6-7 tournaments (1-2 out of town). League games/scrimmages at coaches discretion.
By accepting a roster spot on this team, you will be expected to agree to make this your first priority in regards to sports participation. You will be expected to attend all scheduled practices and games during the regular season. You will be expected to attend all winter domeball games and practices that do not conflict with a winter sport that you may be playing. As is always the case, participation with, Family, School and Religious commitments take priority and can be worked out with your coach.
The Minnesota Vortex and Minnesota A's teams play in the Top Tier Fastpitch league and will play in multiple tournaments, which typically will include at least one out of town tournament. Team availability will determine fall schedules. It will be expected that all players will be able to participate in team plans for the Spring/Summer season including National Tournaments and travel. The 4th of July holiday tournaments will be determined although not all teams will play over the holiday.
While the final tournament schedule has not been fully determined, Vortex and A's players should expect to commit to a competitive schedule. which may consist of several in-town and a minimum of one out of town tournament. In addition, players should plan to attend an out of town National Tournament near the end of July or early August.
Ideal Roster Size: 12-13
We have our own outdoor complex in Loretto Athletic Complex. We also have our own indoor facility in TCOS Training Center in Plymouth. We also rent other fields and complexes in the Metro.
We aim to have 2-3 coaches per team to give our teams the best experience. You can check out our amazing coaches here:
At the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U levels, playing time will be earned and may not be equal regardless of the number of players on each team. Playing time and positioning will be solely at the discretion of the coaching staff.
While generally discouraged, players interested in trying out for more than one age level should register and attend all age levels they want to try out for. Tryouts are by age level.
Players will be asked to tryout in their primary position, but are encouraged to also show abilities in other areas as well. If you are a pitcher or a catcher, you should be sure to do the additional evaluation stations for these positions.
Players will be evaluated by multiple coaches at various stations. Players will be offered placement on a team as coaches or appointed committees make their selections.
We love multi-sport athletes! Our winter training program offers many days, times, and locations to allow players with other winter commitments to still attend our training. We just ask that in the summer, Vortex & A's Softball is your #1 priority.
All returners and new players are expected to tryout. Players will go through a series of stations to be evaluated on Offense and Defense. Pitchers & Catchers should attend a specific pitching and catching session. We will be looking for players at each age level and team.
Our player fee cost covers Fall, Winter, and Summer opportunities. Families will need to cover uniforms and travel costs. Everything else is included.
Our default payment plan is a deposit after tryouts then 10 monthly payments online.
We offer scholarships to families in need on an application basis so everyone has the opportunity to be apart of our MN Vortex & A's Family.
There are fundraising opportunities throughout the year to lower costs.
Minnesota A's 16U
Since 2014, the Minnesota A's have taken the fields as Minnesota Vortex teams with a special focus. The Minnesota Vortex has been around since 2005. While all of our Minnesota Vortex Softball club teams work to develop, promote, place and get our athletes ready for maximum performance, the Minnesota A's are comprised of generally high achieving, hard working, goal oriented athletes who strive to be their best. The top Minnesota A's teams have performed well and placed high at the Nations top tournaments.
- Players who want to play with a high level of talent to prepare them for the next level of play, and get recognition by colleges that they are playing with one of the very best teams in the state. We view the Minnesota A's as a college preparatory for softball and an introduction to the life of softball as you move on the next level.
- Players who are looking to achieve high level softball skills should think about the Minnesota A's.
The Minnesota A's are powered by Vortex Softball so you know the name and the program! This is NOT a breakaway team or a split from the MN Vortex program! You will work directly with MN A's coaches and Vortex director Mike Carter along with other proven coaches who will help manage your experience. Each players situation and desire is unique and we work with you to meet your future softball needs.
If you are looking to expand your softball experience and wish to become a better player through hard work, dedication and desire please contact us for more information. We welcome prospects to try out through our 16U Minnesota Vortex/ Minnesota A's tryout process. Whether you are a Minnesota A's first year or or a returning Minnesota A's or Vortex player, we will help determine the best path for your softball future.
Minnesota A's 18U
The Minnesota A's 18U teams are a part of the Minnesota Minnesota Vortex Organization with a special focus. While all of our Minnesota Vortex Teams work to develop, promote, place and get our athletes ready for college ball if that is their goal, the Minnesota A's first year and second year 18U team is comprised of top notch players that fit in to one of three categories. Minnesota A's teams have won Regional and National titles.
- Players who are uncommitted High School Juniors or Seniors that have the desire to play in college and may have already been recruited, but have not yet given a commitment to a school. These players want to play with a high level of talent to prepare them for the next level of play, and get recognition by colleges that they are playing with one of the very best teams in the state.
- Players who have committed to a school for softball, and desire to get the very best training and competitive quality of play to prepare them for their first college season. We work individually with these players to prepare them.
- College level Players who have completed their first year of softball and need to stay "tuned up" for their sophomore season. Many college coaches want their 18U eligible players to stay in shape, get some at bats and play with highly skilled players during the summer. Several coaches have sought out our program and training for their players in the off-season.
The Minnesota A's are powered by Vortex Softball so you know the name and the program! This is NOT a breakaway team or a split from the MN Vortex program! You will work directly with vortex coaches and MN Vortex director Mike Carter and other proven coaches who will help manage your experience regardless of the category you fit in to. Each players situation and desire is unique and we work with you to meet your future softball needs.
We welcome prospects to try out through our 18U Minnesota Vortex and Minnesota A's tryout process or you may receive offers with an invite during the approved contact timeframes. Whether you are a Minnesota Vortex player or a Minnesota A's player, we will help determine the best path for your softball future.