Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com

Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com
[ Midwest Fastpitch - keeptheboardcorrect@gmail.com ]

Asios advice

Posted by Coach Jason Mardirosian on July 1, 2026, 8:29 am

I haven’t checked in here for a while. It’s been a few months of peace that I thought I’d snap😁
Paul Malito and I are wrapping up at the end of this year, so I can speak freely.
It’s not about the organization so much as as the team. And in particular, the coach/coaches.
The Bo Dome is nice, but who cares if the team you are on doesn’t recruit for you. Or worse, doesn’t know how to recruit for you. I don’t care about a workout facility if the team and the coach are garbage.
Second, see in what tournaments that team is playing. Are they going to showcases and playing against college-level talent? Or, are they going to the fields in Joliet and playing against average to below average teams?
College coaches won’t go to that level of tournament and it’s a waste of a weekend and money.
Parents need to realize that counting sophomore year, your daughter has only about 20 weekends to show these coaches what she can do in front of coaches. Paul and I go very heavy on showcases for a reason. We aren’t looking for rankings or trophies. We have gotten our girls over $5 million dollars collectively in 6 years coaching for a reason. Showcases!
Did we/I always do thing the right way…not always. And I apologize if I angered anyone…I always had the player’s best interest in mind.
Third, understand, the Bandits and Chill are masters of their craft. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Stop comparing to them. That’s Darth Vader and Obi Wan Kinobi! And I think you know who is who!

My recommendation for your daughters, in no particular order (not counting Chill or Bandits):
1) NLL Jim Abbott. True gentleman and knows how to recruit!!
2) Cheetahs Mary Connelly. Good coach and she plays at very high level tournaments.
3) Josh Baer. He’s been at this longer than I have (18 years) and he’s been getting girls into college way back with the Windmills. He’s also a pretty damn good offensive coach!
4) IMG Carroll. Good squad. Good coach. Good tournaments
5) Sparks Tholl. Joe Tholl is a screamer. Not my cup of tea with today’s players. But, I’m old school and I get it. He’s still a solid coach and gets his kids into school. You just have to have a thick skin.
6) NWI Sox Rick Baker. He’s a master of that Indiana corridor and recruiting. Plus, underneath the sleeveless shirts is a big heart! Don’t let the Hells Angels look fool you!😁
7) Wisconsin Lightning Chris Conger (any team he’s involved in). He’s an outstanding coach and a master recruiter. Great program.
8) NLL Mark Domico. He looks and sounds mean and gruff, but he’s a softie and his heart is in it!

I know I’m probably missing someone, and for that I apologize.
Good luck
Have fun
It goes by way too fast
And please remember, in four years, nobody is going to give a sh*t, so lighten up. Be smart. Pay for college!

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Aaron Travis on July 2, 2026, 8:24 am, in reply to "Asios advice"

Well said Coach! I tip my hat to you for a job well done.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Coach on July 1, 2026, 5:37 pm, in reply to "Asios advice"

Congrats on your retirement Jason. I do agree that several of those mentioned have done well. However, majority of those players in those orgs travel and travel and travel, batting 15th and still end up at JUCO, D-III, NAIA, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s all about the education and where your talent level fits. I know a handful of players/parents in Colorado right now. Sitting, one bat per game, etc.

It’s great to chase the Org Name. Buyer Beware as always.

Everyone just needs to be realistic.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Right on July 5, 2026, 1:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

Many parents have the money and could take these trips. Many can’t but still do it because they think they have to. All these sports are a complete joke but you have to do it. I’m gonna miss all this but part of me I won’t since I’ll be saving so much money. Yeah I know these memories last a life time but come on. The beat is traveling to Colorado and playing in the bottom tier and playing teams from the same state you live in. Than posting oh what a job our team did. Blah blah blah. Thanks coach! This is so true. Congrats on the retirement

Re: Asios advice

Posted by @right on July 6, 2026, 7:11 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

Enjoy saving your money since that seems to be what is most important to you. I hope you and your money have many great memories of your time together. Please post when your money graduates college and gets its first job. Maybe your money will get married and you can post about your monies wedding.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Wait what on July 7, 2026, 6:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

I would bet You’re that coach that plays 100 games in a season.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by @Jason on July 1, 2026, 5:03 pm, in reply to "Asios advice"

Thank you for taking the time to write your post and sharing your advice and suggestions. It is very refreshing to see someone call the good programs and coaches in our area; other than the big two we all know.

There are many different paths that lead to the same location. and we sometimes we need to be reminded there are other high quality, established programs to choose from.

That you for your contributions to our sport and good luck to you in the future.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Thank you on July 1, 2026, 12:51 pm, in reply to "Asios advice"

This is a great post, with good insights from someone who's been around the block. Good luck in your next chapter!

A nuance that I'd offer is that the "college coaches" you're seeing/seeking should match your players. It makes little sense to go to Cali if your kids are better suited (or interested) in Midwestern D2/3 or mid-majors. Even the local Big Ten coaches will show up in our area.

If your team is firmly P4 ready, then you can decide to hit the Big Boy circuit - and the costs that come with that.

That distinction is why kids do (and should) move teams. If you are above/below your teams talent level, you should move up or down. If you have high talent and stay on a regional team, you're doing yourself a disservice. Same goes for the opposite.

Thanks for all you've done for your kids!

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Know your lane on July 1, 2026, 3:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

I agree with the idea that you have to know where your kid sits in terms of talent. If you are looking to stay local, what good is it doing one to travel to Florida or California? You can get all the exposure you want here.

Congrats Jason and enjoy 'retirement'!

Re: Asios advice

Posted by @Know your lane on July 3, 2026, 12:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

Good luck getting an accurate read on your daughter's talent level when you're playing at Orland Park and St. Charles every weekend.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by @@Know on July 3, 2026, 2:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

The point is, you shouldn't spend the money if you're not going to get the return.

but yeah, you also gotta get your kid pushed. So go to KC.

What you shouldn't do: have a P4 commit wasting time or hiding on a low midwest schedule - which is happening now

you're gonna be in for a rude awakening

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Parent on July 1, 2026, 10:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

I want my daughter to play against the best competition we can find. To accurately answer the question of her level of talent.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Coach Jason Mardirosian on July 1, 2026, 1:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

@ Thank you
Great point!
Definitely true!

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Coach Jason Mardirosian on July 1, 2026, 5:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

One more team and coach that I should have mentioned:
- Silverhawks Lauren McNulty or Dennison. Great coaches. Reputable program. Play in the right tournaments. Get kids into college!

Thank you all for the well wishes!
I certainly got more out of coaching these kids than they learned from me!😂

Parents: lay off the umpires! There’s a shortage!

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Dave Betcher on July 2, 2026, 8:01 am, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

Best of luck Jason! You’ve been a joy and a friend for many years to watch your passion for the athletes!

I know you too well - you will never really retire in life - it’s what makes you tick my friend.

Re: Asios advice

Posted by Coach Jason on July 2, 2026, 8:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Asios advice"

Dave,
Thank you for the kind words.
The kids made us look better than we actually were.
Keep doing your good work for these girls!

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