Silver Bullet Gold Philosophy & Goals

Dear Bullet Boosters,

Below is a copy of our goals and philosophy.  I hope you find that the way in which we run our program is consistent with an effort to abide by this foundation.

Dear Prospective Bullet Players, 

Much like choosing a college, you must select a travel ball team with care.  In order to gain the greatest benefit and value you must find a team that closely fits with your own goals and needs.  We always hope that we attract quality student-athletes who are seriously interested to becoming an Oregon Silver Bullets with these goals and philosophy in mind.  Best of luck!

Coach Wallo

GOALS

Our six goals in implementing the Oregon Silver Bullets Gold program (in no particular order):

Develop individual and team skill sets:

We work to teach solid, individualized mechanics and mental approaches within all facets of the game.  We pride ourselves in being teachers of the game and that our program is based on education.  We strive to get better with each practice and/or game, working on team strategies and overall softball knowledge as well as individual skills.  We try to hold true to our motto: Win the next pitch.

Provide exciting and meaningful travel ball experiences:

We work to make sure that we get the most out of our travel ball experiences.  Sometimes this is within interactions between teammates, or with coaches.  Other times it may be a unique experience on a specific trip.  In all cases we work to make our travel, and overall team experiences, memorable.  Within our experiences, we will operate as an independent unit as much as possible, to simulate a collegiate experience and to prepare our student-athletes for their futures.

Provide a platform to learn life skills:

Softball, as all team sports, provides a platform where, on and off the field, the experience is a natural environment for learning many life skills and lessons.  Characteristics such as developing and driving toward a common goal, problem solving, accepting diversity, developing individual roles within a team structure, leadership, support and trust, and being accountable for yourself are just some of the many lessons a student-athlete can learn within a sport team structure.  We focus on this goal at every opportunity.

Develop a competitive nature in our student-athletes that, along with the solid skills and approach, results in success on the field:

Travel ball is competitive softball.  Yet, too often these days, teams are subject to events where the emphasis is on the event itself and not the results.  We will work to enhance and balance each player’s competitive spirit and compete to develop positive on-the-field results.  This success assists with many other factors such as future placement and team recognition, playing time and enjoyment and readies players for the more competitive collegiate atmosphere.

Provide for, and assist with, college exposure:

We do our best, within budget constraints and the ever-changing landscape of youth softball, to select and participate in a variety of exposure events to allow for players to demonstrate their skills in front of collegiate coaches.  We work to educate families in the basics of the college recruiting process and assist with some of the essential procedures.  We make every effort to educate players and families to effectively market themselves to potential college coaches.  We make reasonable efforts to assist in communication and marketing to prospective college coaches.

Direct a program that continues to put a high degree of emphasis on enjoying the game of softball:

With travel ball starting at such a young age, it is our goal to maintain fun and enjoyment throughout the experience with the Oregon Silver Bullets.  Too often, players and families are so focused on the “prize” (college scholarships) that they live for tomorrow.  It is our intent, that while keeping an eye to the future, to live for the day.  The game and the overall travel ball experience should be one where having fun playing the game and enjoying the overall experience are forefront.

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

Our philosophy with the Oregon Silver Bullets Gold is driven by our goals.  We strive to manage our program to allow for a balance of these six goals.  While each of these goals is critical in and of themselves, the truly special experience of being a member of a team of this type is only realized when the blend of these goals is kept stable.  These goals interact with each other, as spokes on a wheel, and when in balance provide the best available opportunity and experience.

While the passion of college exposure is typically a driving force of travel softball, it is only but one of our goals.  We believe by balancing all six goals that we will work off a solid foundation and ultimately provide the best value for each of our student-athletes and families.  This foundation will result in positive reviews and results that will, in turn, fuel the success in individuals and within the team.  This success will enhance the successful completion of all six goals, including exposure and eventual college placement.  This “wheel” of goals will continue to build and be a positive structure as long as all the goals are kept in focus.