Next Level Softball: 2009

September 4, 2009

More 2009 Photos!

Action shot of Sabrina about to put the tag on Shannon

Nikki fielding at short

Danielle ready for anything to come her way at 3rd

July 31, 2009

March 3, 2009

February 4, 2009

Some comments from summer 2008 players:

"I loved learning how to dive back to the bag! My batting really improved when I learned how to swing right by putting my hands to the ball!"
-Christina R. 9th Grade, Burlington MA

"I liked learning how to slap and drag bunt from the left side of the plate! This clinic really helped me with my fundamentals in the field and with hitting"

-Ellie P. 8th Grade, Arlington MA

"I liked how there were different hitting and bunting stations. They really improved my hitting!"

-Nicole B. 9th Grade, Burlington MA

"All of the one-on-one attention really helped me learn! I had never heard of a suicide squeeze before but now I know how to do it both on the field and when I am up to bat."

-Melanie H. 9th Grade, Burlington MA

"I liked how the instructors taught me how to hit inside and outside pitches!"

-Terri F. 8th Grade, North Reading MA

"One of the best things I liked about this clinic was how they didn't just teach me how to hit a ball, they taught me everything I need to know about softball!"

-Nicole S. 5th Grade, Burlington MA

January 11, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to the Next Level Softball blog. This is where we can keep you updated with current news regarding our clinics and other activities. This is also a good way for YOU to ask us questions.

We are currently preparing for the Burlington, Mass. Summer 2009 clinics and will post details very soon.

Feel free to email us at Nextlevelsoftball@yahoo.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our Story

We created The Next Level Softball Clinic (NLSC) in 2008 in order to give quality instruction to young players. As students of the game for the majority of our lives, we know what it takes for you to take it to the next level. After working our way up through town leagues, tournament ball, high school softball and college softball, we felt it was time to pass on our knowledge and enthusiasm of the game. Focus areas of our clinic include proper techniques of throwing, fielding, hitting, bunting, pitching, catching, base running and more.

Melissa Hanafin

Melissa Hanafin is a resident of Burlington, MA. Hanafin graduated from UMass Lowell in 2007 with a degree in Business and was the starting catcher for the UMass Lowell River Hawks. She was the league leader in pick-offs all 4 years and holds the school record for most stolen bases in a game(4). Her senior year, she led her team to win the NE-10 Conference Tournament and was named to the NE-10 Conference Tournament All-Star Team. A graduate of Burlington High School (2003), Hanafin was also a member of the 2002 Middlesex League Softball Championship team, was a 3 time Softball All-Star and served as team captain for the Red Devils her senior year.

Kristen Mahoney

Kristen Mahoney is the head coach of the Burlington High School's Varsity softball team. Burlington High has clinched first place in the Middlesex leage 4 years in a row. In 2011 and 2013, Burlington had playoff runs that took them to the State Finals. Along the way, Burlington earned titles of Division II North Champions and Eastern Mass. Champions.

Kristen is also the current Merrimack College Pitching Coach. Before coaching at Burlinton, Kristen spent 3 years as pitching coach at UMass Lowell. Kristen graduated from UMass Lowell in 2007 having set nine career records, including wins (70), strikeouts (598), shutouts (25), complete games (77) and innings pitched (673.0). Along the way, she earned a number of honors, such as Northeast-10 Pitcher of the Year, 2-time All-Region standout, and a 3-time All-Conference standout. As captain her senior year, Mahoney lead the River Hawks to their first-ever Conference Championship, where she was named Most Valuable Player of the NE-10 Conference Tournament. Mahoney graduated from and served as Varsity softball captain for Burlington High School. She was also a member of the 2002 Middlesex League Championship team. Mahoney has been giving private pitching lessons for the last 10 years, and has instructed numerous pitching clinics for UMass Lowell.

Stacey Lajoie

Stacey graduated from UMass Lowell in 2009. During her time there, she set many records, including Most Home Runs in a Career. Stacey played center field, catcher, and shortstop. During the summer of 2009 & 2011, Stacey played for the Brakettes, a semi-pro softball team in Connecticut. Stacey is currently an assistant coach at Merrimack College and the Director of Softball at Play the Game in Manchester, NH. She also is the head coach of the Granite State Gamers, an ASA summer tournament team.

Vikki Guido

Vikki Guido graduated from UMass Lowell, where she played four years of softball for the River Hawks. She was named captain for both the 2006 and 2007 seasons. As a junior, Guido was named to the NE-10 conference Second Team and as a senior was named to the NE-10 conference First Team. In 2006 she was a finalist for the Laurie Mann Award for UML Female Student-Athlete of the Year. She graduated from Winchester High School in 2003 where she was a four-year League All-Star as well as team MVP all four years. She was named Boston Herald All-Scholastic her junior year. Guido is currently working as a nurse at Winchester Hospital and serves as the Assistant Coach at Lesley College.

Next Level Softball

September 4, 2009

More 2009 Photos!

July 31, 2009

2009 Clinic Photos!

March 3, 2009

2008 Clinic Photos

February 4, 2009

2008 SUCCESS!