Official SWAT Team Photo

From left to right, bottom to top: Makena, Jaclyn, Olivia, Grace, Cassandra, Coach Daniel, Rylee, Carly, Dailyn, Makenna, Marileen, Desirae, Coach Jim, and Manager Desmond.

Game # 4, SWAT versus Mayhem

No one said this softball stuff was going to be easy. And game # 4 against Team Mayhem proved the old quote by Abraham Lincoln to be true: "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." SWAT girls hustled. SWAT girls worked out. And we lost by a few runs but the girls learned that if the ump is calling strikes for every pitch between the mid-calves and the eyeballs, then the best you can do is swing at more. Adjust to whatever the circumstances are. And hustle more.

This video starts with a smile and ends with a "Happy Birthday." Not a bad way to go, really.

Music: Ventura's own Rey Fresco, "Ninja Kush"

Game snacks provided by Makena B.'s family

The Almighty SWAT Banner

Check out the fierce softball and the acid-green zebra stripes on the border--the SWAT team's banner is awesome! Thanks go to Grace's family for getting this banner made.

Game # 3 Against Dynamite

The intrepid SWAT Girls met their toughest competitors to date as they faced off against Team Dynamite on March 16, 2011. Spectators wondered if SWAT would implode from the pressure or be able to defuse the situation.

In the end, our SWAT team had their first loss of the season, but you would never know it, as the girls rallied in the last half of the game and finished with a good number of runs and plenty of smiles. Cassandra hit the first home run of the season. Manager Desmond tried out pitching by new pitchers Rylee and Makenna L., making for a fun game.

Game Snacks provided by Dailyn's family.

Game # 2 Against the Ice-Breakers

On Saturday, March 12, the SWAT team put together a mighty offense that barreled over their opponents, the Ice-Breakers. After the victory, the girls—and their families—enjoyed a lunch provided by Jaclyn's family (no need to rush off after the game anyway, right?).

Introducing the SWAT Girls

The entire team is in this short clip, taken from the dug-out, March 12, 2011.

Welcome to SWAT Team’s Newest Fan

Congratulations to Cassandra's family on the new addition to their home team. Baby Isaac was born on March 1—and still he came out to show his support at game #2.

SWAT Team Plays Season Opener Against the Blue Bulldogs

The first game of the season for the Softball With ATtitude (SWAT) team dawned on a warmer-than-usual Saturday. A good-sized crown showed up to cheer our seven- and eight-year-old athletes on. Manager Desmond and assistant coaches led the SWAT team to a narrow victory over the Bulldogs. Way to start the season, girls!

Game snacks provided by Olivia's family

Got SWAT Photos? Video Footage?

Please submit your photos and video footage of team members in action to me and I will be sure to post your submissions with a quick turnaround for all to enjoy.

Rest assured, this blog will NOT be posting girls’ last names—only first names will be used for anonymity.