Olympians launch free Champions Festival

On June 6, 2011 near the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, 25 top softball players and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Hall of Fame coaches representing 160 national and international medals, will join together to launch the Champions Festival, a free event designed to educate and inspire young players, parents and youth coaches.

The first in a planned series of Champions Festivals spanning many sports, this day long event includes a Champions Panel where the stars will discuss college recruitment, mental toughness, and college life.   To celebrate the launch of Champions Festival, NCAA® is paying the registration fee for attendees.

Other features of the Champions Festival include a Champions’ Toolbox and Game Day Routine, insights on pitching, hitting, and defense play, and discussions of nutrition and wellness. The day will conclude with a Celebration where participants can interact with the Olympians and Hall of Famers in a casual setting, followed by game one of the Finals of the NCAA Women’s College World Series®.

Champions Festival was the brainchild of Sue Enquist, former UCLA head coach, 11-time national champion and 4-time Hall of Fame inductee.  “I realized long ago that anyone can be a champion if they are willing to understand and embrace the champion mindset” Enquist said. With Women’s Professional Softball League Coach of the Year Cindy Bristow and business executive Robin Pokoj, Enquist launched Champions Festival in January, 2011. “We want to recalibrate how the youth player views competition”, she continued. “It’s about committing to a Champion’s Declaration that shapes your actions day to day and year to year”. The player, her parents, and the youth coach will spend the entire day, with the best teachers in the game. Participants will leave with a clear roadmap for excellence and have a lot of fun in the process!”

An NCAA® Compliance Officer will offer information on college preparation and recruiting.  For more information, click here to reach Champions Festival.