Develop the Fundamentals. Build Confidence. Prepare for the Next Level.

DNA Academy is excited to introduce a new travel softball program designed to provide young athletes with a high-quality competitive experience while maintaining a cost-conscious approach that prioritizes player development and prepares athletes for success at the high school level. Our philosophy is simple: develop complete players. While winning is important, our primary goal is to help athletes master the fundamentals of softball and develop the physical and mental skills needed to thrive in high school competition.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our focus is truly on development rather than profit. This structure allows us to pursue sponsorships, fundraising opportunities, and community partnerships that help offset expenses and reduce the financial burden on families.

We believe that every athlete should have access to quality instruction and competitive opportunities regardless of financial circumstances. By operating as a nonprofit, we are committed to reinvesting resources directly into our players through coaching, training opportunities, equipment, and program development.

Players in our program will benefit from:

• Consistent instruction focused on hitting, fielding, throwing, pitching, catching, and base running

• Game situations that teach softball IQ and decision-making

• Physical conditioning and injury-prevention habits that support long-term athletic development

• Mental preparation, confidence-building, and resilience under pressure

• A positive, accountable team culture built on effort, respect, and sportsmanship

• A cost-conscious approach designed to maximize development opportunities while minimizing unnecessary expenses

We understand that travel softball is a significant commitment for families. That is why we are committed to providing a high-quality experience that emphasizes player growth, competitive opportunities, and value. Whether your goal is to make your high school team, earn a larger role on the field, or simply become the best player you can be, this program is designed to help you reach that next level.

We are currently seeking dedicated athletes who are willing to work hard, learn, compete, and contribute to a team-first culture. If your daughter is ready to develop her skills, challenge herself, and grow both as a player and a person, we would love to meet you.

POTENTIAL 2026-2027 Teams:  12U

Details

Please see below table.  Team fee payments will be made to “DNA Travel Baseball Inc”., the non-profit arm of DNA Academy.  

Costs are based on anticipated roster size of 13-14 players.  Costs cover all league fees, umpires, tournament fees, coaching stipends, equipment, uniforms, insurance, and field fees.

Eligibility

We follow USA Softball's age cutoff dates. Eligibility is based on the player's age as of September 1st 2026.

Games

12U will play a total of 25-30 games. Tournaments will be local only - there will be NO outside Northeast Ohio travel that will require overnight hotel stays.

Season 

The Team will begin their summer season after the conclusion of the school season. The summer regular season will be done by the third weekend in July. The team will also participate in the Willoughby Fall League, which will consist of 6 consecutive double headers on Sunday afternoons beginning in late August.         

Financial Assistance

DNA Travel Softball is designed to be inclusive and affordable for all participants.  Funds are available to a limited number of families who need financial assistance.  Families must commit to at least 15% of the registration cost in order to be eligible for financial assistance.  Please contact us if you believe you are eligible for financial assistance.

Process

1. Register for a tryout (see below for details).

2. Attend the tryout and try your best. Players can attend more than one tryout, but only one is necessary.

3. If you make a team…

   • Team Registration: Pay a $125 registration deposit or apply for financial assistance to reserve your spot by Monday, August 17. Payments to DNA Travel Baseball Inc.

   • Balance of Costs for Team: Determine your preference for paying the balance of the team costs and notify DNA of your preference below by emailing Andy Pohl. 
     Your payment options are:

     • Pay remainder in FULL – cash / check payable to DNA Travel Baseball Inc.

     • Monthly installments by credit card.

   • Optional Off-Season Training: DNA will provide multiple opportunities for optional, off-season training. Off-Season training costs are not covered in the team fee. Please email Andy Pohl with questions regarding this.

Tryouts & Evaluations

Tryouts

• Players who cannot attend scheduled tryouts can request a personal tryout session. 

• Age cutoff is as of September 1, 2026

• Example: For a player turning 13 before September 1, 2026…that player cannot play 12U. 

Evaluations

• Tryout evaluations will be done by DNA-approved evaluators.  Uniform evaluation templates and consistent tryout formats will be implemented for all age groups. 

• DNA will determine the roster size; a minimum of 13 players is required. 

• All players must complete all tryout activities

• Players can attend more than one tryout, but only one is necessary

• DNA will begin contacting players selected for the team within one week of the last tryout date. 

Optional Off-Season Training

We want our participants to be active in other sports and activities.  As a result, we have created a flexible, off-season calendar giving our athletes the opportunity to engage in multiple activities while providing them the necessary training to successfully compete for their school teams and our program.  The majority of our off-season workouts will be within our communities, minimizing travel and making it easier on families to participate.  

• Late August – mid October: Sunday Fall Ball

• November: No activities

• December – Mid February: Optional, off-season training clinics: Small group, targeted training clinics focused on hitting, pitching, defense, and physical training 

• March - Early May: Middle School Softball Season

• Mid May - Mid July: Summer Season

Questions?

Administrators: Please contact Andy Pohl or Phil Turner.

Coaches: Please contact Nancy Obuchowski or Andy Pohl