Ohio Thunder Softball 2025-2026 - What to Expect

Tryouts

Tryouts will be conducted for each age group and will be run by the coaching staff of that team. Players will be evaluated on throwing accuracy and strength, fielding skill, hitting, baserunning and other applicable skills based on the age of the group. Players are evaluated by a range of coaches, board members, and other members of our organization.

For tryouts at Olentangy Liberty H.S., please wear turf shoes or rubber cleats. No metal cleats, sunflower seeds, or gum are allowed at this facility.

What to expect after tryouts

Offers will be made shortly after tryouts, but with the need for makeup tryouts, etc., don’t draw conclusions from the fact that you do not immediately receive a call. However, the fluid nature of the process means that if your child receives an offer to join a Thunder softball team, the coaches will expect a response within 24 hours. We know this is both an exciting and stressful time of the year and are committed to handling the process as quickly and transparently as possible. If you have not heard from Ohio Thunder Fastpitch and are contemplating an offer from another organization, feel free to contact the applicable coach for an update.

Team Rosters

Individual teams will be officially announced at https://ohio-thunder.com/teams as soon as they have been formed. Average roster size is 11-12 players.

Non-Refundable Deposit

If you were given an offer to join a Thunder team and you accept a roster spot, you will be expected to pay a non-refundable $400 deposit within 72 hours of your acceptance. This deposit will be credited towards your final fees. Final fees range by team based on number of tournaments, amount of extra/specialized training, and beyond. Please contact the head coach of your team for a more detailed overview of player expenses.

Schedule Priority

Some Thunder teams practice and/or play a few games in the fall; others don’t. As an organization, we strongly support multi-sport athletes, and conflicts with fall or winter sports are not held against anyone. By the same token, we expect our players to make softball a priority during softball season, which generally runs from March through July. The expectation is that players are not missing softball for other sports/commitments during this timeframe.

Fundraising

The Thunder organization has actively fundraised over the years to help offset organizational fees. The Thunder expects all families to participate. We have been fortunate in past years to raise over $20-$30K. These fundraisers have dramatically reduced the overall player fees and have contributed to field improvement and maintenance. Many of our teams were credited over $1,500 in past seasons.

Player Fees

There are many factors that contribute to player fees. Detailed fee summaries are available, displaying team cost and credits. Some examples of these costs are:

Umpires: ($50-100 per umpire, per game, depending on age groups and whether an umpire works alone or with a partner).
Indoor and Outdoor Field rental.
Tournaments: Range from $300- $1500 per tournament depending on age group.
Game Balls: The average cost $50 per dozen.
Equipment: Practice softballs, catcher’s equipment, hitting tees, etc.
Organizational: applicable league memberships, insurance, website fees, etc.

Uniforms

The Thunder organization will have a uniform fitting in the late fall. You will be expected to pay for all your uniform and personal equipment costs at the time of the fitting. For a new player in the organization, this can be between $350-$400 per player. Included in player uniform and equipment cost are: Helmets, Bat Bags, Hoodies, Jerseys, Pants, Tee Shirts, Hats etc.

We work very closely with our uniform vendors to receive significant discounts on uniforms and equipment and strive to pass these savings onto each player.

While bats, gloves, and cleats are not included in the uniform cost, the Thunder does have relationships with major manufacturers that offer deeply discounted pricing to our ballplayers.

We look forward to building a competitive softball program in Central Ohio that holds values of integrity, sportsmanship, discipline, hard work, and respect. We want players to have fun, play competitive softball, and grow as individuals.