Wisconsin RedBirds

06/16/2026

18u Redbirds Karly, Bri, Aubrey and Raegan at the WFSCA Senior All Star Games! Way to go girls! Such an honor to be chosen for this.

06/15/2026

This is a great read! And is coming from one of the best pitchers out there. While Redbirds still strives to compete at a higher level, and we require commitment, we always encourage kids to be multi sport athletes.

One of the biggest controversies in youth sports right now—especially softball—isn’t bat rules, recruiting, or rankings.

It’s adults 👀👀👀👀👀

The pressure adults put on kids is getting out of control.

Parents chasing scholarships at 10 years old.
Kids specializing before they’ve even hit puberty.
Travel schedules that look like professional athletes.
Private lessons every day.
Social media highlights making everyone think they’re behind.

Meanwhile, we’re watching kids burn out, quit, get injured, and lose their love for the game.

Another huge controversy is the belief that more is always better.

More games.
More teams.
More showcases.
More lessons.

When in reality, some of the best college players were multi-sport athletes, took breaks, and developed at their own pace.

Then there’s the ranking culture.

Parents are treating rankings, social media followers, and “elite” labels like they’re guarantees of future success.

They’re not.

College coaches aren’t handing out scholarships because a kid was ranked at 12 years old. They’re looking for athletes who can compete, be coached, handle adversity, and continue getting better.

And softball has its own hot-button issue:

The race to become a “PO” (pitcher only) at 9, 10, and 11 years old.

A lot of people believe it’s the fastest path to college softball.

Others believe it’s limiting athletic development and creating kids whose entire identity is tied to one position before they’re old enough to know what they even enjoy.

The reality?

Most of the biggest arguments in youth softball come down to one question:

Are we developing athletes, or are we chasing outcomes?

Because those two things are not always the same.

And that’s where a lot of people disagree.

06/15/2026

Congratulations to our 14u team on winning the silver bracket of the Janesville NAFA Qualifier. Great job girls!! 🥇🥎

06/15/2026

Congratulations to our 18u team on winning the Janesville NAFA Qualifier! Great job girls! 🥎🥇

06/08/2026

Happy 50th birthday to Coach Pliner! He’s the one that started it all and keep this all going! Thank you for everything you do for this program! 🎉🥳🎁🎂🥎

06/03/2026

A special happy birthday to our 16u Coach Gary ! He is turning the big 5-0 today!! Happy birthday Gary and thanks for all you do!! 🎉🎂🎁🥳🥎

04/27/2026

Coach Pliner has been making his rounds supporting past and present Redbirds. All such talented players along with being great people! Once a Redbird always a Redbird! ❤️

02/23/2026

Thank you for being a gold sponsor of the Redbirds! We appreciate your generosity!