Next Pitch Academy

06/06/2026

Next Pitch Academy T-Shirt Order Form is live! 🎉

Gear up and represent Next Pitch Academy in style!

We’re placing a mass order for our academy t-shirts, and we’ve got multiple colors and sizes available! Order form closes on June 22 and shirts will be available for pickup by July 13!

Gear up and represent Next Pitch Academy in style! We’re placing a mass order for our academy t-shirts, and we’ve got multiple colors and sizes available so everyone can find their perfect fit. Whether you're at lessons, games, or just out and about, these shirts are a great way to show your NPA...

06/06/2026

Softball Pitching Lessons Now Open – Spots Will Go Fast!

I’m excited to announce that Jaelyn Watts will be offering pitching lessons this summer!

Jaelyn is a Rochester High School standout, 2026 CS8 Player of the Year nominee, and has trained with me for nearly a decade. She brings a strong foundation in the same mechanics and drills I teach, along with real, current game experience that makes her incredibly relatable—especially for younger pitchers just getting started.

If your athlete is looking to build confidence, learn the right fundamentals, and grow in the circle, this is a great opportunity.

📅 Lesson Details
• Dates: June 9 – August 20, 2026
• 30-minute private lessons
• $30 per session
• Location: 1215 Bunn St., Springfield (near UIS softball fields)

👉 Individual time slots are available through the signup below.
👉 We highly recommend booking multiple weeks to lock in your preferred time each week.

Ready to Get Started in the Circle? We’re excited to open up sign-ups for pitching lessons with Jaelyn Watts—a high school standout, Rochester High School graduate/incoming college pitcher, and 2026 CS8 Player of the Year nominee. Jaelyn has trained under Tina Buck-Harth for nearly a decade, dev...

06/02/2026

💯 Could not agree more!

06/02/2026

First broken bat at Next Pitch!

Sarah Gray-Belcon must have been throwing the heater that night! 🔥

05/27/2026

Not only did Jaelyn Watts throw a gem of a game, but hit this bomb in the 9th! 💣I could not be more proud of her! Have a senior season will ya?!

05/16/2026

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😭 This is what it’s all about!

05/09/2026

Looking for a fun and productive way for your young athlete to spend their holiday morning? Join us at Next Pitch Softball Academy for our Memorial Day Fastpitch Softball Camp!

Designed specifically for ages 5-8, this camp is the perfect opportunity to build confidence and sharpen those diamond skills.

🗓️ Camp Details:
• Date: Monday, May 25
• Time: 9 AM – 11 AM
• Location: Next Pitch Academy, 1215 Bunn St., Springfield, IL
• Price: $40

🥎 What to Expect:
Led by Academy owners Tina Buck-Harth and Sarah Gray-Belcon—both Hall of Fame former collegiate players and long-time Central Illinois coaches—your player will dive into:

• Hitting & Fielding fundamental skill development
• Small Group Stations for personalized coaching
• Fun Games & Contests to keep the energy high!

📲 Ready to Play?
Don't wait—spots are limited! Scan the QR code in the image or visit the link below to register today:

🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4nt7awdz

05/08/2026

This girl is one of the hardest working athletes I know! She is constantly putting in the work at home to be the best catcher, hitter AND pitcher she can be! I introduced the curve ball to Emmy just a few weeks ago and she has been putting in the work! Last night it was all coming together for her! So proud of her!

05/04/2026

Last scrimmage of our 6U spring season with these Diamond Girls 🤍

I’ve been coaching this group since they were 3, and honestly, watching how much they’ve grown has been one of my favorite parts of coaching. The confidence they’ve built, the way they move around the field now, and just how much fun they have together—it’s been really special to be a part of.

From the start, we’ve tried to keep things simple. Focus on the basics, help them understand the game, and most importantly, make sure they actually enjoy it. At this age, it’s not about wins or losses. It’s about keeping them moving, getting a bunch of touches, making sure everyone gets multiple at bats, and giving them a reason to love coming back each week.

I’ve learned pretty quickly that with young kids, if it’s not fun, they’re not going to stick with it. And too often, kids get pushed into more competitive play before they’re ready and end up losing interest. That’s the part we’re trying to do differently.

A few of our girls are moving up, which is tough, but this group will always mean a lot to me. I’m really proud of them and excited to see what they do next 💎

01/26/2026

Important read to remember when the chaos of running to all the activities seems overwhelming. It is a blessing to see our kids pursuing the things they love and one day we will look back and think “these are the good ole’ days.”

If your life lets you take your kids to practice,
if you’re the one on the bleachers,
the one in the front row with a phone that never has enough storage . . .

you are already successful.

Because one day the car will be quiet.
The uniforms will be tucked away.
The performances will be memories.

And what will matter most is that you were there—
clapping, cheering, showing up
for all the little moments that turned out to be the big ones.

If you get to be present, exhausted, and right in the middle of it all . . .
you are blessed.

-Her View From Home