Prep Softball: Shaw, Poway High to hold skills clinic for kids

Kourtney Shaw remembers running around Poway High softball clinics as a youngster. Now the Cal-bound pitcher will be in charge of one as part of her senior project.

“I went to a majority of the Poway clinics when I was in the Poway Girls Softball League and I remember looking forward to seeing the older girls,” said Shaw, who was selected to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Underclass Second Team last year. “I remember thinking, ‘I hope it is me one day running this clinic.’ It is nice to give back and help these girls get to where I am standing.”

The clinic is slated for Saturday, Jan. 31 at Aubrey Park, 13544 Aubrey St. T-ball and Rookies will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., while Division 1, 2, and 3 will be from noon to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per player and $10 per additional sibling. All proceeds will help fund the Poway High girls softball program. Additional donations are welcome.

Instruction from over 25 volunteers from the Poway High girls softball program will take place in fielding, hitting and base running. Teaching the fundamentals of the game will be the priority.

“I think it is great, because it is not a high-level clinic,” Shaw said. “The most important thing is learning the fundamentals. It will be fun. Sometimes it is nice to learn from girls that are playing rather than a coach.”

There are a few college-bound players in the Poway program that are expected to attend along with Shaw. Junior shortstop Malia Martinez, who is verbally committed to Arizona, and Catherine Seitz, who will play at Brown University next year, will be there.

The Poway girls softball coaching staff will also be around to help.