Spring Travel Ball

Spring and fall travel accepts girls aging six to sixteen. The H.E.R.S. is pleased to provide these additional divisions to dedicated players who wish to improve their game and play more competitively. Spring and Fall travel participates in NISA, the county-wide rec travel organization. During travel seasons, the teams compete against towns such as Woodstock, Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin, and Marengo. Travel spring and fall focuses on the growth and development of their softball skills. Registrations for spring take place Dec/Jan. Older divisions such as 12u and 14u begin practicing around January while younger divisions begin in March. Practices are held at various indoor facilities, such as local school gyms and an indoor sporting complex in Woodstock. As the weather warms practices move outdoors to Lions Park in Harvard, Illinois. Spring travel games begin in April/May and continue thru June. Spring travel teams battle for the championship in a week-long tournament in June.

 

Summer Softball

The in-house summer season converges with spring travel in June but allows flexibility for a player to participate in both spring and summer. Our summer in-house league is less competitive than the spring/fall leagues. It's geared toward teaching the basics to novice players. Summer's main focus is on softball education. H.E.R.S. has adopted many of NISA's rules, with a few caveats to allow a more gentle indoctrination into the sport. Special age-appropriate rules are utilized for each age group to create a fun environment to learn fast pitch softball and to provide the opportunity to maximize each player's development. Summer registration begins the winter prior to the season, accepting in-person and online sign-ups. Summer accepts girls between the ages of three to eighteen(or seniors). Practices are left up to the coach's discretion, usually beginning in April/May, and can continue throughout the season. Games are held in June & July on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

 

Annual Picnic

H.E.R.S. hosts an annual picnic. There is a cookout, games, prizes, and giveaways. The day is filled with fun, laughter, and softball games. It's a wonderful event that hundreds of fans, friends family, and community members look forward to each year.

 

Fall Travel Ball
Fall travel mirrors spring travel except the end-of-season tournament does not take place. Fall travel gives each girl the opportunity to modify the skills they’ve learned throughout the year and put them into action. Practices begin in July and games run from August through the end of October. Registration for fall ball takes place throughout the year with the cut-off roughly in July.

​

Sponsors -Coaching-Donating-Volunteering

Harvard Educational Recreational Softball is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization; that relies heavily on
donations and sponsorships. H.E.R.S. is run solely by dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly year-
round to ensure an enjoyable and enriching experience for all. H.E.R.S. offers banners and team sponsorship. Sponsoring allows our league to continue to grow for our young players while providing advertising for you and your business.

We are currently in need of new catcher's gear for all divisions and have field maintenance/update needs.  The H.E.R.S. Is always in need of helmets, metal or plastic protective facemask, slow pitch, fast pitch bats including the USSSA 1.20 thumbprint, gloves, and cleats. 

​

We encourage families and players to donate outgrown or unused equipment to the league. The H.E.R.S. prides itself on making softball affordable and possible for every girl. Your donations, be it monetary or gear can help someone play softball who may not have been able to, otherwise. 

​

The H.E.R.S. will provide a letter and receipt for tax purposes.

If you are interested in sponsoring, coaching, donating, or volunteering in future years please contact H.E.R.S. directly:

​