Hopkins Fastpitch offers the opportunity for girls to learn, compete, and grow through fastpitch softball. Our program focuses on skill development, teamwork, confidence, and creating a positive and supportive community experience for players and families.
Q: What program levels are offered?
A: Hopkins Fastpitch offers the following levels:
- 6U (PreK – 1st Grade): T-Ball / Coach Pitch
- 8U (2nd – 3rd Grade): Machine Pitch
- 10U – 18U: Big West League competitive kid-pitch fastpitch
Q: How long is the summer fastpitch season?
A: Practices typically begin in mid to late April depending on weather. Games begin in late April/early May and most seasons conclude in June or July. Teams that qualify for postseason or championship tournaments may continue playing into August.
Q: What is the commitment per week?
A: The commitment per week depends on program level:
- 6U and 8U families can typically expect 1–2 games per week and optional coach-scheduled practices. The average commitment is about 2–3 evenings per week.
- 10U and 12U teams typically practice twice per week and play 1–2 nights weekly. The average commitment is about 3 - 4 evenings per week.
- 14U and 16U teams typically practice 2–3 times per week and play 2 nights weekly.
- Practices generally last 1–2 hours.
Q: Is my daughter too young to play fastpitch softball?
A: No. The 6U and 8U levels are designed specifically for younger players and introduce fastpitch softball in a fun and supportive environment focused on skill development and confidence building.
Q: How are teams formed?
A: 6U and 8U teams are formed with strong consideration given to classmates, friends, and connections whenever possible. Our goal is to create a positive and comfortable environment that helps young players build confidence, friendships, and enjoyment of the game while maintaining balanced team sizes and skill levels.
10U through 18U teams are formed based on player evaluations, coach input, developmental readiness, and overall team balance. Evaluations are not tryouts. All registered players are placed on a team.
Q: When do evaluations take place and what do they involve?
A: Evaluations typically take place in February. Players are evaluated on hitting, fielding, throwing, fly balls, and pitching or catching if applicable. Evaluation results help determine team placement and ensure balanced teams.
Q: Do teams play in tournaments?
A: Yes. Tournament participation varies by level and team placement.
- 8U teams typically participate in one mid-season tournament and one local end-of-season tournament.
- 10U through 16U teams typically participate in multiple weekend tournaments including state and qualifying tournaments. Some teams may advance to additional championship tournaments. For more information, see Key Dates on our Registration Page.
Q: Where are regular season and post-season games played?
A: Games are scheduled primarily against nearby west-metro communities and may include Wayzata, Orono, St. Louis Park, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Edina, and Minnetonka. Home games are typically played at Hopkins North Junior High and other Hopkins-area fields. Post season games such as state qualifiers, and state and national tournaments, are typically held out-of-town, within a 60-mile radius.
Q: Can my daughter play up an age level?
A: Players generally develop best at their age-appropriate level. Families may request consideration for playing up, and a formal evaluation process is followed before decisions are made. For more information, please see our Play-Up Policy & Request Form.
Q: How do I determine which age level my daughter should register for?
A: To determine the appropriate age level your daughter should play at, please use the 2026 Age Eligibility Calculator.
Q: Will my family need to volunteer if my daughter joins a Hopkins Fastpitch team?
A: Yes. Hopkins Fastpitch is a volunteer-supported organization that relies on family involvement to help keep registration costs affordable. Volunteer hours are typically completed by helping with the Royal Rampage tournaments and other program events. Volunteer checks must be submitted during preseason events and are only cashed if volunteer requirements are not fulfilled. Players cannot be placed on a team without a volunteer check on file. For more information, please see our Volunteer Policy.
Learn more about the Hopkins Fastpitch Spring/Summer and Fall softball programs, or for additional questions, please reach out to [email protected].