Ball Club Beginnings
In July of 2023 after a 3-week communication and placement process, the Spartan Ball Club (SBC) finalized rosters for 6 teams. Two 7U baseball teams were fielded, and one softball team each at 8U, 9U, 10U, and 11U.
Pilot season player fees were established and a group of parent volunteers got to work creating sponsorship opportunities and fundraising plans, collaborating with the Solon Athletic Boosters to establish nonprofit designation, accepting countless practice gear donations, and hosted community-wide fall clinics for both baseball and softball. A leadership board was formally established to guide decision-making for pilot teams, support practice and competition schedule needs, prepare coaches for success in leading their team, invest in uniforms and team gear, and plan for expanded player placement in 2024. All six teams began practice in January/February and began playing in league and tournament games in April.
Practice Fields & Facilities
One benefit of a centralized club includes an organized effort to secure practice space and strategically partner with those who manage it. Between the fields at SRNA, Lakeview-1 (the HS secondary field), and the newly renovated Lakeview-2 (funded in partnership with the SBC), we were able to meet our 6 teams’ needs to practice outdoors twice weekly and host scrimmages as needed. Indoor practices were scheduled in the Lakeview gym (plus batting cages), in the Community Center gym (plus batting cages), and at a local private turf facility (with batting cages).
As demand grows, the club is committed to investing in even more local and regional practice facilities that give our teams an opportunity to develop.
Board of Directors & Committee Members
Each volunteer listed below is serving a two-year leadership role that concludes with the end of the '24-'25 season, but may continue if needed or to stagger the experience of the board. Email info@spartanballclub.com if you are interested in an open Board role for the '24-'25 season (as noted below), a future Board role in an upcoming season, or if you are interested in joining a committee. More detailed role descriptions can be shared with those interested.
President: Nicole Kroul
Vice President: OPEN - Board elected position in ‘24 (designed to stagger with President role in term start/end year, and support for Baseball and Softball specifically)
Treasure: Sarah Clark
Secretary: Stacey Munson
Competition Chair: Baseball: Quintin Bigelow (has shared support committee with Baseball Player Development)
Competition Chair: Softball: OPEN (has shared support committee with Softball Player Development)
Player Development Chair: Baseball: Jim Magrane (has shared support committee with Baseball Competition)
Player Development Chair: Softball: OPEN (has shared support committee with Softball Competition)
Fundraising Chair: Mollie Kilburg (has support committee)
Branding Chair: Lindsey Meade
Operations Chair: Emily Henning
Communications Chair: OPEN
We are grateful to these parent leaders (and more serving on committees) for sharing their time and expertise to benefit our teams and families, the SBC's startup efforts, and the future of the club. Please email info@spartanballclub.com to reach any of our board members or to learn more!