Spring select softball

Spring Select (Phantoms) FAQs:

The Select "Phantoms" program was developed to allow high-performing girls to practice and/or play games together, once a week during the recreational season. 

WHAT IS SELECT “PHANTOMS”?

The Select  program was developed by USA Softball to allow high-performing girls time to practice and/or play games together. Teams are formed by evaluations at the start of  Spring Rec Ball and play during the Spring Rec Ball season, through the beginning of April. 

To be considered for Select team participation, players and parents must commit to the requirements outlined below:

Select teams require an additional day of practice or game(s) per week.

This is typically from January through the beginning of April (Select season dates are set by USA Softball).

The additional day of play will usually be on Sundays.

There may also be more than one play per week in January prior to the start of Spring Rec Ball 

USA Softball SoCal Select events in January may occur over two days since leagues normally have not started league play.

A select team may not have any travel ball players on a team per USA softball rules.

A player must participate in at least 75% of her recreational games to maintain eligibility for the select program.

Participation in the select program DOES NOT GUARANTEE your daughter will be selected and/or play on an all-star team. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any registered player in the divisions 8U, 10U, 12U & 14U. If your daughter is registered to play in the upcoming season, she is eligible to evaluate for Select. Interest is gathered via registration and through a survey. Interest does not guarantee your player will be selected.

ARE THERE FEES?

There are additional fees for select due to extended field use and lights.  Other fees are for the additional games (umpire fees) and tournaments throughout the season. There are sponsorship and fundraising opportunities to offset fees if needed. 

WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Select teams are not for everyone. The purpose of this program is to teach, demonstrate, and practice the higher-level strategies and situations of the game. Players who wish to be on a select team MUST indicate interest during registration, complete the Phantoms Interest Form, and participate in the Select Evaluations in mid-December. Typically, at least 1 team will be formed in each division (8U/10U/12U/14U), as designated by the Board. Upon the conclusion of registration, the board approved coaches will choose the select teams for each age division. First and second year player designation within a division is considered when forming the select team rosters. Participation in All Stars or other competitive tournament teams does not guarantee placement onto a Select/Phantoms team. Teams are formed on/after January 1st. The coaches will then follow up by emailing their select teams.  Being chosen for a select team DOES NOT guarantee a spot on any All-Star team for any player. Select coaches will not necessarily be All-Star coaches.

WHAT IS THE EXPECTATION FOR SELECT “PHANTOMS”?

The formation of this program is to teach, demonstrate, and practice the higher-level strategies and situations of the game. Since our foundational mission as an association is developing young athletes, we believe in providing an opportunity and the fair assessment for all to show what they can do on the field. If your daughter is committed and willing to work hard while sacrificing early Sunday mornings and/or afternoons, she will be considered to develop and hone her player skills as a Select player. 

ARE THERE TRYOUTS FOR SPRING SELECT?

Based on USASoftball of SoCal Yellow Book rules, tryouts are allowed on/after January 1st. Reach out to your Division Director for questions about Spring Select/Phantoms evaluations. If you are interested in additional practice/reps prior to the start of the spring season, the league plans to hold additional Open Workouts in mid-December. Additional information will be shared closer to the Spring Rec Ball open registration period.

I’M INTERESTED IN COACHING – HOW DO I APPLY?

As an all-volunteer league, we rely heavily on the generous time and passion of our adult league members to help provide coaching instruction and leadership to our players. Coaching is an exceptionally rewarding experience, and most of our coaches return year after year due to their positive experiences. If you are interested in coaching a team this season, please complete and submit the PGSL 2026 Coach Application.