Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. Every team aims to score as many runs possible, against the opponents by striking the ball with a specific bat. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand. The game is played on a smaller diamond than in baseball and despite the game’s name, the standard softball is not soft; in fact, it is harder than a baseball.
Softball – Advanced is open to athletes age 22 and older. Exemptions may be requested for mature athletes over the age of 18. Athletes at this level have advanced softball skills and a strong understanding of the game. SOMO offers three teams: Advanced, Intermediate, and Skills. All teams compete at the State Games for medals in their respective division. If you are a developing softball athlete, please refer to the Softball – Intermediate page or Softball – Skills page.
| Coaches | Kyle Bausch – Head Coach Tina Connolly – Sport Director |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Sundays, starting April 12, 2026 Qualifiers: Required Qualifier – May 17, 2026 at Kiwanis Wallas Park in Ellicott City State Games: June 13 to 14, 2026 at Kiwanis Wallas Park in Ellicott City Signup Begins: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 6 PM |
| Athlete & Volunteer Registration Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date June 14, 2026 All Forms must be up to date before the signup date (fourth Sunday in February). The expiration date on an Athlete’s Registration form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above State Games competition date to participate in the upcoming season. |
You can find the official Special Olympics Rules, Fact Sheet, Coaching Guide, and other resources at this link: Special Olympics Softball.
Athlete placement will take place at the first practice in March. New and returning athletes are invited to participate in this session. Athletes qualify for our Advanced program based on demonstrated softball skills and general athleticism. Upon assessment completion, those athletes not selected for the advanced team will be referred to the Softball-Intermediate or Softball-Skills program.
Coaches place athletes on teams based on ability. Coaches also consider sportsmanship and an athlete’s past record of strong commitment to the sport when making team assignments.
SOMO has a limited number of softball fields and coaches to support our softball program. Roster size is constrained to offer each participating athlete an opportunity for meaningful involvement. Eligible Athletes must (1) have current Athlete Certifications valid through the completion of State Games on file with SOMO and (2) have signed-up online for Softball – Advanced before the first practice.
SOMO provides all team-centric equipment. Athletes must have their own softball glove. In addition, athletes may choose to bring their personal gear, e.g., ASA-approved softball bat, batting gloves and helmet. Softball athletes must also bring their own ball cap to practices. Athletes should bring water to each practice and competition. Soft drinks are not permitted.
During practices, athletes are responsible for their own athletic apparel (no blue jeans or winter coats, please) and softball spikes (optional). SOMO provides team uniforms for use during competitions. Athletes are responsible for bringing their (Issued) team hat to all competitions.
Location: Woodley Gardens Park (900 Nelson St, Rockville, MD 20850)
Timing: The Softball – Advanced team holds 1-2 practices each week. Weekend practices are team-based, where emphasis is often placed on game-based situations. Weekday practices provide added opportunities to develop individual skills. Coaches release a detailed practice schedule to team members at season’s start, with weekly updates as required.
Activities: Athletes begin each practice with soft-toss followed by stretching and light running or other aerobic or skill-based exercise. Practices often include advanced softball drills and game-condition exercises.
Teams will participate in a minimum of two Qualifiers (usually one local and one State-mandated). Dates and locations will be announced at the season’s start.
Softball State Games will be held at Kiwanis Wallas Park (10468 Norberts Way, Ellicott City, MD 21042). Competitions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Game time and locations are announced just prior to the event.
Athletes are expected to attend all practices and all scheduled Qualifiers in order to be eligible for Softball State Games. The Head Coach may excuse a limited number of absences from practice.
Athletes participating in the Softball Summer Games will be housed for two nights with the team and coaches in Towson University dorms.
Athletes wishing to join the Softball-Advanced teams must commit to Softball as their only Spring sport.
Softball – Advanced requires an athlete participation contract. Athletes commit to their coaches and teammates that they will attend scheduled practices, all qualifiers, and State Games. An inability to meet those commitments can disqualify an athlete from the team.
Under development
