The Toronto Fastpitch Club is proud to announce program graduate Robyn Draper as the 2017 16U Bantam Head Coach. Robyn spent several years under Head Coach Alan Spohn as a Brampton Blazer, leaving Ontario for sunny southern Florida to attend State College of Florida, formerly known as Manatee College, a DI Junior College in the NJCAA. Coach Draper finished her college career at NCAA DII Flagler College where she currently ranks in the top ten in multiple softball record categories even though she played her senior year on a torn labrum in her hip.

Her first taste of true international softball came in 2006 when she wore her country’s colours playing for the Canadian Junior National Team in the Pan American Games in Puerto Rico. She was also chosen to compete for Canada in the 2007 Junior Women’s World Championships in Enschede, Netherlands.

Never one to quit, Robyn rehabbed after her surgery in 2013, going on to play professionally in Haarlem, Netherlands for the Terrasvogels. She helped propel her team to both the Dutch and European Championship, proving yet again that hard work, determination and inner strength can help you achieve any of your goals.

It is this work ethic and love of softball that brings Robyn back to the field in a coaching capacity for the 2017 season. Robyn brings with her extensive softball knowledge, catching expertise, switch-hitting skills, and a welcoming youthful female perspective that really serves the 16-under age group well. She will represent the TFC with pride, and any players that have previously worked with her, enjoy her coaching style immensely.

My teaching philosophy is simple, I always provide an opportunity to develop their skills and create a learning environment that is both challenging and enjoyable. Anybody can win through natural athletic skill or by cheating and cutting corners. This only carries a player so far. Playing with integrity, making the right choices during and after each play, having heart and not making excuses; that is what makes up a successful player. There is no substitute for hard work and passion for the game. With the combination of the right tools, success is inevitable.

-Coach Draper

Robyn will announce her coaching staff in the coming days, so please check back for additional info. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to fill out the form on our Contact Page or email Coach Robyn directly at

torontofastpitch.draper@rogers.com

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Try-Outs for the 2017 season will start as follows:

Wednesday, September 7th at 6pm @ The TFC Training Warehouse

*There will be a general discussion/information session about the program for parents and athletes from 6-7pm due to popular demand. The official try-out will begin at 7pm.*

Location: 224 North Queen St., Etobicoke across from Homesense at the private training facility for the Toronto Fastpitch Club. Please wear running shoes and bring water. Pitchers and catchers will be evaluated after a hitting circuit.

Thursday, September 8th at 8:30pm @ Birchwood Park Diamond 2

Location: 1101 Clarkson Road, east side, just north of Lakeshore Road West, west of Mississauga Road. Please bring water and all necessary softball equipment as pertains to your position.

Friday, September 9th at 7:00pm @ Birchwood Park Diamond 2

Location: 1101 Clarkson Road, east side, just north of Lakeshore Road West, west of Mississauga Road. Please bring water and all necessary softball equipment as pertains to your position.