This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
What started years ago as an interest in one of his daughter's favorite pastimes has turned into five college softball scholarships, with possibly more on the way.
When Bill Plowman got started coaching fast-pitch softball, it was in the Davis County recreation league called Bonnet Ball.
"One of my girls probably brought home a flyer for Bonnet Ball and I didn't have a clue about softball," Plowman said. "But I got involved and this is about the 13th year I've coached softball. We started playing in the eight and under league, then moved up to ten and under and started the accelerated team in the twelve and under division."
That accelerated team, the Xtreme, took off and is still going strong seven seasons later; there are eight of the original 13 team members still on the roster.
"When we started out we were really little and really bad," said Zoe Budger, who has played all seven seasons with Xtreme. "We didn't really compete but our coach just worked with us and never gave up on us and we slowly progressed."
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A tradition of success • The Xtreme team has just started its seventh and what may be one of its last seasons, as they have moved into the 18 and under division.
Xtreme, which typically plays in 12 or more tournaments in a year, has yet to go a season without winning at least one tournament. The confidence that winning has given the team is the one thing the girls enjoy most.
"I love that when we step on the field that people know who we are," Budge said. "We're classy and well-respected and just knowing that people fear us and respect us as a team is awesome. I love that power, it's a great feeling."
In addition to the success Xtreme has had as a team they have enjoyed individual success as well. One of their players, Chelsea Butters, has already played a year of college softball at the College of Southern Idaho.
Four other girls, who recently graduated from high school, have already accepted scholarships. Kelsey Plowman (who is the coach's daughter), Francesca Roth, Jyl Eckstein and Teleas Marble all will be attending junior colleges on softball scholarships in the fall.
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Worth every minute and dime • Bill Plowman is hoping to get all eight of the remaining players on his team signed to scholarships before they graduate next spring.
Players say the possibility of scholarships later on is one of the reasons that make all the time and money worth it.
"It's really worth it because now every girl on our team really can get a scholarship and Bill will help us," Budge said. "We pick our top 10 colleges and Bill sends e-mails to coaches and introduces us and then we keep them updated throughout the season. You pay now so you can save later."
The payment the girls and their parents are required to pay each season is $550 plus $300 in sponsorships from community companies, although some choose to just pay all $850.
The money pays for uniforms, entrance fees to tournaments and equipment. The girls still have to pay for all travel costs.
"It is absolutely worth it," Plowman said speaking as a parent. "If these kids can get several thousand dollars to put toward their education and continue their softball careers, I'm all for that."
The team will play in 12 tournaments this summer. —
Xtreme softball
$5,950 the cost to play seven seasons with Xtreme, not including travel costs.
5, the number of college scholarships Xtreme team members have already received.
Xtreme will play in a tournament every weekend this summer.