Our Team
Our specialized team of instructors are comprised of current and former NCAA softball athletes.
PLEASE remember that the majority of our staff are currently full time students and are playing college softball- that being said, their schedules are always changing. Your patience is appreciated with the booking process and the tradeoff of getting instruction from relatable, talented athletes is well worth the inconsistancy!
Our team specializes in hitting, pitching, catching, defense, the mental game & more!
Emmie Uitts
Founder of The Playground- Indoor Softball Facility Catching and Hitting Specialist
"The Playground is really a special place. It is BY softball players FOR softball players. Softball is so much more than a sport, and we will work diligently to grow the game and develop these young players into awesome athletes and leaders not only on their teams, but in their communities!" - Emmie Uitts
Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag
Current NCAA D2 athletePitching, Hitting, and Defense Specialist
Kaitlyn is a current, NCAA D2 pitcher and standout hitter. She also coaches Iowa High School ball for Boyden-Hull Rock Valley- the school/program she went through growing up. Kaitlyn is the definition of a STUDENT-Athlete- she is an awesome role model and loves working with her PG kids.
Alex magnuson
Former NCAA D1 Athlete Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Alex understands that strength and conditioning are both becoming increasingly important in youth sports. We are so excited to have Alex lead our inaugural S&C classes here at The PG.
Grace Glanzer
Current NCAA D1 AthletePitching Specialist
This Sioux Falls native was born to work with the youth (and she's going to keep doing it, as she is studying to become a teacher). Grace Glanzer is a stud pitcher. That's all there is to it!
Here are a few honors Grace has received while playing NCAA D1 Softball-
2022- Summit League Pitcher of the Year
2021 All-Summit League First Team2021 Summit League Freshman of the Year2021 NFCA All-Region Third Team
Emma Osmundson
Current NCAA D1 Athlete Slapping/Hitting Specialist
Emma is ready to focus on working hard, while also having fun with the PG athletes. She strives to be a role model on and off the field for every kid she works with.
Here are a few honors Emma has received while playing NCAA D1 softball-
2021 All-Summit League First Team2021 NFCA All-Region Second Team
Gabbi Holbert
Former NCAA D1 Athlete Slapping/Hitting and Defense Specialist
Gabbi is all about personalization. She treats each player as an individual human and not just as an athlete. She is looking forward to giving back the exciting moments she got as a player to the next generation.
Hanna Cress
Current NCAA D2 Athlete
Pitching Specialist
Some pitchers have speed. Others have spin. Hanna has both. This Omaha, Nebraska native can't wait to work with our PG pitchers. Cress, who is always snacking on trail mix between innings, is a great student athlete, and will be a great role model to your athlete!
Kylie Madrid
Current NCAA D2 Athlete
Hitting and Defense Specialist
Kylie Madrid is a Sioux Falls native who is so excited to give back to the game of softball. After graduation from Roosevelt High School, Kylie chose to continue her athletic career at an NCAA D2 university while studying to become a nurse.
Lexie Swift
Current NCAA D2 AthleteHitting and Defense Specialist
This PG instructor graduated from Millard West High School (Omaha, NE) and played competitively for the Nebraska Gold orgin. Lexie is excited to give back to the Sioux Falls softball community and to be a part of the #PGfam!
Frankie Mickelson
Assistant Softball Coach at The University of Sioux Falls Hitting and Outfield Specialist
Frankie Mickelson is the coolest person you will ever meet. We are SO excited and lucky to have on our team here at The PG. Frankie's energy and love for the game is contagious. If you want to be a stud in the outfiled and at the plate, you'll want to listen to what Frankie has to say!
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More instructor information coming soon!