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 & Instructor
Emmie Uitts officially founded The Playground- Indoor Softball Facility, in January of 2021, but has been dreaming about it since she was a sophomore in high school!
She attended Elkhorn High School in Elkhorn, Nebraska where she played for the Antler's Softball team from 2013-2016.
Emmie attended the University of Sioux Falls where she played softball and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurial Studies in 2021.
In 2020, Emmie attended CatcherCon in Nashville, TN. This is the biggest catching event in the nation. There, she learned so much valuable information that she has brought back to the Midwest to share with to her athletes.
Emmie is also a Volunteer Assistant Coach at The University of Sioux Falls.
"I am so excited to get to work with these athletes! Softball is so much more than a sport, and I 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
Emmie specializes in catching & hitting instruction, as well as the mental game.
Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag
Pitching and Hitting Instructor
Kaitlyn is a current, NCAA D2 pitcher and standout hitter. Kaitlyn also coaches Iowa high school ball for Boyden-Hull Rock Valley. Kaitlyn is a great athlete AND a great student- she is an awesome role model and can't wait to get working with our athletes!
Lexie Swift
Hitting and Defense Instructor
Lexie Swift, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, is a current NCAA, D2 student athlete. This PG instructor graduated from Millard West High School and played competitively for Nebraska Gold. Lexie is an expert on hitting and defensive instruction and plays outfield for The University of Sioux Falls Softball Team. Lexie is excited to give back to the Sioux Falls softball community and to be a part of the #PGfam!
Kylie Madrid
Defense and Hitting Instructor
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. Kylie specializes in defense and hitting instruction.
More instructor information coming soon!