MANDARIN HIGH SCHOOL

4831 Greenland Road*Jacksonville, FL 32258*(904) 260-3911

Home of the Mustangs

Dr. Donna Richardson, Principal
Brian Rado, Athletic Director
Natalia Gonzalez, Head Coach
www.mandarinhighsoftball.com

Dear Parents and Players,

Welcome to the Mandarin High School Softball Program. My coaching staff and I
would like to extend a warm welcome to all team members and their families. This
programs mission is to obtain excellence on and off the field. It will be driven by
pride, dedication, commitment, and hard work. We strive to not only teach the
game of softball, but to instill lifelong lessons as well. With the commitment of the
players and coaching staff, together we can bring another championship-winning
season to Mandarin High.
Included in this handbook are guidelines and policies that will serve as a roadmap
towards a successful program. Please take a few moments to review it.
Thank you and we hope that the upcoming season is a rewarding one for you.

Natalia Gonzalez
Head Varsity Coach

Program Goals

To Reach Our Full Potential As Athletes and People

To Leave Mustang Softball A Better Program Than Before
To Represent MHS With Class
To Understand My Responsibility As A Role Model
To Be Accountable For My Actions
To Challenge Myself And Teammates To Excellence
To Work To Meet Team And Individual Goals
To Look Back On The Season With No Regrets
To Compete At The Top Level In The State

Program Philosophy
4 Terms that we believe should define all members of the Mustang Softball Program:

Commitment
o Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to become your very best?
Integrity
o Are you willing to do the right thing, even when no one is watching?
Honesty
o Can your teammates trust what you say?
o Do you do what you say you are going to do?
Loyalty
o Do you support your teammates, your coaches, and the program?

Mandarin Softball Program

Coaching Philosophy
It is the goal of the Mandarin Mustang softball coaching staff to provide student
athletes with the opportunity to experience success in a variety of situations, both
individual and team, on and off the field of play. Athletes will be challenged to reach
their full potential, encouraged to develop emotional maturity, and will have the
opportunity to learn how to deal with success and failure. Not only will players learn
the physical skills of softball, they can learn other life-long skills such as: self-confidence,
self-discipline, self-motivation, goal-setting, teamwork, cooperation, sportsmanship, and
leadership.
Our coaching staff believes that players are young ladies and daughters first,
students second, and athletes third. We recognize and support obligations to family,
school, and softball. Players will learn about commitment and balancing many
obligations. Decisions made by the Mustang softball coaching staff will be based on what
is good for the softball program, what is good for the team, what is good for the
individual, and what is good for Mandarin High School. Our coaches will strive to win.
However, winning is defined in many ways as a result of goal-setting. Thus, our top
priority will always focus on building young ladies of strong character through our
softball program.

Expectations of Mustang Softball Coaches

Supporters of the Mandarin High Softball Program can expect the following from the
softball coaching staff:

They will be a positive role model.

They will be a leader and a motivator.
They will be a firm and fair disciplinarian.
They will follow the Team first, individuals second belief.
They will be committed to the softball program, to the team, to the players, to the parents, to
Mandarin High School, and to the community of Mandarin.
They will be positive, supportive, enthusiastic, and encouraging.
They will be fully prepared and organized for each practice and game.
They will be honest with players and parents about roles on the team.
They will communicate well with each other, players, parents, and administrators.
They will follow and uphold all MHS and softball team expectations.

Expectations of Mustang Softball Players

As we build a program it must be done from the ground up. The ideas and
philosophies that serve as a foundation are very important. Players in this program are
expected to know and buy in to these ideas. These four basic beliefs serve as a ground
work for you to develop as an individual and as a team.
1. TEAM Comes First is the number one philosophy in our program. The team
is greater than the individual and will always take precedence. If a young lady
learns to commit to the greater team and unselfishly put her personal interests
second, she has learned a valuable lesson in life as it relates to career and family
situations. We will commit to teach that every personal decision affects the team
and consequences for personal actions also come with consequences for the
team.
2. Playing softball requires tremendous personal DISCIPLINE. We will strive to
build discipline in every individual player as well as the team. We will focus on it
and demand it each and every day in every way possible, knowing that if players
learn discipline in the sport of softball it will lead to discipline in the realities of
life.
3. We believe that ATTITUDE is the key to success. Each of us receives the gift
and the ability to choose what our attitude will be each and every day, and in each
and every situation. We will strive to teach proper and positive attitudes and will
demand it from each person associated with our program. It is impossible to
control many things in the game of softball and in life - the one thing you can
always control is your attitude.
4. Our goal will never simply be to win on the scoreboard. Our goal will always be
to play hard, play with discipline, and have fun while giving our very best
EFFORT possible. If this is achieved (combined with the three qualities above)
winning will be the natural result. If our very best effort does not result in a win,
then we can still hold our heads high, feel good about our effort, and give credit
to our opponent. Again, we cannot control many things in the game and in our
lives, but we can control and give our best effort. We will expect and demand the
best from our athletes not only on the field of play, but in the classroom and in
life.

Expectations of Parents
Parents of athletes in the Mustang softball program are expected to adhere to the
following expectations:
o Be aware of your daughters needs, feelings, and concerns.
o Attend as many games as possible so you get a full and complete picture of
the program.
o Understand the point of: Your daughter, other athletes and parents, the
coaches, and yourself.
o Support the team first, individual second belief.
o Demonstrate sportsmanship at all games.
o Allow your daughter to participate on the team in her own way; dont relive your career through her.
o Show positive support and encouragement for your daughter, for all
members of the team, and for the Mustang softball program
o Let 24 hours elapse before initiating communication with the 4-step
process below. Do not try to resolve a conflict with a coach before or
directly after a game- that will likely create more conflict. Encourage your
daughter to begin the 4-step communication process:
1. Athlete meets with individual coach and/or head coach.
2. Athlete and parent meet with individual coach and head coach.
3. Athlete, parent, and head coach meet with Athletic Director.
4. Athlete, parent, head coach, and AD meet with principal.

(Most of the time a conflict will be solved after Step 1)

o Things parents may not ask about:

Playing time
Game strategies
Other players on the team

o Things parents may want to ask about:

Does my child work hard and have a positive attitude?

How would you evaluate my child in terms of offensive, defensive and/or team
skills?
In what area(s) does my child need to improve?
Is my child a positive addition to the team?
What can I do to help?

PLAYER RULES
By being part of our softball program there will be high expectations placed on you. There will be times when you
cannot do your own thing. The following items are in place to make you a better person and promote the image of
our program and Mandarin High School.
DAILY CONDUCT:
-Each player is expected to conform to the rules that are in place to ensure success.
a. Attendance at all practices and games is required. Making a phone call or having a prearranged
note signed prior to a missed practice must excuse absences. Examples of excused absences
would be illness, emergencies or academic work. All appointments & family vacations should be
scheduled at times other than practices or games.
b. A 1-game suspension may be issued for each UN-excused absence!
(CommunicateCommunicateCommunicate!)
c. Practices will typically run from 2:30-4:45, Monday through Friday with a few Saturday and
Holiday practices scheduled in as well.
-Each player is expected to conduct herself in a lady-like manner at all times. Specifically, this refers to our
conduct on the field, in the locker room, on campus, on the bus, around the community, and on road trips.
This also includes communication via social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
-The academic success of each and every player is vital to the success of the program. To remain eligible for
practices, games, and team functions, each player must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.
-Coaches from each team will monitor the academic success of their players and have the liberty to create
systems that will produce a greater commitment to academics, such as
a. Tutorial systems
b. Team study sessions
-Players are not permitted to use tobacco, drugs, or alcohol in any form, on or off school grounds, in or out of
season. Any reported usage will fall under Duval County School District policies, investigations, and
consequences.
-Please be courteous to the administration, faculty, coaches of all sports, students, and have respect for all
other programs at Mandarin High School. We are all working towards common goals. We all represent
Mandarin High School.
SOFTBALL CONDUCT
-Be on time for all softball-related activities.
-Practice hard at game tempo. We will not coach poor attitude.
-All players are required to help carry equipment at practices and at games.
-Players must be dressed in their issued softball gear. Keep your uniform clean; mark your
bats, gloves, etc
a. Required practice gear for every day is a glove, cleats, tennis shoes, and practice uniform.
b. Shorts may only be rolled once and all shirts must be tucked in.
c. Hats/visors must be worn with the bill facing forward.
d. Jewelry is NOT allowed. Please leave your earrings, necklaces, watches, etc. in your locker
before you come out to practice. Get used to it now, jewelry is not allowed in games!!
e. Cell phones must be left in your locker and should be placed in silent mode.
-Accept your role. If you do not like it, work harder to change it.
-Disrespect for coaches, teammates, faculty and staff will not be tolerated.
-If you have a concern or problem with another player, a coach, playing time, etc. you should talk to your
coach first, before taking any other action.
-No outside food is allowed in the dugout during a game.
-No spectators are allowed in the dugout during a game. This includes parents, family members, and friends.
-Players are allowed to leave the dugout during a game for the following reasons only: to retrieve a foul ball,
go to the bathroom, warm up/stretch/throw, or in a medical or weather related emergency.
CONSEQUENCES
Failure to follow team policies may result in the following consequences.
- Extra Conditioning, both individual and/or team depending on situation
- Game Suspensions, full and/or partial
- Full Suspensions, including games and practice
- Dismissal from the team

Rules of Thumb
Is it best for Mandarin High School?
Is it best for the team?
Is it best for me?
In this order!

Unwritten Rules (well, some written)

Be five minutes early meetings, practice, and games

No DRAMA, if you make other players on the team unhappy, FIX IT
Hustle everywhere
If you are not playing, cheer for those who are
Always tell your coaches the truth
Lend a hand in practice setup and breakdown
Turn in your uniform at the end of the season when you are asked to do so
Always have your uniform tucked in properly
Treat equipment with respect
Run when you know you might be late
No laughing after a loss
At practice, be focused on the task at hand, not social plans, school problems or an argument
you may have had

A TEAM with STRENGTHDISCIPLINE and PURPOSE

BEING A CAPTAIN
CAPTAIN SELECTION - When captains are selected, they will be expected to
function as role models for the other players. Their selection will be based on their
proven ability to accept leadership responsibilities on the playing field, practice field,
and in the classroom. Additionally, they will help facilitate communication between
players and the coaching staff.

Below are the expectations of a Mandarin High Softball Captain:

Be respectful at all times.

Be a team player always.
Be on time for class and practice.
Lead and follow by example.
Be in the best possible condition, physically and mentally.
Report to coach and athletic director on status of the program.
Keep emotions under control without losing enthusiasm.
Never give negative criticism or blame teammates.
Adhere to all school rules.
Meet and greet officials, opposing coaches and captains.
Be responsible for teammates.
Mediate disputes between players when possible.
Communicate clearly.

Other captains duties include:

Leading stretches and warm-up during practice and pre-game

Making sure that post practice and post-game responsibilities are completed
Making certain that all needed equipment is transported to and from games, by
those who are assigned.

Softball Lettering Policy

The fast pitch softball team lettering policy allows any student who makes the varsity
team and participates in at least 10 varsity games to be eligible for a letter. Participation
in a game requires that the player be placed on the official game roster. Any JV players
that have been moved up to the varsity team will receive a letter if they have spent more
than 50% of the season with the varsity team.

*Players must end the season in good standing in order to be eligible for a letter

The following is the sequence at which letters will be distributed:

1st Year: Green letter and sport pin
2nd Year: Service bar
3rd Year: White letter and service bar
4th Year: Service bar and 4 year letter award (if all 4 letters are earned in one sport)

MANDARIN HIGH SCHOOL

4831 Greenland Road*Jacksonville, FL 32258*(904) 260-3911

Home of the Mustangs

Dr. Donna Richardson, Principal
Brian Rado, Athletic Director
Natalia Gonzalez, Varsity Head Coach
www.mandarinhighsoftball.com

2015 Fast Pitch Softball Schedule

DAY

DATE

OPPONENT (H-Home, A-Away)

Saturday
Saturday
Tuesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Tuesday
Thursday
Thurs-Sun.
Mon.-Fri.
Tuesday
Wednesday
Monday
Tuesday
Friday
Mon.-Thurs.
Thursday
Tuesday
Friday
Wed.-Sat.

Jan. 31
Jan. 31
Feb. 3
Feb. 5
Feb. 10
Feb. 12
Feb. 13
Feb. 17
Feb. 19
Feb. 20
Feb. 24
Feb. 26
Feb. 27
Mar. 3
Mar. 4
Mar. 5
Mar. 10
Mar. 12
Mar. 19-22
Mar. 23-Mar. 27
Mar. 31
Apr. 1
Apr. 6
Apr. 7
Apr. 10
Apr. 13-16
Apr. 23
Apr. 28
May 1
May 6-9

(A) Preseason @ Clay High vs. Wakulla

(A) Preseason @ Clay High vs. Middleburg

(H) Ed White~
(A) Paxon~
(H) Atlantic Coast~
(H) Flagler Palm Coast*
(A) Bolles (JV only)
(A) First Coast*~
(A) Creekside
(H) West Port*
(A) Sandalwood*~
(A) Fletcher~
(H) Bishop Kenny (JV only)
(A) Flagler Palm Coast*
(H) Bartram Trail (JV only)
(H) Sandalwood*~
(H) First Coast*~
(A) West Port*
Daytona Softball Slam Tournament
Gateway Conference Tournament
(H) Bartram Trail
(A) Orange Park
(H) Bolles
(H) Providence
(A) Oakleaf
District Tournament @ Sandalwood
Regional Quarterfinals
Regional Semifinals
Regional Finals
State Final Four @ Vero Beach

TIME
JV
----4:30
4:30
4:30
5:30
5:30
4:30
5:00
5:00
4:30
4:30
5:00
4:30
5:00
4:30
4:30
4:30
-------------------------

TIME
V
11:00
3:00
6:30
6:30
6:30
7:00
--6:30
7:00
7:00
6:30
6:30
--6:30
--6:30
6:30
6:30
TBA
TBA
6:00
7:00
6:00
6:00
4:00
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
TBA
Updated 1/12/15

*District Games

~Conference Games