SHOCKWAVE FAQS
Sunnyvale Girls Softball League is proud to offer our Shockwave travel ball program for 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U divisions in Summer and Fall 2025.
Read below to learn more about what Shockwave is, how it differs from our recreational league, and how it compares to other travel ball opportunities.
Interested in joining Shockwave?
Fill out the Fall Tryout registration form or continue reading below for more information about the program.
What is the Shockwave Program?
Shockwave is Sunnyvale Girls Softball League’s competitive summer travel ball program, featuring age-specific teams formed from All-Star players. Teams are assembled the last weekend of April and compete from Memorial Day weekend through early August. While Shockwave is an extension of our recreational league, it focuses exclusively on tournament play and offers skilled players the opportunity to compete at a higher level.
Who is eligible to join a Shockwave team?
Any player participating in SGSL’s spring recreational season is welcome to try out for a Shockwave team. However, players who are on an independent (non-rec affiliated) team after March 31, 2025, are not eligible. This includes “A” Ball or other competitive programs not affiliated with a recreational league.
How are teams formed?
Shockwave teams are selected from our spring recreational All-Star players. Head coaches have full discretion in choosing their rosters. Teams are built based on the 2026 USA Softball age eligibility chart, which uses the player’s age as of August 31, 2025. Eligible birth years are as follows:
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8U will include players born in 2017 and 2018
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10U includes 2015 and 2016
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12U includes 2013 and 2014
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14U includes 2011 and 2012
What is the time commitment?
Practices are typically held two to three times per week for two hours. Teams participate in about three to five weekend tournaments throughout the summer, which usually span both Saturday and Sunday. Some tournaments may begin on Friday evenings. On off weekends, teams may hold practices, scrimmages, or friendly games, depending on the coach’s schedule.
Tournaments are held throughout the Bay Area, in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Burlingame, Santa Cruz, Vacaville, and Pleasanton. Older teams that qualify may travel to out-of-town events, such as in Sacramento or Lake Tahoe.
While full availability is encouraged, occasional conflicts will not automatically disqualify a player from being selected. However, consistent absences may impact team placement.
What does a typical tournament weekend look like?
Most tournaments guarantee at least four games. Teams usually play three pool play games (often all on Saturday) and then compete in a single-elimination bracket on Sunday. Depending on performance, a team could play anywhere from one to four games on Sunday.
What are the costs?
The total cost for the Summer Shockwave season is up to $650, depending on team size and the number of tournaments the team participates in. This fee includes two uniforms (jersey and socks), tournament entry fees, field permits, and insurance for both players and coaches.
Once a player accepts a spot on a team, families are expected to submit payment promptly. Regardless of tournament attendance, the full registration fee will be charged. This ensures that all team and league costs can be covered, including those that remain fixed whether or not a player attends every event.
Fall Shockwave tends to cost less due to fewer scheduled tournaments, and uniforms from the summer season are reused, which helps keep expenses down.
What if my child tries out and doesn’t make a team?
At the 10U and 12U levels, we aim to form both B and C level teams. B teams typically consist of older, more experienced players, while C teams focus on newer travel ball players looking to develop their skills. All 8U teams are considered C level. Our goal is to give every interested player a chance to grow in a competitive environment. Smaller roster sizes help ensure meaningful playing time for all.
Regardless of Shockwave placement, all players are encouraged to join our Spring and Fall recreational seasons. Spring registration typically opens in mid-November and closes in mid-January, with practices beginning in March. Sunnyvale fields officially open on March 1st each year.
Will the rec league still be competitive?
Absolutely. Our recreational league continues to grow, thanks to a strong mix of current and former Shockwave players, experienced athletes, and enthusiastic newcomers. We are proud of the high level of play and strong community our rec league offers.
What development opportunities are available for rec players?
We are expanding our clinic offerings to support player growth. Winter and early spring clinics will include pitching, catching, and general skill development. We are also planning coaching clinics to support continued growth among our volunteer coaches.
How does Shockwave compare to traditional travel ball programs?
For families exploring more competitive softball, Shockwave is a great bridge between recreational play and “A” level travel teams. Our Shockwave teams compete against “A” ball teams in tournaments and focus on skill development in a positive environment. Benefits include smaller rosters, lower registration costs, dedicated field access, and coaches trained in Positive Coaching Alliance principles.
In Summary
This guide is meant to give a broad overview of the Shockwave program. We understand that every family’s situation is unique. For more specific questions or past examples, please contact the Shockwave Director at president@sunnyvalegirlssoftball.org or a member of the Shockwave Committee.
For example, in past seasons, teams have successfully included players with partial availability, such as those unable to play on Sundays. Every effort is made to match players with the right team based on fit and availability.