Travel Softball Page – Hopewell Valley Baseball and Softball Association HVBSA

HVBSA Travel Softball Program

A focus on player development and education

Travel softball provides the opportunity for softball players to play on more competitive teams than recreational (rec) leagues. Travel softball is a larger time commitment, with a focus on player development and education, with particular emphasis on developing position-specific skills. Players can expect to participate in scrimmages and tournaments, indoor winter training, including additional sessions for pitchers and catchers, and training to increase speed and agility.

Ages and Divisions

Equipment Needed

Please see rules and regulations for more details on the specific equipment permitted/recommended.

- Team uniform provided
- Team helmet provided
- Players provide their own glove, bat, fielding mask, and cleats
- We have a limited supply of bats available to use for the season for those who do not have their own
- Metal cleats are prohibited for (8U, 10U, 12U), plastic/rubber cleats are recommended
- Players should not share equipment.

Game and Practice Commitments

Below are typical commitments and these may change due to scheduling constraints and/or weather conditions.

- Practice one weeknight and one weekend day per week. Practice locations and dates/times are chosen by the coach at the start of the season
- Approximately 50 games, which include scrimmages and tournaments, over the year (September - July)
- Game locations and times are arranged with other teams or dictated by tournament organizers

- All attempts will be made to limit travel time to game locations to be one hour or less

Coaches and Volunteers

Head Coach Erik Arnesen
Erik Arnesen was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 17th round of the 2006 draft out of Grove City College. Erik played 4 years of baseball at Grove City College and set single season wins and strikeout records during the 2006 season.

Erik spent 7 seasons in the Washington Nationals organization making it as high as the AAA level. He was selected to the 2011 AA Eastern League All Star Team and finished that season 3rd for pitcher of the year honors. Erik also spent time at the AA level in the Oakland Athletics organization along with playing a year and a half for the Somerset Patriots. Erik played two seasons of winter ball, the first for the Caguas Criollos in Puerto Rico and the second for the Tigres de Aragua in Venezuela.

Since retiring from baseball after the 2014 season Erik has been involved in coaching at levels from t-ball through high school. Erik is very excited for the Hopewell Rangers and thoroughly enjoys coaching the team.

Assistant Coach Suzanne Trautwein
- College athlete on University of Connecticut (2 years) and Holy Family University (2 years) softball teams
-Started and coached Montgomery Mavericks 12U
-Coached USA Athletes International Softball team--toured Europe
-Coached HS Varsity at Hopewell HS, Hopewell, NJ
-Coached HS Varsity at La Quinta HS, Westminster, CA
-Coached HS Varsity at Montgomery HS, Skillman NJ
-Coached HS- and College-aged players at Zoned Sports Academy, Bridgewater, NJ
-Coached 8u and 10U HVSBA, Hopewell, NJ

Assistant Coach Anthony Rotondo
- 12 seasons as Head Coach at North Hunterdon HS with 4 divisional titles, 4 sectional titles, 1 county championship, and 2 state championships.
- 13 seasons as Head Coach at Notre Dame HS with 10 conference championships, 3 county championships, and 2 state championships

Assistant Coach Robert Bailey

Assistant Coach Mark Brynildsen

Assistant Coach Michael Rodgers

Assistant Coach Mark Saindon

All HVBSA teams are staffed by volunteer coaches, assistant coaches, and team parents. The success of our organization is largely dependent on the generosity and commitment of our volunteers. If you are interested in lending a hand, please email mbrynild11@hotmail.com

Rules and Regulations

Travel Softball Contacts

HVBSA Travel Softball Program

A focus on player development and education

Schedule