High Performance Program

USA Softball is divided into ten (10) regions. Each region will offer competition for pools of athletes through uniform HPP Identifiers with all participants being evaluated at one (1) or two (2) positions in each eligible age group. This will provide a higher level of playing experience for all participants from the regional level. Identifiers and tryouts will be run by local coaches and evaluated by USA Softball National Team athletes, alumni and other professional softball players. Selection of these players is not an easy task.

From each Regional Identifier, the top athletes athletes will be notified and invited to advance to the National Selection Event. After the National Selection Event, USA Softball will recognize the top athletes for the age-specific Top Performers in the current year. From those top performers, possible invitation to a National Team trial, pool or team participation will be extended based on the calendar of WBSC events. 

HPP Identifiers for each age group will be held across the 10 USA Softball regions followed by a National Event (invite-only). Age groups and tryout dates may be different from area to area based on seasonal and regional considerations. You may attend an Identifier outside your region.

You can pre-register for an HPP Identifier; however, registration will cut off one week prior to the event. On-site registration is available for an extra fee of $20. If you pre-register, you must bring your confirmation receipt or be able to pull it up on your phone. This will help the program coordinator find your registration quickly through your Member ID number. During the event, you will wear your Member ID number on your shirt for easy identification.

Click here to find a list of identifiers.

The HPP age classifications are based on the age guidelines for the WBSC competition schedule. Age groups are defined by birth year and an athlete must be the age group age throughout the entire year. For example, if an athlete is trying out for the 2023 14u region team, the athlete must not turn 15 until 2023. The age of the athlete on Dec 31, 2023 determines their age group for the calendar year of 2023. 

2023 age groups that will participate in the program:

13u – Regional Pool and National Team(born 2010 or after)

14u – Regional Pool and National Team (depending on available WBSC qualifier) (born 2009 or after)

15u – Regional Pool and National Team (depending on available WBSC World Cup) (born 2008 or after)

16u – Regional Pool and National Team(born 2007 or after)

17u – Regional Pool and National Team (depending on available WBSC qualifier) (born 2006 or after)

18u – Regional Pool and National Team (depending on available WBSC World Cup) (born 2005 or after)

The National Team Trials are where athletes will compete in additional drills and games so that the National Team Selection Committee and age group head coach can evaluate and identify athletes for placement on a National Team.

The program is headed by the USA Softball National Office and a committee that was formed to create and adjust the program as necessary. The committee will also work to place individuals in roles throughout the regions and areas. Through evaluation, placement and re-evaluation each year, the HPP identifies athletes for advancement consideration, working to discover the future of the U.S. Women’s National Team program. 

Click here to contact the USA Softball High Performance Program.