What are we all about?

Every so often, usually just a few times in an individual’s lifetime, an idea comes along that transcends and transforms a sport. Once that concept is brought to fruition and introduced - the sport will never be the same, and there is no “turning back” to the way it used to be.
That is exactly what Olympic Gold Medalist, Catherine Leigh “Cat” Osterman, is planning on achieving when the “Cat Osterman Experience” opened in the summer of 2010. The Cat Osterman Experience is a multi-million dollar facility located on 40 acres in Bellevue, Nebraska (the third largest city in Nebraska located 10 minutes outside of Omaha).
The facility will be a state-of-the-art complex with world class softball fields, a players village, pro-shop, cafeteria and amenities to numerous to mention them all. The complex is designed to host weeklong tournaments for girl’s fastpitch softball teams for the 12-, 14- and 16-year-old and under classes. The teams will actually stay onsite where they will eat in the cafeteria and board in the air-conditioned player’s village, as well as get the opportunity to play against teams from across the nation. Some other exciting elements of the stay will include: each team having the opportunity to participate in activities that will include Cat Osterman and/or one of her Olympic teammates; participate in skills challenges (fleet foot, homerun derby, around the horn, etc.); opening and closing ceremonies; and player inductions into the U.S. Girls Softball Hall of Fame.
The idea was hatched from Osterman’s desire to re-create what she felt and experienced the first time she walked onto the softball field at the University of Texas, or when she stood on the mound at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, as she participated in international venues, and when she was selected number one in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Rockford Thunder. All of these experiences have culminated to create a lifelong love of softball and the ideals that are associated with team sports that she can never abandon. “Everyone deserves to have similar feelings and experiences that they can turn to throughout their lives”, said Cat. “I have forged memories and relationships that I will cherish for a lifetime because of these experiences”.
“I know it’s an overused cliché - but I really want to give back”, stated Cat. “I feel I would be very ungrateful if I didn’t give back to the sport that has given me so much, and I want to give these young women an opportunity to participate in something that has no equal when it comes to fastpitch softball. You won’t find anything like this at a weekend softball tournament or an academy or camp!”
It has been this attitude of giving back to the sport she loves that has compelled Cat to the coaching ranks. She currently serves as an assistant coach at DePaul University, even as she plays fulltime professional softball for Rockford Thunder and participates in international softball events. In the past, she has also found time in her busy schedule to coach the Austin Storm, a 16U Red Team of an Austin-based select fastpitch club who boasts an unparalleled record of college recruitment in Central Texas.
The dream is becoming a reality, as Cat has coupled with a group of investors (WBV, LLC) and the city of Bellevue to make this an actuality for girl’s fastpitch softball. “The city of Bellevue deserves recognition and a lot of credit for making this a reality”, explained Osterman, “they have ‘bent over backwards’ and made significant commitments and contributions to make this happen – I can’t tell you how excited I am to introduce the rest of the country to this great city and their generous citizens!”
Another aspect of the Cat Osterman Experience is that it has been designed to be a “family experience”, in other words an event the whole family can enjoy. When Cat elected to play her collegiate softball at the University of Texas, one of the reasons she chose that university is because it was close enough for her family to come and watch her play. Family has always been a big part of Cat’s life and success, and she believes the same holds true for a lot of athletes – especially younger ones.
That’s why; as the complex was being designed and created there were activities and features that were implemented for the enjoyment of both the family and the athlete. Some of these elements include: a three-story water slide; video arcade; basketball and sand volleyball courts; tours of the U.S. Air Force base; web broadcasts; wiffleball fields; and a pro-shop where you will be able to find your favorite paraphernalia. Each evening at the village will also include a family activity – ranging from: opening and closing ceremonies; a live comedy show; outdoor movies displayed on a giant screen; live bands; and family barbecues. Some of the local attractions consist of: Henry Doorly Zoo (nationally acclaimed); Omaha Children’s Museum; Omaha Magic Theater; AK.SAR.BEN Aquarium & Nature Center; Lozier IMAX Theater; Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's botanical center; Joslyn Art Museum; River City Star; and the Orpheum Theater. And, for the adults who are looking for a little fun and excitement of their own the complex is located 15 minutes from Council Bluff, IA where you can enjoy some “down time” at one of the local casinos.
The concept of stay-and-play facilities has actually been around for a number of years, but they’ve only been available to baseball players that consist mainly of boys. These facilities have been a huge success amongst baseball players, and in some cases you have to sign up a few years in advance to secure your spot at the tournament. Some naysayers have said this concept will never work for girl’s softball, but Cat, like she has done so many times in her career, is out to prove them wrong. She believes girls fastpitch softball has come of age, and that young women want the same opportunities that are readily available to the boys.
At this point, you might be asking yourself – “so, what does an experience like this cost”? It’s surprisingly affordable; the standard all-inclusive price per player and coach for the six day experience is $599 (including meals and accommodations for 6 days, 8 games guaranteed, home and away jerseys, access to site attractions and entertainment, etc). However, for the inaugural season there is an early sign-up incentive that actually drops the price to $399 for each player and coach, and all teams that sign-up by August 1st of 2009 are eligible for the incentive. Additionally, through Softball the Magazine there is a “signed-shirt” bonus, in which all teams that sign-up within the early incentive period will also receive an autographed shirt by Cat Osterman! (Shirt’s will be handed out upon check-in)