Sanford Sports Academy is bringing its elite youth fastpitch softball training to Aberdeen this summer, partnering with Northern State University for an exciting six-week program designed to develop young athletes both on and off the field.

The SSA and NSU Rookies and Foundation Instruction Leagues will run from Monday, May 18 through Thursday, June 25, 2026, with sessions held at NSU's Koehler Hall of Fame Field. Open to players aged 5 to 14, the program aims to fill a growing need in the region for more practice-focused development.

"As softball has grown, we've seen a big need for practicing twice as much as you're playing games," said Toby Bryant, Sanford Sports Academy softball program director. "This is something we've successfully done in the Sioux Falls area, and we're excited to expand it to Aberdeen."

The Rookies League, designed for players ages 5-9, will take place on Mondays at 6:30 p.m., while the Foundation League, for ages 10-14, will meet on Thursdays at the same time. Each session will feature approximately 30 minutes of skills and drills, followed by 60 minutes of game action—typically four to five innings.

Bryant emphasized the program's hands-on teaching approach. "It will be very much a teach-in-the-moment thing," he said, noting that instructors will pause games to provide real-time coaching. "We'll work on everything from patterns of the game to pre-pitch thoughts. Young kids in baseball and softball often get bored and forget what they should be thinking. This keeps them engaged and learning."

With a maximum of 22 players per league, the program promises personalized attention from top-tier instructors. Leading the sessions are Toby Bryant's daughters, Tevan and Dessa Bryant, both standout players for Northern State University's softball team.

Tevan Bryant, a former three-time Class AA all-state player at Harrisburg High School, has been one of NSU's most dominant hitters over the past two seasons. This spring, she posted a .318 batting average while leading the team in home runs (six), RBIs (38), and OPS (.994). A senior with one year of eligibility remaining, she brings a wealth of experience to the instruction. Her younger sister Dessa, a sophomore, has been a regular presence both in the circle and at the plate for the Wolves.

For young athletes in Aberdeen and surrounding areas, this partnership offers a unique opportunity to learn from collegiate talent while building fundamental skills in a supportive, game-based environment. Whether your player is just picking up a glove or looking to refine their technique, this program is designed to help them grow their love for the game.