The GVGS Travel Program is designed to allow players to compete at a more highly competitive level against teams from other communities. 

While the GVGS house league is more focused on recreational softball, skill development, camaraderie, team building, etc., the heart of the travel program gives players an opportunity to play in a competitive environment against highly skilled players. 

Typically, the teams that our traveling players compete against practice and play slow pitch softball all year long and participate exclusively in travelling tournaments around the state and at times a national level.

While the travel program is open to all players who are interested in playing, it has not been our practice to hold tryouts when forming teams at the various age levels ( This may change ). 

The GVGS traveling program is led by dedicated GVGS volunteer coaches and the teams are made up of players selected by these coaches.  There is a significant amount of time invested by our coaches.

The criteria for team selection may include a player’s attitude, skill, and willingness to participate in several weekend long tournaments throughout the Summer.  Interest in the travel program does not guarantee placement on a team. 

There is a requirement that all players representing GVGS in traveling tournaments be participants in our house league during our regular season for all age groups except 19U.   All 19U players must have played in our house league and been in good standing for the years they did participate. 

Travel teams are broken down into the following age groups: (Players fall into the bracket for the age they were on September 1st of that year of play.)

12 U

Players who were 12 years old or under as of January 1, 2023

14 U

Players who were 14 years old or under as of January 1, 2023

16 U

Players who were 16 years old or under as of January 1, 2023

19 U

Players who were 19 years old or under as of January 1, 2023

2024 Update: Teams are put together based on skill level, travel experience and then level of interest. It can be a big commitment as all the tournaments are on the weekends. Currently we have a 12u, 14u, 16u and a19u team.

Here are some key dates for in-state tournaments:

Bloomington Classic: June 7-9

Golden Valley Classic: June 21-23

Burnsville Midwest Invitational:  July 13-14

USSSA State (Burnsville): July 27-28 

If you have any interest at all in coaching (12 u especially) or any other questions regarding the travel program, please reach out to:

Justin DeRaad

Travel Director Guy

dera6040@gmail.com