Exclusive Episode: Arizona Rising with Steve Appel

Around the Dirt Podcast

In this exclusive episode, Erin White sits down for an intriguing conversation with Steve Appel, one of the founders of the new Arizona Rising softball organization. Coach Appel, a seasoned coach with nearly two decades of experience, discusses his long history in softball, starting as a coach for his daughter’ teams and eventually leading very successful club teams. He talks about the decision to start Arizona Rising, the response they have had, and his coaching philosophy of developing players both on and off the field.

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Key Topics Discussed:

Coaching Journey: Steve Appel has over 18 years of coaching experience, starting when his oldest daughter was 12 years old. His coaching journey began with smaller teams like the Sun Divas and Desert Gems, and later included roles with prominent teams such as Hotshots before becoming a founding member of Arizona Rising.

Arizona Rising Goals: Arizona Rising was founded with the goal of providing high-quality, player-focused club experience, with a focus on development and recruiting. They aim to provide a platform for young athletes to grow both in sports and life, with a focus on leadership, teamwork, and personal development.

Continuous Learning: Steve discusses the significance of continuous learning as a coach and leader. He stresses the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people and remaining open to learning from various sources, including other coaches, parents, and online resources.

College Coaches and Recruiting: He emphasizes the importance of building relationships with college coaches and providing players with opportunities to get recruited. Steve also advises families on navigating the recruiting process, including being selective about which camps and showcases to attend based on their financial situation and the mutual interest from colleges.

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Connect with Coach Appel & Rising:
Follow Rising Appel on Facebook
Follow Rising on Instagram
Follow Rising Appel on Twitter
Check out Arizona Rising’s Website

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Subscribe:
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Podcast on your favorite podcast streaming platform to hear more from Steve Appel about his coaching philosophy, his journey in the Arizona softball scene, and his plans for Arizona Rising.

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