CSUN Softball Camp Fills Holiday Break

With schools out for winter vacation, about 50 girls took advantage of their free time and the warm weather Monday to hone their skills at Cal State Northridge’s three-day Home for the Holidays Softball Camp.

“I just thought it would be better to practice and get better than sit around and watch TV,” said Nicole Dinowitz, 11, of Northridge.

Players ages 9 to 17 from Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Northridge and as far away as Atascadero gathered on the softball diamond to practice fielding, throwing, batting and diving under the direction of CSUN coaches and players.

For Nicole, who has been playing softball for about five years, the camp provided a welcome change from listening to her father, Jerry Dinowitz, who coaches her Simi Valley team.

“Another coach saying it is that much better,” said Dinowitz.

Advice from another coach might carry more weight, he said, adding, “You’re not going to get this mom or dad stuff.”

The older campers, looking ahead to college, used a lunch break to ask CSUN players about the school’s academic and athletic offerings.

“Do they have [a] good psychology [department]?” asked Megan Way, 17, of Atascadero.

“That’s what I’m looking for, good softball and good psychology.”

A drill on sliding was the most popular, with younger girls giggling and jumping up and down as they waited their turn to take a running start and slide on their backs or stomachs on a piece of cardboard in the grass.

“Do we slide on our butts or on our sides?” a coach called out.

“Butts!” cried the girls in unison.

Today the girls will be coached on specific positions, and Wednesday will feature practice games.