Become The Complete Athlete. Train Like You're Already There.

Calgary's innovative year-round development program integrating softball skills, strength + conditioning, mental performance, nutrition, and recruitment education. All in one cohesive curriculum.

Who This Program Is For

The Academy is designed for athletes who:
  • Are ages 13-18 with at least 2 years of softball experience
  • Set big goals (such as play college softball) and need comprehensive preparation
  • Are ready to train year round with INTENTION, focusing on quality over quantity (3x/week)
  • Want whole athlete development
  • Need education + guidance through the recruitment process
  • Are coachable, motivated, and ready to push beyond their comfort zone
Not ready for this level of commitment? Check out our Clinics & Programs for more flexible options.

What's Included

Five Integrated Training Pillars
Softball Skills

Softball Skills

  • Hitting mechanics and approach
  • Pitching and catching
  • Defensive fundamentals (all positions)
  • Throwing patterns and arm care
  • Baserunning and game situations
  • Live situational work and scrimmages
  • Video analysis and feedback
Strength & Conditioning

Strength & Conditioning

  • Functional movement and injury prevention
  • Foundations of weightlifting
  • Explosive power development
  • Speed and agility training
  • In-season maintenance programming
  • Mobility and recovery work
Softball Skills

Mental Performance

  • Pre-performance routines
  • Pressure management strategies
  • Confidence and resilience building
  • Communication and leadership
  • Performance journaling
  • Resilience and growth mindset
Softball Skills

Nutrition

  • Athlete fueling fundamentals
  • Meal planning and preparation
  • Recovery nutrition strategies
  • Body awareness education
  • Sustainable eating habits
Strength & Conditioning

Recruiting & Classroom

  • Recruiting timeline and process
  • Learn how to effectively communicate with coaches
  • NCAA rules and eligibility
  • Film study and game analysis
  • Softball IQ development
Training Includes

Training Includes

275+ Hours

275+ Hours

comprehensive training (Sept-June)
Baseline Testing

Baseline Testing

3x per year (skills + fitness testing)
Level Up Apparel Package

Level Up Apparel Package

(value $350+)
Journal

Journal

mindset training and performance tracking
CoachNow App Access

Mental Performance Library

access to the training and resources

CoachNow App Access

Level Up Performance App

strength + conditioning, mental performance + nutrition programs 
3 Parent Education Seminars

3 Parent Education Seminars

learn how to support your athlete on and off the field
Access to indoor + outdoor facilities

Access to indoor + outdoor facilities

Shouldice Athletic Park + The Coyote Den

Program Benefits/Outcomes

What Academy Athletes Achieve:

Measurable Athletic Gains

Measurable Athletic Gains

  • Average 2-5+ MPH increase in throwing velocity
  • Improved exit velocity
  • Faster baserunning and pro agility times
  • Increased strength and power output
Athletic Development

Athletic Development

  • Position versatility and game intelligence
  • Instinctual decision-making under pressure
  • Strong foundations that prevent injury
  • Purposeful intent with every rep
Mental & Physical Resilience

Mental & Physical Resilience

  • Confidence to perform in high-pressure situations
  • Ability to learn from errors
  • Healthy relationship with training and nutrition
  • Leadership skills that translate beyond softball
College Recruiting Success

College Recruiting Success

  • Clear recruiting roadmap and timeline
  • Learn how to effectively communicate with college coaches
  • Understanding the organizations and divisions within US college softball
  • Field Level recruiting profile

"Level Up Softball played a huge role in preparing me for the collegiate level. Through practices I improved my skills tremendously, and learned how to move my body properly and athletically to obtain the best result. I gained a larger sense of  discipline and developed a strong work ethic, both of which are skills required on and off the field. The focus, drive, passion, and determination that surrounds the Level Up environment helped me in my transition to university softball. I will be forever grateful for what the Level Up Academy has done for me and my softball journey.”

— Alexa Rosgen, West Liberty University

Schedule + Format

2026–2027 Weekly Training Schedule

All-Access Academy

Tuesday 2:30–4:00pm Skills
4:00–5:00pm Strength + Conditioning
Thursday 2:30–4:00pm Skills
4:00–5:00pm Strength + Conditioning
Friday 1:30–4:30pm Situational Work + Speed

Flex Academy

Tuesday 4:00–5:00pm Strength + Conditioning
Thursday 4:00–5:00pm Strength + Conditioning
Friday 1:30–4:30pm Situational Work + Speed

Flex and All-Access athletes share the same Friday session (situational work + speed).

Three-Phase Curriculum

Phase 1

Foundation

(Sept-Oct)

Building the foundation: baseline testing, fundamentals, movement patterns, recruiting 101

Phase 2

Development

(Nov-Mar)

Progressive skill building, strength gains, mental performance series, nutrition education

Phase 3

Competition

(Apr-Jun)

Game preparation, in-season maintenance, live play, execution

Coaching Staff

Natalie Voortman

Natalie Voortman

Lead Instructor

The Ohio State University | NCAA Division I

As a former starting catcher for the Buckeyes, Natalie brings her knowledge and experience from playing for an NCAA Top 25 program to building powerful, competitive, and intelligent athletes.

Jade Blackhurst

Jade Blackhurst

Lead Instructor + Strength Coach

West Virginia State University | NCAA Division II

Jade specializes in athletic movement and strength training. As a former NCAA pitcher, Jade understands the mental strength required to command the circle and win each pitch. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Kinesiology with an emphasis in sports psychology.

Kelsey Ann Ramirez

Kelsey-Ann Ramirez

Nutrition & Mental Performance

Holistic Nutritionist | Mental Performance Coach

With dual expertise in athlete nutrition and mental performance, Kelsey empowers athletes through holistic fueling strategies and mental skills training.

Learn from women who've been where you want to go—and know how to get you there.

Flex vs. All-Access comparison

Two ways to train with Level Up — compare the programs and choose the right fit for your athlete.

Flex Academy

$2,750 + GST

15% sibling discount available

For athletes with a busier school-week schedule who still want the Academy experience.

All-Access Academy

$6,500 + GST

15% sibling discount available

Our full-time, all-in academy experience — the complete Level Up program.

Price $2,750 + GST (15% sibling discount) $6,500 + GST (15% sibling discount)
Grades 8-12 8-12
Season Oct-May Sept-May
Training hours / week 6 hrs 9 hrs
Strength & conditioning 2 sessions/week 2 sessions/week
Friday skills Included Included
Apparel kit 2 shirts, sweatshirt, belt + socks 2 shirts, sweatsuit, hitting jacket, belt + socks
LU Performance App Limited access Full access
Mental performance sessions (Coach Kelsey) — 8-10 live virtual
Guest coach sessions — 1-2
Recruiting education & support — Included
Optional trips OKC 2027 WCWS Fall recruiting trip, winter DI tournament (Clearwater / Mary Nutter), + OKC 2027 WCWS
*Friday skills: offense + defense, pitching/catching, situational work, and controlled live scrimmages. Not every Friday includes pitching, but bullpens and live-pitching opportunities are offered throughout.

Application Process

1

Submit Application

Basic info, softball background, goals

2

Attend Evaluation

Skills assessment, meet the coaches and athletes

3

Interview

Ensure program fit and commitment level

4

Decision

Notification within 1 week

5

Deposit

Secure your spot

Important Dates

Applications Open

January 15, 2026

Evaluation Sessions

January-April, 2026

Program Begins

September 22, 2026

Limited spots available. Early application encouraged.

Testimonials/Success Stories

By The Numbers

4

NCAA commitments

since 2023

98%

athlete retention rate

year-over-year

100%

of athletes

report improved mental approach

4

Average MPH

throwing velocity increase

FAQs

Can I participate if I'm on a travel team?
What if I miss sessions?
Do I need to know what position I want to play?
What if I'm not sure about playing in college?
Is there a tryout?
What happens if I get injured?
What ages and grades is the Flex Academy for?
Should I start with Flex before joining the All-Access Academy?
Can I join if I have little conditioning or lifting experience?
Will there be time to focus on pitching on Fridays?

Your journey to the next level starts with one decision.

The Level Up Softball Academy gives you everything you need to become a complete athlete—in one program, with one team, following one proven plan.
Limited spots available for 2026-2027.