IUP Softball Offers Winter Camps for Young Players

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) softball is looking to capitalize on the momentum of a landmark season by opening its doors to the next generation of athletes this winter. Following a 2026 campaign that saw the Crimson Hawks tie a program record with 38 victories and reach the PSAC semifinals, the program has officially announced a series of developmental camps designed for both young enthusiasts and serious prospects.

According to a report from iupathletics.com, head coach Shawna Bellaud and her staff will host two distinct events at Memorial Field House and Zink Gymnasium. These camps serve as a bridge between grassroots interest and collegiate-level competition, offering a direct line of sight into one of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s (PSAC) most successful recent programs.

Winter training sessions at Memorial Field House and Zink Gymnasium

The schedule is split to cater to two very different stages of athletic development. On Saturday, Jan. 30, the program will host a Youth Camp specifically for girls in grades 3 through 7. Running from 9 a.m. to noon, the session focuses on the building blocks of the game, with IUP coaches and student-athletes providing hands-on instruction in offensive and defensive fundamentals. Registration for this morning session is set at $95.

For older players looking to refine their craft or catch the eye of collegiate recruiters, the Winter Prospect Camp takes place the following day, Sunday, Jan. 31. Unlike the general fundamentals approach of the youth camp, the prospect event is broken down into three specialized, position-specific sessions:

Pitching: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. ($65). Participants are required to provide their own catchers.
Defense: 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ($85).
Offense: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. ($95).

Athletes aiming for comprehensive development can opt for a discounted package, allowing them to attend all three sessions for a total of $195.

These camps arrive at a time of significant institutional pride for the IUP softball program. Under the leadership of Bellaud, the Crimson Hawks secured the PSAC West regular-season championship during their recent run. For a program to match its all-time victory record while simultaneously maintaining the high-level play required to advance deep into conference tournaments is a rare feat in collegiate athletics.

The pathway from youth play to collegiate recruitment

The prospect camp, in particular, offers an opportunity for players in grades 8 through 12 to work directly with the Crimson Hawks coaching staff.

The requirement for pitchers to provide their own catchers shows that high-level, position-specific instruction often requires a complete unit to be effective.

As the Crimson Hawks prepare for their next season, the focus shifts from celebrating the 38 victories of 2026 to cultivating the talent that will eventually sustain that standard of excellence.

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