Approach
Overview
Arlington Heights Thunder Fastpitch is a regional travel softball program made up of athletes from Arlington Heights and surrounding communities. Founded in 2017, Thunder was created to meet the demand for a program that teaches the game the right way — with a focus on fundamentals, development, and love for the sport.
We believe in developing well-rounded athletes. That’s why our program is intentionally designed to allow players the flexibility to participate in other sports and extracurricular activities, while still honing their fastpitch skills in a competitive environment.
Our focus is on continuous player development — instilling strong fundamentals, game IQ, and a growth mindset that prepares athletes for success now and at the next level.
Thunder is a nonprofit organization where 100% of funds go directly to supporting our athletes. All board and director roles are proudly held by volunteers who are passionate about the mission and the players we serve.
Mission and Goals
Our mission is to help each athlete reach their full potential—not just as a player, but as a student and young adult. We foster a positive, supportive environment where hard work, resilience, and personal growth are emphasized both on and off the field. Learning to stay focused and optimistic through adversity is a skill that will benefit our athletes far beyond the game.
One of the most unique aspects of Thunder Fastpitch is the strength of our Family culture. We regularly create opportunities for older players to mentor and support younger teammates, reinforcing connections across age groups and teams. This sense of unity is central to who we are—and it plays a critical role in achieving one of our most important goals: building lifelong friendships rooted in teamwork, respect, and shared experience.
- Trust - Thunder earn the trust of their teammates
- Honesty - Thunder are honest about their actions (no matter who’s watching) and always strive to do the right thing
- Unity - Thunder win or lose together
- Need - Thunder do what’s necessary to prepare for every situation, on and off the field
- Devotion - Thunder are committed to their team, education, family and community
- Effort - Thunder bring full energy everyday
- Respect - Above all else, Thunder respect the game
- Training mid-August --> July
- Friendlies plus one or two tournaments in the fall
- 1x - 2x per week indoor training (mid November - April)
- Outside instruction for hitting and pitching
- Friendlies against other local travel teams
- 4 - 6 tournaments
- Target goal of 45 - 60 games in total (varies by level)
Bylaws
Board and Officers
Our Board of Directors and all off-field roles are proudly filled by dedicated volunteers. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of our community—both in time and sponsorship—to support our athletes and ensure a positive, enriching experience for every player.
As the season progresses, we’ll be looking for volunteers to help in a variety of ways, including:
- Tournament site coordinators and field managers for Thunder-hosted events
- Vendor and sponsor liaisons for tournaments
- Uniform ordering and vendor coordination
- Equipment inventory management
- Team parents to support coaches with administrative tasks
- Parent representatives to serve as a voice for each team
- Board members to help shape the future of our program
Maybe you have ideas for other opportunities? Please let us know by emailing boom@ahthunder.com.
- President and Treasurer: Jon Kee
- Vice President: Mike Lindberg
- Secretary: Mark DelBoccio
- Board Member: Matt DeRosa
Directors and Officers (volunteer)
- Player Development Director and High School Liaison: Colleen Palczynski
- Player Development Director and High School Liaison: Jackie Orel
- Fundraising Director: Scott Kirch
Code of Conduct
Six Pillars of Character Counts
Trustworthiness
- Demonstrating and demanding integrity;
- Observing and enforcing the spirit and letter of the rules of the game;
- Not compromising education and character-development goals; and
- Not engaging in or tolerating dishonesty, cheating or dishonorable conduct.
Respect
- Treating the traditions of the sport and other participants with respect;
- Not engaging in or tolerating disrespectful conduct, including verbal abuse of opponents, officials, teammates, coaching staff or others, taunting, profane or belligerent “trash talking,” or excessive and unseemly celebrations; and
- Winning with grace and losing with dignity.
Responsibility
- Being positive role models on and off the field;
- Furthering the mental, social and moral development of athletes and teaching life skills that enhance personal success and social responsibility; and
- Maintaining competence including basic knowledge of character building, first aid and safety and coaching principles, rules and strategies.
Fairness
- Adhering to high standards of fair play;
- Treating players fairly according to their abilities;
- Never taking an unfair advantage; and
- Being open minded.
Caring
- Avoiding gamesmanship and promoting sportsmanship by honoring the rules and goals of the sport;
- Establishing codes of conduct for coaches, athletes, parents and spectators;
- Demanding compliance with all laws and regulations, including those relating to gambling and the use of drugs.
Parental Responsibilities
- a verbal warning
- a single game suspension
- a multiple game suspension
Sponsorship
- Support Thunder Fastpitch with a one-time or recurring tax-deductible gift.
- Choose from our standard support options: Thunder Sponsorship Packages.
- Fund equipment or supply purchases.
- Advertise your business on our website.
- Become a tournament sponsor.
- Tournament sponsorship may include opportunities for advertising on banners, welcome packets, or tournament awards.
- Sponsor team building activities such as Athletes Unlimited games and exhibitions.
- Sponsor awards for league and tournament play.