Team:
Cornerstone Bank

Years of Coaching Fastpitch:
4 Years

About Coach Sauvageau:
Tahralee Sauvageau, alongside her husband Shane, is the proud parent of three active children—Cole, Myka, and Roux. Their family’s schedule is busy year-round, moving from one sport to the next. When not on the field, they enjoy spending time at their lake place. Tahralee also finds relaxation in reading and practicing archery. Their energetic dog, Sammi, adds even more liveliness to their daily lives.

Coaching Philosophy:
Tahralee believes that building rapport with each player is essential. She emphasizes showing respect to every player, and at the 10U level, she focuses on making learning fun. She often participates in drills alongside her players, which helps younger athletes stay engaged and motivated. By getting to know each player individually, she is able to tailor drills that resonate with them. For example, when her team expressed a love for Minions, she incorporated the theme into their drills. This personalized approach helps guide each player toward their specific goals.

Strategies for Player Motivation:
Tahralee continuously searches for new drills and techniques to keep her players motivated. She believes that approaching skills from different angles increases the likelihood of success. Adding variety or introducing new elements to drills keeps the team engaged, especially at the energetic 10U level. Small groups and rotating stations help maintain focus, and Tahralee credits the support of assistant coaches and parents for making this possible. She also brings in experts, particularly for pitching, to ensure her players have the resources needed to thrive.

Staying Current with Trends:
Tahralee frequently turns to YouTube for new drill ideas. She acknowledges that many fundamentals have evolved since she first played softball, prompting her to relearn certain techniques. She also values shadowing more experienced coaches, learning from their drills and strategies, and keeping notes in her softball notebook to implement what she finds effective.

Memorable Coaching Moments:
Coaching her two daughters in a sport they all love has been incredibly rewarding for Tahralee. The time spent together is invaluable, and the bond she forms with each player on the team makes the experience even more special. Watching the girls grow, both as athletes and individuals, is something that fills her with pride.

FAF Coach of the Year Awards:

• 10U: Vance Christianson (Dakota Selects)
• 12U: Bonnie Carrete (Scheels)
• 14U: Adam Kaldor (Scheels)
• 16/18U: Hannah Carriveau (Scheels)
• Program Coach of the Year: Tahralee Sauvageau (Cornerstone Bank)