Cornell Softball Camps

Aspiring Player and Futures Camp

Ignite your passion and elevate your game! This camp is specifically designed for 8th graders to 21-year-old softball players with aspirations of competitive play. It offers exceptional instruction to develop advanced softball IQ, skills, and techniques, integrating them into game-like situations. Our positive culture, expert coaches, and supportive environment foster growth, allowing student-athletes to thrive, enjoy their experience, and showcase their abilities while preparing for a successful future in softball.

Check-In Location

Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center - (SAW)

Location

Cornell College Softball Field - Van Meter Family Softball Field, Mount Vernon, IA

Schedule Format

• 11:00-11:30 Check-in
• 11:30-12:00 Welcome and Warm-up
• 12:00-12:45 Defensive Session 1
• 12:45-1:30 Defensive Session 2
• 1:30-2:30 Offensive Stations
• 2:30-3/3:30 Break for late Lunch
• 3:00-4:00 Pitching and Catching Session (highlighted by: Lisa Birocci-Banse)
• 3:30-4:00 Meet with Teams / Warm-up for scrimmage
• 4:00-6:00 Live Scrimmaging

Highlighted By:

Cornell Pitching Consultant, Lisa Birocci-Banse

Collegiate Dominance:

• Two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American (2003, 2005)
• 2003 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year
• Won 90 career games, posting a 1.20 ERA, and racking up 946 strikeouts
• Tossed two career no-hitters (April 20, 2003; March 4, 2005)
• Led her team to four NCAA Regional appearances and won the Big Ten regular season and tournament title (2003)

International & Professional Experience:

• Played professional softball in Italy, Guatemala, and Taiwan
• Member of the Italian National Team (2005-2006, 2009, 2019-21)
• Played in the 2019 Olympic Qualifier
• Won three European Championships with Team Italy (2005, 2019, 2021)
• Served as pitching coach for Team Italy (2017-18) at the World Championships and for Team Spain (2022-23)

Beyond her impressive career accomplishments, Lisa Birocci-Banse's impact on the record books is undeniable. She still ranks in the top-seven all-time for appearances, innings pitched, complete games, ERA, wins, and strikeouts, cementing her legacy as one of the most dominant pitchers in her collegiate program's history.

Cornell College Head Coach and Mount Vernon High School Head Coach, Robin Brand

State Championship Success at Mount Vernon:

• Led Mount Vernon to an Iowa State Softball Tournament Championship (2022)
• Guided her team to a State Runner-Up finish (2021)
• Named 3A Coach of the Year in both championship seasons (2021, 2022)
• Honored as the 2022 Iowa All-Class Coach of the Year

Consistent Program Excellence:

• Coached Mount Vernon to an incredible 7 trips to the Iowa State Softball Tournament
• Boasts an impressive career record of 381-174 as head coach at Mount Vernon

Developing Collegiate Talent:

• Helped produce 34 All-State players
• Seen 19 of her players go on to play collegiate softball

With her proven track record of developing top-tier talent and achieving consistent success, Coach Brand brings invaluable expertise to every player she mentors.

Cornell College Assistant Coach, Hanna Kalnicky

Standout shortstop at Lake Forest where they earned 3 MWC championships, a tournament title and 2 appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Served as assistant softball coach 2 years at NAIA’s Cardinal Stritch where she was elevated to interim head coach.
She is in her 3rd year as an Assistant Coach for Cornell College.

Cornell College Consultant, Nicole Sullivan
Played for DePaul University.
All-State player and former Mount Vernon Stand Out.

Cornell College Hitting Consultant, Lori Moss
Played for Mount Mercy College where she was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
All-American in 1995.
Former Cornell College Head Softball Coach and Mount Vernon Head Softball Coach
Currently a teacher and coach for Mount Vernon.

Guest Coach, Samantha Moss
Played for the University of Northern Iowa.
All-State player and Mount Vernon Stand Out.
Currently Teacher and Coach at CCA.