We continue to tour the country looking at top teams nationwide at all age divisions and today go to the Rocky Mountain State to learn more about Coach Pablo Servertson’s Colorado Styxx program which has seven teams and is becoming a growing producer of college talent.
Eager to play at top national events including the TC Nationals this week in Southern California and the Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series coming up this month, Servertson’s 18U team has a half dozen players 2021’s signed to play at the next level including Katie Dack who was just named as an Extra Inning Softball 1st Team High School All-American and is headed to Texas A&M.
Here’s more on the team and organization with insights from the organization head…
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When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?
The Styxx program started by Joe lembeck in 2007. Joe was an incredible coach and I learned a lot from him. I coached under him until 2012 and he graciously handed over the keys to me. Joe is the reason the Styxx are what they are now!
Where are you based? Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)
We are based out of Littleton, Colorado and our players come from all over the Denver metro area.
What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?
The Styxx 18U Gold team was created with the intent and purpose of developing players who are eager to compete at the highest level of our sport and helping them achieve their dream of playing college softball.
I set a goal of building a strong team with players who wanted to compete at the best tournaments. As the years went on, we became more and more recognized on a national level and started earning berths and invitations to the best exposure and showcase tournaments.
Being able to play and compete against the best and top ranked teams in the country has really taught us how to play the game the right way and has also helped my players to get that exposure to college coaches, and not just be recruited to play at the next level but also be ready to go out there and compete at the college level.
What have been some of the top events where you’ve competed?
Here’s a list of just some of them:
- Top Gun Invitational Maverick Division
- Triple Crown Sparkler/Fireworks Power Pool Division
- Bombers Exposure Weekend
- USA Softball Gold National Championships
- USA Elite Select Nationals
- Triple Crown/USA Nationals
- Alliance Fastpitch Tier I Championship Series
What makes the organization unique?
The Styxx organization is currently comprised of seven teams. Whether you’re a player on 12U team or 18U Gold team, our organizational goal is player development. We emphasize learning the game, skill development, athletic training, while also holding our players accountable for classroom success.
Our program’s philosophy has been to play the best, we are not afraid to get beat. This is why we strive to enter the best tournaments nationally at the highest division possible.
Also, all of our teams work together to develop a culture of togetherness. All of our players in our organization, regardless of the age group, are connected with each other and the older players provide mentorship to the younger players whether through individual or team practices and organizational workouts.
What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
I’ve coached baseball and softball for years, both at high school and club level. My dad, Tom Severtson, played on the national fastpitch circuit after playing college baseball at UNC and was eventually inducted into the Colorado Softball Hall of Fame, so he knew the game and had been a tremendous mentor and coach to me.
He taught me not only about the game, how to coach, how to lead, but also how to teach, inspire and motivate my players to become the best and most confident version of themselves. I take pride in that but also just as much pride knowing that I made a positive influence on my players helping them to be successful on and off the field, in life generally.
How many teams are there in the organization overall?
The seven teams are made up of two at 18U, two at 16U and one each at 14U, 12U and 10U.
Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team’s history?
While every year is marked with special moments and experiences for all of our players, most recently, our current 18U Gold team graduated six seniors all of whom will continue their softball careers this fall at the collegiate level.
We are also excited to represent RMFL in inaugural Alliance Fastpitch Championship Series in Oklahoma City later this month.
What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
As a coach, it’s my passion to give my players all the tools necessary to succeed at the highest level. My goals include game and skill development and mental toughness (competing in adversity, overcoming challenges, etc.) while providing the opportunities to compete in the best tournaments nationally, playing against the best teams, players and coaches across the country.
What do you think are the strengths of the team?
Team chemistry is definitely one of the strengths of this team. Every player plays for the Team, for each other, we really have a team-first culture. That type of bond made us cohesive in the way we play and compete. We are strong on defense, hitting and pitching and our players constantly work to be the best athletes they can be.
If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs, what would it be?
When you come to Styxx, you become a family. We have a team-first culture and teach our players to push themselves and their teammates to be better persons and ball players on and off the field.
In years I have coached 18U Gold team, my focus has been on developing players, whether it’s specific skills, or understanding the small things in the game. We strive to provide our players with the platform for skill development and recruiting that gives the players and the families a good sense of direction of where they should pursue next.
Anything else interesting or fun to note about the organization?
In Colorado, Styxx 18U Gold team has the highest number of players continuing on to play softball at the collegiate level.
My favorite part about coaching is teaching and developing players to reach their full potential, whether it’s physical skills or mental toughness, and be the best they can be on and off the field.
I have a great relationship with my players, current and former, they know I always care about them, their successes, their goals and their lives. They know I will always have their back on and off the field.
Here is a player-by-player look at the Styxx team with comments from Coach Severtson… note: athletes are listed alphabetically by last name.
*** Scroll down to read more on the team’s roster which includes a half dozen signed players…
