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Located in Illinois, but actually just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, the Extreme Elite program saw its genesis about 20 years ago and has drawn on players from out-of-state like Indiana, Virginia and Kentucky and even reaching into Canada to bring in excellent talent which has helped the program be one to watch in the upcoming years.
The program first put itself on the national map in 2012 when it won a USSSA 18U title and since then has played in the Canada Cup and had Top 20 finishes at the Colorado Fireworks and the ASA/USA Gold Nationals, both at the 16U level.
This year’s 16U team will be one to watch and is one of 15 softball programs in the organization which also has a significant baseball presence.
The Extreme Elite also has a sophisticated mission, physical development process and Peak Performance Program that is drawing attention from players and coaches all over the nation.
Here’s a closer look at the 16U team based on information provided by Head Coach Ron Schmittling, who is also the Extreme Elite Director. Not only is the 16U Elite team stacked with good softball players, it’s also loaded with outstanding student-athletes—many of whom have 4.0 GPA’s and higher…
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When did the team/program start and how/why did it come to be?
In 1999, the Collinsville Extreme was created out of a need for local athletes to play more than high school softball. The Extreme burst onto the local scene that year, the ‘Extreme Pride’ rallying cry was created and the organization began travelling to ‘out of town’ tournaments.
In 2009, the Extreme Elite program was established as an option for elite high-school athletes to begin playing softball against national competition. This also served as a chance for local players to be recruited by college programs outside of our local market. The legacy built up since the 2009 team has been impressive, including 18U national USSSA champions (2012), Atlanta Legacy 16U Champions (2017), competing internationally in the Canada Cup, receiving invites to the inaugural ASA/USA 16U Gold nationals, Colorado Fireworks Power/Supplement/Elite Pools, and playing against the best competition in numerous national invites and showcases.
For 2017-2018, Extreme Elite 16u Gold looks to continue and further that legacy.
Where are you based?  Where do your athletes come from (all locally, some out of state?)
We are based out of Collinsville, Illinois (about 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis). Our athletes are typically from a two-hour radius around our home base. However, over the past two years, we have broadened our reach and have players from Kentucky, Indiana and even Toronto.
Last year, we had a pitcher join us from Richmond, Virginia. I do receive inquiries from across the country about our program, spanning from Virginia to California. Many are looking for the model, culture, and growth mindset that the Extreme Elite has been able to create and employ.
What was the purpose of creating the team (showcase players, win titles, develop skills, etc.)?
Our Extreme Elite program is built to provide a foundation for ‘like minded’ athletes and families to learn and grow in a culture-based program, similar to that of a national collegiate program.  The program is for those highly committed to competing on a national softball level while also growing as a person.
What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?
- 2012 – 18U USSSA National Championship
- 2012 – Competed internationally in the Canada Cup
- 2014 – Finished 13th in TCS Colorado Fireworks 16U Power Pool
- 2014 – Finished 17th in inaugural ASA/USA 16U Gold National
- 2014 – Extreme Elite 16U Gold team finished ranked 49th in the country
- 2017 – Atlanta Legacy Champions
What makes the organization unique?
I believe there are four things that make us unique:
- Our Mission: the Extreme Elite is a nationally recognized, invite-only, program committed to competing at the highest level while developing high-caliber, student-athletes. We provide a complete ‘3 Dimensional Experience’ that includes physical development, emotional encouragement, and faith support to athletes looking to compete on the ‘big stage’. College coaches love recruiting our athletes, as they are prepared for the demands of what the next level actually entails. To be precise, our athletes are prepared to contribute and compete at the collegiate level, not just get there and realize it is not for them.
- Our Physical Training: training for our athletes is provided by the Extreme Network trainers who bring knowledge, love, and passion to their craft in the following key areas:
- HITTING – Improve overall technique to improve mechanics, increase ball exit velocity and create a strategy to be ‘great’ offensive weapon,
- DEFENSE – Improve softball IQ, increase defensive strategy and communication, and develop enhanced skill work, such as glove work, rhythm, etc. (includes pitching and catching skill development),
- OVERHAND THROWING DEVELOPMENT (OTD) – Increase throwing velocity, improve throwing mechanics and keep overall arm health,
- STRENGTH & CONDITIONING – Training to increase functional movement capability, increase speed, build lean muscle and improve joint health.
- Our Peak Performance Program: as an athlete elevates to higher levels of competition, success becomes less about the physical skills and more about the mental skills needed. An athlete must be in control of themselves before they can control their performance on the field. We stress the following:
- PRESENT MOMENT FOCUS – Learning to be where you are supposed to be when you should be there.
- PROCESS OVER OUTCOME – Control the things that you can control (attitude, presence, etc.) and positive outcomes follow.
- ROUTINES – Teaching routines provides structure to go to during times of adversity or failure to be consistent in our mental approach.
- MENTAL IMAGERY – Use of visualizing images helps the mind and body relax and draw upon positive images to help with outcomes.
- Our Recruiting System: our recruiting system utilizes cutting edge tools and existing relationships necessary for prospective student-athletes to identify, select, target and communicate with college and college softball programs that ‘fit’ their desired profile and goals.