Game On: Softball Skills & Mindset Program
Our mission is to revolutionize the way we approach softball for girls by creating a developmental program that blends essential skills training with impactful mindset development — all within a supportive, pressure-free environment. We aim to provide a space where young female athletes can grow, learn, and thrive without the stress of weekend tournaments and extensive travel. Our goal is to bring the fun back to softball, fostering confidence, connection, and a lifelong love for the game.
Why Game On: A Personal Journey Through Softball with Ali Novitsky
Softball has taught me some of the greatest lessons in life and brought me the most profound friendships. It wasn’t just a sport for me — it was my life. I first stepped onto the field as a fifth grader, and from that moment, I never looked back.
Growing up, I learned everything I knew about the game from my dad and two brothers. I was known as the girl with the big baseball swing who could get around on the fastest pitchers in the league. Every weekend was spent at a tournament. I gave up many of the "fun" things other kids my age were doing, but I had two clear goals:
Earn a full Division I scholarship to play softball.
Become a doctor.
In 1998, my first dream came true. I received a full-ride scholarship to play Division I softball for Seton Hall University in the Big East. Little did I know, the next four years would test me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
There were moments of triumph — like hitting a grand slam against Villanova as a freshman, securing our spot in the Big East Championship game against Notre Dame. But there were also moments of struggle. The expectations placed on us as athletes were immense, and we weren’t given the mental or emotional tools to cope.
Fast forward to 2002, and my second dream came true. I was accepted into Temple University School of Medicine. It was there that I realized the mental toughness I had developed on the softball field prepared me for the rigors of medical school. I became triple board-certified in Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Obesity Medicine. Along the way, I met my husband and welcomed two beautiful daughters in 2012 and 2014.
In 2018, I launched The FIT Collective, a company dedicated to helping women doctors optimize their health through mindset, nutrition, and movement. By 2019, the company had grown to such success that I left full-time clinical medicine to pursue my passion.
In the past eight years, I’ve created transformative programs for women that integrate movement and mindset, and they have changed lives. But it wasn’t until I started coaching my daughters’ softball teams that I rediscovered the joy of the game. Watching them play reminded me of why I fell in love with softball in the first place. For them, softball is fun. For me, it had become a job.
Now, I want to bring that sense of fun and purpose back to the game. That’s why we created Game On: Softball Skills & Mindset Program. This isn’t about making softball a career; it’s about teaching your daughters how to play the game, develop their mindset, and cultivate lifelong skills — without the pressure of weekend tournaments and relentless travel.
We’re bringing a unique, transformative program to your daughters — one that teaches them how to excel on the field while also embracing the joy of the game.
Join us and watch your daughter grow, learn, and thrive in an environment that values confidence, connection, and lifelong love for softball.
Reunion of The Seton Hall Pirates (2024)
1999 Seton Hall Pirates
My Greatest Softball Teachers, My Brothers
Medical School Graduation 2006
12-Week Curriculum
Game On: Softball Skills & Mindset Program
Each Practice will include mindset work, a specific skill focus, hitting, fielding, throwing, and conditioning.
Week 1: Growth Mindset – Embrace Challenges
Mindset Focus: Understanding that mistakes are part of learning.
Skill Focus: Throwing Accuracy and Strength – Proper throwing mechanics, footwork, and release.
Key Phrase: “Every time you try, you get a little stronger.”
Week 2: Confidence – Believing in Yourself
Mindset Focus: Positive self-talk and visualizing success.
Skill Focus: Batting Technique – Stance, grip, swing mechanics.
Key Phrase: “I am strong, capable, and ready.”
Week 3: Resilience – Bounce Back from Setbacks
Mindset Focus: Turning failures into opportunities to grow.
Skill Focus: Fielding Ground Balls – Footwork, glove work, and quick release.
Key Phrase: “I can handle anything that comes my way.”
Week 4: Focus and Attention – Staying in the Moment
Mindset Focus: Mindfulness techniques to stay present.
Skill Focus: Catching Fly Balls – Tracking and positioning.
Key Phrase: “Right here, right now — one play at a time.”
Week 5: Self-Compassion – Being Your Own Best Teammate
Mindset Focus: Treating yourself kindly after mistakes.
Skill Focus: Pitch Selection as a Hitter – Recognizing strike zones.
Key Phrase: “I talk to myself the way I would talk to a friend.”
Week 6: Grit – The Power of Persistence
Mindset Focus: Celebrating small wins and pushing through challenges.
Skill Focus: Base Running Speed and Awareness – Sprinting techniques, reading the field.
Key Phrase: “Keep going, even when it’s tough.”
Week 7: Teamwork – Supporting Your Teammates
Mindset Focus: Celebrating others’ efforts and communicating effectively.
Skill Focus: Communication on the Field – Verbal and non-verbal cues.
Key Phrase: “Together, we are stronger.”
Week 8: Positive Visualization – Picture Your Best Self
Mindset Focus: Using mental imagery to rehearse plays.
Skill Focus: Bunting Skills – Sacrifice and drag bunting techniques.
Key Phrase: “See it, believe it, achieve it.”
Week 9: Time Management – Balancing School, Sports, and Rest
Mindset Focus: Creating a balanced routine.
Skill Focus: Strength and Conditioning – Functional training for softball.
Key Phrase: “I plan my time to feel balanced and ready.”
Week 10: Gratitude – Appreciating the Journey
Mindset Focus: Keeping a gratitude journal and sharing appreciation.
Skill Focus: Hustle and Attitude – Effort on and off the field.
Key Phrase: “I am grateful for every practice, every game, every lesson.”
Week 11: Leadership – Inspiring Through Action
Mindset Focus: Leading by example and encouraging teammates.
Skill Focus: Situational Awareness – Making smart game-time decisions.
Key Phrase: “I lead by example, with kindness and courage.”
Week 12: Letting Go – Moving Past Mistakes Quickly
Mindset Focus: Quick recovery techniques after mistakes.
Skill Focus: Mental Toughness and Focus – Maintaining composure under pressure.
Key Phrase: “Mistakes are just lessons — let them go and move forward.”
End-of-Program Celebration:
Recap of all 12 lessons, with each athlete sharing their biggest takeaway from the program.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate the growth and progress of each participant.
Why Game On: Rob Budakian Placeholder
Rob is an awesome guy.
Program Details – Game On: Softball Skills & Mindset Program
Limited-Time Opportunity: Join Our Pilot Program for FREE!
We’re excited to announce the launch of our Game On: Softball Skills & Mindset Program, a FREE pilot program designed for a select group of 12 girls, ages 9-12. This initiative is specifically tailored for athletes who are not currently participating in travel ball.
Our goal is to provide this unique opportunity to girls who may not have access to advanced training and resources typically available in travel ball programs. By focusing on those who are newer to structured skill development, we aim to foster growth, confidence, and mental toughness in a supportive and inclusive environment.
We truly appreciate the interest and enthusiasm from all players and families and encourage those involved in travel ball to stay connected for future programs and opportunities.
Time Commitment:
Duration: 12 weeks (September 29th - December 15th)
Schedule: 2 hours, once per week
Day, Time & Location: TBD, based on participant availability
What We Ask in Return:
Participants and their families agree to provide a brief review of the program following its completion. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping future offerings and ensuring the best possible experience for future participants.
Attendance Policy:
When applying, please ensure that your daughter is available during the specified time frame and that the session is a priority. If your daughter is unable to attend three or more practices, we will offer a spot to a girl on the waitlist. This policy ensures that each participant receives the full benefit of the program and allows another girl the opportunity to participate.
Future Programs:
Based on the outcomes and feedback from our pilot program, we will assess the structure and scheduling of future sessions. This is a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor and help shape the future of Game On.
Apply Now – Spots Are Limited!
If your daughter is ready to grow her skills, build confidence, and have a blast on the field, apply now to secure one of the limited 12 spots. If the program is full, you can join our waitlist to be notified of any openings or future sessions.