NWS Fastpitch is Empowering the Next Generation of Softball Pitchers
Jessica Colson, (Jess), is the Owner and Head Instructor of NWS Fastpitch, a softball pitching training business based in Chicopee, Massachusetts. After her college softball career came to an end, Jess felt a strong desire to stay connected to the game and give back by helping young pitchers reach their goals. That passion led her to take over NWS Fastpitch in 2019, an especially meaningful move, as she had grown up taking pitching lessons there herself. Now, as the owner, she offers private lessons, small group training, and softball skills clinics for girls and young women ages 8 to 23. Jess and her team are also working toward expanding their services to include training for coaches and workshops for athletes interested in pursuing college scholarships. Located inside 413 ATC on McKinstry Avenue in Chicopee, NWS Fastpitch serves students from across Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut.
Keep reading to get to know the woman behind the business and the story that brought her full circle!
How do you ensure authenticity and trustworthiness to your clients? I put so much value in building relationships both with my students and their families. I want them to know that I’m not only deeply invested in their success as a pitcher, but invested in them as humans, too. This “human-first” approach helps us build trust quickly. We always start lessons with a little check-in (How was your day? How did that test go? Are you looking forward to vacation? What’s new?).
What makes your business unique? I’m offering a really niche skill/service, but it is one that has been increasingly sought after. Many families are looking for pitching coaches who have experience pitching at collegiate levels, but there are not many coaches in the area who offer both the skill-based knowledge of pitching AND the experience of doing it at a high-level. I’m proud to meet that need and help pitchers identify their goals and build practice plans to meet them.
Can you share a memorable success story or achievement your business has experienced? One of my favorite activities to do in the springtime is to pack up my camping chair and some sunflower seeds and go watch my pitching students compete in games. It’s so fun to see them on the diamond shining bright in the circle and having a blast with their teammates. Recently, I visited American International College to watch a former student. Seeing her eyes light up after the game when she spotted me in the crowd and hearing how she is thriving in college brought a tear to my eye. It was such a tangible reminder of my “why” at that moment 🙂
How does your business give back or get involved locally? NWS Fastpitch is proud to support local organizations working to empower girls and young women to take the lead in classrooms and communities – and on the field/court! Currently, NWS Fastpitch supports Girls Inc. of the Valley (@girlsincvalley).
What do you do for fun in your down time? Down time with my girl friends is my favorite time! I swear I never laugh harder or feel more supported than I do in those settings. I love them and credit much of my boldness to their fierce belief in me.
Do you have any hobbies or side interests that you are particularly passionate about? I’ve started a podcast called The Postgame Amateurs Podcast (@postgameamateurspod) that interviews women who have competed in college athletics to learn about their journeys, what lessons sport has taught them, and how those lessons learned have impacted their careers, relationships, and lives. It is a passion project that has brought me so much joy and connection to some incredible women.
If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? Stop burning yourself out to prove your worth. Going above and beyond 100% of the time in jobs and relationships is not sustainable. You have value exactly as you are.
Do you have any pets? What type and their names? I have a calico/tortie cat named Luna – she is the queen of strong boundaries and speaking up for what she wants! She’s the love of my life (sorry to my fiance).
To learn more about NWS Fastpitch head over to their website now!
