Swatting at Flies: Coaching Princesses Softball

Based on a true story, Swatting at Flies is the endearing story of a father teaching his daughter
softball through imagery that every girl relates to (princesses, ballerinas, and magic wands). His
daughter wants nothing more than to please him but is easily distracted by the captivating
world of clouds and dandelions around her. As the story unfolds through the girl's eyes, her
challenging and funny moments culminate in what every parent and daughter desire together,
a shared "Pizza Moment."

About the Author
Engelkemier, Darren: - Coach Daddy Darren Engelkemier enjoys coaching his three princesses in all kinds of sports and activities. In this book, he shares analogies and tools that were effective in teaching girls' softball. More importantly, he provides a glimpse into the challenges and true joys of coaching. Darren also wants to thank his wife Melissa who has coached him through life's rain delays. After all, a rain-soaked outfield can become a fun slip-n-slide if our perspective changes. What we all desire is not shown on the scoreboard in the outfield, it's about the eternal score board in our hearts. For many years, Darren has used sports to create shared experiences to help build relationships. As our princesses grow up, may their fairy tale imaginations turn into magical lifelong relationships. Darren's desire is that this book will help encourage you to coach for the Pizza Moments.Engelkemier, Emily: - Princess Emily Engelkemier enjoys sports, art, and pursuing her medical dreams. She played softball for seven years, coached by her dad. Each of the fun analogies used in this book were said by her dad when he was teaching her to play softball. She learned that sports are not just about the outcome of the game, but about the process and learning involved along the way. Emily would like to thank her dad for coaching as well as all of her other coaches and teammates over the years. Though she never fully stopped swatting at flies, her experiences as a player and teammate made her on deck and ready to pursue her dreams. Emily wants to encourage players to swing hard for their Pizza Moments.