The Wave is a competitive travel girls fastpitch program located in Gurnee, IL. We are a part of Warren Township Girls Softball. For the 2022-2023 season, we will field teams at the 10U, 11U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 16U and 18U levels. This past year our teams played in tournaments locally and around the Midwest,  including PGF tournaments, "A" level metro and "A" level national championships. 

For additional information on the Warren Wave Travel program please contact the Director of Travel.  If you are a Wave player, parent, or coach needing access to the site details within the Warren Wave page, please create an account by clicking on the top toolbar of the Home page.

Below is an info series we post on our Facebook site that may assist with some questions you have about our Warren Wave travel softball program.  Follow Warren Township Girls Softball on Facebook for more updates:

Wondering about Wave? Fact #1 Travel Softball

Warren Wave is a competitive travel girls fastpitch program located in Gurnee, IL. We are a part of Warren Township Girls Softball. Unlike our In-House fastpitch program, teams are divided by age and not grade level, more like in our All-Stars program. For the 2021-2022 season, we fielded teams in the following levels: 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U.

Wondering about Wave? Fact #2 All Organization Travel Tournament

Wave isn't just about playing softball, it is also about making new friends and enjoying time with your teammates. Each year our organization attends a tournament that all our teams participate in. Wave families spend the weekend hanging out with each other between games. The girls make a door poster and snack basket for a teammate before arrival as part of a tradition to cheer each other on. The weekend is spent playing softball, swimming at the pool and spending time together.  

Wondering about Wave? Fact #3 The Clubhouse

Warren Wave players practice year-round to keep their skills sharp. In the winter months normally two practices are held a week, one at our clubhouse and another inside the field house at the high school. 

Our clubhouse is located in Waukegan and is also used on rainy days. It can be split into hitting lanes using nets or opened up to work on fielding.

Wondering about Wave Fact #4 Wipeout Tournament

Warren Wave registration includes six tournaments. One of these tournaments is the Warren Wave Wipeout tournament at the Warren Township Park hosted by WTGS. The tournament is one of the highlights of our season. The teams have a blast walking from field to field to watch games played by Wave teams in all age groups, supporting and cheering each other on.  Our 2022 Wipeout Tournament will be held July 15-17

Wondering about Wave #5 Tryouts

Warren Wave holds tryouts each year to determine their travel teams. We try to field at least two teams for each age group, but this always depends on how many kids tryout and the types of positions they play. What does a tryout session look like? Players are asked to hit, bunt, throw, field balls, and run bases. They are evaluated on things like accuracy, quickness, and mechanics. Pitchers and catchers stay a little longer to try out for those positions.

We try to get back to players as quickly as possible to let them know if they make the team, typically a few days after our last tryout day for that age group. Our tryouts are free and a great time to learn more about the program.

• Warren Township Park softball fields - located at 17801 W Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031
• Warren High School Varsity Field - located at 34090 Almond Rd, Gurnee, IL 60031
• Warren High School Freshman Field - located via Gowe Memorial Park 4621 McClure Road, Gurnee IL 60031
• Woodland Middle School softball fields - located at 7000 W Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031          
  • Field 1 is also known as Woodland West          
  • Field 2 is also known as Woodland East         
  • Field 3 is also known as Woodland South          
  • Field 4 is also known as Woodland Far East

SEE MAPS BELOW FOR SPECIFIC FIELD LOCATIONS 

Play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the back.

Don't let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.

How you practice is how you play.

The harder the battle the more glorious the triumph.

Its a rough road that leads to a height of greatness.

Winners practice until they get it right, champions practice until they cant get it wrong.

If you want something you have never had before, you have got to do something you have never done before.

If you want something, go get it. Period!!!

Matt Tessmann, 10U: This is Matt’s first year with the Warren Wave organization, along with his 9 year old daughter, Rylee. Previously Matt worked with  Antioch 8/10U recreational softball teams as head coach for four consecutive seasons, leading two of his four teams deep into the playoffs, with two top-three finishes. Matt also played 5 years of baseball and 5 years co-ed fast pitch softball where as a player/coach won a championship. Kaytee Keefe will be joining the 10U team as Head Coach.

Coaching Philosophy - Matt has an extremely passionate and competitive mindset. He feels 10U is the most pivotal and important division in softball for learning how to focus and play as one. Development, technique and all-around skill begin to blossom at this age. Staying aggressive and aware of your opposition on all phases of the game is key, and a great way to study the game. To quote, “I feel keeping all kids engaged and having fun while sharpening their skill will only allow them to succeed as a player and as a person as well.”

Adam Ring, 11U: Adam previously managed our 10U team which achieved four tournament championships, two 2nd place finishes, and three semi-final appearances in their very first season. We’re excited Adam will be moving with his team to 11U for 2022-2023.  Prior to joining Warren Wave, Adam coached his previous travel fastpitch team, Adrenaline, for 5+ years from 14U-18U.  

Adam’s top priorities are developing his players to maximize their full potential both on and off the field. He prides himself on cultivating strong team chemistry, his dedication to his players, and his passion to compete in the game of fastpitch.

Enrico Asidao, 12U:  Coaching experience - 7 years of diverse coaching experience. WTGS All-Star Manager x 2 years, WTGS Manager x 2 years, WTGS Coach x 3 years, GYB Assistant Coach x 1 year, Grayslake Pride 12U Manager x 1 year, and Warren Wave 12U/14U/16U Assistant Coach x 4 years.

Personal Highlight - Married 21 years, 4 daughters, US Navy Veteran and Certified Master Training Specialist, and 14 years (7 years in management) at Abbott Laboratories Cardiac Electrophysiology Division.

Philosophy - I believe that the 11U/12U-level is the lifeblood of any travel softball organization. This age group must be coached and developed in an environment and in a manner that will set each player/family on a trajectory that will prepare them to compete at the exposure/showcase-level of fastpitch softball. It is an honor and privilege to manage, lead, and cultivate at this level of the program, and the coaching staff that I have assembled will demonstrate this realization and appreciation consistently.

Goals - 

1. To deliver a travel softball experience that will be fondly remembered and appreciated as players/families move on to 13U/14U and beyond.

2. To effectively and deliberately prepare players/families for what is expected and coveted by Managers at the 14U/16U/18U Exposure-level.

3. To leverage a myriad of relationships and resources to ensure each player/family and the coaching staff understands “the why” behind each and every nuance of travel softball. Smarter softball plays fast.

Jocelyn Wechter, 13U: Jocelyn and her father started the Warren Wave when she was 12 years old and Jocelyn played for the Wave until she aged out of the program at 18. During her time playing for the Wave, Jocelyn and her team won countless Championships, attended many nationals, and played in a number of college exposure tournaments, anywhere from Alabama to Colorado. Jocelyn also pitched and played outfield for Warren Township High School and Carmel Catholic High School and is a true student of the game. Jocelyn takes a fundamentals-based approach to coaching and instills her passion and work ethic into her players. She's tough but compassionate and truly loves developing young players and teaching them the love of the game.  Jocelyn says, " I love getting to mentor them not just for softball but for life too."

Jon Young, 14U:  This will be Jon’s second year managing at the 14U level, after having been an assistant coach in our program for many years, both for our in-house teams and for the past 3 years for 10U and 12U Wave teams. Jamie Lewis will be returning to the 14U coaching staff as Head Coach. She was Head Coach for Wave 14U’s 2022 team. Jamie was a 4-year varsity starter for Crystal Lake South High School along with 8 years of high-level travel softball experience with the Huntley Hurricanes, McHenry County Heatwave and Bartlett Silverhawks.

Tina McIntosh, 14U Exposure: Tina McIntosh has coached with Warren Wave for 15years. Her focus is on fundamentals and getting players to the next level. Many of her players have gone on to play in college. She has played high level softball herself and has a deep respect for the game. She has also been a WTGS Board member for several years.

Dave Lyons, 16U Exposure:  Dave has been coaching 10+ years, 3 of which have been with Warren Wave.  He is looking to play more A-level/exposure tournaments this season.  Dave says "I love coaching the fundamentals and watching each and every player improve throughout the season. I want them to come back and continue playing softball the following season and into the future. This game is for the players, and they will have fun while practicing and playing.  I also will put the most competitive team on the field each and every game.  Put the hard work in off the field it will carry over to on the field. "

Kelli Layton, 18U Exposure: Kelli Layton has been a coach with Warren Wave for 7 years and is currently in her 4th year as the 18u manager. Kelli played college softball at Millikin University and was the first “Wave for Life” player, having played her entire travel career with Warren Wave. Along with focusing on teaching fundamentals and game strategy, Kelli and her coaching staff strive to teach life lessons on and off the field. Additionally, Kelli and her staff prioritize college recruitment and exposure.