National finishes              Alumni in college, coaching            Chicago Metro

   The Orland Park Sparks were founded in 1979 by Bernie Conboy, Bob McGonagle and Don "Red" Triebold, and since have developed a tremendous history of providing the best available fundamental instruction, quality competition and exposure for young athletes. The program was founded with honest values and has strived to be not only the best in Illinois, but throughout the Midwest and nation. The Sparks have also been instrumental in developing local leagues for competition, coordinating umpire recruiting in the Chicago Metro area and providing a venue for tournaments that host several competitive teams. Additionally, many of the Sparks staff has been called upon as clinicians for coaches, players and umpires.

   The teams have developed an outstanding tradition nationally, based on success in some of the highest level tournaments. The Sparks teams have made repeated visits to ASA National tournaments at all age levels. The 18u team has made it to the Nationals 15 of the last 16  years, highlighted by the 1996 Class A National Champions. Sparks teams have also finished in the ASA Top 10 nationally on six other occasions. Because of the consistent level of success, the Sparks name has become synonymous with high-caliber softball throughout the nation.

   The Orland Park organization has achieved a high level of success by using quality instruction. Coaches range in experience from several years on the collegiate level and Woman's Open level to the former coach of an IHSA State Champion. Aided by the presence of some alumni in the collegiate coaching ranks, the current Sparks coaching staff and administration has some of the best available college networking in the country. It is also common for Sparks teams to bring in outside expert talent to aid in instruction of athletes.

   Because of the brilliant reputation the program carries, the Sparks have gained an extensive following. From brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents at the younger levels to college coaches and softball junkies at the older levels, the Sparks always seem to command great crowds at tournaments. The exposure from college coaches has translated to more then 125 athletes who have continued their softball careers at the next level while gaining a college education.