One of the top 25 teams in the recently released FAB 50 12U Club Rankings is the New Jersey-based Jersey Flames 2K2 which finished 5^th out of 65 teams at USSSA last year as all 11 year olds.

“We expect big things again this year again,” says Head Coach Dan Calicari. “We’re looking forward to battling against the best teams around this year.

Here’s a closer look at one of the top 12U level teams in the country…

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FullCountSoftball.com: When did team/program start and how and why did it come to be?
Dan Calicari: After we won the Babe Ruth State Championship as second year 8’s, we decided to make the jump to club ball to seek better competition. The team is 186-44-1 since.

FCS.com: Where do your athletes come from?
DC: We are based in Central New Jersey with nine of our players from that area. In the last two years, with the success of the team, we have been able to land some very good players from the Southern and Northern parts of the State.

FCS.com: What is the top priority for the Flames in term of mission or purpose?
DC: Our purpose from the start was to have the girls play with the best and against the best competition. We have always thought that this would really help with their skill development. It has been rewarding to see all of them continue to develop.

FCS.com: What have been some of your successes in terms of winning or placing at events?  
DC: At 10U, defeating Vienna Stars in a Pony Qualifier was a big step for the team. As well as losing to Team Li in the PA Pony State Championship. They realized they can compete with two very good teams and programs that we have a ton of respect for. Last year as 11 year olds at the USSSA World Series they had a great run to finish 5^th.

FCS.com: What makes the organization unique?
DC: The most unique thing about the Flames program is that we are not looking to add team after team for the sake of having teams. We prefer quality over quantity. We care about the successes of all the girls in the program and are helping them to succeed both on and off the field.

FCS.com: What’s your softball background and how did you get to the point of leading the team?
DC: I started coaching softball when my daughter expressed interest at the t-ball level. Since then we have been adding quality players and coaches along the way. Once we decided to make the jump to club ball I placed a phone call to 18U Gold coach John Schaffer to ask some questions and the rest is history. It’s been a pleasure being part of a great organization!

FCS.com: How many teams are there in the organization?
DC: There are seven teams.

FCS.com: Has there been a key moment or defining experience in the team’s history?
DC: One came last year for sure at the World Series. The girls competed for seven innings versus a very good Delaware Swoop team. Down by a run in the final at bat they found a way to tie it up and eventually win in walk-off fashion. A regular Sunday walk-off is usually exciting but for one to happen at the World Series was special. I knew there was no quit in them, they will compete for seven innings!

FCS.com: What is your primary focus or goal with this team?
DC: Our goal is to get all of these girls prepared to play softball at the next level, from Middle School to High School to eventually college ball for all of those who want that. For this season, we are looking forward to competing versus the top teams around.

FCS.com: What do you think are the strengths of the team?
DC: Heading to second year 12U I think we have addressed everything we have needed to be a very balanced team. Our pitching will give us a chance in every game, we have improved our team defense from last year and we have hitters who can hit for power and we can play small ball and run a lot more then we have been used to over the last couple seasons.

FCS.com: If there is one thing you would say that separates you from other club programs what would it be?
DC: I like the fact that we do not have a lot of turnover every year, our girls have been with us for several years now and we have only had to add a few players over the last couple years. In NJ there are more and more club teams every year making the talent pool very watered down. We have still been able to land some of the best players around over the last two years. Besides playing very well together on the field, the girls are excelling off the field as well, all 13 of them are honor students!