Coach Folsom started playing ball at the age of 5yrs old with t-ball and continued on to play for the Elmhurst in-house leagues. At about age 12-13yrs, she decided she wanted to play travel softball. Coach Folsom's first ever travel softball team was the Elmhurst Cougars. She played for the Cougars for a couple of seasons before switching over to the Sidekick's from 14yrs-18yrs old. She is a York HS Alumni ('99), where she also played softball. After HS she continued to play softball in college for Saint Xavier University. During her time at St. Xavier, she also coached at the Bulls/Sox Academy doing pitching/catching/fielding/hitting lessons and clinics. After college, Coach Folsom continued to play travel softball through 18U on the Sidekicks where she then tried out for a 23U fast pitch softball team called the Northern Illinois Lightening. She also assisted in coaching the 12U team travel softball team for the Sidekicks, while still playing. Coach Folsom is honored to say that she is one of the Cougars originals... or close to it... when softball all began for the organization! She is looking forward to being a head coach for this upcoming season, and Cougars look forward to having her with the organization! Welcome Coach Melissa Folsom!!!