BHSN Blue Jays Hit It Out of the Park

PLATTSBURGH, NY – The sun sets, the game ends, and the BHSN Blue Jays take home their first win of the 2026 season with a landslide score of 14-0 on Wednesday, June 3, in Au Sable Forks.

Sponsored by BHSN, the Blue Jays are a team of vibrant young softball players ranging from six to nine years old. This year, all players are in the “Grasshoppers” division, which consists of first-, second-, and third-graders. In this division, these players transition to hitting from coach pitch every other inning -- a deliberate structure that helps them build confidence, hone their hand-eye coordination, and develop foundational skills without the pressure of a fast-pitch environment.

As summer rounds the corner, the team enters their second year on the field led by head coach Taryn Desroches, who also serves as the Clinical Director of Operations at Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN) Center for Wellbeing. The team’s dedicated coaching staff also includes assistant coaches Jeremy Desroches and Jennifer McCasland, a local teacher with the Beekmantown Central School District.

Taryn Desroches, who has previous experience coaching youth softball, knew BHSN was a perfect fit for the league because of its commitment to supporting children, families, and overall wellness in our community.

“We work hard to make sure as many children as possible have the opportunity to play, with the goal of avoiding waitlists whenever possible,” said Desroches.

The team maintains an active schedule to keep the kids engaged and moving. At the beginning of the season, players practice twice per week. Once the games begin, teams typically play two games per week -- on Wednesdays and Saturdays -- and continue with one practice each week.

For the Blue Jays, the scoreboard is only a small piece of the puzzle. The goal of the team is to create a fun, supportive, and positive environment where children can learn the fundamentals of softball while building confidence, friendships, and healthy habits.

“As a team sponsored by BHSN, we recognize the importance of supporting children's social and emotional well-being. We want every player to feel included, encouraged, and valued, regardless of their skill level. Our focus is on growth, teamwork, resilience, and helping children develop a lifelong love of sports and being active in their community,” said Desroches.

The team teaches these young athletes to develop skills in sportsmanship, communication, responsibility, patience, and perseverance. Players learn how to encourage their teammates, work through challenges, celebrate successes, and build confidence both on and off the field. These experiences help strengthen their physical and mental well-being while teaching valuable life skills they can carry with them as they grow, make new friends, and learn from one another.

Players enroll through the Town of Plattsburgh Recreation Program. This program was created to give local children an affordable and accessible opportunity to learn the game, stay active, and be part of a team. Coaches volunteer their time, and teams rely on community sponsors for support.

The Recreation Program is open to any child who lives within the Town of Plattsburgh. The Blue Jays team primarily serves the Cadyville area, including children from Cadyville, Morrisonville, and West Plattsburgh. The program is free for families in these communities.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, and the boundless energy of the players, the fields of our local towns are looking a little brighter, and our community is growing a little stronger, one pitch at a time.