Cornell Softball Camps

Aspiring Player and Futures Camp

At our Prospect Camp, you'll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at our coaches, culture, and top-tier facilities while seeing firsthand what it means to be part of our "vibrant and positive culture. It's a great opportunity to experience what it means to be part of the Ram Softball Family—a program that prides itself on gritty competitive spirit, high academic achievement, and a true passion for the game. Following recent 2026 achievements with a 24 win season and a relentless drive ending in the Midwest Conference tournament, we truly believe we have something special happening here at Cornell!

Check-In Location

Cornell College - Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center - (SAW) | 835 1st St W, Mt Vernon, IA 52314

Location

Cornell College Softball Field - VanMeter Family Softball Field | 600 First St NW, Mount Vernon, IA

Schedule Format

• 11:00am-11:30am Check-in
• 11:30am-12:00pm Welcome and Warm-up
• 12:00pm-12:45pm Defensive Session 1
• 12:45pm-1:30pm Defensive Session 2
• 1:30pm-2:30pm Offensive Stations
• 2:30pm-3/3:30pm Break for late Lunch
• 3:00pm-4:00pm Pitching and Catching Session (highlighted by: Lisa Birocci-Banse)
• 3:30pm-4:00pm Meet with Teams / Warm-up for scrimmage
• 4:00pm-6:00pm Live Scrimmaging

Highlighted By:

Lisa Birocci-Banse: Cornell Pitching Consultant

Collegiate Dominance:

• Two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American (2003, 2005)
• 2003 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year
• Won 90 career games, posting a 1.20 ERA, and racking up 946 strikeouts
• Tossed two career no-hitters (April 20, 2003; March 4, 2005)
• Led her team to four NCAA Regional appearances and won the Big Ten regular season and tournament title (2003)

International & Professional Experience:

• Played professional softball in Italy, Guatemala, and Taiwan
• Member of the Italian National Team (2005-2006, 2009, 2019-21)
• Played in the 2019 Olympic Qualifier
• Won three European Championships with Team Italy (2005, 2019, 2021)
• Served as pitching coach for Team Italy (2017-18) at the World Championships and for Team Spain (2022-23)

Beyond her impressive career accomplishments, Lisa Birocci-Banse's impact on the record books is undeniable. She still ranks in the top-seven all-time for appearances, innings pitched, complete games, ERA, wins, and strikeouts, cementing her legacy as one of the most dominant pitchers in her collegiate program's history.

Robin Brand: Cornell College Head Coach and Mount Vernon High School Head Coach

• Guided the Rams to their first 20-win season since 2019. The 24 victories are the fifth-most by a Cornell team. 
• Qualified for the 2026 Midwest Conference Tournament!

State Championship Success at Mount Vernon:

• Led Mount Vernon to an Iowa State Softball Tournament Championship (2022)
• Guided her team to a State Runner-Up finish (2021)
• Named 3A Coach of the Year in both championship seasons (2021, 2022)
• Honored as the 2022 Iowa All-Class Coach of the Year

Consistent Program Excellence:

• Coached Mount Vernon to an incredible 8 trips to the Iowa State Softball Tournament
• Boasts an impressive career record of 416-182 as head coach at Mount Vernon

Developing Collegiate Talent:

• Helped produce 34 All-State players
• Seen 19 of her players go on to play collegiate softball

With her proven track record of developing top-tier talent and achieving consistent success, Coach Brand brings invaluable expertise to every player she mentors.

She is in her 2nd year as an Assistant Coach for Cornell College

Nolan Brand: Cornell College Assistant Coach

Currently a Teacher and Coach at Union CSD, along with coaching Mount Vernon Softball. Former collegiate basketball player. He is in his 2nd year as an Assistant Coach for Cornell College.