Calling all Parents & Coaches!!! Tips on Recruiting.

This is the looming question all parents have that confounds even the wisest. "How on earth do we even start the recruiting process so my daughter gets seen?!"... Especially if you are in rural parts of the country, yet are a true diamond in the rough. GREAT QUESTION!

Not to throw any of you coaches under the bus, but my H.S coach was in fact the first person to send out letters getting colleges excited about me, my freshman year on Varsity. Then helped my mom with the next steps as far as the NCAA clearinghouse, SAT's, & getting letters of intent & my skill set video sent out. 

So my honest advice to all parents is don't wait till your kid is in her late years of H.S, it should be as early as 7th grade and at latest freshman year. "Well, isn't that too early?"No, because there are many eligibility rules & budgets you may have to start thinking about to see if this is an option. I know mom & dad it is really hard to imagine your 7th grader as a grown college kid, but I'm telling you it is going to help her tremendously to start getting all the eggs in the basket for her future.

Here are some suggestions:

1. If your daughter has the potential and wants to play D1 most top D1 coaches are looking at your kid as early as 8th grade. if she's a standout & playing on a team that plays in the big tournaments on the premier fields, key word premier fields. (not the field 10 miles away and games at 7 & 8 am/pm).

2. What Gold team do you play for? And I'm not talking just any Gold team, but one with a suitable reputation and those that know this process are going to be an asset. It doesn't hurt either if your coaches know the college coaches. (i.e I played for the American Pastime Gold drove 4.5 hours for practices, we had another kid that flew in from Texas, it really depends on how bad your daughter wants it, how much time you're willing to put in, and budgeting for these expenses)

3. Politics... Yes. The P word. It's in all sports and as much as no one wants to admit this, it's true. So don't get wrapped up in, but work smarter not harder. Be aware, but don't share.

4. LETTERS & SKILL VIDEO... (template coming soon & more info) 

-LETTERS: make sure you are sending them your schedule, what positions your play, what field/times, and what team you're playing.

5. Have your daughter write out her "values" aka "mission statement" in what she believes & wants in a school regarding education, softball, division, location, close to family or far (this is huge when you want to come home during short weekends & on holidays), classroom size, scholarship (whether it be education or sport), and the coaches. Don't get sold on "the grass is greener." Do your research!

6. Don't get hung up on "No" or "We already filled that recruiting class." If that's your dream then live it, but you can only be led to the water, but you can't be forced to drink. Find out what you have to do next in order to be a part of that team (coaches love passion driven kids, check out other schools, take a year of community college, or go try-out as a walk on.)

7. Community College as an option until you figure out where you want to go, raise enough money, and or gain more skill set. If you've waited & are a little late on this process find out from the coaches what you need to do to earn your spot & what year. Then prove it!! (kickstarter.com, indieagogo.com, and research other scholarship options)-Remember this is your dream!

What Coaches look for?

-Coachability 

-Attitude

-Work Ethic

-Fitness Level

-Grades/SAT Scores

-Leadership Skills

-Can you play multiple positions?

-How you can help make them a better program?