How to Get Recruited by a College Softball Team

Find out what coaches are looking for and understand the process of getting recruited to play college softball.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Addresses of colleges
• Team Schedule
• Skills video tape
• An open mind

1. Understand the rules:
   
   To begin with, the NCAA has very unique rules surrounding the recruiting process. Many of these rules have been put into place to protect the student-athletes and limit the amount of contact that college coaches are able to have with the athlete. Because of these stringent rules, the amount of communication that is allowed by the NCAA is very limited. It is important for the student-athlete and her parents to understand these rules in order to ensure that they are not in violation of any of them during the recruiting process. Make sure to read up on the NCAA rules before commencing the recruiting process. In order to learn more about the regulations visit this website http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=263.

2. Get approved:
   
   After becoming familiar with the rules surrounding recruiting an athlete who is looking to play Division I or II softball needs to register at the NCAA Clearinghouse website. In order to play in college an athlete MUST BE cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. You need to get certified by the Clearinghouse in the year you are expecting to attend college. For more information concerning the registration process, visit this website http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=9

3. Get noticed:
   
   Ok so now that we have all the rules and policies out of the way let's talk about what college coaches are looking for. If you are interested in playing college softball, I would begin the recruiting process your sophomore year in high school, before the softball season starts.
   
   I would begin by composing a letter that can be mailed to college coaches introducing them to who you are, while showing them that you are interested in their school. Include in the letter your name, phone number, address, email, your high school, GPA, any test scores you have, summer ball and high school statistics, and an interesting fact that will make you stick out in their minds (remember they get hundreds of recruiting letters, make yours noticeable! But remember nothing over the top.) Keep this letter 1 page in length. If it's too long they won't read the whole thing, keep it short and to the point. Make a point to include the coach’s name and University in the letter to make them feel as if it is a more personal letter, not just one you mailed out to every coach. Include along with the letter a schedule of either your high school team or summer travel ball team.
   
   DO NOT limit the schools you send your communications to. That is one big problem that people run into. Send your letter and schedule to all different kinds of schools because you never know which one you will end up liking. Send them to Division I, II, and III schools.
   
   Your local public library should carry a College Blue Book that has the names and addresses of all college coaches. Another option is visiting the college's athletic homepage and using their directory. Also, http://www.collegecoachesonline.com/ is a useful website that lists the coaches as well.
   
   After your sophomore season I would send a follow-up letter to all of the same coaches with an update of how your season went. I would include with this letter articles from newspapers where you have been mentioned. At this point I would consider compiling a skills videotape to send along with the letter and article clippings.

4. Get videotaped:
   
   College coaches are looking for a video tape that shows what you can do. Not only do they want to see you swinging and pitching in a gym by yourself, but they also want to see video from a live game. Its one thing if you can show you have a good swing or pitch without the factors, but it's another if you include videotape of you actually doing it in a game. The video should begin with you introducing yourself while including some of your academic and athletic achievements. After the introduction you would then include the videotape of your skills.
   
   For pitching, include video from behind the pitcher, from the side of the pitcher, and behind the catcher. College coaches are looking for 1. A good arm circle 2. Consistent Form 3. Power from the legs.
   ATTENTION PITCHERS: College coaches are not looking for you to throw five different pitches. They are looking for pitchers that can throw two or three pitches really really well. College coaches have told me that they are skeptic of pitchers who tell them that they have five pitches. Work on a two or three pitches and throw them well.
   
   For hitting, include video from the side of the batter, in front of the batter, and behind the batter. Since many people have different theories with hitting, each college coach will be looking for something different.
   
   For fielding, include video from in front of the player. College coaches are looking for 1. Your approach to the ball 2. Soft hands when fielding 3. Good foot work 4. A solid throw

5. Get Eloquent:
   
   Once college coaches are able to contact you they will call your house. Most coaches do not call the first day only because they are very limited with the number of people they can call each week. Do not be disappointed if you are not contacted within the first week. But be prepared for engaging in a conversation with college coaches. Be sure to be courteous on the phone because you do not want to come off as overly confident, many college coaches perceive over confidence as a bad attribute that will lead to the player being difficult to coach.
   
   Also, when coaches call you, take it as an opportunity to learn about them. Have a list of questions you want to ask each coach. Prepare a questionnaire that you will discuss with every coach that calls. Write down the answers the coaches give to your questions. This will help you keep each college separate when it comes down to the decision making process.

6. Get informed:
   
   Make sure to learn about every school that contacts you. Since softball is no longer an Olympic sport you can only go so far with athletics. Make sure the school you choose has a major that you are interested in, softball will only take you so far in life. Graduate with a degree in something you want to do. Many people base their decision solely off of athletics, however, I feel that understanding the school's academic background should be taken into consideration when selecting a school.
   
   Once the time comes for your official visits, and you get 5, you will need to narrow down your schools that you are considering. At this point you will have an idea of which schools are on the top of your list, and the next step is to go visit them. You will go for an entire weekend and be hosted by a girl on the team. They will take you around to class, show you the facilities, and you will get to meet everyone involved in the softball program. When you go on your visit, you should be continually asking yourself if you feel comfortable in that type of setting.

7. Make a decision:
   
   What a big decision it is too, where are you going to spending the next few years of your life?!