Player profile websites, are they worth it or a waste?

[Mr. Monday!]

I have seen sites like softballshowcase, getrecruited, on deck, captain U... Has anyone had any experience using these sites or maybe others I don't know about. I want to post DD's profile but not sure which way to go. Are these sites even worth it $ Any input or recommendations would be appreciated! Thanks

[papadan]

Are these services worth it? This past summer, I watched my DD last games as she and ALL 12 of her teammates left to play in college. Not one of them was contacted becuause they had profiles on softballshowcase, berecruited, or Captain U. One of them did make significant inroads by participating in the On Deck ran camps, but not the profile aspect of On Deck. Not one of them was contacted by a college coach becuase they randomly saw their profile on one of these services.

Each of the sites you mentioned are fine and have some value, but there is simply no substitution for players personally contacting coaches (email or by phone) and letting them know when and where they are playing. Spending time on the phone with the college coach allows both player and coach to evaluate each other.

Invest a little time in creating a video that highlights your DD skills so that you can send it to coaches who may not be able to see her first hand. Budgets cuts are hitting everyone and some colleges just aren't able to get out to as many showcases as they once were able to.

[jonriv]

Use the "free" aspects of these sites as a place to reference coaches to for stats,photos etc...

Personal contact is the best way by far