When do you start?

[happy]

[fastpitchdad05]

Just curious as to what age you all start exposing your daughters to college recruiters. My daughter is 10U pitcher, and her travel team is doing a couple of college showcase tournaments, but are they really looking at the 10-year-olds? I'm not in a big hurry, but just seeking advice on how & when to start?

Lots of threads on this, but my opinion...why the heck would anyone (college coach or otherwise) be even slightly interested in a 10U?

My DD is a sophomore, just turned 16, and we have been taking it nice and slow. She will likely get some looks this summer.

My advice...take your time. And above all else, make sure she continues to have fun playing the game. Because if she stops having fun she'll probably quit. And all that talent will be for naught.

Good luck!

[happy]

Thanks.

[Dugout Dad]

At 10U, hmmm, I think that's when good study habits and time management starts, that was our #1 priority. Top grades and SAT in HS opens the door to all Universities DI, DII, DIII and she will have choices and multiple offers......... and if she quits softball, it still opens the door to all universities.

[rdelawder12]

10U WOW, college showcase tournaments offerred cracks me up, lol!!! 10U is about getting to a National tournament and every tournament played is about winning and having a good time! Learn the game and all the rules, go observe the older girls playing and study the game and watch and learn what others do or shouldn't do, lol.
12U still about winning as is 10U, top 12U players will generally move up to 14U where the process just gets started!
Example on the process:
Today's 2014's Major Universities are done recruiting them, Mid Majors are still selecting, finalizing and offering.
2015's Majors have been heavy on them for the past 6 months, big summer for them and fall to wrap it up.
2016's Majors are starting to scoop them up....
2017's Will officially be on radars after this summer, not that some aren't already there from Nationals this past summer, but should see some activity by this fall in verbals.

This is what I've learned over the last 10 years! Good Luck!!!

[Onemorechance]

10U WOW, college showcase tournaments offerred cracks me up, lol!!! 10U is about getting to a National tournament and every tournament played is about winning and having a good time! Learn the game and all the rules, go observe the older girls playing and study the game and watch and learn what others do or shouldn't do, lol.
12U still about winning as is 10U, top 12U players will generally move up to 14U where the process just gets started!
Example on the process:
Today's 2014's Major Universities are done recruiting them, Mid Majors are still selecting, finalizing and offering.
2015's Majors have been heavy on them for the past 6 months, big summer for them and fall to wrap it up.
2016's Majors are starting to scoop them up....
2017's Will officially be on radars after this summer, not that some aren't already there from Nationals this past summer, but should see some activity by this fall in verbals.

This is what I've learned over the last 10 years! Good Luck!!!

100% right

[Battle]

Just curious as to what age you all start exposing your daughters to college recruiters. My daughter is 10U pitcher, and her travel team is doing a couple of college showcase tournaments, but are they really looking at the 10-year-olds? I'm not in a big hurry, but just seeking advice on how & when to start?

Do you see college coaches at these showcases?

[happy]

The main purpose of attending these couple of college "showcase" tournaments, at this age, is for the competition. It's a good opportunity to play against some top teams, as most of our local tournaments seem to be pretty watered down. Yes, there are college coaches there for the higher levels, but I doubt they will watch the 10U games. It's just a marketing strategy for the tournament hosts to invite the 10U. Like I said, we play in them mostly for better competition.

[freetacos]

The fact that this is even being discussed shows the insanity of college softball recruiting today. There is something seriously wrong with this picture and it needs to be fixed. The verballing process has totally failed the athlete and parents.
I think that a better way to insure that your 10u gets to college is focusing on education AND maybe..just maybe starting a college fund for your brat now instead of waiting for a hand out that may or not be there when it matters.

My rant is not pointed at the original poster but all of us with travel softball players. (myself included)

ft

[Blind Squirrel]

Retrospective:

10U: Rec ball and all stars - Have fun playing, learn basics, have fun playing
12U: TB - Have fun playing, learn more fundamentals, try to improve skills, have fun playing
14U: See 12U
18 (1st 2 years): Worry about recruiting - Literally never entered our minds before that - R word never previously spoken. First time we heard it we were in shock (I'm not kidding) and were quite suddenly immersed. Not ready. Clueless.
18 (2nd 2 years): Play for a team that goes to Nationals (never been before) to play with/against best players possible - college prep
College: Pray for rain

Cranium Densium Squirrel (2.6 schooled me but it was too late by then)