Gary Haning on early commitments

[CountryBumpkin]

Great articles, both of them, thank you.

With a talented 2017 graduate we feel we are on this recruiting crazy train and can't get off.
It is very overwhelming and I would love to slow it down. Problem is if you don't keep up with the Joneses your daughter might be the one to miss out. I wish there was an easy fix for it. It is ludicrous that 8th and 9th graders are getting recruited!

[akks1382]

Us too! I am so overwhelmed, as is my 2017, just trying to find out all the information that we need to know. I wondered if it was too early to make visits, but the more I learn, the more I think we should start now so that she is sure of the school she wants to attend that offers the classes she wants when Senior year rolls around instead of being stressed over choices. Our TB coach so far has been of no help or information, so figuring all this out alone has been a chore. What ever happened to these major decisions being made during Jr/Sr year??

Great articles, both of them, thank you.

With a talented 2017 graduate we feel we are on this recruiting crazy train and can't get off.
It is very overwhelming and I would love to slow it down. Problem is if you don't keep up with the Joneses your daughter might be the one to miss out. I wish there was an easy fix for it. It is ludicrous that 8th and 9th graders are getting recruited!

[CountryBumpkin]

Us too! I am so overwhelmed, as is my 2017, just trying to find out all the information that we need to know. I wondered if it was too early to make visits, but the more I learn, the more I think we should start now so that she is sure of the school she wants to attend that offers the classes she wants when Senior year rolls around instead of being stressed over choices. Our TB coach so far has been of no help or information, so figuring all this out alone has been a chore. What ever happened to these major decisions being made during Jr/Sr year??

Great articles, both of them, thank you.

With a talented 2017 graduate we feel we are on this recruiting crazy train and can't get off.
It is very overwhelming and I would love to slow it down. Problem is if you don't keep up with the Joneses your daughter might be the one to miss out. I wish there was an easy fix for it. It is ludicrous that 8th and 9th graders are getting recruited!

We are lucky that the TB organization that we are apart of handles/helps with the college recruiting. Part of our monthly dues is for recruiting and they do a wonderful job. The organization also has a 100% college committal rate. Even with all that it still is tremendous pressure on the girls and parents. In the next 11-months we will be going to Colorado, Illinois, Florida, and Georgia. Those are for showcases, that does not count regular tournaments to get bids to PGF and ASA Nationals.

[BAM2]

My daughter being a 2017 has just verbally commited this past weekend. Yes she committed before a single day of high school. Getting the correct information is the key. We started by finding out at least what she might want to do, or study in college. Yes you'll get the, how are they supposed to know. But as a family we went over a lot of majors associated within the type of field. Yes they are young, but you have to start some place. We were asked for her top 10, and out of those ten, which schools allowed them to study the field they were interested in, or is that school a softball school first. This was all started around second year 12's. First year 14's we maybe did one local showcase, but our team in general brings out a lot of coaches just to watch practice, friendlies, and games. I did a lot of research for my daughter on schools, and i became more familiar witht the process. Also Hey Bucket and Friends, that have been through it offer a lot of information also. As a parent, we are able to talk with coaches, about camps and other things, just not about recruiting. So we are able to build a so called relationship, just by saying hi, asking about their trip.etc...Target a camp that is not a cattle call but a smaller elite camp works wonders. Having your dd go up and say thank you for their time leaves a lasting impression, playing well, and knocking the stuffing out of the ball will do that to. We spent our own $ visiting the campuses because we felt that it was important to do, as well as being fortunate enough to be able to so.
I've heard a lot of talk on early commitments, but really never paid to much attention to it. Each family is different, and you'll know when it's the right time and the right fit. For us, it wasn't the softball record of the university, or how amaizning the campus is, or which diploma holds more weight, if it was we would be at school #2. It wasn't about the offer, because they were all the same. A great coach that does fielding out here, is also a friend, and he alawys say's, you know you did the right thing, if your daughter is smiling on the inside.
For us one of the reason's we commited early, was becuase as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"
I think early commiting is not for everyone, but our circumstance is right for us. We are just very blessed and fortunate, that our daughter has the ablilties that coaches are willing to take a committment at such an early stage.
But like we tell her, None of This happens without grades, and staying healthy. Whatever happens between now and then is all up to her, never stop working, stay humble, and have a great attitude.
This is our families personal journey, not right or wrong just what we have gone though. Thank you to all my HB friends and the messages back and forth, it really helped. Thanks to her TravelBall Manager and her Uncle, some of the best softball people out there.
If I can help with any parents that are getting started please feel free to call. I don't have all the answers, but a least my knowlege is geared toward the early recruit.
Chris Kumiyama

[BAM2]

True Spazsdad, and we talked about that also. Figured i took up enough space. Also told them if the The Trojans ever got a softball progam, all bet's are off. Yes with all the schools we talked with. If coaching staff changes, We are back in the mix. Correct. No rain...Just life. Coaches become commodities, and you only wish the best for them. Heck, I would take a promotion at work. Thanks..

For us one of the reason's we committed early, was because as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"

Not to rain on your parade but one caveat is when you verbal it is with the coach, not the school. If the coach leaves for whatever reason before you sign your NLI you very well could be out of luck. No fun to get thrown back in the recruiting process after you have been "off the market" for a couple years.

[Dugout Dad]

For us one of the reason's we committed early, was because as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"

Not to rain on your parade but one caveat is when you verbal it is with the coach, not the school. If the coach leaves for whatever reason before you sign your NLI you very well could be out of luck. No fun to get thrown back in the recruiting process after you have been "off the market" for a couple years.

So true, I have seen it happen too many times. 4 years in the softball coach world is a long time and a lot of changes happen. But, congratulations to you and DD and good luck.

[fastpitchdad05]

My daughter being a 2017 has just verbally commited this past weekend. Yes she committed before a single day of high school. Getting the correct information is the key. We started by finding out at least what she might want to do, or study in college. Yes you'll get the, how are they supposed to know. But as a family we went over a lot of majors associated within the type of field. Yes they are young, but you have to start some place. We were asked for her top 10, and out of those ten, which schools allowed them to study the field they were interested in, or is that school a softball school first. This was all started around second year 12's. First year 14's we maybe did one local showcase, but our team in general brings out a lot of coaches just to watch practice, friendlies, and games. I did a lot of research for my daughter on schools, and i became more familiar witht the process. Also Hey Bucket and Friends, that have been through it offer a lot of information also. As a parent, we are able to talk with coaches, about camps and other things, just not about recruiting. So we are able to build a so called relationship, just by saying hi, asking about their trip.etc...Target a camp that is not a cattle call but a smaller elite camp works wonders. Having your dd go up and say thank you for their time leaves a lasting impression, playing well, and knocking the stuffing out of the ball will do that to. We spent our own $ visiting the campuses because we felt that it was important to do, as well as being fortunate enough to be able to so.
I've heard a lot of talk on early commitments, but really never paid to much attention to it. Each family is different, and you'll know when it's the right time and the right fit. For us, it wasn't the softball record of the university, or how amaizning the campus is, or which diploma holds more weight, if it was we would be at school #2. It wasn't about the offer, because they were all the same. A great coach that does fielding out here, is also a friend, and he alawys say's, you know you did the right thing, if your daughter is smiling on the inside.
For us one of the reason's we commited early, was becuase as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"
I think early commiting is not for everyone, but our circumstance is right for us. We are just very blessed and fortunate, that our daughter has the ablilties that coaches are willing to take a committment at such an early stage.
But like we tell her, None of This happens without grades, and staying healthy. Whatever happens between now and then is all up to her, never stop working, stay humble, and have a great attitude.
This is our families personal journey, not right or wrong just what we have gone though. Thank you to all my HB friends and the messages back and forth, it really helped. Thanks to her TravelBall Manager and her Uncle, some of the best softball people out there.
If I can help with any parents that are getting started please feel free to call. I don't have all the answers, but a least my knowlege is geared toward the early recruit.
Chris Kumiyama

Chris,
Although I don't agree with the early verbals as they are now, it is what it is and I wish you and your DD all the best.

I personally made several mistakes getting my DD recruited and most of them were related to me not wanting to accept the reality of the recruiting landscape and what is almost always necessary to accomplish that. I am trying to change that now, but I know that the clock is ticking and time is running out.

I make no excuses, the fault lies with me and my poor decisions. I can't/won't blame "the system".

Congratulations! I hope that our family will be able to say that we are also celebrating the same good news sometime soon.

Jeff Smith aka Fastpitchdad05

[CountryBumpkin]

My daughter being a 2017 has just verbally commited this past weekend. Yes she committed before a single day of high school. Getting the correct information is the key. We started by finding out at least what she might want to do, or study in college. Yes you'll get the, how are they supposed to know. But as a family we went over a lot of majors associated within the type of field. Yes they are young, but you have to start some place. We were asked for her top 10, and out of those ten, which schools allowed them to study the field they were interested in, or is that school a softball school first. This was all started around second year 12's. First year 14's we maybe did one local showcase, but our team in general brings out a lot of coaches just to watch practice, friendlies, and games. I did a lot of research for my daughter on schools, and i became more familiar witht the process. Also Hey Bucket and Friends, that have been through it offer a lot of information also. As a parent, we are able to talk with coaches, about camps and other things, just not about recruiting. So we are able to build a so called relationship, just by saying hi, asking about their trip.etc...Target a camp that is not a cattle call but a smaller elite camp works wonders. Having your dd go up and say thank you for their time leaves a lasting impression, playing well, and knocking the stuffing out of the ball will do that to. We spent our own $ visiting the campuses because we felt that it was important to do, as well as being fortunate enough to be able to so.
I've heard a lot of talk on early commitments, but really never paid to much attention to it. Each family is different, and you'll know when it's the right time and the right fit. For us, it wasn't the softball record of the university, or how amaizning the campus is, or which diploma holds more weight, if it was we would be at school #2. It wasn't about the offer, because they were all the same. A great coach that does fielding out here, is also a friend, and he alawys say's, you know you did the right thing, if your daughter is smiling on the inside.
For us one of the reason's we commited early, was becuase as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"
I think early commiting is not for everyone, but our circumstance is right for us. We are just very blessed and fortunate, that our daughter has the ablilties that coaches are willing to take a committment at such an early stage.
But like we tell her, None of This happens without grades, and staying healthy. Whatever happens between now and then is all up to her, never stop working, stay humble, and have a great attitude.
This is our families personal journey, not right or wrong just what we have gone though. Thank you to all my HB friends and the messages back and forth, it really helped. Thanks to her TravelBall Manager and her Uncle, some of the best softball people out there.
If I can help with any parents that are getting started please feel free to call. I don't have all the answers, but a least my knowlege is geared toward the early recruit.
Chris Kumiyama

Chris,
Although I don't agree with the early verbals as they are now, it is what it is and I wish you and your DD all the best.

I personally made several mistakes getting my DD recruited and most of them were related to me not wanting to accept the reality of the recruiting landscape and what is almost always necessary to accomplish that. I am trying to change that now, but I know that the clock is ticking and time is running out.

I make no excuses, the fault lies with me and my poor decisions. I can't/won't blame "the system".

Congratulations! I hope that our family will be able to say that we are also celebrating the same good news sometime soon.

Jeff Smith aka Fastpitchdad05

Jeff for a parent at the beginning stages of this (2017) would you mind sharing some of the mistakes or regrets?

[BAM2]

Thanks Dugout dad,
Believe me I ran all the worse case scenarios, and i was aware of a lot of them. Sometimes just faith will get you though. When you look at all the young men and women that just came back and might go over for another war. If, us looking for another softball team is as hard as it get's, then we are very lucky. We try to keep things in perspective, it's softball, and our girls love it, and they are going to get an education for it, whether is school #1 or #100. Things always find a way of working itself out. It just so happens to be her #1 so as of right now, she has her cake and is eating it, cause we have fielding lessons, catching lessons, hitting lessons. it's out of the way for now, and back to work.

For us one of the reason's we committed early, was because as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"

Not to rain on your parade but one caveat is when you verbal it is with the coach, not the school. If the coach leaves for whatever reason before you sign your NLI you very well could be out of luck. No fun to get thrown back in the recruiting process after you have been "off the market" for a couple years.

So true, I have seen it happen too many times. 4 years in the softball coach world is a long time and a lot of changes happen. But, congratulations to you and DD and good luck.

[BAM2]

Thanks Jeff,
I thiink by becoming more familiar with the process myself, it was a little less stressful.
Good luck, I also have some information on a certain recruiting site, and about recruiting services in general.
if you would like any info on them give me a call.
You too CountryBumpkin
Chris
562-824-6066

My daughter being a 2017 has just verbally commited this past weekend. Yes she committed before a single day of high school. Getting the correct information is the key. We started by finding out at least what she might want to do, or study in college. Yes you'll get the, how are they supposed to know. But as a family we went over a lot of majors associated within the type of field. Yes they are young, but you have to start some place. We were asked for her top 10, and out of those ten, which schools allowed them to study the field they were interested in, or is that school a softball school first. This was all started around second year 12's. First year 14's we maybe did one local showcase, but our team in general brings out a lot of coaches just to watch practice, friendlies, and games. I did a lot of research for my daughter on schools, and i became more familiar witht the process. Also Hey Bucket and Friends, that have been through it offer a lot of information also. As a parent, we are able to talk with coaches, about camps and other things, just not about recruiting. So we are able to build a so called relationship, just by saying hi, asking about their trip.etc...Target a camp that is not a cattle call but a smaller elite camp works wonders. Having your dd go up and say thank you for their time leaves a lasting impression, playing well, and knocking the stuffing out of the ball will do that to. We spent our own $ visiting the campuses because we felt that it was important to do, as well as being fortunate enough to be able to so.
I've heard a lot of talk on early commitments, but really never paid to much attention to it. Each family is different, and you'll know when it's the right time and the right fit. For us, it wasn't the softball record of the university, or how amaizning the campus is, or which diploma holds more weight, if it was we would be at school #2. It wasn't about the offer, because they were all the same. A great coach that does fielding out here, is also a friend, and he alawys say's, you know you did the right thing, if your daughter is smiling on the inside.
For us one of the reason's we commited early, was becuase as you meet and get to know these coaches, most of them are amazing people. By doing it early, at least for us the relationship of recruiting has turned into a friendship that my daughter will cherish the rest of her college days. "when she gets there in 4 years"
I think early commiting is not for everyone, but our circumstance is right for us. We are just very blessed and fortunate, that our daughter has the ablilties that coaches are willing to take a committment at such an early stage.
But like we tell her, None of This happens without grades, and staying healthy. Whatever happens between now and then is all up to her, never stop working, stay humble, and have a great attitude.
This is our families personal journey, not right or wrong just what we have gone though. Thank you to all my HB friends and the messages back and forth, it really helped. Thanks to her TravelBall Manager and her Uncle, some of the best softball people out there.
If I can help with any parents that are getting started please feel free to call. I don't have all the answers, but a least my knowlege is geared toward the early recruit.
Chris Kumiyama

Chris,
Although I don't agree with the early verbals as they are now, it is what it is and I wish you and your DD all the best.

I personally made several mistakes getting my DD recruited and most of them were related to me not wanting to accept the reality of the recruiting landscape and what is almost always necessary to accomplish that. I am trying to change that now, but I know that the clock is ticking and time is running out.

I make no excuses, the fault lies with me and my poor decisions. I can't/won't blame "the system".

Congratulations! I hope that our family will be able to say that we are also celebrating the same good news sometime soon.

Jeff Smith aka Fastpitchdad05