Softball Recruiting 101

Brittany Pascale– Head Softball Recruiting Coach University of Nebraska 4 year letter winner 2 year team captain High School Coach Won a State Championship DI College Coach Head recruiting coordinator, Won a Conference Championship

We will discuss: An overview of softball recruiting opportunities Different Division Levels / NAIA Knowing the NCAA Rules Evaluation

Realities of the big picture 5-6% of all HS players will play at college level (5 out of 100 or 1 out of 20) Odds are higher if you will receive a softball scholarship Better odds are in that you could receive merit aid and academic grant money – grades are important!

NCAA NCAA Dl Approx. 277 colleges Can have up to 12 scholarship Players are best of HS, area, conference teams. Rosters around 18 Play competitive ASA – gold Top players give verbal commitment sophomore year NCAA Dll Approx. 279 Colleges Can have up to 7.2 scholarship Rosters around Top level Dll can beat low level Dl They can hold tryouts for HS players – usually in fall Top programs get verbal commitment from HS Juniors

NCAA lll Approx. 406 schools No Softball scholarships but have: Merit money/leadership/academic/work study money Usually have tryout to make the team in fall Rosters range from 12 – 20 Top programs finish recruiting in fall for next years’ players

NAIA (National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics) Approx. 200 Schools If fully funded programs they can have up to (10 scholarships) Rosters range from 12 – 20 Top level NAIA programs can beat lower level Dl programs and usually compete with Dll programs. They can hold tryouts for HS players

JC (2 year schools Top Dl JC schools can compete with NCAA Dl schools – usually play games with them in the fall. Top Programs are found in: FL, CA, AZ, TX Good success with players from JC to move to 4 year program. 3 Levels Dl – can have up to 24 scholarships 152 colleges Dll – can have up to 24 scholarships – no housing 121 programs Dlll – no softball scholarships 80 programs

Know the Rules When NCAA DI & DII can SA – after September 1 st of their Junior year. Until then only questionnaires, admissions info & camp brochures Coaches can call – After Junior year -D1 July 1 st, DII June 15 th YOU as the athlete can and call college coaches at ANYTIME. You can VISIT anytime EXCEPT Dead periods.

How a Coach evaluates a recruit: No particular order Stats (hitting – V <.350, ERA, etc.) Skills Video Academics (GPA, test scores, honors/AP classes) Awards (All-League, All-state, etc) Athletic ability – arm speed, running speed, pitch speed/movement- size is a key factor for higher level programs. Summer travel team (showcase tournaments where colleges come to watch (ASA most popular).

5 Things You need to KNOW about Softball 1. You should compete year around- need to be Varsity level 2. SB coaches make decisions & are looking at 2014’s and 2015’s 3. Biggest need for colleges: P, C, SS 4. Hitting biggest skill for position players (power or speed) 5. You can visit a college & call/ coaches early – it is a long process – be patient & persistent.

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