RECRUITING CORNER
Your complete guide to softball recruiting success. Resources, insights, and tools for parents, coaches, and athletes navigating the college recruitment process.
RECRUITING RESOURCES
Comprehensive guides and resources to help you navigate every aspect of the college recruiting process
Position-Specific Recruiting
What Coaches Look For: Pitchers
Velocity requirements, pitch repertoire, control metrics, and intangibles college coaches evaluate in pitchers
What Coaches Look For: Catchers
Pop time standards, framing skills, leadership qualities, and blocking techniques that impress recruiters
What Coaches Look For: Infielders
Fielding percentage, arm strength, footwork, double-play ability, and batting requirements by position
What Coaches Look For: Outfielders
Speed metrics, arm strength from outfield, route efficiency, and offensive production expectations
Recruiting Videos & Highlights
Creating Your Recruiting Video
Step-by-step guide to filming, editing, and presenting your skills in the most effective way
Highlight Reel Best Practices
What to include, optimal length, music selection, and formatting for maximum impact with coaches
Skills Video Breakdown by Position
Detailed requirements for showcasing position-specific skills that coaches want to see
Communication & Contact
How to Email College Coaches
Email templates, timing strategies, and follow-up protocols for effective coach communication
Social Media Best Practices
Building a positive online presence that attracts coaches and avoids common recruiting pitfalls
Campus Visit Preparation
Questions to ask, what to bring, how to make a lasting impression during official and unofficial visits
LATEST ARTICLES & VIDEOS
Stay updated with the latest recruiting insights, tips, and success stories from experts and athletes
Recent Articles
The Complete Timeline: When College Coaches Can Contact You
Understanding NCAA contact periods, dead periods, and evaluation windows to maximize your recruiting opportunities.
Building Your Athletic Resume: What Coaches Want to See
Essential elements every recruiting resume needs, from stats and achievements to academic information.
Understanding Verbal Commits vs Signed Letters of Intent
The important differences between verbal commitments and official signing, plus what each means for your future.
Navigating the Transfer Portal: What You Need to Know
Complete guide to transfer portal rules, timing, and strategies for finding the right program fit.
Academic Requirements: Staying Eligible for Recruitment
NCAA academic eligibility requirements, core course standards, and GPA thresholds for Division I and II.
The Parent's Role in Recruiting: How to Help Without Hindering
Best practices for parents supporting their athlete through recruiting while letting coaches and players lead.
Video Content
Former D1 Player Shares Recruiting Journey
Personal story of overcoming obstacles and finding the right college program
College Coach Panel: What We Really Look For
Panel of D1 coaches discuss their evaluation process and decision-making criteria
Showcase vs Camps: Which is Right for You?
Breaking down the differences between showcases and camps for recruiting exposure
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SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Understanding the different types of financial aid available and what it takes to earn them
Types of Financial Aid
Full Ride Scholarships
Complete tuition, room, board, and books coverage
- Covers 100% of college expenses
- Extremely competitive - top 1% of recruits
- Usually reserved for elite Division I programs
- Approximately 5-10 per program nationally
Partial Athletic Scholarships
Covers portion of college expenses, most common type
- Ranges from 25% to 75% coverage
- Can be combined with academic aid
- Available across Division I and II
- Renewable yearly based on performance
Academic Scholarships
Merit-based aid for high-achieving students
- Based on GPA, test scores, class rank
- Can stack with athletic scholarships
- Available at all division levels
- Often easier to maintain than athletic aid
Need-Based Financial Aid
Based on family financial circumstances
- Federal Pell Grants and state grants
- Work-study opportunities
- Low-interest federal loans
- Available regardless of athletic ability
Scholarships by Division
Division I
12 Full ScholarshipsCan be split among up to 27 players
- Most competitive recruiting
- Highest level of play
- Full-time commitment required
- Academic standards vary by school
Division II
7.2 Full ScholarshipsCan be split among multiple players
- Balance of academics and athletics
- More opportunities for partial aid
- Regional competition focus
- Good academic-athletic balance
Division III
No Athletic ScholarshipsAcademic and need-based aid only
- Highest academic standards
- Play for love of the game
- Excellent academic programs
- Strong alumni networks
NAIA
10 Full ScholarshipsSmaller schools, competitive programs
- More flexible eligibility rules
- Smaller class sizes
- Personal attention from coaches
- Great graduation rates
Maximizing Your Scholarship Potential
Key strategies to increase your chances of receiving financial aid for college softball
Performance Metrics
- • Batting average above .400
- • Pitching velocity benchmarks
- • Fielding percentage standards
- • Speed and agility metrics
Academic Excellence
- • GPA above 3.5
- • Strong standardized test scores
- • Challenging course load
- • Leadership activities
Character & Leadership
- • Team captain experience
- • Community service
- • Coachability and attitude
- • Work ethic demonstration
RECRUITING CALENDAR
Understanding NCAA recruiting timelines and what you should be doing during each phase
Select Your Grade Level
Sophomore Year Timeline
Fall Semester
Key Activities:
- Attend major showcases and camps
- Begin creating recruiting video
- Start communication with college coaches
- Take PSAT for academic baseline
NCAA Recruiting Restrictions:
Limited coach contact - camps and written materials only
Spring Semester
Key Activities:
- Participate in high-level tournaments
- Continue developing recruiting materials
- Research academic requirements for target schools
- Begin unofficial campus visits
NCAA Recruiting Restrictions:
Coaches may call once per week starting April 15
Important Dates
Junior Year Contact Period Begins
Coaches may have unlimited contact with junior athletes
Early Signing Period
First opportunity to sign National Letter of Intent
Regular Signing Period Begins
Second signing period for remaining recruits
Official Visit Period Begins
Rising seniors may take official campus visits
New Recruiting Year
Rising juniors become primary recruiting class
Quick Tips
- Start the process early - freshman year isn't too soon
- Keep detailed records of all coach communications
- Academic performance is just as important as athletic ability
- Have backup options at every level