College life of a D1 softball player

Scholarship Totals:

NCAA allows Div. I up to 12 fulls, with most roster totals in the 18-21 range. NCAA allows Div. II up to 7.2 with most roster totals in the 16-17 range. Conferences set the total number of scholarships (full) up to these numbers. Some Div. II conferences only allow 4.1, so students had better come in with some solid academics. Parents and students have to also make the decision, state supported or private. Visit both types of schools and make sure you are comfortable. Private schools (Div. II, III, NAIA) can have around 1,500 students with small classes or Div. I schools with 15,000 to 30,000 students with very large classes.

 

Somebody Slap Parklandsoftballdad PLEASE !!!

I Love Ya none the Less. By the way I just copied all those untruths and sent them them to Miss Di your supper will be cold if not on the back porch for a long time.. He He. I think the only thing you didn't take credit for is Miss Ash learning to Breathe, I forgot you taught her how to do that too.
Love you Guys Tell Morgan We miss Her and To Take the 50 daily slow and easy.

 

Getting back to "the life of a college softball player"

Some friends of ours have a daughter at UNCW... after the first week of her freshman year she told he Momma "I thought I came here to play softball not to be on the d#%m track team!"
She's a senior this year and has been one of the best hitters in the country... don't know how the track thing worked out!

 

Yeah, after talking with several players including my daughter, she has stated that same thing. But I guess the coaches feel that running is the best conditioning and/or punishment option they have.

 

Unlike D2 or D3, D1 plays alot more games. To be able to finish the year with 60 some games under your belt you had better be in shape and strong. I have seen the results of girls not conditioning properly and by mid way they have a lot of nagging injuries. Its how you finish not how you start.

 

Most teams that I'm aware of teach fundamentals really well nowadays. What's still missing with most is strength, conditioning, and speed and agility training. This is especially true at the hs level.

The strength and conditioning needed at the softball/baseball level is different than the conditioning needed for football, basketball. Those sports need extra endurance. Softball uses short bursts of speed, so there is plenty of recovery time. For pitchers and catchers that's not quite as true. They need endurance.

You don't necessarily need 2-3 mile runs in softball. After you get in shape, that is. Sprints, with the right amount of recovery in between is more appropriate. And body weight strength exercises until they're ready for weights.

Strength and speed and agility conditioning is a subject and area of expertise all its own. For the most part right now it's still being done the old football way. And I've read that they may actually have a negative effect.

Are there any experts out there on strength, speed and agility that want to post?

 

opinions please

Would like your opinions on a DD that wants to major in biology (pre-med).
Think D1 would not work for her due to schedule. What about D2 or 3? Concerned about the playing schedule and missing classes/labs due to games. Anyone have a personal experience to share? Some coaches say they can work it out for her. Would like the board's opinion. Thanks!

 

If she were to attend a D1 school, there is always the option of Club fastpitch ball. See the thread Fall College/TB Scores for a club ball tournament schedule for an example.

The skill level on some of those club teams will surprise most. I've known of players on there who opted not to play Division ball because of the time commitment.

NC State, for example, practices on Mon. and Wed. nights. The practices are real good. The girls take it upon themselves to get better. But they also make some allowances for the players who can't make practice because of studies. The coaches are volunteers by rule. The team belongs to a national club team conference. They have placed in the top ten the past couple of years.

They also participate as a team in various fundraising activities such as cancer, senior citizens events, etc., for the local communities.

Among the club teams I'm aware of are ECU, Duke, UNC-CH, UNC-W, Clemson, UGA, FSU, WVA, Princeton, etc., etc. It may not be Division ball but it's as competitive as TB for the most part.

AND they have FUN and they take the game seriously and they still have time to study!

 

Bio Majors

I saw this post and would like to respond...

A Bio major does require big committments to labs, field trips and study time.
At the D3 level, Biology is a popular major with athletes, as they lead to sports med masters programs...


During the Fall, we miss NO CLASS to practice, which includes labs, etc.

During the spring, when we are in season,
1. preferred registration... early classes
2. Register for early Labs that are offered, and athletes are encouraged to register for them.
3. During the regular season, athletes are excused from practice for a class or lab, if it interferes with the practice schedule..
I ask them to make it up, with one on ones, with either myself or another coach.
4. While traveling, laptops and books go with you... Study Halls while on the road.
5. Required study halls.


We have had success .
Over the past 5 years, I have had Bio majors go on to Campbell Pharmacy school, UNC Dental, PA school at Methodist, Nursing programs, plus enter the work force in a Biology field of their choice....

Bottom line is, the schools and programs are gonna allow the student- athlete a chance to be successful... and still play the sport... student is the key word here... not athlete....

you just have to do the work..