4A Finals - N. Davidson vs. Alexander Central

A lot goes into picking school

There are several factors players look at when choosing a school, it's not always what division (I,II,III,NAIA,etc) the school is. Players may want to go to a small school, an all female school, a school near home, a school far away, etc. Sometimes, there is actually more overall money (academic and athletic total) available at the lower levels. A player may also want to contribute immediately and not wait a year or two before getting significant playing time. I can think of several HS superstars who didn't see much time at the DI level their first year. Not that they aren't pleased with their decision but every athlete is different. I can think of one the best HS pitchers in NC that chose NAIA over DI offers.

Don't assume what division a player chooses is indicative of the quality of their play.

 

Well Said!

 

This may shock some people but there really is more to life than just softball. As much as we love the sport the players sometimes find other pursuits more meaningful. Sometimes they may take a year or so off and come back to it. Whatever they choose we just need to wish them the best.

Also, schools are at various levels of need. I spoke with one coach this weekend who is not looking to add anyone this season.

I've also seen players who could have played D1 ball playing club ball. And one I know of who played club ball will probably be playing D1 ball this coming season.

That's one of the good things about softball; there is a wide variety of opportunities.

 

Actually marketing is over rated in some ways.

Let me first say i have no horse in this race. Friday was the first time I had seen any of the these kids play and I certainly can't evaluate a position player from two games. My understanding is that the SS and CF from N Davidson are going to UNC. Is that because of marketing? Absolutely not. Marketing is necessary but only provides a player the OPPORTUNITY to be seen. That's an opportunity to either succeed or fail in the eyes of college coaches. Obviously, these two young ladies capitalized on the opportunity that some level of marketing provided them. All the marketing in the world will not get a D3 level prospect (as judged by the coaches) a D1 offer. That said, the failure to market can result in a D1 level talent being past over.

 

Of course talent is THE most important thing - no one denies that- but opportunities to be seen come from marketing. Maybe marketing is not the right word but it fits pretty good. It is an extremely rare athlete that gets calls because of word of mouth(that is a form of marketing, btw). Sending emails to coaches telling you are interested in their program and school is marketing. If you are not promoting yourself, you may as well not bother.

Anyway, after reading the BW;'s comment again, it was more about school selection which made my original answer irrelevant.