how do coaches/parents do it?

Not every kid wants to go to school in this region. If she wants to go to a Big10 or 12 or Pac 10 or Ivey or whatever, her best oppurtunity is trying out and being selected to play on a team that goes to Colorado or makes it to the ASA Nationals.

 

I believe the subject was how do coaches/parents do it. Like how do they afford it or value it.

There are many different ways to pay for it. Some may be scraping the bottom to afford it. Some may be fortunate enough that cost isn't much of a thought. Some may have good sponsors.

I believe there are probably many coaches who are reimbursed for expenses.

I also believe if a player shows enough promise they won't have to drop out of softball just because of lack of funding. There are too many good organizations around that won't let that happen.

As far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter how many leave NC to play. As long as we have players like Kelsey, Amanda, Rachel, Jenn, Landon, Toni Ann, Morgan, Aly, Jordan (next year), Ashley (next year), Jessi (next year), Ashley, Courtney, etc., I'll enjoy college games. In other words, UNC-W, State, UNC, Peace, Campbell, etc.

But, most important at the moment--HS tryouts February 15!!!

AFFORDABLE!!!!!!!

Play ball!!!

 

Wow...I've been on here for nearly 9 years and have read repeated inconsequential questions. But I don't get tired of it because we get an influx of new members each year, while others age out with their kids and move on.

Sorry you don't agree with my response. I don't get an opportunity to come in to the softball forum as much as others, but it's the 1st time I have ever had a poster dismiss my comments like that. I guess my value is better served with those that know me....and ask for my opinion....carry on

 

This is one of the most intelligent things I have ever read on this board. If you go 4-4 against a team that has tacked the word "elite" or "gold" on the end of their name you will stand out.

 

Cheeze, your experiences are very similar to ours. Seen a lot of the same stuff. I see and hear a lot of parents grumble as of late about the costs, the drama, and when you start looking at the bottom line it's not "boys" or "they got their drivers license" that thins out the talent pool. And I scratch my head when I hear a coach complain about having to scramble to find kids or a parent complain about playing time. And it's not just softball. If people think softball is bad they should go sit in the stands at a JV football game. Why do teams break up and players constantly change teams?

Last Spring/Summer we were forced into guest play because we could not find a team locally where my DD could get get to their mandatory practices and tournaments during school ball season, and we had the best Summer we've had in the three years we've been in softball.

I worked for a Mom this year who played Elite Softball as a SS for three years for the Shamrocks (Vienna, VA) back in the 80's. She said, "..we didn't really practice a lot at the 16U/18U level. Most of the players were from out of state so we really couldn't. But we were so good we really didn't have to, plus everyone worked on stuff at home. We'd just drive or fly from wherever we lived and meet at tournaments all over the country..."

So that's kind of what we did with guest play, but on a smaller scale, and as unconventional as it may seem to some it worked for us when we couldn't get to a team. And we had a great time doing it and got to play against some great talent in some really good tournaments. My DD also attended the UNC advanced skills camp and got to work with Coach Ambrose(?) (i think from N. Davidson), and the HC at UNCW and had an absolute blast. On top of that we still were able to stuff in a vacation at the beach.

Things have definitely changed over the last three years we've been in it, from all directions.

 

One of the best pieces of advice I ever had was during basic training ages ago when I was trying to deal with a gung-ho drill sergeant. I was taking it all too seriously and someone told me "it's a game; play the frigging game!" That one little bit of advice made the next few weeks a lot more bearable.

So, every time you get frustrated remember: it's a game; play the game!

Or, as someone else said:
Don't sweat the petty stuff; and don't pet the sweaty stuff!

 

I know a team that has all of their seniors signed...the entire 18U team for the coming summer has signed to play college ball and they are still going all the way to texas, colorada and everywhere they can think of to play....coaches for teams like that usually worry more about being able to say " we went to idaho and finished 10th".

Cost is what it is....but it can be helped by staying close to home...when you go to one of rick's tournaments or the hot times tournaments then you will see the majority of all SEC and ACC schools represented there alond with every small D1 school in the surrounding states.

 

Expense softball

We play "expense" softball. The primary reason is the challenge, not to get a scholarship.

We are both fairly intense personalities and the challenge drives us to constantly improve my DD's game. The result is that I spend far more time with my DD then I would ever spend without this common goal.

Should my DD never play college softball (which barring a career ending injury, I highly doubt), I'll never regret the money we've spent. I'll cherish these 3-4 years for the rest of my life as I hope my DD will. As the commercial say "priceless".

Whether to play expense softball or not is a very complicated, personal issue which involves a lot variables. One size answers don't fit all.

If you are unsure what to do, sit down and honestly layout your goals, your commitment and your DD's talent. Get as many opinions as you can get. Make a plan and execute. Evaluate every 6 months. In the end, only you can decide what right for you and your DD.

Best of luck this season!

 

Never mentioned

No where in any of these post concerning cost, etc have we really hit on "value of dollars spent"! As we look at purchasing services, products, education, and yes our home, we always evaluate what we are going to get in return for the amount of money it will take to buy the a fore mentioned items.
Also, do the posters know the actual cost of playing for the various teams including the "elite" teams as we have labeled them. Our teams have played locally, tri-state, and nationally and as I stated in my interview with Cheese, it can cost you as much or as little as you want to spend. If you want to eat out every meal at the top restaurants, stay in the top hotels, and take non-stop flights and not seeking deals that include going out of airports that may be a couple hours from your home, you can spend considerable money.
If you plan ahead, my parents knew in late November what our entire schedule was for 2010 and knew the main events before our fall schedule began. It gives them almost 9 months to book hotels, flights, etc.
Now let's speak value without providing an advertisement as I am not going to be accused of touting my team as there are other organizations in and outside of NC that do many of the same things we do. The first year of our team starting showcase ball in 2003, all three seniors committed to play D-11 ball at CAC and SAC teams, 2004, two D-1 and four D-11, since that time, we are over 60% D-1 and our average scholarship is well over $10,000 a year. This past year 6 of 7 committed were D-1 and the average was much higher. Now D-1 is not for everyone and as has been posted many times, the quality of ball played at D-11 and D-111 levels can be and is exceptional. After all you go where the love is, not what D-level it might be.
My point, we all are suffering with the economy and I understand more than you know and we have decided to go to Eastern ASA and not Nationals due to cost but we will never give up Boulder as it is the single most important tourney even for LOCAL kids wanting to attend upper level LOCAL schools. Most of you do not believe that and that is OK, we will keep playing the best schedule we can to prepare our kids and will continue to support all of NC softball and allow all others to have their own system without criticism of their efforts. We chose our path after extensive study of the game, college coaches schedules, and observing the organization with the most success here in NC and nationally. Parents decide value, not me, I only provide services that I believe are reasonable based on the percentage of return and do not profit financially what so ever. However, I do profit by getting to be a part of some awesome families lives and watching some special young ladies succeed! Also, I meet some wonderful coaches,college, HS, and travel, and have made unreal relationships that will last till death.
This board provides some great discussions, insightful comments, and a great way to recognize quality kids and coaches and a opportunity to voice opinions on all kinds of subjects, agree and disagree.
Thanks to all that created this forum and for all of you who take the time to provide your thoughts, events, and opinions.