Not much PT even for upperclassman

I see some upperclassmen (well ladies) that basically have played almost none in first 2 yr's on D1 roster. how's that work? scholarship?

 

they sit on the bench, just kidding, there are no rules in college that you have to play a youngester.
Most University's on a season will only play maybe twelve player most of the time, and as far a pitching goes, most of it will be done by two, no more than three. so you see you have to bust your rear to make the starting lineup and continue working to stay there
Hope this helps

 

Correct . . . a scholarship is no guarantee of PT

Unfortunately, a number of young ladies don't quite understand what they're getting into when they take that 'signing day' picture. I was talking to the father of a player at my DD's former school last week whose senior DD reported the coaches had asked the seniors to meet with the freshmen about their poor work habits. This after only one week of practice.

As an aside, if a kid doesn't break into the lineup sometime during her sophomore year it's unlikely she'll ever do so. Not an opinion but an observation based on experience. Oh, there are some exceptions, but generally players who don't produce early either can't or may never get the chance.

 

Work starts early and there is no time allowed to get up to speed, you better hit the field running, (working that is)
From what I have observed, if you are not getting much playing time as a freshman, then your chances of ever become a starter or slim, mind you I am not saying it will alway be this way, but most of the time it is the way it happens.
Alway keep in minds if say you are starting as a soph, and a hotshot frsh. comes in a beats you out, guess what, its back to the pines...

This is the reason that folks are alway tell young people, pick a univ. that you will enjoy, softball are not...

 

This happens more often then not with freshman and sophs.
One way to almost certainly get more playing time as a fresh and soph. is to look into a Junior or Community college. (they are the same as far as NCAA athletics) You will get ample playing time be able to hone you skills and all credits are transferable to a four year school, and if you have the ability and desire to play at a four year school it usually only takes a phone call from the coach. Dollar wise it is the best deal on earth, We have two Butler girls that went to a two year school for just about nothing .
Two good examples of these schools are Stanly CC and Spartanburg Methodist,
There are many others but I am familiar with these programs.

 

Problem

One problem I have seen is immediately when kids commit, they start to cut back on the tournaments they attend and go into college in worst condition from a softball standpoint than they were when committed. Playing and playing at a high level will get you ready for the rigors of college softball and give you a chance to compete for a position in college.
In 2006-2007, we had a group of committed kids that played a hectic fall and summer schedule and all of those girls went on to do well in college, many becoming instant starters. My point, they kept up an aggressive schedule of high quality tournaments.
Now the economy has hurt for sure and many families are struggling to send their kids at all but if you want to keep your scholarship, you better be ready when you get to school!
Ray's suggestion is a good one, especially if you are looking for a great deal of help financially. Most JUCO's have lots of money for that quality player with academic or other issues.

 

The D1 schools have summer workout programs that all players including incoming freshmen must adhere to. If you don't follow that workout schedule and not able to meet the criteria when you come in for the fall then the coach will see who is dedicated. From past experience with my DD the coach looks at this very close.

 

I would never question Ray's advice but

from the perspective of someone who has spent thirty-seven of the last forty years on a college campus I can say that going to a two year school has lots of drawbacks. Socially, most longterm relationships are formed in the freshman year. Academically, you have to be very careful, especially with JC's because many courses will not transfer. This is not such a big problem with NC CC's because of articulation agreements but problems can still occur. Finally, the fact is that very few players at four year schools come there via JC's. Most D1 coaches would rather recruit a girl that can play for four years rather than two.

No question that Ray's correct about the $$. NC CC's are a great deal . . . probably one that more kids and parents should consider. I see too many kids who come to school and don't do well because they have to work to afford the car, the apt with pool and spa and expensive spring break. Better to live at home and spend time studying instead of busing tables at Chili's.

 

I think most girls have to ask themselves and be realistic, do I want to be a little fish in a big pond and set the bench or be a big fish in a little pond and get playing time?

 

AWESOME POST!!!

...do you sit on the bench at UNC and travel all over the country, and get perks like tutors that help you through school, or team doctors, or "preferentials" when class assignments go, or play in a stadium, AND get a degree from a prominent university that propels you into adulthood....OR be the bigfish at a school that plays on a field and travels by cars or vans to the next game, and .....HERE WE GO......studies from the SAME books and adheres to the same NCAA standards and has to work out everybit as hard, ONLY to end up with a degree that might not get you anywhere other than working for the littlefish from the prominent school.

Before ya'll start chapping at the fishman, trust me, NO SLANDER intended.

Case in point, My brother went to NCSU, I went to ECU, my girlfriend (she was hot but dumb as a box of rocks) went to a CC. ALL 3 of us had the same accounting book! Get my point?

A degree from one place carries more weight than another, like it or not

I APPLAUDE all of our kids PERIOD.

with respect, Marlin