In State -vs- Out of State Tournaments Opinion

Do you think out of state tournaments are more beneficial than playing the same teams over and over in state? Another parent questioned the decision of my daughters coach to play in Maryland next month and I was hoping some coaches or more experienced parents could supply some insight.

 

My thoughts are that it depends on where she would possibly consider going to school, what level she can attain, and what coaches are usually at which tournaments. We've never had a kid go far off to play, but there have been several NC kids who have. Also, the big schools, as a rule, don't go to a lot of the local showcases. JMHO. The big schools tend to go to certain ones, just as a lot of the DII's and DIII's tend to recruit closer to home?

 

I believe it's a great experience/necessary experience for girls to play outside of their comfort zone. Playing unfamiliar teams is one option but that will wear off after a few trips.

After that, traveling needs to be tied to team goals, e.g. qualifying or exposure tournaments, playing some specific competition level. Oh, and it's critical that all parents are bought into these goals. Otherwise, you'll have continued whining. (of course, it won't stop all the whining)

 

Most all of the main schools in NC attend most all of the tournaments. Not just showcases, not just TB. I've seen many of the coaches at HS tournaments. The State Games, the pre-season games at Walnut Creek, etc. They would be there at the HS State Championship if the NCAA rules allowed it.

One coach in particular I see at most all games is Donna Papa from UNC. Donna Papa, herself, not just a team representative.

If you aren't seen by a NC coach of your interest it is 100% your fault. At all levels, HS, TB, and showcase.

 

Is this a new rule? I didn't attend this years NC HS Champ but in prior years, I've seen D1 coaches.

 

so do most schools recruit from in state? and at what ages to college coaches even start looking? I guess what I am getting at is alot of complaints from people are at the 14u level there is no reason to play out of the area, I completely disagree and think at these national tournaments the competition and experience makes it worth while.

 

The NC HS tournament was at the same time as the WCWS. I was told that no D1 schools can even attend HS age tournaments during the WCWS.

 

This is a common question a lot of people have. You'll find people who say you don't and you'll find people who say you should. In the end, no one can tell you what's right for you.

- skill level of the player
- financial/time availability
- colleges desired
- etc...

The best recommendation I could give is talk to parents who have done both and make the best decision based on your variables.

 

Out of state is great if you can afford it! Best bang for your buck is summer camps with multiple coachs from different schools. They get to see and interact with you 24/7 for 3 or 4 days.

 

What reason?

I have been played college softball, been a president of a little league, coached HS softball, coached 18U Showcase softball and now coaching 14U elite softball. Through all these experiences I can offer MY opinion.

You need to decide why you are playing softball first. Are you playing because you like the sport and just want to play good softball...playing because you want to get better for high school... playing because you want to play college softball one day...playing because you want to play elite level college softball(competitive Division 1 or 2).

If you just want to play because you like it, then there is no need to leave NC. Have fun with the game with friends and other local HS players.

If you want to improve for HS, then you would want to play on a competitive team, but can still play in state or just over the border.

If you want to play college ball in NC, then you probably need to travel to NC, SC and possibly VA tournaments.

If you want to play elite college softball, then you will have to get on a elite showcase team and play on the National level. The National Level tournaments are in CA, TX, NV, FL, etc. Even high level in state Division 1 and Division 2 colleges are recruiting girls from other regions of our country(CA, TX, HI, etc.) and those coaches are travelling to the West to look for elite players.