Is the system flawed??...

I've see a number of college coaches at various HS events over the years. One of the best opportunities is the State finals at Walnut Creek but unfortunately, from my understanding, there are restrictions that prevent them from attending that particular tournament. Something to do with colleges that aren't in the WCWS games would have an unfair advantage over the teams that were in the WCWS.

When the State Games format started with select HS players I saw college coaches there, also. When it was in Greensboro. Many of those players went on to play in college. Not saying that was the reason, of course.

If it was cut and dry, I'm sure the college coaches would be much happier. They do a lot of work to see players. If the players do their part they will be seen. No doubt!

 

CardCoach had some very good points. Kids have to play tough competition to get noticed by college coaches. Doesn't happen in most high school games. My daughter got signed and most certainly nothing in her high school career would have helped that along. But there are all levels of showcase just as there are all levels of college ball. And the girls are the ones that will get the coaches out to watch them. The competition is huge. Girls won't be discovered. They have to market and market and do what they can to get noticed when they have a chance. That's usually in showcases, or nationals, or at camps. It's great to hear of a coach, like Card Coach, that is willing to help all players out, even non-team members. That's what it's about. And softballphreak touched on an important point too- coaches are limited to the number of recruiting visits they can make. They get more bang for their buck at a showcase- a chance to see and recruit several girls at once, not just one or two high school studs.

 

Thoughts on the Original Post:

Yes it is flawed from the standpoint that players are overlooked and missed. However it is certainly more productive for the colleges than traveling to High School games. Same holds true for players, the current system is much more beneficial in every regard: development, commitment, exposure etc.

Is it a money sport - OMGoodness YES! Not just the cost of teams, but travel, lessons, clinics, camps, individual showcases, equipment - for committed and serious players it is expensive.

Multi Sport Elite Athletes: i've not seen what you describe, from what i've encountered you can really see the difference in single sport athletes as compared to multi sport in terms of softball - but maybe Ive never seen a Bo Jackson elite type athlete in softball?..

Baseball vs Softball Recruiting: i have a son that is a D1 pitcher and through those experiences I do see a difference in the recruiting process. Primarily there are a larger number of schools with baseball and the roster needs are double in baseball specifically in the pitcher area. So imo the baseball recruiing process is a lot more active at the HS level.

Wouldn't it be great if every college softball team NEEDED 15 pitchers!

 

It is unrealistic to think college softball coaches will travel to HS games(even though some do), that is not what was mentioned in the original post. Even in football, college coaches do not attend many HS football games, but what they do is make regular contact with the HS coaches. Of course college coaches wont contact all HS coaches but at least the those with the year in year out strong programs. I have been coaching at this level for some time now and I hear from the college coaches that stay on top of recruiting and the others miss out. The point being is that the Varsity coach is a tool that many college coaches don't use and the reality is that there are only about 7-10 showcase ball coaches in this state that have a valid opinion in the eyes of college coaches.
As for the Bo Jackson's, you wont see them(not to mention the Bo Jackson analogy is a stretch)... The point is that our athletes are forced into early decisions on what to play year round, 7th/8th grade. But this is true for many sports, and that's the flaw in this system.

 

Most everything on this thread is true to be, but respect comes with a long standing tenure at one place. One like Rick and the Cardinals or Sherill with the cobras, not bouncing around to a new program every couple of years. In that comes earned respect from players and parents(the ones that foot the bill or in some cases pay the salaries via taxes). Don't jump on bandwagons, again pay your dues and earn the right. Just because the word "coach" prefixes your name doesn't mean you are one. Be careful in what you say and don't ruin for it for others. Bottom line is respect, exercise that and you'll be surprised in the out come.

If you don't respect, you deserve nothing and I guarantee you will not get to the next level....whole lot harder to get there now than it was 20 or 30 years ago.

 

Rick Mchone and everyone who helps him, are truly in it for the right reason, THE Girls!!!!! and getting them to the next level. He truly loves them and the game.... None of what he does is for his ego, or any other reason. He brings values to all of us that are hard to find in this world, that seems to be getting worse every day. We are blessed to be a part of the Cardinal family.....

 

I've said this on here before but softball will have this problem until it matures to the point of all being rolled under one organization. The fact that ShowCase tournaments even exist tells you that there is a serious problem in the sport. Games played for the sole purpose of "showcasing" talent is, frankly, idiotic.

Teams should be sanctioned and ranked.
Players should be ranked by categories(hard to do, I know)
Coaches should be certified and periodically reviewed.
Teams should be required to maintain certified score keepers and report stats.
Tournaments should be played and ranked allowing only certain level teams to play. This would keep the competition level and interesting.
There should be a single national database of teams and players.

There are other more mature sports that can be used as examples. (Not sure baseball is a good example either)

Without the above, softball will languish and simply remain a business for a few tournament directors offering "hope" to uninformed players and parents.

Do college coaches really have time to go to HS games during the height of their own season? With training, practice and game schedules, how can a college coach go to any HS games?

 

Sounds like a winner to me!

Are there other sports that do this now?

 

El... wake up, turn up your pace maker...... Basketball...

 

Yes, sir.

I'm full time softball. Share some details.

I thought basketballs were for hitting drills.