Queen of Diamond's Showcase

Curious to get anyone's opinion if they attend the Queen of Diamond's Showcase. We played in the 14u tournamnet so we didn't get to see how the showcase was as far as talent and coach attendence.

 

Queen of Diamonds

We attended a couple years back. To us it was deceptive in that they claim to use a selective process that meant all applicants were screened and only the highest levels of talent would be in attendance. It didnt take long to figure out anyone with the $250 or whatever it was at that time would be approved to participate. SO NO..... it was talent from across the spectrum...novice, elite, come on, come all. Alot of Teams played in remote locations a long way from Winthrop/Rock Hill. We saw zero Coaches where we were at for the majority of our games.....in Fort Mill somewhere?? As for Coaches in attendance.......lets just say it was very slim pickings, at the grand finale on the last day at Winthrop we may have seen 5 or 6....

The justification for the exorbitant fee is that they teach you how to get recruited, how to write letters, etc....
And how do they convey all this wisdom.....emails, one after another, after another from the Big Cheese. And not only does he explain his take on recruiting but just as much about how successful he is in his personal business(s) that are completely unrelated to ball, and how he is a world traveler, blah, blah, blah........

Sorry to go on a rant.....but I felt like I got took and still have a nasty taste in my mouth even a few years later. Bottom line......keep your hard earned money and dont waste a weekend of your life. Any person with a little common sense and an internet connection can access and learn all they need to know online to get the same basics of recruiting and how to go about it. Find a reputable Team that plays "quality" showcase events and the rest will take care of itself.

One persons opinion.....

 

Timmy- You better calm down!!! You are acting like me on here... You may get in trouble for talking about a "camp" on here!!!

 

Fall Clinics Better Bang For Your Buck

Queen of Diamonds is an ok tournament, coaches in attendance are hit and miss, you get to meet and play with new people and also get a nice tshirt.

More bang for your buck is attending several different one day fall clinics at the schools you are interested in. These clinics are reasonably priced, coaches can see your talent in depth and talk to you to see if you would fit in with their team.

If you have the goods:can throw harder, run faster or have more power than other players in attendance. I have seen players get offers on the spot! If not an offer you will go on their follow list for sure.

 

@softballdad57

Queen of Diamonds is a great experience and there are many colleges that attend. Kirt Whiteside that runs the show is a class act and knows most everyone in the travel softball/college softball circle. We attended for two years and were pleased with the talent on the teams, the choice of coaches that coached the teams, and the colleges represented. We have a close friend that was signed from being seen there. It is like everything that comes with travel ball and trying to find the right fit for college, it is hard work. You will get out of it what you put in. Personally my daughter was able to commit to a college from attending a camp and for her the camps were great. She has played travel ball for 7-8 years and I have coached and watched her be coached and we have many many friends in the softball family. Some friends that have committed to colleges were seen at showcase tournaments, some at Queen of Diamonds, and some at camps. Many colleges prefer that you attend their camp so they get that one on one time and see if you are "coachable" as much as see your talent. If your daughter wants to play in college you will only increase her chances being seen by the many coaches that attend the Queen of Diamonds. First and foremost find a college that your daughter loves, has the major she wants to study, and DO NOT choose based only on a coach as they could be gone at any time. Best of luck!