How would you advise?

Graduation rate is absolutey the most important measurement of a program and it's coach.

Do not base the graduation rate on the current senior class...
If 8 kids enter as freshman in 2004, but only 2 are still playing softball in 2008, but 7 are still in school and graduate...

Was the Coach successful graduating his or her kids???

Lots of hidden factors, where a quick glance does not always
tell the story......

 

Answer

A lot of Fr/Soph get meaningful innings at every level of college softball. In fact, I would say the odds of a kid playing a lot as Jr/Sr if they haven't contributed as a Fr/Soph are pretty small. I think most D1 coaches bring in kids that they think can contribute immediately. Very few programs will invest many scholarship $$ in 'projects'.

I think some kids don't think thru what 4 years of practicing and not playing much might be like. They grow up State or Carolina fans and are enamored with the idea of wearing the uniform. They may accept a lesser offer (maybe just admission). Then the realization sets in . . . this is a lot of work to lead cheers in the dugout. Of course, this might be fine for some. After all, they will get a nice degree but for the girl who loves the game this probably would not be much fun. From my perspective it's better to find a school that offers a great education and you stand a reasonable chance of being in the field from day one.

 

Post

I believe there was a post several months ago that talked about budgeting time in college if U were playing any sport.

To play a major college sports( or to play a college sport, no matter size of school or level), U have to truly love the game and be able to keep your studies up to date even with all the classes U miss and the travel at all times of day and night. It is truly taxing and takes away from enjoying many of the other activities college offers! Not talking about parties! Many kids by senior year are just flat burned out due to many reasons, not the least to be the 50 plus spring schedule plus playoffs if they are lucky enough to acheive that goal.
I admire the young ladies that play four years, keep their GPA in the three's and find away to be an active member of the college community. These kids become our leaders in many facets of life.
Very good thread, very good discussions, and lots of advise, Merry Christmas to all of the TBR community! Thanks to your prayers, two years, two surgeries and a cancer free Christmas! Power of prayers and friends are awesome! LOL to all!

 

Graduate rate: a tricky number

As usual, Charlie makes a great point. There are lots of reasons that girls do not play four years of college ball. The number would be a lot higher if a big signing bonus were awaiting (or maybe lower if they could leave after a couple of years like college baseball).

The NCAA tracks graduation rates and these numbers are in the public domain but, again, they may not tell the whole story. The best thing is to do your homework. Once you start to zero in on schools (usually by soph year) begin to study the current and immediate past rosters. Look at patterns of player retention and don't be afraid to ask the coach about players who disappear. Over the two year recruiting period you can begin to get a pretty good picture of what's going on at the candidate schools.

 

I agree 100% with you on this one Dukedog. If a player doesn't see meaningful innings as a sophomore they probably will not see many as a junior and senior. I would bet that most freshman at major colleges will not see as much playing time as they would like and they need to be realistic enough to know this. Sitting on the bench and developing, learning the game, and getting stronger for 1 year is probably normal, but they better work hard enough to get the innings by their sophomore year because it gets tougher the longer you sit. Players can help themselves by studying the rosters before they get there.

 

Doing Homework

All great valid points, by people who definiately know. My DD's not there just yet, but I know some steps we took before her decision was made to commit, which she did early.
We narrowed down the possible schools, & looked at the rosters to see what openings would be coming up her freshman yr, in her positions.
During interviews with coaches, asked where DD would fit into overall picture, short & long range.
Asked what other positions they were looking for.
The school who had the best answers, the most comfortable feeling for her, my personal feeling from a different standpoint, was where she chose.
DD may have chose one of the tougher coaches, but I know she cares "personally" about her girls, & that left me with a very good feeling.
As far as playing time, I believe that is up to the individual player themselves. How hard you work, & your attitude you have at practice, & games will have a bearing on playing.

May feel totally different a yr from now, LOL

 

Don't get me wrong....

I AGREE with you 100% that there are coaches I WOULD NOT want my DD to play for!!! I was just suggesting that they not choose their college, on the coach only!! Thanks for the comment!