limitations

Align Commitments

Many of North Carolina's greatest High School female athletes are multi - letter winners in highschool. Basketball, softball, volleyball, golf, etc... Dominating players on championship caliber teams are participating in multiple sports - it seems to work out for them.

Coaches have a right to ask whatever they want and parents and daughters have the right to choose the team they want. This coach did nothing wrong and the player that chooses not to play did nothing wrong.

The only objective should be for a coach and team to have well defined, consistent objectives among the team members and parents. Some teams will have harsh rules about committment and participation in other sports. Other teams will have very lax rules. Find the team that is right for your situation. The only thing that matters is:

1.) The coach truthfully lays out the expectations for all players and parents
2.) The players and parents can take the information and decide to play for this team or another team.
3.) The coach and players honor those commitments.

The important element is that the team has a consistent understanding of the expectations - from the best player to the worst player prior to joining the team. Problems only arise when 7 players have a commitment that meets the team standards and 5 players that do not have the commitment expected.

Personally, my biggest regret from high school was allowing my baseball coach to talk me out of playing high school basketball. I will encourage my daughter to seek any opportunity to participate in high school sports - golf, basketball and softball, etc...

I would tell this coach thanks - but no thanks and find another team that is better aligned with our daughter's objectives, realizing that we may be bypassing the team and coach that can best help her get a college scholarship in softball.

 

Very good information swingaway. One I strongly agree with.

I must say although a great coach can play a role in a players development, the person that is the most important in acquiring a college scholly is the player and her skills (academic and athletic.) Sure there are coaches that have great contacts and relationships with college coaches, but don't underestimate the ability of college coaches to recruit. If you are a player, they will know about you whether your playing for the best TB team or one not as good.

In this era of milti-media, i.e. internet, there are not many players the college coaches aren't aware of.

 

Coaches want to see players compete against the best. Sometimes seeing players competing for the "other" team reveals more character.

 

yeah, and how many chances does a girl on defense get during a game when the "stud" pitcher is in the circle?
Thats why I think College camps and clinics, and the Queen of Diamonds are as important as Showcase ball.

 

Ray brought up an excellent point. If there is a school that shows interest in you and you share that interest; Go to their camp. The benefits allowing you to have direct discussions with the staff and getting their feedback is priceless. It's one of the few times you can have that access to the staff without violating recruiting rules.