Question about joining show Case team

If your definition of showcase team is someone who goes to Fla., Colorado, and Texas to play then, yes you are right, "showcase teams" are not the be all and end all. I also don't feel it's necessary to play for a "showcase" team (per your definition)to get recruited. If you want to play for the local college (near your home), then it is definately possible to get recruited w/o playing for a "showcase" team, but if you want to play for a big school you have to put yourself against the best possible and that happens in Colorado, Florida, etc.

That is what I was trying to say. Actually my definition of those teams that do the big travelling are showcase organizations, not teams. That is what they do. They recruit players that already know how to play or that are on the radar already and take them to places such as Colorado, Texas and Florida. It might not be something that people say out loud, but it is what they do. I'm also not saying there is anything wrong with that, but it is what it is. The poster was asking a question and I was trying to give him some honest things to think about. Does your daughter want to go to a big school (if she doesn't and some of them don't it is a moot point), Does she have the grades and does she have the talent. I don't know the answer to this but just what is the success rate of getting girls into the "big" schools as opposed to the girls that play for these teams and end up going locally. With the economy the way it is we need to think with our heads and not our hearts. If it doesn't happen for your daughter (and for many it doesn't) you may be wishing you had some of that money you spent to go toward her college education. We talk about the ones that it does happen for but there are just as many or more that play for these organizations that it doesn't happen for. Now if you have plenty of money and vacation time...go for it, but don't go into it thinking that by doing it your kid is automatically going to get a big scholarship at a big school because for alot of them it doesn't happen and if you go this route you should be prepared for that. Some have big dreams of their daughters playing college softball for big schools, being on TV in the college world series etc., but you also need to ask "Is this my dream or her dream?". The answer just might surprise you. I'm aware that every parent thinks their daughter has the talent and the desire. I'm just trying to insert some reality into the situation. I'm not trying to cause a stir with you either I was just trying to give the guy that asked the question some things to think about before he jumps in with both feet.

 

OK!! let me tell you about how we picked our showcase team. My DD was a Junior when she decided that she would like to play college ball. Yes, we were behind the 8ball but it can happen if she is completely dedicated to make it happen.

#1 This has to be her decision alone. (no summer life but playing)
#2 Go to a quality showcase tournament and observe,I suggest going alone, this away you can talk with parents and players without the puppydog eyes following you.
#3 Ask around which coaches will talk and market your daughter to the college coaches. I don't like the term "SELL" but that is actually what they are doing. The most $$ for your daughter's ability.
#4 After deciding on a team, stay in place, college coaches hate team jumpers so be sure on your decision.

Then sit back and with hopes everything will fall into place.
It did for us, since 11 yrs old she wanted to play for her college team and to go to the WCWS and she has succeeded at both.

Thanks to Dennis Cook and Ray Chandler for helping her achieve her dream.