Trying To Get a College Scholarship

I had 6 last year who did use the scouting service and all signed and are playing in college. 3 more from this year's summer team have signed to play this coming fall as well. So, I guess like everything you have to research who is providing that service and make the best informed decision you can at the moment.

 

I don't want to come across as saying that Scouting Services are the end all to getting recruited in college. They are not...But, they can be helpful and productive if you get the right scout and know what you are wanting from them to begin with. I know that everybody here has horror stories on a lot of things that they have been involved with. Like a great restaurant somebody recommended and when they went the service was lousy and the food cold. What I am saying is that no one solution fits everybody's needs.

 

Good is not good enough

Cling to the idea that if you are good enough they will sign you if you must, but there are a lot of very good senior softball players sitting at home right now wondering where the offers are and who's parents thought the same thing (or were told that) and nothing happened. Regardless if you use a service or not, with the competition so stiff for scholarships, you need to be aggressive and thorough. It's not like riding a bike. If you fall off, you can get back on a try again. You get ONE shot at this. It is an opportunity that will NEVER come your way again. This is in many cases an $80,000.00+ decision. That's out-of-pocket dough, unless you get scholarship, grant or loan help. To me, it's like investing. An expert financial advisor would never tell you to put all your chips into one basket. They would say the best course is to diversify. In other words, do as much as you can - play on a travel team, get into an off-season workout routine, seek out specialized coaching, send coaches your profile, shoot a video, make visits to campuses, and engage a reputable service, IF you choose. The more solid avenues you pursue, the better your chances of being seen.

 

Look for what is avaliable first. Some schools have no positions available for 1 or 2 years. Those coaches are problably already looking for players getting ready to start their junior year. If 93,000 softball players graduate and only 4,000 are picked up you need a broader help in your process. The scouting service provides a means to get way more info in coaches hands than an individual or a coach. If your bio was sent to 1,000 schools and 900 coaches threw them in the trash, the 100 that didn't could be your ticket! If softball is very high on your college list you might have to say "have glove will travel". Also college coaches get names from this service to watch in the summer. I think the scouting service and travel ball should to go hand in hand. If a family is to poor to afford both, go with the travel team and cross your fingers! Fundraising at the travel team level could be raised to accommodate. It is becoming very hard to play at the college level. Not because of talent but spots available. Use every means necessary

 

Fastpitch

I wish your statement was true, I would have nothing to do but take my team to all the showcase tourneys or maybe just play around NC and save all the travel, fund raisers, etc. It takes e-mails, letters, begging, politicing, and then big time LUCK to get even some of the best girls seen and signed. I like many other travel coaches, average 10 hours a week, year-round sending e-mails, profiles, game schedules, and just general information to college coaches. I do not believe in the "BROADCAST Approach", I try to match girls with programs, their field of study, their ability, and their personality. After all, isn't it about education and an enjoyable college life first and foremost? We all have our way of doing things and I do not have all the answers nor do I think anyone should follow my lead, I am just doing what works for the Blues! Always take the approach that U are selling an employer that U are the best one for the job! Put your best foot forward and prepare your skills so U are the best. I have no problem supporting a player that works hard, understands their weakness and does everything possible to improve. Enough from me, some great feedback from all!!!!

 

Always go to the place that makes you the happiest and you get the best education! You are so right. I thought you were talking about playing college softball? Softball spots have to be available for you to play. If you are just going to school and softball isn't a top priority go were you are going to be the happiest. The college experience will change your life forever. BE HAPPY IN YOUR CHOICE!

 

Scout

This service puts the bread on the table for you. I am sure you can't name names, but if you can, name some players that signed strictly because of your service.Promote your service.

 

You really don't know what you've asked for....Scout I think writes novels on the side for entertainment....