Softball Recruiting 101

1. Softball Recruiting 101

2. Brittany Pascale– Head Softball Recruiting Coach • University of Nebraska • 4 year letter winner • 2 year team captain • High School Coach • Won a State Championship • DI College Coach • Head recruiting coordinator, • Won a Conference Championship

3. We will discuss: • An overview of softball recruiting opportunities • Different Division Levels / NAIA • Knowing the NCAA Rules • Evaluation

4. Realities of the big picture • 5-6% of all HS players will play at college level (5 out of 100 or 1 out of 20) Odds are higher if you will receive a softball scholarship Better odds are in that you could receive merit aid and academic grant money – grades are important!

5. NCAA NCAA Dl NCAA Dll Approx. 279 Colleges Can have up to 7.2 scholarship Rosters around 15-18 Top level Dll can beat low level Dl They can hold tryouts for HS players – usually in fall Top programs get verbal commitment from HS Juniors • Approx. 277 colleges • Can have up to 12 scholarship • Players are best of HS, area, conference teams. • Rosters around 18 • Play competitive ASA – gold • Top players give verbal commitment sophomore year

6. NCAA lll • Approx. 406 schools • No Softball scholarships but have: Merit money/leadership/academic/work study money • Usually have tryout to make the team in fall • Rosters range from 12 – 20 • Top programs finish recruiting in fall for next years’ players

7. NAIA (National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics) • Approx. 200 Schools • If fully funded programs they can have up to (10 scholarships) • Rosters range from 12 – 20 • Top level NAIA programs can beat lower level Dl programs and usually compete with Dll programs. • They can hold tryouts for HS players

8. JC (2 year schools • Top Dl JC schools can compete with NCAA Dl schools – usually play games with them in the fall. • Top Programs are found in: FL, CA, AZ, TX Good success with players from JC to move to 4 year program. 3 Levels Dl – can have up to 24 scholarships 152 colleges Dll – can have up to 24 scholarships – no housing 121 programs Dlll – no softball scholarships 80 programs

9. Know the Rules • When NCAA DI & DII can email SA – after September 1st of their Junior year. • Until then only questionnaires, admissions info & camp brochures • Coaches can call – After Junior year -D1 July 1st, DII June 15th • YOU as the athlete can email and call college coaches at ANYTIME. • You can VISIT anytime EXCEPT Dead periods.

10. How a Coach evaluates a recruit: No particular order Stats (hitting – V <.350, ERA, etc.) Skills Video Academics (GPA, test scores, honors/AP classes) Awards (All-League, All-state, etc) Athletic ability – arm speed, running speed, pitch speed/movement- size is a key factor for higher level programs. Summer travel team (showcase tournaments where colleges come to watch (ASA most popular).

11. 5 Things You need to KNOW about Softball 1. You should compete year around- need to be Varsity level 2. SB coaches make decisions & are looking at 2014’s and 2015’s 3. Biggest need for colleges: P, C, SS 4. Hitting biggest skill for position players (power or speed) 5. You can visit a college & call/email coaches early – it is a long process – be patient & persistent.

12. Questions? • Phone Number : (877) 845-6272 • Email: Recruitinghelp@ncsasports.org • Fax: (866) 996-6272