Recruiting 101: What You Need to Know

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Did you know that players can become Division 1 softball prospects as early as 7th or 8th grade?

I’m not saying this to add pressure—but the earlier you understand the recruiting process, the better. You might be thinking, “We’re just playing for fun and to improve. We’ll figure things out when she’s more committed.” While I understand that mindset, I’ve seen so many players become serious about playing at the next level and later say, “I wish I had known this sooner.”

That’s why I encourage you to simply read through this information and stay informed.

I’ve attended college softball recruiting seminars hosted by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and Coach Erica’s Practice Pro Recruiting Seminar. Throughout this blog, I’ve highlighted key takeaways from her notes, as well as provided bolded resources for you to dive deeper into your research.

Where Do You Start?

This is one of the most common questions I get from parents—so I’ve found the answer for you. Keep reading to understand the steps to take based on your daughter’s goals. Here are the most important insights from the what I learned, plus helpful links to guide you further.

At every stage leading up to college, coaches recommend getting an honest assessment of your skills. Players always wonder, “Do I have what it takes?” Here’s what they suggest:

  • Watch college games to understand the level of play.

  • Ask instructors and coaches what specific areas you need to improve.

  • It’s not just about speed. Accuracy, movement, pitch variety, and poise all matter.

  • Compete against teams outside your region to see how you stack up.

Here are some valuable resources to help guide you:

One of the biggest misconceptions about college recruiting is the financial side. You don’t have to break the bank chasing a scholarship. Instead:

  • Find a travel team that fits your budget and follow strategic recruiting steps.

  • Ask direct questions about college costs and available scholarships.

  • Be honest about what your family can realistically afford and how much financial aid or loans you’re willing to take on.

Too many families avoid these conversations early on—don’t let that be you. Do your research and explore schools that align with both athletic and financial goals.

Exposure tournaments are a great way to get noticed because they allow multiple coaches to watch players in one weekend. But it’s not just about your on-field performance. Coaches also pay attention to:

  • How you interact with teammates and coaches.

  • Whether you carry your own bag.

  • How you handle pressure and adversity.

  • What umpires and other coaches say about you.

Understanding the recruiting process early helps take the stress off later. If your daughter is serious about improving, consider joining our In-Season Pitching School Session starting in April, or getting one of our college evaluations. These are both designed to help players develop skills that will benefit them in college, high school, travel ball, and beyond.

Stay informed, keep improving, and most importantly—enjoy the journey!