Cut or keep?

Easy answer...... Cut!

Slappers said:

I have heard grumbling a from players about her effort. I can't fathom how she isn't aware she isn't meeting standards. We've had multiple talks about it. It also doesn't set a good precedent if I let one get away with not trying and still gets game action.

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Slappers,

She has given you her answer in advance to the multiple warnings you've given her. At this point you have no choice but to release her from the team. Especially if the other players on the team see what is going on. If you want to see a team fall apart in a hurry. Have them think one of the players is getting special treatment. Not a good thing.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a kid is to cut them. If she is really not motivated, she may be playing for the wrong reasons. If she wakes up and decides she really loves softball and wants to keep playing, you've done her a favor by lighting a fire under her. She quits and never plays again, you've done her and her family a favor by ending something that was never going to end well anyway.

PA SB Dad said:

Sometimes the best thing you can do for a kid is to cut them. If she is really not motivated, she may be playing for the wrong reasons. If she wakes up and decides she really loves softball and wants to keep playing, you've done her a favor by lighting a fire under her. She quits and never plays again, you've done her and her family a favor by ending something that was never going to end well anyway.

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I want to believe this is what would happen. I know it isn't though. She is the only pitcher her hs has and will play by default. Parents blame everyone else for teams and DD's shortcomings.

Why does she play? What are her goals? Do those answers meet the qualifications for the level you stated the team plays at? Going from 16U C to 18U B doesn't seem like playing at the college level is a priority.

The biggest jump from C to B is between the ears.
Some just can't get there mentally. Doesn't make her a bad person, just a person in the wrong place.

If this were a company, your the boss, and she's an employee. Would you fire her or not? Does she get her work done in an acceptable manner? Does her laziness rub off on to others? Do other employees see her work ethic as acceptable?
I'd say at the very least she needs written up and an action plan put into place.

I'd say at the very least she needs written up and an action plan put into place.

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He outlined what he did in the earlier posts and the "action plan" was ignored.

If the season is near its end, you may not have to cut her. I sometimes ask certain players to return to the team and in exchange for their commitments, they receive a commitment from me that they don't have to worry about trying out for other teams, as they will be guaranteed a spot on mine.

Do this with your team. You said they are all coming back ..... make it official by asking for a commitment from and giving your commitment to all ... except her. If that doesn't light a fire under her rear and have her get it together in what remaining time she has, then you won't need to cut her and you'll be done with her. If it does light a fire, then you've helped her and you get to keep her and help her develop. That is the best outcome for all and is worth giving a try for her sake. If she blows it, the team will respect you for your decision. Trust me on this.

So today was the day I did player evaluations. I spoke with each player individually and evaluated them fairly. I laid the stats in front of them so they could see on paper exactly how they faired. I also had a write up explaining our expectations and how not meeting those expectations will be met.

I liked the way I did it because I can really see who wants to be there and who is phoning it in.

This particular player was early, actually told her mom she didn't think anyone was there because she didn't see anybody on the field lol. I had mentioned to the parents there were going to be some changes made so I'm sure that had something to do with her being early.

We had an excellent conversation. I was actually quite surprised. She was engaging, recognized her deficiencies and only tried once to make any excuses. I laid out what she needs to work on to be a part of this team. We agreed on some things and worked out a plan to get her up to speed. Also told her this was her last shot with us. No letting up after a few weeks or what have you.

All the girls have been put on notice. I'm overall happy with my team with the exception of pitching so I recruited some but the players have recognized that I have players searching me out and contacting me to tryout. They realize they need to step up or they become replaceable.