- Apr 23, 2023
- 34
- 18
With winter camp season here, here are some conclusions from our experiences. Wrote this to help other families possibly gain from our experiences. I have a D1 committed pitcher who attended D1 and D3 camps. Mostly targeted a mix of high-ish academic ones.
Timing (for this 2023/24 period)——>
For D1:
For D3 (didn’t go to D2 so won’t speak to it):
- 2025’s are what they are almost solely looking at. Many will specifically tell you this. They are figuring out who may be falling from D1, they have been in dialog (text, phone and Zoom) with many players already. If you are not getting much from D1, you might pick your top few and get there.
- 2026’s you can get on their radar and begin to build a relationship. If you are a fringe D1 prospect, they will be looking to start dialogue and follow.
Some goals for an uninvited camp—> simple- get on their white board. How:
Personally invited (you will know when this is the case) camp- The school is considering you for a spot. Get specific feedback beforehand from your club coach and aim to reinforce what they see in you. If they like you, they are very happy to talk to your coach. Engage as much as possible with coaches so they learn your personality. Sometimes, they are going to offer but want to spend this time with the player to make sure personality matches what they are looking for. If goes well, a visit is likely next.
Best of luck all.
Timing (for this 2023/24 period)——>
For D1:
- 2025’s need to check announced commitments for targeted colleges. For example, I would estimate more than half of D1’s have a 2025 pitcher committed. If not in any dialog with said school, I would assess your chances honestly. Some schools may have a bunch openings- some not but better to figure out beforehand.
- 2026’s are in a key spot. Time is now. It is time to get on their white board so they follow you and come watch you play. FYI- a ton of D1’s came to our club Fall games but mostly for top 2026’s.
- 2027 if you are physically near their recruiting metrics and/or have a standout personality, you can get on their board or atleast be noted to follow. If you want to go for the experience BUT are not at the level to compete effectively in live play, might as well pick a non target (or convenient ) school to get the experience.
For D3 (didn’t go to D2 so won’t speak to it):
- 2025’s are what they are almost solely looking at. Many will specifically tell you this. They are figuring out who may be falling from D1, they have been in dialog (text, phone and Zoom) with many players already. If you are not getting much from D1, you might pick your top few and get there.
- 2026’s you can get on their radar and begin to build a relationship. If you are a fringe D1 prospect, they will be looking to start dialogue and follow.
Some goals for an uninvited camp—> simple- get on their white board. How:
- Showcase that recruitable attribute- speed, arm velo, exit velo, perfect swing, etc… if she has a special metric - mention it in small talk (and email it the week before) so they will look closer when she is doing it.
- Personality- The goal here is to have coach remember her name and call her by it. If a coach doesn’t learn it, it will be harder to be remembered.
- Connect a dot. The best way is for travel coach to call ahead- they should do this for you. Otherwise things like a player connection, a club connection. Something to help build a familiarity
Personally invited (you will know when this is the case) camp- The school is considering you for a spot. Get specific feedback beforehand from your club coach and aim to reinforce what they see in you. If they like you, they are very happy to talk to your coach. Engage as much as possible with coaches so they learn your personality. Sometimes, they are going to offer but want to spend this time with the player to make sure personality matches what they are looking for. If goes well, a visit is likely next.
Best of luck all.
