- Jul 5, 2016
- 661
- 63
It occurs to me that if my DD was being scouted in 9th grade, then I would realize that I was in the driver's seat and I would dictate the flow of conversations.
It occurs to me that if my DD was being scouted in 9th grade, then I would realize that I was in the driver's seat and I would dictate the flow of conversations.
How are you in the driver's seat? Yes, if you're the #1 pitching prospect in the country. But for most, being scouted just means they're interested at that moment in time. Doesn't mean they will remain interested. Doesn't mean that they will wait for you if you are undecided. It's usually a window of opportunity. Let's say you want to play in the SEC. Ole Miss offers. They plan to take one more 2020 middle infielder and expect to fill it by Christmas. You feel fortunate to get that offer. It's the only one from the SEC so far. How are you going to dictate that situation? Tell them you won't be making any decisions until you're a junior? At some point, the train will leave the station. Any postponement of a decision is a gamble. You don't know what offers will be still be there. You don't know if DD's stock will go up or down. She might never be more attractive as a prospect than right now.
But a college will drop a prospect in a minute if they find somebody better. But yes, I would agree that if a player has their heart set on a particular college, then starting and building a relationship early makes sense.
Do the parents of boys in sports have to go through the same thing?
Are some boys verballing as early as 9th grade?
Are they emailing 10-20 schools, hoping a couple show interest in them as a recruit?
Whether it's baseball, football or whatever sport...do boys go through the same thing our DDs do when it comes to fastpitch recruitment?
Thanks
It occurs to me that if my DD was being scouted in 9th grade, then I would realize that I was in the driver's seat and I would dictate the flow of conversations.
Instead of using the term "verbal" just use the term "pinky swear" and it should make things crystal clear. Also understand that the Early Verbal Dating Rules. Once you "pinky swear" with a coach you will be expected to be off the market "no dating" and not talk to any other other coaches. Remember you are now "committed"! You can only wear their official merchandise and must post on social media and tell everyone that will listen that you will be going there. But understand that of course the coach gets to keep on dating and playing the field. And if by chance someone else comes along...understand that it was only a pinky swear.
Dang, Riseball. You sound like you've been left at the altar a few times.
Of course, I would imagine the problem you describe is most severe with the most prestigious programs.
Not with my DD but have seen it happen a few times. Most common scenario was when a coach resigned or was canned. The take away is that until you actually sign the NLI you have nothing, zip, zero, nada. Only the good intentions of both parties.