Playing softball in college is not an activity, it is a lifestyle.
you do have a way with words...
I agree with you as to D1 and D2 programs.
D3 programs are a bit more flexible. My DD#3's hoop team was very good, and it was a lifestyle. There was something going on basketball related everyday (weights, shoot arounds, etc.) five days a week.
The softball team at her college was more of an "activity". They started practicing a few weeks before the season started, went to Florida for a week over spring break, and reliably finished 15-25 year after year after year.