Highest level of travel ball

[CoogansBluff]

Was thinking about my daughter and her still-forming goals for herself in softball. She's interested in playing college ball, but whether she does that or not, she wants to play at the highest level that she is capable of playing.

What is the highest level of travel ball, iyho? Is it ASA nationals? Is at the nationals of Premier? Is it a particular showcase?

What event/tournament, if your team can qualify or get in it, would make you say that your daughter has played at the highest level of her sport?

Not saying my DD can play at the highest level, but would like to hear people's opinions of the food chain of prestigious events in travel ball.

 

[Greenmonsters]

The DFP Diamond Elite Super Platinum organization's planned Mt. McKinley tournament will be the pinnacle event in North America. Dates and details to be announced pending corporate financial backing to build an access road and heated field.

 

[NVfishing]

the dfp diamond elite super platinum organization's planned mt. Mckinley tournament will be the pinnacle event in north america. Dates and details to be announced pending corporate financial backing to build an access road and heated field.

lol! !

 

[CoogansBluff]

Ah, the Denali Invitational. I think I've heard of that.

OK, but I hope that's not a critique of my question. I think it's a good one. In tennis, every male player wants to make it to Kalamazoo. If you've played there, there's a feeling that you reached the highest level of your sport in this country. Doesn't mean you're the best, but it means you've seen it and played against it.

Would ASA nationals be that kind of tournament for softball? Is there something now more prestigious? Where do you see the best teams in the country? Or is the sport too regionalized?

 

[Greenmonsters]

Not a bad question, I just misinterpreted it

 

[sluggers]

What event/tournament, if your team can qualify or get in it, would make you say that your daughter has played at the highest level of her sport?

For travel ball, in no particular order:

The Boulder Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament.
PGF 18U/16U Championship
ASA 18U/16U Gold championship
Columbus Ohio Stingray Showcase


Am I missing something in the Southeast?

 

[SCDad]

PGF is the strongest outfit.

ASA used to be a while back and still carries plenty of bang for the buck. Some of it is regional.

Another newer development is picking a few top colleges early and going to their camps. Get to know the college coaches of the schools you pick. Have them watch DD grow up.

It could be different by the time your DD gets of age.

Practice against top level competition is how to get there. When young, make sure to play 'A' Level softball. That is a good start as when young softball is mostly regional, just always try to play against the best around.

Always be careful with your money. You sound eager, and there are a slew of folks looking for you, some for the wrong reason.

Practice hard enough. Become good enough, and the right opportunities will present themselves. You don't really need to overthink it.

The hardest part for any athlete wanting to be elite, is that one day DD's eyes will be opened to how hard it is. How good the elite players are and the sacrifices they need to make to get there. And this is for players with size, power, speed and raw talent. It is why they call it the day of reckoning.

For the saddest part about softball, is many no matter how hard they try, do not have the right genes. For those who have good enough genes, the game IS all about commitment and effort, and to some extend money and connections.

 

[Lenski]

Am I missing something in the Southeast?

Atlanta Legacy is a very nice tournament.

 

[29dad]

My personal opinion. Your mileage may vary.

Best showcase - Louisville Slugger Independence Day Tournament in Boulder, CO.

Best nationals - PGF. ASA a DISTANT second, but still pretty darn good.

 

[mogsoftball]

Colorado sparkler