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The view from the other side: How to really get recruited!
Greenmonsters, you are absolutely right. With no viable post college softball career for these athletes, outside of coaching, the education is what matters. That's why when I handled recruiting for my travel organization we always encouraged parents to look at D2 and D3 options because of the...- Southpaw729
- Post #15
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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The view from the other side: How to really get recruited!
Warrior Mike...I won't lie a questionable parent situation is certainly not a motivator for a college staff to recruit their student athlete. As college coaches we are always watching every interaction a prospective student athlete has with other teammates, umpires and parents. Character is an...- Southpaw729
- Post #7
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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The view from the other side: How to really get recruited!
Thanks Eric. It's the kind of stuff most parents and coaches simply don't stress enough!- Southpaw729
- Post #6
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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The view from the other side: How to really get recruited!
For nearly five years I handled recruiting duties for a top tier travel softball organization in southern California. I did my best to help our parents, athletes and coaches to understand the recruiting process; to identify a good fit academically, geographically and athletically...then get...- Southpaw729
- Thread
- Replies: 16
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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Does She Believe She Will Be Successful?
After coaching girls’ softball for over a dozen years I have found the female athlete to be amazingly determined, wildly passionate, fiercely loyal yet emotionally fragile. This emotional fragility is heightened by parents and coaches who don't understand the uniqueness of the female athlete...- Southpaw729
- Thread
- Replies: 2
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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How do you define success on the field.
As a coach for a prominent travel softball organization in southern California the definition of "success" for us is age specific; meaning, at the younger ages, 8u to 14u success is about "player development." At the older ages, 16u to 18u, the definition of success is quality "exposure" at...- Southpaw729
- Post #43
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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Highest level of travel ball
Being a travel coach at the highest level in southern California here how the "food chain" works: 1. PGF (Premier Girls Fastpitch) 2. ASA 3. TCS (Triple Crown Sports) I ranked these organizations accordingly because of how they are viewed by the college coaches. PGF Nationals has gained a lot...- Southpaw729
- Post #23
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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Tears on the mound
I give her credit for sticking it out. Her emotional response is natural at that age in that she is trying to please mom and dad, not let her coaches and teammates down and, for sure, doesn't want to be so embarrassed! Strikes, mental toughness and confidence are all a process. The challenge at...- Southpaw729
- Post #26
- Forum: Softball Pitching
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Throwing strikes
Throwing strikes is a challenge for every pitcher. At 11 it could be mechanical and it could be mental. I would encourage her to work on her breathing between pitches as a good way to keep her calm and focused. Deep breathes and a little positive self talk can go along ways towards helping a...- Southpaw729
- Post #10
- Forum: Softball Pitching
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Fear of failure
Unfortunately the fear of failure isn't quite that simple. In fact it is a complex emotional process that most young athletes all ill equipped to cope with. In plain language, each kid is unique as is her reasons for "fearing" or experiencing "anxiety." With the elevated expectations we put on...- Southpaw729
- Post #26
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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rank the softball hotbeds in the U.S.
We're a little biased in SoCal. However, in my travels to different showcases and national tournaments around the country I would definitely say that the pitching is getting better all over. I've seen great pitchers from South Carolina, Ohio, Georgia, Texas, etc. I do still think the coaching...- Southpaw729
- Post #95
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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Choosing HS based on coach?
This happens in So Cal a little, but really...many, many college coaches have told me they never watch a high school game, so why does a kid's high school coach really matter? I understand that, in many cases, the high school (the non-travel) coach doesn't always get his girls better and doesn't...- Southpaw729
- Post #46
- Forum: Softball Discussions
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Would you agree that inconsistency is strongly correlated with lack of confidence?
Hi, I would be happy to speak with you about your DD. I work with dozens of softball players around the country with issues similar to your DD's. Certainly her confidence is absolutely impacting her lack of consistency on the field. She is likely experiencing doubt at more stressful moments of...- Southpaw729
- Post #5
- Forum: Softball Discussions
