Need advise about travel ball!

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Aug 10, 2015
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My daughter is 16 and will be moving up to 18U this fall/summer. She has been on the same team for 3 years. We love the team and coaches, but their are only a couple of girls that are serious about playing college ball. My daughter has a second tryout with a premiere team that plays national tournaments and all the players are going to be college bound. The problem is we will not have the funds to fly to California, Colorado or wherever to watch her. I have been stressing with this since we got the call back, she of course wants to do it. I am afraid she will regret it later because she is a starter on the volleyball and basketball teams in high school and both of those sports will be out. Any advise on pro's and con's of competing at such a high level.
 
Oct 18, 2009
604
18
It really depends on the college bound goals. Where is she looking at attending/playing at for college? What is realistic? If its a big name D1 school then she might have to do all that... If its just a regional school there might be other options.
 
Aug 10, 2015
9
0
She does want to play D1 softball and she prefers to go somewhere South or at least a warmer climate...lol!!! She loves Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and probably any school that would give her a good offer. As far as what is realistic I am not sure....she is a pitcher and middle infielder. The premiere team wants her at 2nd, so who knows. I am just not ready to let her go :( Thanks
 

JJsqueeze

Dad, Husband....legend
Jul 5, 2013
5,436
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At her age I would expect that she is already deep into the recruiting process. Based on the interest she has garnered so far you should be able to get a good read on what level she is destined for and this in turn can help guide your decision.
 
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Has she ever been to any college camps? That would help you see realistically where she fits in with other college bound athletes. Will she be a junior or senior? How long has she been starting on varsity for softball?
 
Oct 18, 2009
604
18
She does want to play D1 softball and she prefers to go somewhere South or at least a warmer climate...lol!!! She loves Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and probably any school that would give her a good offer. As far as what is realistic I am not sure....she is a pitcher and middle infielder. The premiere team wants her at 2nd, so who knows. I am just not ready to let her go :( Thanks
Woah. What kind of schools does this travel team have a track record for helping girls get committed to? SEC?ACC? Those kind of schools you named will be hard to get an offer from as a 2017 at this point. Other D1s are still recruiting for 2017 but SEC is probably locking up 2018s and looking at 2019/2020 right now. Heck I know a 7th grader who Tennessee was calling a travel coach about. Maybe not what you want to hear but just being realistic.
 

sluggers

Super Moderator
Staff member
May 26, 2008
7,132
113
Dallas, Texas
I am afraid she will regret it later because she is a starter on the volleyball and basketball teams in high school and both of those sports will be out. Any advise on pro's and con's of competing at such a high level.

It is her talent and her decision. You can explain the pros and cons, but, beyond that...it is not up to you. She has to pick one sport, and sounds like she picked softball.

As to her "regretting it"...she probably understands athletics and sports more than you do. She sounds like a really great athlete. You need to trust her.

The problem is we will not have the funds to fly to California, Colorado or wherever to watch her.

What problem? Your DD is 16YOA. If she is going to play in college, she has to learn to play without you in the stands. Sounds like your DD knows is fine with it.

Kind of time to let the chick out of the nest, don't you think?
 
Last edited:
Oct 30, 2014
292
18
Seattle
I'm assuming at 16 she is going into her junior year? If so, as has been mentioned before, showcases aren't going to be as helpful getting into top D1 programs. Before any decision is made I would have a realistic chat with your daughter and the premier coaches about her goals and realistically what you all can expect from each other.

Agreed she should start making personal decisions at this age but its also your money and if the 2 teams are different prices that gives you a vote as well. Her call on if she wants this more than other sports.
 
Mar 11, 2009
431
0
It sounds like the problem is you don't want her traveling without you this season. If she really aspires to play D1 ball, you have to let her go with this premier team. There is still a lot of work and ways for you to be active in her softball search for a D1 team, the recruiting process is 95% parents and player, 5% coach or recruiting coordinator. It sounds like you need to establish a target range of schools she should go after and get to work. If she hasn't showcased much yet, get started this fall and establish what caliber of player she is utilizing her premier coach opinion and the college coaches that come see her play opinion as well. Make a skills video and send to local college coach, attend local camp if possible and get insight from that coach to what level she should target. Good luck...Its not too late for 2017's. A lot of D1 opportunity still out there.
 

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