Playing up at 18 vs 16?

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May 13, 2013
99
0
Yes that good old devil you know vs the one you don't debate

DD is a first year 16U player in the Central Valley and was asked by the 18U showcase coach at our 16U tryout if she'd considered playing up as he'd like to have her on the team and have her grow with the team as they have 6-7 players aging out at the end of Summer. Half of the team has already signed letters of intent or has verbal agreements.

So for as many times as I've heard people debate this question I never thought I'd be one of those faced with it. Is it a better idea to stay and play at 16s and gain the experience, or play at the 18's level knowing playing time may be less, and there are no guarantees. DD is a hard worker regardless and sees things from both perspectives but is also torn. I know we should look at how practices are ran, chemistry, tournaments, etc.

Anyone else been through this dilemma, and come out the other side intact? :D:p
 
Nov 29, 2009
2,975
83
The college coaches primary interests for the recruiting age is 2nd year 14U and 16's. Keep your DD on a 16U team where she'll have the best chance of being seen. Unless she's verballed already.
 
Jul 14, 2017
181
28
In my area, there are not many 16u teams. Most girls who are looking to be recruited go from 14u straight to an 18u showcase team.


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Jun 11, 2012
741
63
What JAD and sparky guy said. Play 16U if she wants to play in college since it usually offers more exposure to college coaches.

This depends where you live. I’m in the NorthEast and very few of the big organizations even have 16 u teams. DD is a senior and went from 14u to 18u which is the norm here
 
Dec 12, 2012
1,668
0
On the bucket
What are your DD's realistic target schools? That is the key to your answer.

If your DD is truly D1 or upper end D2 material, then she should play 16U.
If she is mid to lower D2, NAIA, D3 or other, then 18U is where she should play.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
If she is a stud pitcher she is better off playing high level 18U where the better, older hitters play. Quite frankly, I think playing 16u is more about staying in a small pool to not get crushed. Like they say if you can't hang with the big dogs...

You also need to decide on a recruiting strategy. If your plan is to go showcases and get seen, then play 16U and get seen with all the other players. However, if you will truly work the process and to get noticed, then play at the highest level with the best team possible, in an environment where you will get better. If you do your job the coaches will be there.
 
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May 13, 2013
99
0
DD has a great work ethic and everyone talks about her athletic ability compared to some of the older players. She is a middle infielder and OF, who swings a bat for high average and is still somewhat raw with development in her swing as compared to some of her teammates. She doesnt speak of big D1 dreams but I can tell that she likes the acknowledgement and maybe "dreams" more than she admits. She also enjoys being in a "system" if that makes sense. She talks about getting into medicine, healthcare, or possibly science but some people we've spoken with have said its hard with time commitments and D1 softball, which is why we've played in a lot of showcases at the 16's level where D1's dont always attend(more aimed at D2-NAIA, with a sprinkling of PGF events, and So Cal stops mixed in. Again I know its early with the whole Major thing and I hear a lot of players change their minds.

Ive given her the ability to make the decision or at least discuss with me pros and cons of each tryout or offer. Ive heard of athletes joining decent travel programs and play behind players which is fine I suppose if in a good system and continued development. Ive also heard of teams keeping 18+ players knowing that you'll get some that will fall off, or leave unhappy. But I can understand some keeping this size roster if a heavy travel schedule. or possible injuries.

As for staying a the 16U level the two that we were asked to join usually get invited to the larger tournaments in California. That said they are not the strongest or premier teams and seem to be first year 16s with a few second year 16s sprinkled in. But the fact that they are playing in the major events seems to be a plus? Though I'm not sure they'd be in power pools or at the main fields.
 
Last edited:
May 16, 2016
1,024
113
Illinois
Yes that good old devil you know vs the one you don't debate

DD is a first year 16U player in the Central Valley and was asked by the 18U showcase coach at our 16U tryout if she'd considered playing up as he'd like to have her on the team and have her grow with the team as they have 6-7 players aging out at the end of Summer. Half of the team has already signed letters of intent or has verbal agreements.

So for as many times as I've heard people debate this question I never thought I'd be one of those faced with it. Is it a better idea to stay and play at 16s and gain the experience, or play at the 18's level knowing playing time may be less, and there are no guarantees. DD is a hard worker regardless and sees things from both perspectives but is also torn. I know we should look at how practices are ran, chemistry, tournaments, etc.

Anyone else been through this dilemma, and come out the other side intact? :D:p

I would pay a lot of attention to the bolder area in the above quote. Your daughter has to get a good amount of playing time to warrant playing up at 18u. If she is going to be sitting half the innings I don't see this being a good move for your daughter. For recruiting purposes I would have to agree with the others that recommend playing a year at 16u.
 

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