
Originally Posted by
Hillhouse
Devo and others...
Let me start by offering this advice regarding recruiting. The FIRST thing your DD needs to do is figure out what she wants to do! Be an Engineer? Ok, lets go with that. Next thing to do is get a compass and put it on a map. Draw a circle around the radius of distance everyone is comfortable with from home. If you live in Ohio, for example, but don't want to be more than 4 hours from home, there is no point sending your video/info to Providence!!! So, figure out the distance you're comfortable with. If there are NO limits and she'd play at Hawaii, then great, you have a ton of options. But you'd be surprised how many girls choose the schools the they do so they are in proximity to home, proximity for parents to watch, proximity of their boyfriend (lets face it, kids at 18 almost always think they will be with that same guy not realizing the whole world is out there). I've seen Division 1 caliber pitchers choose D3 schools because her boyfriend played football there. Then, they broke up. . But those 2 things are the first you need to do: figure out the major, then figure out distance. After that, you target the schools in your comfort area that offer what you want to do. After those are narrowed down, you start figuring out the individual schools. Go on "unofficial" visits to see it, if possible. Do your homework if you think the coach(es) will be there for your time, or if they have a consistent losing record and could be fired at any time! Coaches change jobs all the time, and that can change your mind on a "verbal" commitment. That is a tough situation for kids, and the rules have been changing for athletes to transfer without penalty so at least you're not locked in like in year's past. Once you decided on the school(s) that you can realistically attend (athletic ability, money, grades, etc) then attend any camps/clinics you can get to there to be on the coach's radar. And I GUARANTEE if you attend a camp, and are at a tournament where we are recruiting, EVERY effort will be made to see your game(s). I did it myself in both Orlando and Las Vegas this year, I made specific points to go see pitchers who attended our October camp. I can't guarantee every school does that but, I certainly did. Of course, rule do not permit me to talk to the kid beyond a "Hello, nice to see you" comment but, I was there!
Devo, let me clarify... as the pitching coach I am given 1 scholarship that I am given to get a pitcher to work with. Providence softball has more than 1 scholarship!!! But, personally, I get 1 per year that I pick my pitching staff with. And yes, it's a challenge. Who do I offer and when? Great question, when I get the interest of a pitcher interested in Providence and letting ME be her pitching coach. So it has to be a mutual thing too.
Please feel free to email me with questions!
Bill