Tournament Suggestions

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Feb 16, 2015
933
43
South East
DD team is starting to map out what tournaments they would like to attend this upcoming summer season. I figured I would ask here for some suggestions on what are the "must attend" top level tournaments/showcases for this spring/summer season?

Thanks


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JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Some of the better Summer showcases are Atlanta Legacy, Champions, and Scenic City. I know the Thunderbolts put on one in AL that is well attended, but my DD has never been.
 
Oct 19, 2009
1,277
38
beyond the fences
"must attend Tournaments"
These should be defined by the level of talent on your team combined with the realistic expectations
of the roster when it comes to playing at the next level. Very few TB teams are comprised of SEC type talent and physical stature.
Every 15yo girl thinks she should be playing at Alabama, UF etc. Take into consideration that most 4 year programs are looking for
4-6 players annually. Of this number, most look for at least one pitcher per year, leaving the remaining spots for position players.
I know of several girls who have been been on the roster of Major D1 schools and found themselves primarily in the dugout
for 4 years, where they could have played at the Mid-Major or D2 D3 schools. At the end of the day, girls prefer playing to being a cheerleader.

Once the families are in touch with these expectations it is easier to schedule for the summer. In addition to those mentioned
as well as the elephant in the room (Colorado Fireworks) there are the D9 Events, TNT in Quakertown Pa., New England's Finest (Providence RI)
if the girls are interested in college in the Northeast. Its always a good idea to ask teams who have attended showcases as some are
merely a money grab for the host and they attract very few colleges. Best of Luck!
 
Last edited:
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Keep in mind for the biggest tournaments you need to be invited or they have long waiting lists. When they first get in you won’t play at the main complex with the nice fields. You’ll be off in some obscure location on fields that often aren’t fit for playing. The odds of “getting noticed”, are never good at showcases. The odds of getting noticed away from the main complex are even worse. That doesn’t mean they’re a waste of time. You’ve just gotta know what you’re in for. Whatever tournaments you’re at players need to do some legwork to get coaches at their games. The benefit of even playing at an obscure field is if your girls are in contact with the coaches in attendance they can get them to come where they are. The Sparkler is a good example. It’s regarded as the lowest of their big Colorado tournaments. There’s so many coaches in the area though it’s easy to get them to come to your games if there’s interest in one of your players.
 
Feb 16, 2015
933
43
South East
"must attend Tournaments"
These should be defined by the level of talent on your team combined with the realistic expectations
of the roster when it comes to playing at the next level. Very few TB teams are comprised of SEC type talent and physical stature.
Every 15yo girl thinks she should be playing at Alabama, UF etc. Take into consideration that most 4 year programs are looking for
4-6 players annually. Of this number, most look for at least one pitcher per year, leaving the remaining spots for position players.
I know of several girls who have been been on the roster of Major D1 schools and found themselves primarily in the dugout
for 4 years, where they could have played at the Mid-Major or D2 D3 schools. At the end of the day, girls prefer playing to being a cheerleader.

Once the families are in touch with these expectations it is easier to schedule for the summer. In addition to those mentioned
as well as the elephant in the room (Colorado Fireworks) there are the D9 Events, TNT in Quakertown Pa., New England's Finest (Providence RI)
if the girls are interested in college in the Northeast. Its always a good idea to ask teams who have attended showcases as some are
merely a money grab for the host and they attract very few colleges. Best of Luck!


Coach JV thank you for your post. When I wrote "must attend tournaments" I am really looking for the tournaments that have good energy and competiveness. I wrote showcase because I know that there will probably be a lot of top level teams there but we are really looking for competitive tournaments with great atmospheres/environments along with strong teams so we can possibly raise our level of play.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Coach JV thank you for your post. When I wrote "must attend tournaments" I am really looking for the tournaments that have good energy and competiveness. I wrote showcase because I know that there will probably be a lot of top level teams there but we are really looking for competitive tournaments with great atmospheres/environments along with strong teams so we can possibly raise our level of play.

What age group, what level of play do you play right now and where are you located?

It is easier to say where and when with that info.
 
Feb 16, 2015
933
43
South East
What age group, what level of play do you play right now and where are you located?

It is easier to say where and when with that info.

We are a first year 14U. I would have to say A ball we typically have to go to Houston to find the type of competition we are looking for. South Central Louisiana.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
We are a first year 14U. I would have to say A ball we typically have to go to Houston to find the type of competition we are looking for. South Central Louisiana.

OK....

Absolutely attend the D9 Winter Showcase in Orlando on Jan 13th. It isn't as big as the recent one, but it is still pretty huge.
Rising Stars in Ft Lauderdale on Jan 6th is looking better than their Oct event for 14U. Bit of a trip but maybe worth it.

It then gets a little quiet for top 14U events because a lot of the second year 14u players are in high school so unavailable and recruiting is pretty dead because the college season is also in full swing. Georgia might have some things going on as their HS season is now so worth a look around.

Here are some interesting ones:
Bomber Shootout Austin & Round Rock, Texas 03/03/2017 - 03/05/2017
Triple Crown OKC Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 06/02/2017 - 06/05/2017
June 8-11 Scenic City Showcase, Chattanooga, TN
June 16-18 T Bolts Showcase, Birmingham, AL
June 24-July 3 TC Sparkler/Fireworks, CO
July 13-16 Legacy Showcase, Atlanta GA

Then some national - going to assume ASA going to be a tough qualifier for you - so you are not far from the USFA one in Panama City - I do like that one.

Do NOT do the Under Armor events - They suck.
 
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