When DD was in HS (2008 grad) the program had 3 softball teams and 40+players. It got to the point of having to cut girls because there was no meaningful playing time available. Most HS had 3 teams and almost all had 2 teams. The TB programs in the area were strong because there were not that many orgs. so you either had to have decent skills, be a coaches DD, or be friends with the coaches DD. The rec ball program was also strong for those who could not make the TB teams.
Fast forward to 2015 the HS is down to 2 teams with 30 total players. TB orgs. are expanding (because it's better competition, you have the whole area to draw from, and there is more opportunity to play) and that translates into participation in rec ball starting to wane.
2021 - HS begin playing in mid-April this year. I've done some unofficial polling and there is a total of 16 players. Let that sink in for a minute. Yet the TB orgs. and teams are just exploding. U8 teams are everywhere spelling the end of rec programs. Some parents are delusional regarding their DD's chances of getting a scholarship so they keep pushing their DD's to play TB because that's where the college scouts are. It's not until you get to U18 that you get that split between girls who are trying to get into college to play and those who were playing for other reasons and now want to move on.
HS ball is just another options right now, and not the popular one.
Fast forward to 2015 the HS is down to 2 teams with 30 total players. TB orgs. are expanding (because it's better competition, you have the whole area to draw from, and there is more opportunity to play) and that translates into participation in rec ball starting to wane.
2021 - HS begin playing in mid-April this year. I've done some unofficial polling and there is a total of 16 players. Let that sink in for a minute. Yet the TB orgs. and teams are just exploding. U8 teams are everywhere spelling the end of rec programs. Some parents are delusional regarding their DD's chances of getting a scholarship so they keep pushing their DD's to play TB because that's where the college scouts are. It's not until you get to U18 that you get that split between girls who are trying to get into college to play and those who were playing for other reasons and now want to move on.
HS ball is just another options right now, and not the popular one.
