Myths I’ve heard in the past - “D3 schools don’t really recruit.“
With DD’s journey we have learned that they absolutely do recruit and many are present at the major showcases. Was just at a camp for one this weekend and there were easily 40 girls there. You could also definitely tell which girls had been in contact with the coaches and who the top recruits were as the coach had them together in one group and was chatting with them quite frequently.
Another myth - “My dd plays for a well-known National organization now so she’ll be recruited easier.“
While it is probably true that more coaches will be at theIr games (for the players who had reached out) the player still needs to reach out to the coaches so they know you are interested in theIr school. Had a parent this weekend tell me that their dd doesn’t really email coaches too often because they see so many already watching their games. The parent (whose kid is a good pitcher) couldn’t understand why she wasn’t getting looks. I’m just shocked that the org’s recruiting coordinator hasn’t educated them on how the process works.
D3 schools absolutely recruit. They were at every significant tourney my DDs played in. D3 is also D3. If your DD is good they will make room for her. D3 teams don't have rosters stacked with phenomenal players. My DD1 had decided not to play softball in college and then changed her mind half-way through her senior year. She was not near competitive D1 talent but several good D3 teams were happy to give her a spot. If your DD plays competitive TB she can play D3 softball. Don't let them fool you about recruiting. Some will try to make it far more competitive than it is and act like it is D1. Show up in the fall and tryout if you are good. You will make the team. None of your money is linked to softball. If you like the D3 school, you get a good financial aid offer, and are a good softball player, you can be on the team.