Thinking About College Ball? Resources For A Successful College Search
Thinking about playing softball in college…it can feel overwhelming! There’s A LOT of information out there regarding the necessary steps toward becoming a college athlete, and things are complicated by the fact that there are multiple organizations with member schools, and each organization has their own rules and timelines.
We asked our College Coach Think Tank when they thought families should begin doing research about college choices and most said that 8th or 9th grade was the best time to begin.
Knowledge of “the process” can never be overstated, and knowing the steps to take will help you to breathe easier as families think about playing sports in college.
ONE Softball wants to help you ask good questions and get productive answers. Here are a number of links that families and youth coaches might find informative.
It’s important to have an understanding of the opportunities as well as the restrictions, but players and parents should know that most of the rules apply most directly to the college coaches. Your job is to get informed about opportunities, take the best academic route for you (in high school as well as in choosing a college) and learn as much as you can!
The following are links to information and resources to aid players, parents and high school/youth coaches with the recruiting process:
National Organization Rules & Resources:
- NCAA – Main homepage for the NCAA
- NAIA – Main homepage for the NAIA
- NJCAA – Main homepage for the NJCAA
- Cal JC – Main homepage for the California Community College Athletic Association
- NWAC – Main homepage for the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges
NCAA-only resources:
Not sure what a coach is saying to you when then mention a “dead period” or what is the difference between a “contact” and an “evaluation”? This site provides an overview of common NCAA recruiting terms as well as other pertinent information about “the process”.
- NCAA Recruiting Calendars (DI and DII)
The NCAA regulates when coaches from DI and DII schools are able to go “out on the road” to evaluate players as well as when they may meet with players on their campus. This website has links to DI and DII recruiting calendars for softball. DIII schools currently do not follow a recruiting calendar for softball.
This is the comprehensive guide for NCAA schools and future athletes. Also, to help you understand the “dos & don’ts” for college coaches, links to DI, DII and DIII recruiting rules can be found here.
It’s also where you will find links to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, as well as find other helpful links that will provide you more information about the NCAA, the differences between DI, DII, and DIII schools, and additional NCAA resources to help you with the college recruiting process.
Here you will find information about the National Letter of Intent including signing dates, rules and guidelines, frequently asked questions and more.
Use the information in these resources as a starting point to determine the questions you need to ask (yourself and others) and the action steps you should take next. Through an understanding of the rules and timelines, you’ll have a greater opportunity for success in taking steps forward. ONE Softball is on your team!
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ONE Softball Staff
The ONE Softball editorial staff has decades of success in coaching and business. Coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, the founders share one common goal: to help the softball community come together. We are excited to provide crucial resources for players, parents and coaches to succeed at every level.