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Recruiting: Keep College Search in Perspective
Cathi Aradi
Special to StudentSportsSoftball.com
When this article is posted, many high school players will be beginning a new season. Spring brings excitement and new determination for juniors who realize now is the time to get serious and focused if they want to play in college.
Many seniors will be thinking wistfully of their last high school season; some will also be looking forward to new challenges at the college level.
But for seniors who had hoped to be recruited by a college coach, spring can be the time they must "face the music."
It's unfortunate, but this is when some families discover that "reality bites." It may surprise you, but often the families finding this out are the ones who were (a year ago) 100 percent sure their athlete would be:
? offered full-ride scholarships by Div. I, Top 25 schools
? offered partial scholarships by Div. I, Top 25 schools
? offered big scholarships by Div. I schools--even if they weren't Top 25
? be offered substantial scholarships by somebody somewhere!
Cathi Aradi's book "Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level" presents all the facts on college scholarships and opportunities.
Cathi Aradi, recruiting expert
Players, ask yourself honestly, how much do you really want to be part of a college team--and why? Is it the status? Is it to please mom and dad? Is it because you feel you're owed a scholarship? Or is it because you love the game, can't imagine not playing in college and feel you'll benefit from the wonderful things offered to you when softball is part of your college experience?
Parents should also ask yourselves why it's important that your daughter play college softball. Is it so you can tell other parents she's on scholarship or playing for a big-name team? Is it because you weren't able or refused to plan for your daughter's education and this is your only hope? (Remember, many of us got through college without softball scholarships—there is all sorts of aid out there!) Is it so you won't feel like you've wasted the past four or six or eight summers traveling all over creation watching softball games?
Or is it important to you that your daughter get a college education so she won't still be living at home and raiding your refrigerator at thirty-five! In other words, do you want her to have a productive life with a chance for a career and some financial independence? Do you feel that softball may open doors for her at good colleges, and give her a support structure that may help her succeed once she's there? Do you want her to benefit physically, mentally, socially, and possibly financially from playing college softball?
It's very important to keep the college search in perspective. The world will not come to an end if your daughter doesn't play for a big school or if she doesn't get a scholarship. The universe will go on even if she decides not to play softball at all. But if she does really want to continue her support, give her your unconditional support and encouragement. Let her know she has many different options, and do all you can to help her realize her dreams. Ten or twenty years from now, you'll be glad you "got real" in time.
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