College Recruiting 101 - Fact vs Myth

According to Webster, a myth is a “widely held but false belief or idea.” Synonyms for myths include delusion, falsity, untruth, errors, falsehood, and misbelief, to name a few. Let’s add “illusion” – a misleading image presented to the vision, something that deceives or misleads intellectually.

When it comes to college recruiting, particularly in softball, our world is filled with myths. There are many. To truly understand recruiting, anyone who wants to play at the next level needs to know fact from myth.

The Importance of Understanding Recruiting

College Recruiting 101 - Fact vs Myth

The best advice I can offer is to learn as much as you can about recruiting. Research the colleges that interest you. Understand how they recruit and what type of players they seek. The more information you gather, the better prepared you and your family will be.

The internet is filled with information on recruiting. Here are the most common myths, presented in no particular order of importance, as all are significant.

Myth: If I am good, college softball coaches will find me.

Reality: If you’re not 6-7, weigh 300 pounds, run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, and play tight end, there is a very good chance college coaches will NOT find you. Many high school athletes could play in college, but don’t pursue recruitment. They were not proactive, and thus, they were “out of sight, therefore, out of mind.” College coaches have limited time and budgets for recruiting. You need to contact colleges on your own. It starts with you.

Myth: Division I is the best option.

Reality: Not always. NCAA D2, NAIA, and Junior College levels also offer scholarships and outstanding educational opportunities. While there are few D1 opportunities, the other divisions make up the majority of college softball players. Don’t count out D3 schools just because they don’t offer athletic scholarships. They offer financial aid, academic scholarships, grants, loans, and additional support to help cover tuition costs. Often, these options are better than partial D1 scholarships.

Myth: Recruiting begins in your senior year of high school.

Reality: It’s never too early to start the recruiting process. Coaches want prospective athletes who communicate. That’s where connections begin. The earlier you start the recruiting process, the better your chances for success. Don’t wait until your senior year to get on their radar.

Myth: If you receive an email from a coach, you are being recruited.

Reality: Coaches send out letters and emails to hundreds of prospective softball players. They talk to many, but eventually sign only a few. Receiving an email from a college coach doesn’t mean you are being recruited. However, it can be the start of a relationship that could prove promising. Many programs use the first letters to determine if a recruit is interested. Additionally, camps are a big money maker for coaches and their programs. Unless they are personalized letters, don’t take the letter as a serious sign of interest.

Myth: I’ll get discovered at the big tournaments and showcases.

Reality: Coaches don’t attend these events hoping to discover talent. They come to large showcases with a list of athletes they want to evaluate. Coaches make initial evaluations based on film or scouting reports and then attend these events for in-person evaluations. You might catch a coach’s eye, but you stand a far better chance if you contact the coach before the event.

Myth: My scholarship will cover most of the college costs.

Reality: Only full-ride scholarships come close to covering 100 percent of college costs, but most scholarships are NOT full-rides. The majority of scholarship athletes are asked to pay for 50 percent or more of their education. Do your homework.

Myth: My scholarship is good for four years.

Reality: Scholarships have been one-year agreements since 1972. When coaches say you have a “four-year” scholarship, it is only a verbal commitment and not an official four-year offer. While many coaches honor their word and renew the scholarship each year, coaching changes, injuries, or academic eligibility can lead to losing your scholarship.

Myth: Verbal scholarship offers are the same as official scholarship offers.

Reality: Coaches verbally offer scholarships to help with their recruiting lineup, but injuries, coaching changes, and changes of heart by either the athlete or coach mean a verbal offer is just that — verbal. The official offer comes when the athlete receives their official Letter of Intent.

Myth: Coaches don’t want to be contacted by prospective athletes.

Reality: College coaches WANT TO HEAR FROM PROSPECTIVE PLAYERS. Communication is paramount. It’s never too early to let them know who you are and your goals. Get on their radar and keep them informed.

Myth: Good grades don’t matter if you are a good athlete.

Reality: It is true that elite athletes often receive more opportunities, but grades are high on every coach’s list. The lower your GPA, the higher the risk that you will not be eligible come softball season. Coaches don’t like gambling with taxpayer or private dollars when it comes to offering scholarships. There are far more scholarships for academics than for softball.

Myth: My club or high school coach will find me a scholarship.

Reality: Coaches can be pivotal in the recruiting process for their players, but it’s not their job to find you a softball scholarship. You are in charge of your recruiting process. Coaches are busy, and many don’t have the time, contacts, or experience to help their athletes with recruiting. You must do the legwork. If your coach is willing to help, provide them with the information they need to assist.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Recruiting Journey

Understanding College Recruiting 101 - Fact vs Myth surrounding college recruiting is crucial. By being proactive, you can navigate the recruiting landscape more effectively. Remember, the journey to college softball is not just about talent; it's about communication, research, and persistence.

With the right approach, you can connect with recruiters and achieve your athletic and academic dreams without financial barriers. For more information on how to get started, check out Diamond Players Recruits.