Could someone break down the college recruiting process for softball?

I'm interested in playing softball at the college level. How does the recruiting process work? Are there specific tournaments or showcases I should attend to get noticed by coaches?

Absolutely, I'd be happy to explain the process. College softball recruiting can be a crucial yet puzzling component of your journey to becoming a varsity athlete.

1. Grade Levels 9 and 10 – This is the time to start researching and determining which level of play and what kind of schools would be a good fit for you. You can go watch college softball games or talk to current college athletes to get a sense of what level is right for you. During this time, you can also start attending softball camps or showcases—where college coaches often scout for future recruits—and filming quality skills videos.

2. Grade Level 11 – Roughly in your junior year, you can reach out to college coaches you're interested in. Depending on NCAA rules, they might not be able to email you back, but they can still view any videos or information you send them. An important part of this time period is attending recruiting showcases, where college coaches can watch prospective players. You should also register with the NCAA or NAIA eligibility center, depending on which type of schools interest you.

3. Grade Level 12 – Senior year is when verbally committed athletes often sign their National Letter of Intent during one of the signing periods. If you're not yet committed, don't lose hope. There are still plenty of opportunities to get recruited—continue reaching out to coaches, attending showcases, and keeping your player profile up to date.

A few quick tips: You should keep your athletic and academic records readily available. Coaches will be interested in both, as they are looking for players who can excel on the field and in the classroom. If a specific school or program stands out to you, make sure to express that interest and maintain open communication. Also, never forget the importance of being proactive at every stage of the recruiting process.

Please remember that this is a simplified version of the recruiting timeline. The process can vary significantly based on the division level, conference, and individual coaches. It's important to do your own research and communicate with coaches to understand their specific timeline and what they're looking for in a recruit.