This time of year everyone is thinking about recruiting. Colorado has become the hub of all things softball for a couple of weeks each year because so many players and parents are hoping to be seen by college coaches. College coaches come out is great numbers to evaluate and find the players who will make up their future rosters.
Over the years, I’ve done dozens of recruiting seminars and have tried to share some of what I have learned with softball players and their families as they embark on this process.
There are many things that I hope these players and families will take away from these sessions but none is more important that what I call “The 14 Commandments.”
What are the Commandments supposed to accomplish? To help the next wave of potential softball players avoid making the same mistakes others have made.
No. 14. Do What It Takes to Stand Out
Players have to understand that recruiting is a very competitive business. There are many players competing for every spot on a college roster.
Human nature dooms most players and they never even realize it. Human nature tells us to blend in, fit in and act like those around us. The team setting drives this thought home even further. You should not do anything that makes you look better than a teammate, right?
Wrong!!
As a potential recruit you need to make up your mind to do everything you can to separate yourself from the crowd. On the field and off!
Here’s how:
Look people in the eye! When you see a college coach, make eye contact and say Hello with your look!
Volunteer! If you go to a camp and they ask for a demonstrator, jump to the front of the line.
Play hard! Dive for balls, run everything out, hustle on and off the field.
Be aggressive! Get your hacks, take the extra base.
Work hard in the classroom! Good grades make you stand out, especially for high academic institutions.
Be active in your church and community! Service activities separate you from others.
Answer questions with confidence!
Be organized throughout this process.
This is just a fraction of the things a player can do to stand out.
Please stand out!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
