High School Ball Mandatory?

[59Invicta]

I am considering having my DD opt out of playing high school ball. Her school does not have a strong program, and we are considering having her use the dark period to pursue other activities that will enhance her recruiting profile in different ways. She plays for an excellent travel organization and I know that the college recruiters use the travel teams to recruit, so, any negatives with this decision? I don't want my DD to miss something that is important, but I get an overall tone on this site that high school ball is something that players have to "recover" from come June

[Sam]

I am considering having my DD opt out of playing high school ball. Her school does not have a strong program, and we are considering having her use the dark period to pursue other activities that will enhance her recruiting profile in different ways. She plays for an excellent travel organization and I know that the college recruiters use the travel teams to recruit, so, any negatives with this decision? I don't want my DD to miss something that is important, but I get an overall tone on this site that high school ball is something that players have to "recover" from come June

This is a myth. Unless your kid has enough speed to run track instead of playing ball, she would simply be taking the season off to rest.

[tbjd33]

I am considering having my DD opt out of playing high school ball. Her school does not have a strong program, and we are considering having her use the dark period to pursue other activities that will enhance her recruiting profile in different ways. She plays for an excellent travel organization and I know that the college recruiters use the travel teams to recruit, so, any negatives with this decision? I don't want my DD to miss something that is important, but I get an overall tone on this site that high school ball is something that players have to "recover" from come June

Your correct to think that HS ball isn't much help or benefit. I know of many commits which opt out if HS ball. Most run track or simply work on grades and skill. It usually is discussed with their committed school getting their blessing.

I haven't heard of an uncommitted girl going that route. Recruiters don't recruit from high schools but they sure do monitor good and bad years.

I feel if your DDs Highschool has a good program it's definately a positive experience for her.

[Tyler Durden]

I am considering having my DD opt out of playing high school ball. Her school does not have a strong program, and we are considering having her use the dark period to pursue other activities that will enhance her recruiting profile in different ways. She plays for an excellent travel organization and I know that the college recruiters use the travel teams to recruit, so, any negatives with this decision? I don't want my DD to miss something that is important, but I get an overall tone on this site that high school ball is something that players have to "recover" from come June

This topic had a long but excellent thread a couple of years ago. I'm sure Hurrycane will be glad to find it and link it for your perusal.
But seriously, it was a good thread. To me, the downside was that your kid misses out on representing her school and community, and doesn't get to play ball with her classmates and friends. As an aside, when someone poses this question, and in their query, they note that "the school team sucks", this can be construed negatively against you.

[FUGEDABOUTIT]

If your DD is a Committed player, She should ask her College Coach. I would bet they would want her to play.

As bad as her High School team may be. There is no replacement for game time situations. You can practice all you want too. When the actual game starts , timing, reactions and game decisions are best learned during games.

We all know most High Schools Coaches are a far cry from there Travel Team. But not ALWAYS.

The last thing you want is for your DD to say "Wow, I wish I would have played this year".

Best of Luck!

[artomatic]

I wouldn't trade both my daughters' high school softball memories for anything.
I noticed you say "I'm considering having my DD opt out". What does your kid want to do?

I think it is a good time in their lives where they can wear their school uniforms, play with long time friends, maybe get their name in the paper.
My youngest kid was very fortunate to play in a strong program in a very tough division in socal. I understand not everyone gets that opportunity, but your kid can still enjoy this time and play, even if it's in a less competitive atmosphere.

[jonriv]

I wouldn't trade both my daughters' high school softball memories for anything.
I noticed you say "I'm considering having my DD opt out". What does your kid want to do?

I think it is a good time in their lives where they can wear their school uniforms, play with long time friends, maybe get their name in the paper.
My youngest kid was very fortunate to play in a strong program in a very tough division in socal. I understand not everyone gets that opportunity, but your kid can still enjoy this time and play, even if it's in a less competitive atmosphere.

Some excellent points Arto

Another thing is that the High School schedule is more like the schedule a college player experiences(although the level of play in TB is better.

Your DD just might be the thing to turn her HS program around. It may give her valuable leadership and character building opportunites. A chance to be THE player

My DDs High School team were perenial losers. Terrible program that had not made the playoffs in a decade. First two years she played they were still awful. Her Junior year she and a teammate(who now plays at Bowdoin) became Captains and made it their mission to improve the team. They pushed a talented but raw freshmen class and helped develop a sense of team. That year they made the playoffs, the following year they made it deeper into the state tournament in program history(still to this day) two games from the championship. Even after she graduated the team made the playoffs and even a conference championship two years after she graduated. Last year, despite losing just about all of their key players they still made the playoffs(one of those players is now at my DDs school playing) My DD takes pride in being a part of turning around a program that was a laughing stock into a winner. She and her fellow Captain were sick and tired of losing and would just no longer accept it. They pushed and supported their teammates in games and in practice. I believe it helped them to get into the schools they wanted. Both are now Captains on their college teams and their coaches credit that to their expierience as Captains in HS

[Dugout Dad]

You start your post with "I", but what does she want to do? Allow her to play for her school colors, regardless of your impression of the team, the girls do have fun. A college coach will see her not being on her HS team playing as a red flag of possibly not being a team player.

[59Invicta]

You start your post with "I", but what does she want to do? Allow her to play for her school colors, regardless of your impression of the team, the girls do have fun. A college coach will see her not being on her HS team playing as a red flag of possibly not being a team player.

Just to clarify, the idea to do this came from my DD..... "I" am considering it because I am still her parent

And thank you for all the replies so far. A lot to think about, which is exactly what I wanted.

[Pale Rider]

Cant apply one situation to every part of the Country...Art and my other SoCal friends have a pretty dandy set up...in most cases I guess...But here?
Really cant use 'One size fits all'...

Know of an SEC pitcher who didn't play HS ball, because she was going to used like a rented mule...Coach even told Dad she'd pitch EVERY inning...and she didn't want to...no reason...
So they didn't play HS ball...

Obviously shes a mack stud pitcher..(Shes now an SEC pitcher, ex B12) .
Now what if she had have pitched a gozillion games in HS and ruined her arm...for???? I also know of, 2 kids who cant hold their arms straight anymore due to HS ball overuse...