The Question

[jonriv]

When it comes to playing softball in college:

1) Would you rather be a bench warmer on a national championship team or an all-time record holder on a perennial loser?

2) A role player on a good team or the player that turns around a program?


3) Get a full-ride from a big state u or a chance to go to an Ivy League school?

4) Play at a DI school(but not be able to take the major you want) or a DIII that you could?

No right or wrong- just curious what was out there

[Tyler Durden]

Hmmm, let's see. My options are, would I want my daughter to sit on the bench at State U. and be getting a PE degree in 5 years; or be Softball Queen Bee at Ivy or a New England DIII Ivy wanna-be, and get an M.D.? That is a conundrum. No right or wrong answer there. I don't know. But seriously, I guess this 'question' is strategically designed to box in the reader where only a lunatic parent would choose Door #1. In that regard, it sometimes seems like you are posting threads that are fishing for validation of decisions that you have made. Nothing wrong with that. I for one think you have done a splendid job. Rest easy.

[jonriv]

These are obviously extremes, but I think given some of the postings on HB- not that out of line. There does seem to be somewhat of a change at HB where there seems to be a greater emphasis put on education over softball prowess. If you looked back a few years ago at some posts you would be ridiculed for suggesting a player go to the Ivy league over the Pac-12. Thanks for the re-assurance on my famlies choices , but our choices are done. I was posing the question more towards those who are beginning to make their own choices.


I do think though that many parents/players would chose a "big-name" school that they are not likely to start over a "lesser-name" school in which they would star. I also posed several different scenarios and welcome any others that can be provided

[ontheblack]

The problem with the question is that when 14 and 15 yr old kids verbal to Powerhouse U, they dont think they will be riding the bench.

Keep in mind that for many, any college education is a big deal.

[Tyler Durden]

The problem with the question is that when 14 and 15 yr old kids verbal to Powerhouse U, they dont think they will be riding the bench.

Keep in mind that for many, any college education is a big deal.

This is an excellent point. Where I grew up (over by JonBovi) it was assumed that 90% of the kids in my high school were going to University. The question wasn't 'Are you going to College after HS', the question was 'Are you gonna go to UConn if you can't get into Ivy'?
OTB is right I suspect. For many, it is Mission Accomplished just getting their kid into college. Any college.

[jonriv]

The problem with the question is that when 14 and 15 yr old kids verbal to Powerhouse U, they dont think they will be riding the bench.

Keep in mind that for many, any college education is a big deal.

Perhaps(maybe another reason why 14-15 year olds should not be verballing, but that is another post!) I think parents need to be involved in the process and have realistic ideas of their daughter's talents and what the recruiting classes and current players are on any given team. I also think there is a lot of parent ego that goes into some choices in many cases-not always for the best.

To your second point, I fully agree, one of the reasons I said there were no wrong answers.

I also think what Major is very important on what school is chosen. I am not sure the cost/benefit works out for all majors at all schools (imo)

College is a HUGE and very personal choice- the "right" answer is different for everyone. I do think it is important that the "right" questions be asked as well(jmo)

[J_O_E]

There does seem to be somewhat of a change at HB where there seems to be a greater emphasis put on education over softball prowess.

Perhaps they should ban DIII softball...

[Safebyahare]

When it comes to playing softball in college:

1) Would you rather be a bench warmer on a national championship team or an all-time record holder on a perennial loser? Play

2) A role player on a good team or the player that turns around a program? Play


3) Get a full-ride from a big state u or a chance to go to an Ivy League school? Not Ivy material

4) Play at a DI school(but not be able to take the major you want) or a DIII that you could? Both

No right or wrong- just curious what was out there

The right answer is: the school that fits.
The school she will be happy at.
1. She wants to play.
2.That will be up to her, and as long as she loves the pursuit, I'm good.
3. Reality check. Is it what she wants or what I want,,,,
4. This is the spot were parents can screw it up. So many parents believe in the DI class / pride warfare. Or just send their dd to any school that offers. Shop, research, shop, research, pursue.
Great post.

[jonriv]

3. Reality check. Is it what she wants or what I want,,,,
4. This is the spot were parents can screw it up. So many parents believe in the DI class / pride warfare. Or just send their dd to any school that offers. Shop, research, shop, research, pursue.

Some great points

For those that are currently in the recruiting process- try listening to what comes out of the mouth of some of your fellow parents while attending showcases and camps- the misinformation, lies., boasting etc..... can be enough to drive the uninformed crazy

Shop, research, shop, research, pursue.

is very sage advice

[AlwaysImprove]

Too many varied scenarios. As Spazsdad points out, some kids life experience can be greatly enhanced by playing some great softball and getting a degree. Others may be super smart kids where softball can become that ticket to that next level university.

For some they pursue it until it becomes crystal clear that it is not going to happen, still they learned a lot, made some friends, stayed out of the malls, learned a ton about life and how to handle themselves.

I do think that people are being much more intelligent about their recruiting approach. They know the coach only knows so much, can only help you so much. Unless are on a Firecrackers, BatBusters, Corona Angles level of team. That reckless pursuit of softball scholarship often results in bad decisions.

Also, I chuckle when people point at others after they have a challenging event. Whether that be not getting into a college, getting into a college and not doing that well and coming home. My life was certainly never straight forward. Quite often after one of these 'challenges', I land square on my feet, build something great, and it is those that were laughing that are end up calling me asking me if there is any work.

Rarely is life is a straight path. Only know a few people that have had that straight path. They are boring people and I don't enjoy their company much.