How bad is D2 and 3?

[Stan the Caddy]

My DD has been offered scholarships at a couple D1 schools. They are not her top choice, which is out of the running now. She doesn't seem to be interested in the D1's that have offered, but there is a D3 school that she really likes and they are in love with her.

I am trying to put my ego aside, which I think I can do. My question is, what is the level of softball at the D2 and 3 level? She is obviously good enough for D1, will she be happy playing D3? Are we talking Triple Crown vs. Premier? How big of a part of the decision making process should be based on what division the school plays in?

I think in 10 years it won't matter anyway, but I want her to have the best experience she can get.

[Joe]

My DD has been offered scholarships at a couple D1 schools. They are not her top choice, which is out of the running now. She doesn't seem to be interested in the D1's that have offered, but there is a D3 school that she really likes and they are in love with her.

I am trying to put my ego aside, which I think I can do. My question is, what is the level of softball at the D2 and 3 level? She is obviously good enough for D1, will she be happy playing D3? Are we talking Triple Crown vs. Premier? How big of a part of the decision making process should be based on what division the school plays in?

I think in 10 years it won't matter anyway, but I want her to have the best experience she can get.

At this point you would be well-advised to start worrying about the quality of the education she's about to get. Someone's offering her some coin to go the their school? Pick the best one that will get her ready for the big show....the game she'll be playing for next 40 years. The game called life!

[hotwheels]

My DD has been offered scholarships at a couple D1 schools. They are not her top choice, which is out of the running now. She doesn't seem to be interested in the D1's that have offered, but there is a D3 school that she really likes and they are in love with her.

I am trying to put my ego aside, which I think I can do. My question is, what is the level of softball at the D2 and 3 level? She is obviously good enough for D1, will she be happy playing D3? Are we talking Triple Crown vs. Premier? How big of a part of the decision making process should be based on what division the school plays in?

I think in 10 years it won't matter anyway, but I want her to have the best experience she can get.

My advice is whatever SHE feels comfortable with...After all, it's HER scholarship and I don't think that you will be picking up a bat anytime soon...It's all about the education being paid for is it not??...She earned her goal let her go where she's comfortable with no matter what number follows the D...

[Goldcoloredglasses]

The question should be how much better is this D2/D3 university compared to your state D1 school that has 50k students? I don't care how good you play softball it's all about the education. There is not a lot softball money after college (even the Pros). I know 2 young ladies currently playing pro ball both in the US and Japan. The money is just not there.
Teacher/student ratio plus value of schools reputation rules over everything. Ya better have a plan other than softball.

[SoftballSoccerDad]

It sounds as if money isn't an issue for you and that level of play isn't a huge issue for her.

That being the case, there's really only one question your daughter needs to ask herself:

"Is this a school I would definitely attend if I weren't playing softball?"

Trust me when I say that no one outside of you is going to care about massaging your ego when you start talking about your daughter the D-whatever softball player. It should be all about your daughter embarking on a new adventure and having experiences that will give her positive memories for a lifetime.

[Skarp]

Trust me when I say that no one outside of you is going to care about massaging your ego when you start talking about your daughter the D-whatever softball player.

Isn't that the truth! Most people outside of this community haven't the faintest clue what fastpitch softball even is, let alone how much talent and dedication a girl has to have to play at the D1 level. And most of them don't want to hear us prattle on about our kids softball exploits, either.

Parental ego should rank about dead last, if at all, on the list of factors one should consider when choosing a school.

[Dropn N]

My DD has been offered scholarships at a couple D1 schools. They are not her top choice, which is out of the running now. She doesn't seem to be interested in the D1's that have offered, but there is a D3 school that she really likes and they are in love with her.

I am trying to put my ego aside, which I think I can do. My question is, what is the level of softball at the D2 and 3 level? She is obviously good enough for D1, will she be happy playing D3? Are we talking Triple Crown vs. Premier? How big of a part of the decision making process should be based on what division the school plays in?

I think in 10 years it won't matter anyway, but I want her to have the best experience she can get.

Before you posted your question you should have thought it through and you would have had your answer (very obvious). Normally you would have been torn a new one.....but not tonight! Now go re-read it!

[Surehitter]

It is all about the education !!! The things you need to be concerned about are below.

1. Quality of the school and value of a degree from that school.

2. Is the coach going to work the girls to hard trying to get his/her D1 gig at all costs.

3. Will your daughter play down to the talent around her ( many do ).

4. Look at last four years rosters and see how long players lasted and where they came from.

[noclu13]

Very good advise on the education aspect. But a couple things on the different levels.

DI -- This is like having a job. She will spend a large percentage of her time doing softball related things. This starts on the first day of school (actually most give a required workout and nutrition program the summer before she starts in school) and runs through the end of school and in some cases beyond.

DII - There is a wide variety of DII programs. Most operate exactly like the DI programs do. But the operate on less money and less scholarships. Workouts and time required is very similar if not exactly the same. The CCAA in California operates like this as do the other 2 California/Hawaii/ Oregon/ Washington conferences and many other conferences throughout the country. There are some that take it less seriously but most are as described.

DIII -- There are some very good DIII programs out there. However the DIII programs typically are not as intense as DI and DII. They run a limited fall program and don't really get started in earnest until after Christmas break. There is some work done in the so called off periods but no where near as much as in DI or DII. At most schools, players are expected to be students first and then athletes. The time committment is considerably less. Of course there is no athletic money at the DIII level.

I hope that helps

[TheCloser]

I'd steer away from DIII schools if money is a factor. First, most are private and expensive. Second, they don't give scholarships.

If your kid is a good student they can probably hook you up with some nice grant money but that usually won't cover all of your tuition.