I keep all of the players on the team the same age to avoid turnovers year after year. For me, it insures some continuity in the development.
^ Especially helpful if you can get a group of "like" ages together at about 12u. Most teams lose bodies for enough other reasons without adding "age attrition". If anything, try to recruit "younger" players that are motivated to challenge themselves and play up when the team moves to the next age bracket.
Sammy...yes to both questions. Why does it make a difference? Like I said, these may be goofy questions, but I need to learn!
No such thing as a goofy question!! And YES it does make a huge difference, depending on your goals. From what you're saying, it sounds like your DD is at the prime college recruiting age - or will be next summer. I might get crucified for some of my opinions, but I'm going to give my HONEST opinions here. IF your DD truly wants to play college ball, there's a LOT of hard work involved, but nothing worthwhile comes without sacrifices - right?
With those goals in mind, you need to ask the travel coaches at tryouts some key questions. On top of that question list is "What tournaments did you attend LAST summer, and where do you intend to play NEXT summer - and WHY? Make it clear to the coaches what your DD's goals are. With a little research, you'll find a list of teams that tend to provide that avenue for their players. Assuming your DD is a quality athlete, encourage her to try out for a team "she thinks is above her talent level". Challenge her to play up to the best of her ability!
It's no secret (and common sense) that college coaches want hard working athletes that are committed to challenging themselves on the playing field. They want kids who can show they have the skill and drive to play at the college level. She needs to be able to write a letter next spring to college coaches with a list of TOP LEVEL tournaments her team will attend. Coaches DO look at what teams are playing in tournaments, and they KNOW what level those teams are. If your DD can say she's playing against the best, those college coaches will definitely want to see her perform.
Playing what amounts to "community level" ball won't get the job done. There are a TON of these venues in summer, and they fill a necessary spot in the scheme of things. It's a known fact that college ball is not on everyone's list, and that's fine. I'd rather see a girl playing rec. level ball with a smile on her face than a college bound player with a bad attitude! Figuring out which level is best for YOUR DD will save a LOT of anguish!
Finally, do your homework about what sanctioning bodies (ASA, NSA, USSSA, etc.) host these competitive showcase tournaments. Better still, take your DD to a few college camps this coming fall and winter, and ask the college coaches DIRECTLY what summer tournaments they recruit at and why. College coaches are a GREAT resource for answering recruiting type questions, so get your money's worth at those camps.
Hope that helps...
