Buyer Beware- "College Showcase" Teams Advertisements

[vikingsix]

its good to be back after the famed OFC outage.

I've been trolling this board the last few days and have noticed an advent of "college showcase teams" popping up all over the place. I just want parents to be careful and do your homework before you jump in, hook line and sinker

In my experience, here are some very important questions parents should research while looking at these teams:

(1) there are different "levels" of showcases- some take everyone who applies, others are more selective. The more selective ones draw large crowds of division 1 college coaches while the "open" ones tend to have mostly D3 schools and a few D2's and possible a local D1. An example of an "open" showcase in Ohio would be the Wolf Pack Best of the Best. Still a great run tournament but not selective.

If your daughter has dreams of playing D1, you need to get to the top/selective showcases and be seen. It is very important to pick a travel ball team that will provide you with an opportunity to be seen by the colleges that your daughter is interested in. Also, as some of us know, not only do you have to get into the tournament, you also have to get on the right fields to get the best matchups. This is LARGELY political and the name on the front of your jersey matters.

An example of the networking can be seen by simply going to the PGF website- you will see the list of state directors and what organization they are affiliated. Look at this and see if you notice something? these are some of the top teams around- most host top level showcases and there is an "understanding" that they attend each others events.

Unfortunately, travel ball is like most things in life, involves a ton of networking. Again, this is where the name of the front of the jersey, and who the coach is matters - if your travel team isn't "well connected" amongst the travel ball community, then its very difficult to get into the selective showcases.

Why did i bold, travel ball? because it is IMPORTANT to separate travel ball from high school ball. Many high school coaches are "connected" in high school circles and might even have a few college connections. However, that does not mean they are connected in the travel ball community. Also, please know that 99% of college coaches DO NOT WANT TO TALK WITH A HIGH SCHOOL COACH!! they do not care if little susie batted .600 in high school ball or, you won this district championship- sure it looks good on your resume but it is NOT AN ACCURATE PICTURE of what you can do amongst the best players in the country- college coaches want to know you can hit against the best pitchers in the country. If you do not believe me, pick up the phone, call the college coach and ask them.

Better yet, if your daughter has dreams of playing at XYZ university, look to see what travel teams serve as feeders for those schools. The best way to do this is to visit a site that lists the kids that have committed to that school and there class year- here is one such site: http://www.goldfastpitch.com/verbals/

Do you see your "college showcase" team listed on these sites?


(2) What showcases did the team participate in last year? how did they fair?

Why is this important? The top showcases (Stingrays, Boulder, Demarini invite, O'Fallon, Scenic City, Atlanta Legacy, St. Louis I, PGF Fall Brawl) don't just let anyone in- these applications are filled out typically 6 months to a year in advance. Look for teams that have a HISTORY of going to those showcases. GO TO THE ORGANIZATIONS WEBSITE AND SEE WHAT SCHEDULE THEY PLAYED LAST YEAR!!!

If they didn't play in the tournament last year, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that they will get in this year unless the team had a break out year and won ASA Nationals, ranked in the top 10 at PGF Nationals etc. Please do not be fooled into thinking otherwise. DO your homework- google those showcases and see what teams participate in them last year- most have already posted who has been accepted for this fall.

ALSO, if you are a "new" team, the odds of you getting into these top showcases are slim to none- unless your new team is the Beverly Bandits, NJ Intensity, Illinois Chill or Southern Force. Teams from TOP organizations like the Indiana Magic Gold and Indiana Dreams, are able to get into those showcases by showing they had a great record the previous year.

If the team did play in those showcases, its important to note how they did to see if they will get invited back.

 

[Louuuuu]

VikingSix, I agree with everything you said. However, (and I always have a "however") most players who are 'D1 Worthy' are already on a good team - One where the coaches actually improve the players, and has connections.

I'm afraid that a lot of "coaches", using the term loosely, want to put together a Showcase Team for the same reason many people label their teams Gold or Elite; that is, they expect a better grade of player to come to their tryouts.

If a player truly has the talent and does the leg work (e-mails, visits, phone calls, etc), then a "Showcase Team" is redundant. And a waste of extra money.

 

[DougA10]

I laugh and shake my head every time I see where a team claims to be a College Showcase or College Exposure team. Just look a the great teams that continue to have their players go on to play D1, not sure any of them label theirselves this way.

 

[Joker2]

its good to be back after the famed OFC outage.

I've been trolling this board the last few days and have noticed an advent of "college showcase teams" popping up all over the place. I just want parents to be careful and do your homework before you jump in, hook line and sinker

In my experience, here are some very important questions parents should research while looking at these teams:

(1) there are different "levels" of showcases- some take everyone who applies, others are more selective. The more selective ones draw large crowds of division 1 college coaches while the "open" ones tend to have mostly D3 schools and a few D2's and possible a local D1. An example of an "open" showcase in Ohio would be the Wolf Pack Best of the Best. Still a great run tournament but not selective.

If your daughter has dreams of playing D1, you need to get to the top/selective showcases and be seen. It is very important to pick a travel ball team that will provide you with an opportunity to be seen by the colleges that your daughter is interested in. Also, as some of us know, not only do you have to get into the tournament, you also have to get on the right fields to get the best matchups. This is LARGELY political and the name on the front of your jersey matters.

An example of the networking can be seen by simply going to the PGF website- you will see the list of state directors and what organization they are affiliated. Look at this and see if you notice something? these are some of the top teams around- most host top level showcases and there is an "understanding" that they attend each others events.

Unfortunately, travel ball is like most things in life, involves a ton of networking. Again, this is where the name of the front of the jersey, and who the coach is matters - if your travel team isn't "well connected" amongst the travel ball community, then its very difficult to get into the selective showcases.

Why did i bold, travel ball? because it is IMPORTANT to separate travel ball from high school ball. Many high school coaches are "connected" in high school circles and might even have a few college connections. However, that does not mean they are connected in the travel ball community. Also, please know that 99% of college coaches DO NOT WANT TO TALK WITH A HIGH SCHOOL COACH!! they do not care if little susie batted .600 in high school ball or, you won this district championship- sure it looks good on your resume but it is NOT AN ACCURATE PICTURE of what you can do amongst the best players in the country- college coaches want to know you can hit against the best pitchers in the country. If you do not believe me, pick up the phone, call the college coach and ask them.

Better yet, if your daughter has dreams of playing at XYZ university, look to see what travel teams serve as feeders for those schools. The best way to do this is to visit a site that lists the kids that have committed to that school and there class year- here is one such site: http://www.goldfastpitch.com/verbals/

Do you see your "college showcase" team listed on these sites?


(2) What showcases did the team participate in last year? how did they fair?

Why is this important? The top showcases (Stingrays, Boulder, Demarini invite, O'Fallon, Scenic City, Atlanta Legacy, St. Louis I, PGF Fall Brawl) don't just let anyone in- these applications are filled out typically 6 months to a year in advance. Look for teams that have a HISTORY of going to those showcases. GO TO THE ORGANIZATIONS WEBSITE AND SEE WHAT SCHEDULE THEY PLAYED LAST YEAR!!!

If they didn't play in the tournament last year, it is unlikely (but not impossible) that they will get in this year unless the team had a break out year and won ASA Nationals, ranked in the top 10 at PGF Nationals etc. Please do not be fooled into thinking otherwise. DO your homework- google those showcases and see what teams participate in them last year- most have already posted who has been accepted for this fall.

ALSO, if you are a "new" team, the odds of you getting into these top showcases are slim to none- unless your new team is the Beverly Bandits, NJ Intensity, Illinois Chill or Southern Force. Teams from TOP organizations like the Indiana Magic Gold and Indiana Dreams, are able to get into those showcases by showing they had a great record the previous year.

If the team did play in those showcases, its important to note how they did to see if they will get invited back.

Well said......filed under things I wished I would have known and learned the hard way!

 

[Louuuuu]

The term "College Showcase Team" is just the latest buzzword.

College coaches had no problems filling their rosters before someone came up with a Showcase Team...

 

[vikingsix]

The term "College Showcase Team" is just the latest buzzword.

College coaches had no problems filling their rosters before someone came up with a Showcase Team...

Louuuuuu,
I agree that its the latest buzzword. I'll also add that "showcasing" and especially the fall season has become more important than ever. Back in the day (when my oldest played- and yes she went D1 mid major) no-one played fall showcases. Now adays , fall is when the serious recruiting occurs. The sport has grown, the talent is growing (more kids have instructors for hitting, pitching, fielding) and more kids are devoting time to getting stronger. However, the same amount of scholarships really hasn't changed.... sure some schools have added softball to their programs, while other - just recently, have dropped it. Coaches ONLY GET SO MANY RECRUITING DAYS SO THEY GO TO EVENTS THAT HAVE THE MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK

now grant it, there are some kids that are THAT GOOD - i mean super elite- that don't need much "showcasing" These kids get recruited by the BIG schools early without having had to showcase much- some are 14 years old! BUT, dont forget, these kids are expected to up their game (by playing tough competition year round)- so they can take that step onto the field when the actually GET to college. biggest mistake some make is verballing then deciding to play "local"- i'm sorry in college you will be facing talent from across the country.

For most of the great softball players out there, in order for them to display their "wow" factor, they have to get in front of colleges. Sure, you can go to the camp BUT schools want to see that you can hit off live pitching and can field a ball in game pressure situations. This is what showcasing offers.

You will always have a handful of kids that go on to play D2, low level D1 that didn't travel outside of their state for softball. Some of these kids will be lumped onto teams that have kids that HAVE traveled outside of their state and have played great competition (even at the D2 level). In the end, its all about who is prepared and who can produce.

 

[AkronCarPro]

Beware large, well known organizations who field multiple teams in each age group in order to generate revenue rather than to develop the players. Most often you end up with one stacked team and several mediocre teams. Who is the coach? Is it someone who has won multiple state championships in either high school, or travel ball, or both? - someone who has had multiple players go on to play collegiate softball. NOT someone who takes credit for players who were developed elsewhere, but gives the credit to his players for their hard work and sacrifice. Beware people who run down other programs. I've been in sales for 25+ years, and I learned a long time ago that you should tout the merits of your product rather than running down the competition. In the sales arena, people who sell their product by running down the competition do not have confidence in the merits of their own product. I believe the same rule applies to softball. Why don't we let the girls work it out on the field and we'll see who is holding trophy when the dust settles.

 

[G3automotive]

There are organizations that don't have the track record of success yet . so what they do is they mix up a giant batch of kool aid ...... and pass it around !!!!!! and there are a lot of parents and coaches that love to drink it !!!! but when its all gone all people have left is a empty glass and a cool mustache .....

kool aid is cheap
mustache are cool !
that's about it in a nut shell

 

[HITTER23]

There are organizations that don't have the track record of success yet . so what they do is they mix up a giant batch of kool aid ...... and pass it around !!!!!! and there are a lot of parents and coaches that love to drink it !!!! but when its all gone all people have left is a empty glass and a cool mustache .....

kool aid is cheap
mustache are cool !
that's about it in a nut shell

Ok, this was what i was alluding to last night with you lol.

 

[vikingsix]

Beware large, well known organizations who field multiple teams in each age group in order to generate revenue rather than to develop the players. Most often you end up with one stacked team and several mediocre teams. Who is the coach? Is it someone who has won multiple state championships in either high school, or travel ball, or both? - someone who has had multiple players go on to play collegiate softball. NOT someone who takes credit for players who were developed elsewhere, but gives the credit to his players for their hard work and sacrifice. Beware people who run down other programs. I've been in sales for 25+ years, and I learned a long time ago that you should tout the merits of your product rather than running down the competition. In the sales arena, people who sell their product by running down the competition do not have confidence in the merits of their own product. I believe the same rule applies to softball. Why don't we let the girls work it out on the field and we'll see who is holding trophy when the dust settles.

I have no clue why this was posted on this thread- please enlighten me?
what does "developing" player & "taking credit" have to do with choosing a team that would help a player get recruited?

I'm sorry if your team lost players to the likes of the Bandits, Lasers, etc....what, let me guess, you THINK you developed these girls and made them the players they are today and now won't get "credit" when they verbal because at the time of their verbal, they are playing for a top organization that puts them in front of the college coaches? GET OVER YOURSELF!! If you offered those kids what they wanted in the first place, they wouldn't have left

 

[AkronCarPro]

I have utmost respect for both the Bandits and the Lasers. I was not referencing either team, and I'm not here to get into a shouting match. I just believe that credit should be given to the name on the back of the jersey, not the front.

 

[Coach Sonny]

My oldest daughter just graduated from college this year. When we started the first Cincy Static "College Exposure" team back in 2008 it was a totally different environment. The term "college exposure" was not used so loosely as it is today. I recall the effort that I had to go through to prove to the TD's of the true "College Showcase" events that my players had the grades, player resumes and deserved to be invited to their events. The best "College Showcase" tournaments must ensure that they have the right "product" or they risk college coaches choosing other events to attend over theirs. As a head coach I was always very careful to make sure to NEVER sacrifice my integrity to try to get a player or my team into an event. If you misrepresent your team and show up with something other than described you can count on never getting invited back. TD's know the difference between a team having a bad weekend or struggling through injury as compared to a team that just didn't belong there. I have had parents over the years who have wanted me to submit a letter of recommendation for their daughters to a college coach or to aid them in getting into special individual events such as the QDSN etc. I have ALWAYS been honest and have only recommended the players that truly deserved it.

I started coaching 8U/9U players back in 2011 after my daughter went off to play in college so now that my players are entering 7th and 8th grade I am getting close to re-entering the "College Showcase" arena again. I have been building a resume for my '01 team over the last three years by successfully playing a very STRONG ASA "A" schedule and making ASA "A" level Nationals each of those years but more importantly by making sure that ALL of my players are excellent students academically. History is a good indicator of future performance so I recommend to any new team that wishes to be invited to the best "College Showcase" events later on to do these things at the younger ages NOW. I have no doubt that the TD's, college coaches and individual event folks will look back and remember, appreciate and reward Sonny Ross this second time through for having integrity when applying for their events, showing up and playing with a recruitable "product" and for making recommendations to accept a player because she was the real deal and deserved the opportunity...that sort of credibility as a coach must be present at all times. This sort of honesty is key in all facets of "College Exposure" and being straight with the TD of a "College Showcase" event is a MUST!!! Putting the tag "College Exposure" on a team doesn't make you one...that is earned! Fortunately for us we were able to prove ourselves on the field in those early days and were invited back year after year. 90% of the players from that team went on to play collegiately and I am very thankful for that and look forward to doing it all over again

 

[CarMad]

I am just wondering why there is any bashing going on at all? What about all the kids that did want to play for an "Elite Org." but didn't make the team? Or just can't financially commit to the huge expense. Try outs are tough to stand out at especially when any kid could have a bad day or a mediocre one happens to hit well. There are plenty of diamonds in the rough that need an opportunity and if they see a post where it is the intentions of a team to showcase the kids is this not good? Why do you even care? Most of the kids playing 16u and up on big name teams who are D1 type are already set. What are the alternatives for the others who would like a chance to play in college?
Here is my dilemma: At what point does the cost become stupid? 4 to 8 years of traveling all over the country would easily be more than the financial benefit received from a softball scholarship. Only a few of the elite get the full ride. Unless you believe every parent who opens their mouth. Ohio State could offer books and next thing you know "Suzie" got a full ride. Some common sense has to be used. Most parents can't risk a second mortgage on their home in order to jump from Cali to Colorado to Georgia to where ever else they may go every year.
Just playing Devils advocate here. My oldest is set and I'm not sure what we'll end up doing with the next one over the next 7 years!

 

[ApogeeDemon]

There are many organizations that have 3-4 teams at every age group. Then they don't specify which one is better than the most. That team takes the top tier. The other 2-3 teams end up being mediocre. They should just designate those 2-3 teams "money generators." Hi, we really liked your daughter at tryouts! We would like to offer her a spot on one of our money generator teams." How does that sound?

 

[wvanalmsick]

There are many organizations that have 3-4 teams at every age group. Then they don't specify which one is better than the most. That team takes the top tier. The other 2-3 teams end up being mediocre. They should just designate those 2-3 teams "money generators." Hi, we really liked your daughter at tryouts! We would like to offer her a spot on one of our money generator teams." How does that sound?

Sorry, I disagree somewhat with you on this. For every girl, there is a fit. Kids develop at different rates. Not every girl plays travel ball to get a college scholarship. A lot of them just want to play competitive ball. At the younger age groups, you have to get the kids repetitions. By having 14 girls on a 10U team, there will be 4-5 that don't get a lot of game-time repetitions. So, some organizations have 3-4 teams, especially at the younger age groups, that have say, 11-12 players on the roster and then all of the girls get close to equal game-time repetitions. The skill set of each team should be close to equal across the entire roster. So, yes, you will have a team that has an "A" skill set, a team with a "B" skill set, and a team with a "C" skill set.

The overall purpose of all of the teams is, by the end of the season, to develop their players to move up to a team with a higher skill set. So, next season, little Suzy might be able to jump from "AA" to the "Majors". This works great in theory but.....

Parents don't know how to honestly assess their DD's true skill set, or they will not believe the coaches assessment or the coach is desperate and just starts filling holes in his roster so he has bodies to put on the bench "just in case" or the coach is possessive about his work in developing a player.

 

[ApogeeDemon]

Sorry, I disagree somewhat with you on this. For every girl, there is a fit. Kids develop at different rates. Not every girl plays travel ball to get a college scholarship. A lot of them just want to play competitive ball. At the younger age groups, you have to get the kids repetitions. By having 14 girls on a 10U team, there will be 4-5 that don't get a lot of game-time repetitions. So, some organizations have 3-4 teams, especially at the younger age groups, that have say, 11-12 players on the roster and then all of the girls get close to equal game-time repetitions. The skill set of each team should be close to equal across the entire roster. So, yes, you will have a team that has an "A" skill set, a team with a "B" skill set, and a team with a "C" skill set.

The overall purpose of all of the teams is, by the end of the season, to develop their players to move up to a team with a higher skill set. So, next season, little Suzy might be able to jump from "AA" to the "Majors". This works great in theory but.....

Parents don't know how to honestly assess their DD's true skill set, or they will not believe the coaches assessment or the coach is desperate and just starts filling holes in his roster so he has bodies to put on the bench "just in case" or the coach is possessive about his work in developing a player.

But at tryouts, which organizations tell parents that we have three teams for your daughter. Team A is our best, B is second Best, Team C is the least skilled. I have seen them divide them up without telling the parents. Then Suzy accepts a position and ends up on team C with a crappy team and a crappy coach. You are correct, I'm sure parents think Suzy might be team A material. Then it ties into the other post, that crappy team C sticks elite or gold on the end of their name and case solved!

 

[joboo1drew]

But at tryouts, which organizations tell parents that we have three teams for your daughter. Team A is our best, B is second Best, Team C is the least skilled. I have seen them divide them up without telling the parents. Then Suzy accepts a position and ends up on team C with a crappy team and a crappy coach. You are correct, I'm sure parents think Suzy might be team A material. Then it ties into the other post, that crappy team C sticks elite or gold on the end of their name and case solved!

I get what you are saying, which might be the case at the younger age groups like 10's and possibly 12's, but by the time you are 14's, parents had best know which teams are the better ones by seeing how they play in tournaments. I have learned over the past few years trust what you see with your own eyes, not what the prospective coach wants you to believe. I will go back to a previous post of mine, most coaches know how their prospective players are before try outs and those are a mere formality most of the time.

 

[wvanalmsick]

But at tryouts, which organizations tell parents that we have three teams for your daughter. Team A is our best, B is second Best, Team C is the least skilled. I have seen them divide them up without telling the parents. Then Suzy accepts a position and ends up on team C with a crappy team and a crappy coach. You are correct, I'm sure parents think Suzy might be team A material. Then it ties into the other post, that crappy team C sticks elite or gold on the end of their name and case solved!

True. Communications is the downfall of many an organization.

 

[geowardjr]

Well, I have to say for the past few years it has been pounded in my head to make sure your daughters are playing on a showcase team, or at least a team that is playing showcase tournaments when they are 16. "16, going into her junior year in HS is their most important year" ........... This year, 16u, We luckily found a "Premier" team that played in mainly showcase tournaments. It was the absolute highest level of competition my dd's have ever played in. It was nice seeing the game played as we all wish the game could always be played (minimal errors with EVERY player in every position contributing and seeing actual base hits, small ball, teams who makes the least amount of mistakes wins.)

THE DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY WAS that we found this type of team a little later than we should have ...... I talked to a handful of large D1 coaches this summer and happened to sit next to an SEC head coach at tonight's Akron Racer's game. The majority of the Big 10, SEC, and larger D1 schools are done recruiting their 2015, 2016 players .... they are almost done with their 2017 recruits and are now looking at 2018 - 2019 recruiting class ...... do the math, these are girls who are going to be 8th and 9th graders this fall. IF YOU FEEL YOUR DD HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL, START LOOKING FOR COMPETITIVE TEAMS / ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE GETTING INTO THE SHOWCASE TOURNAMENTS, PLAYING IN QUALITY TOURNAMENTS, AND HAVE THE RESPECT OF THE COLLEGE COACHES. DO THIS SOONER THAN LATER.

There is absolutely no problem with the girls who simply want to play, above average, competitive, softball but have minimal desire to take their game to the college level. For those who truly have the desire to play the next level, bite the bullet and find a team / organization (with coaches, players, and families that have similar goals). The window of time is smaller than you think.

THIS OPINION IS ASSUMING YOUR GOAL IS TO GO TO A BIGGER SCHOOL ... THERE ARE STILL MANY SMALLER DI - DII SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR 2015-2017)

Regardless of the team you find ...... always have fun, respect the game, respect each other, play hard and great things will happen!

Good Luck to everyone out there searching for their teams.

 

[ApogeeDemon]

Well, I have to say for the past few years it has been pounded in my head to make sure your daughters are playing on a showcase team, or at least a team that is playing showcase tournaments when they are 16. "16, going into her junior year in HS is their most important year" ........... This year, 16u, We luckily found a "Premier" team that played in mainly showcase tournaments. It was the absolute highest level of competition my dd's have ever played in. It was nice seeing the game played as we all wish the game could always be played (minimal errors with EVERY player in every position contributing and seeing actual base hits, small ball, teams who makes the least amount of mistakes wins.)

THE DISAPPOINTING DISCOVERY WAS that we found this type of team a little later than we should have ...... I talked to a handful of large D1 coaches this summer and happened to sit next to an SEC head coach at tonight's Akron Racer's game. The majority of the Big 10, SEC, and larger D1 schools are done recruiting their 2015, 2016 players .... they are almost done with their 2017 recruits and are now looking at 2018 - 2019 recruiting class ...... do the math, these are girls who are going to be 8th and 9th graders this fall. IF YOU FEEL YOUR DD HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL, START LOOKING FOR COMPETITIVE TEAMS / ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE GETTING INTO THE SHOWCASE TOURNAMENTS, PLAYING IN QUALITY TOURNAMENTS, AND HAVE THE RESPECT OF THE COLLEGE COACHES. DO THIS SOONER THAN LATER.

There is absolutely no problem with the girls who simply want to play, above average, competitive, softball but have minimal desire to take their game to the college level. For those who truly have the desire to play the next level, bite the bullet and find a team / organization (with coaches, players, and families that have similar goals). The window of time is smaller than you think.

THIS OPINION IS ASSUMING YOUR GOAL IS TO GO TO A BIGGER SCHOOL ... THERE ARE STILL MANY SMALLER DI - DII SCHOOLS LOOKING FOR 2015-2017)

Regardless of the team you find ...... always have fun, respect the game, respect each other, play hard and great things will happen!

Good Luck to everyone out there searching for their teams.

Great points geo. One thing that I will say is that many people believe you have to be on a top level team to "play at the next level." I would agree to that for DI and most DII schools. However, I can show you many really bad college teams! Teams that constantly lose year after year in college. Their players are not very good at all. Playing on a regular team that may not do many showcases will still get you on a college team. Now, you wont get athletic money but you'll still play in college. If youre chasing the money, then ya, better find a top level team and get noticed.