You can get a LOT of info from a prospective school's team website: Roster size, number of girls in respective positions (and their graduation year), etc. I'd go there first. You can get the coach's background, team records and historical data, player stats - you name it. You can basically build a profile of the team, and get a real good idea of what the coach is looking for - at least position-wise. Get a copy of the team's media guide. Sometimes it's available as a download from the website.
Coaches are well versed in the routine. They'll more than likely answer a lot of your questions before you even ask them! Be prepared to (humbly) tell the coach how you see yourself contributing to the team. There'll be a LOT of questions that have absolutely NOTHING to do with softball - or so you'd think. Coach wants to know what kind of person you are. We interviewed with Julie Jones, and probably 90% of the conversation was about academics, volunteer work, personal life issues, etc.
If it's a NCAA Div. I school, don't even bother asking about practice time - I guarantee they will use every minute that is allowable by NCAA guidelines. As far as playing time, the coach probably wouldn't be recruiting you if she didn't think you could contribute. But that's up to you in how hard you work, and how well you adapt to the college game. The workouts, strength training, conditioning, etc. is very rigorous, but you'll be in the greatest shape of your life - and a better ball player.
Personally, I wouldn't ask about the drinking policy. Look at it this way - if you're under 21 and drinking in Ohio, you're breaking the law. You're an incoming 18 year old freshman. Most girls won't be 21 until they're at least a junior. So if you ask the coach, a red flag pops up, and she thinks "Is this girl a potential problem? If she's drinking at 18, what else is she doing?" NOT that you ARE drinking, but just avoid the issue. If those type of questions really bother you, ask the coach for a copy of the team guidelines. It will give the drug/alcohol policy. It's usually pretty severe, so if you value your scholarsip offer, wise up, grow up and take care of the "easy things" that you can control.
As far as a team fit, spending the night with the team and touring the campus will give you a good idea. Would you feel comfortable living with these kids on this campus for 4 years? First impressions and "gut instinct" are important here. If you don't like the coach, it probably won't get any better - likely it will get worse.
Good luck in your search!!
