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I'm trying to get a consensus of what everyone feels are the best College Showcase events within 500 miles of Eastern OH - Western PA area. If not a show case, then tournaments that attract a large number of college coaches.
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As far as showcases, I would say (using your criteria only):
Showcases:
1. Queen of Diamonds on Labor Day weekend
2. Kent State Showcase Camp
3. Queen of Diamonds (if coaches do not leave on Saturday night to go to Rising Stars)
4. Sinclair is a distant fourth, but they are doing the right thing and attracting good teams. I think this one could develop into something.
Tournaments:
18U only
1. Best of the Best
Any age
2. Tie between Stingrays and Compuware--if Stingrays can keep the teams close together and close in game time.
3. Aunt Rosie's (if they are within 500 miles)
4. GAPSS - if they can keep the 16U and 18U teams close together instead of hopping from field to field.
I know there are others, but these are the ones I am familiar with.
Showcases:
1. Queen of Diamonds on Labor Day weekend
2. Kent State Showcase Camp
3. Queen of Diamonds (if coaches do not leave on Saturday night to go to Rising Stars)
4. Sinclair is a distant fourth, but they are doing the right thing and attracting good teams. I think this one could develop into something.
Tournaments:
18U only
1. Best of the Best
Any age
2. Tie between Stingrays and Compuware--if Stingrays can keep the teams close together and close in game time.
3. Aunt Rosie's (if they are within 500 miles)
4. GAPSS - if they can keep the 16U and 18U teams close together instead of hopping from field to field.
I know there are others, but these are the ones I am familiar with.
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To Start, Compuware in Detroit area - Very good exposure there -
Queen of Diamonds North (Held @ Kent State in Jan.)
Aunt Rosies in Buffalo NY (Never been there,but heard it was ok)
Best of the Best in Massilon area -
I Believe Akron U has an indoor tourney/showcase in Feb>?
Loudonville for the older(18's) in July
I think Indiana has some too which will be brought up
The Sluggerfest used to be a good one -don't know anymore-
I think the Gapps tourney gets some colleges too
Stingray tourney does too.
Queen of Diamonds South in Aug. (South Carolina)
Early signing Showcase in Myrtle Beach in Aug.
I'll think of a few more
Queen of Diamonds North (Held @ Kent State in Jan.)
Aunt Rosies in Buffalo NY (Never been there,but heard it was ok)
Best of the Best in Massilon area -
I Believe Akron U has an indoor tourney/showcase in Feb>?
Loudonville for the older(18's) in July
I think Indiana has some too which will be brought up
The Sluggerfest used to be a good one -don't know anymore-
I think the Gapps tourney gets some colleges too
Stingray tourney does too.
Queen of Diamonds South in Aug. (South Carolina)
Early signing Showcase in Myrtle Beach in Aug.
I'll think of a few more
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Tourney in Toledo that is coupled with the NFCA Recruiting Camp. ?Usually the 2nd weekend in July.
Been to Aunt Rosies twice. ?Good for 16's. ?Kind of thin on college coaches for the 18's.
Best of the Best.
Been to Aunt Rosies twice. ?Good for 16's. ?Kind of thin on college coaches for the 18's.
Best of the Best.
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We were at Aunt Rosie's this past summer for 18's. I think there were a lot of college coaches there that may not have announced themselves. I kept a list of all the coaches that registered, and we are still getting inquiries from schools with some not on that list that said they saw my daughter play there during the summer. There were 24 schools that registered. I don't have the list anymore, but the majority of them were from the eastern area. There were Div. I, II, III, NAIA and Junior Colleges represented.
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I've always wondered, and have never asked till now. ?Honestly, how effective are these college exposure tournaments at getting the girls the exposure they need to be recruited? ?From what I've read and heard, the college coaches are coming to watch girls that they have already had contact with, and are just wanting to see them in action. ?Are the college coaches really just sitting at the ball fields hoping they find the next superstar? :
?Could the money be spent more wisely on recruiting videos and other recruiting means, instead of shelling out all that dough on tourney and travel expenses, in hopes of being seen along with 500 other softball players? :-?
I can't recall one time hearing a player, parent, or coach say, "we went to so and so exposure tournament, and such and such coach was there and saw my little Suzie play, and now she has signed her letter of intent." ?Are these exposure tournaments overrated? ?Do I have just as much chance to get that needed exposure, by going to a non-exposure tournament? ?
Just Food for thought, with Thanksgiving quickly approaching.
?Could the money be spent more wisely on recruiting videos and other recruiting means, instead of shelling out all that dough on tourney and travel expenses, in hopes of being seen along with 500 other softball players? :-? I can't recall one time hearing a player, parent, or coach say, "we went to so and so exposure tournament, and such and such coach was there and saw my little Suzie play, and now she has signed her letter of intent." ?Are these exposure tournaments overrated? ?Do I have just as much chance to get that needed exposure, by going to a non-exposure tournament? ?
Just Food for thought, with Thanksgiving quickly approaching.
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Lady_Knights,
That is an excellent question. Truthfully, the school that my daughter signed for found her based on a recommendation of a highly-respected hitting instructor. I am sure that is not the norm. She also received (and is still receiving calls) from schools all over. In addition, she had schools that she was interested in and contacted, they came to tournaments to see her play, and many were interested in her.
That being said, the most contacts she has received from coaches interested in playing for them were from coaches who saw her at a tournament. The two tournaments that got her the most contacts were Aunt Rosie's and Colorado Sparkler--however, none of those schools were from Ohio, and she would need to be willing to travel pretty far to play for them. She also attended GAPSS, Stingrays, Compuware, Best of the Best, ASA Nationals, Spano Dome, Sluggerfest, and a few other tournaments I can't think of right now. I am guessing that the coaches that have been calling from Ohio and nearby saw her at one of those tournaments.
She did not attend a lot of college camps, etc. as we couldn't afford travel for two daughters and also a bunch of camps. Although she has played travel ball for several years now, we did not put her on a team that gave her college exposure before this past summer (summer after her junior year), and this was mostly because we did not know what to do to get her the exposure. So she only got a little college exposure before this summer.
All in all, we are pleased with the number of schools interested in her. She had a large number to choose from--too many to make the choice easy.
I know that everyone has their own opinion on what works and that it works differently for everyone. However, I would say the two most important ingredients to getting recruited is for your daughter to regularly contacting coaches at schools she is interested in and to play in tournaments that coaches want to attend.
Our younger daughter played in an ASA tournament this fall in Toledo. It was going on at the same time a college showcase tournament was going on, but she and another girl on the team caught the attention of a coach, and it was not one of the coaches she invited to see her play. It does happen, but it is like gambling when you don't put a plan together to contact coaches and to attend tournaments that coaches will be at.
That is an excellent question. Truthfully, the school that my daughter signed for found her based on a recommendation of a highly-respected hitting instructor. I am sure that is not the norm. She also received (and is still receiving calls) from schools all over. In addition, she had schools that she was interested in and contacted, they came to tournaments to see her play, and many were interested in her.
That being said, the most contacts she has received from coaches interested in playing for them were from coaches who saw her at a tournament. The two tournaments that got her the most contacts were Aunt Rosie's and Colorado Sparkler--however, none of those schools were from Ohio, and she would need to be willing to travel pretty far to play for them. She also attended GAPSS, Stingrays, Compuware, Best of the Best, ASA Nationals, Spano Dome, Sluggerfest, and a few other tournaments I can't think of right now. I am guessing that the coaches that have been calling from Ohio and nearby saw her at one of those tournaments.
She did not attend a lot of college camps, etc. as we couldn't afford travel for two daughters and also a bunch of camps. Although she has played travel ball for several years now, we did not put her on a team that gave her college exposure before this past summer (summer after her junior year), and this was mostly because we did not know what to do to get her the exposure. So she only got a little college exposure before this summer.
All in all, we are pleased with the number of schools interested in her. She had a large number to choose from--too many to make the choice easy.
I know that everyone has their own opinion on what works and that it works differently for everyone. However, I would say the two most important ingredients to getting recruited is for your daughter to regularly contacting coaches at schools she is interested in and to play in tournaments that coaches want to attend.
Our younger daughter played in an ASA tournament this fall in Toledo. It was going on at the same time a college showcase tournament was going on, but she and another girl on the team caught the attention of a coach, and it was not one of the coaches she invited to see her play. It does happen, but it is like gambling when you don't put a plan together to contact coaches and to attend tournaments that coaches will be at.
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I think the Sinclair showcase is a team tournament. I don't think an individual can just sign up. Teams enter and play as a tournament. (correct me if i'm wrong) Does any one have any information on the showcase/tournament at U Akron?
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You are correct--as is the showcase at U of Akron.
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I think it was the Louisville coach who recently said about the various showcase events and tournaments to just call college coaches beforehand and ask them whether they'll be there.
First, a tournament or showcase camp must get a reputation for having good teams and players, then the college coaches will follow. Just because something is labeled a showcase doesn't mean anything, other than the organizer slapped "showcase" somewhere in the title. If I started a tournament or event and labeled it a "showcase" I'd be pretty darned nervous and would be calling the coaches of the top travel teams in the state to try to get their teams there to ensure that the college coaches would also be there.
I think rather than looking for tournaments or camps that are considered the best showcases, I'd just call each school on my list of 10-20-30 schools and ask them where they plan to be. If they will go to a particular tournament or showcase to watch just you, then great. But I'm not sure it matters how many schools are at a showcase. The only thing that matters is how many schools on a girl's list are there and will watch that girl.
First, a tournament or showcase camp must get a reputation for having good teams and players, then the college coaches will follow. Just because something is labeled a showcase doesn't mean anything, other than the organizer slapped "showcase" somewhere in the title. If I started a tournament or event and labeled it a "showcase" I'd be pretty darned nervous and would be calling the coaches of the top travel teams in the state to try to get their teams there to ensure that the college coaches would also be there.
I think rather than looking for tournaments or camps that are considered the best showcases, I'd just call each school on my list of 10-20-30 schools and ask them where they plan to be. If they will go to a particular tournament or showcase to watch just you, then great. But I'm not sure it matters how many schools are at a showcase. The only thing that matters is how many schools on a girl's list are there and will watch that girl.
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LADY_KNIGHTS - your last paragraph in your post above is exactly what happened in our situation! Her current college coach watched her play almost three complete games at Compuware. That particular tournament just swarms with Div. I college coaches. But it really comes down to what your daughter wants, and what works best for her. If she wants to play for the local community college, you don't need to travel to "showcase tournaments". If she has dreams of Big Ten or above, the TOP showcases are a MUST.
There is a catch though. The top venues are typically by invitation only - if she has a dream, say, in 6th or 7th grade of playing in college, you have to sort of plan ahead. She has to work her tail off and get on one of the teams that historically showcase their players. If her coach doesn't take the team to these places, you limit her exposure.
Without debating the politics of this, every softball coach worth his or her salt knows where the showcase opportunities are for Ohio girls. If they claim otherwise, they are deluding themselves, and cheating their players.
There is a catch though. The top venues are typically by invitation only - if she has a dream, say, in 6th or 7th grade of playing in college, you have to sort of plan ahead. She has to work her tail off and get on one of the teams that historically showcase their players. If her coach doesn't take the team to these places, you limit her exposure.
Without debating the politics of this, every softball coach worth his or her salt knows where the showcase opportunities are for Ohio girls. If they claim otherwise, they are deluding themselves, and cheating their players.
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Can you tell me when and where the Sinclair showcase is along with any contact info?
Below is info on the Akron U Showcase. The tournament in January will have other colleges in attendance in addition to Akron U but no the one in December.
9 vs. 9 Team Camp ? December 16, 2006 & January 13, 2007
Team camp includes 4 full field indoor pool play games per date along with 45 minutes of scheduled cage time and 1 hour of hitting instruction with the Akron staff and team. Sign up for one or both dates.
Please contact Tracee McCoy at 330.972.4943 or tm20@uakron.edu for prices and to register your high school or summer ball team.
Skills Camps ? January 20, 2007
Advanced Pitching (ages 13 and up)
Pitchers will learn advanced pitching mechanics for the curve, drop, rise, screw and change
along with advanced workout suggestions.
All pitchers MUST bring their own catcher.
Time: 8:30 ? 10:30 am
Beginning Pitching (ages 8 ? 12)
Beginning pitchers will learn basic pitching fundamentals and mechanics.
All pitchers MUST bring their own catcher.
Time: 8:30 ? 10:30 am
Hitting, Bunting, Slapping and Baserunning
Hitters will learn basic hitting fundamentals and drills to practice proper technique.
Time will also be spent learning fundamentals for bunting and slapping.
The intricacies of baserunning will be taught including technique and philosophy.
Time: 11:15 ? 1:30 pm
Fielding Skills
Participants will learn fielding techniques for all positions including catching.
Sessions will be divided between infielders and outfielders and then by position.
Throwing, fielding, footwork, positional skill work, teamwork and communication will be covered.
Time: 2:30 ? 4:30 pm
Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase between 1:15 and 2:15 pm.
All sessions will be held in the Akron?s Athletic Field House.
For directions and parking information, visit www.gozips.com.
One Session: $45.00 pre-registered/$55.00 at the door
Two Sessions: $85.00 pre-registered/$95.00 at the door
Three Sessions: $125.00 pre-registered/135.00 at the door
(A $10.00 non-refundable registration fee is included)
For more information, please call the Zips Softball Office at 330-972-4943
or email us at jj39@uakron.edu or tm20@uakron.edu
Below is info on the Akron U Showcase. The tournament in January will have other colleges in attendance in addition to Akron U but no the one in December.
9 vs. 9 Team Camp ? December 16, 2006 & January 13, 2007
Team camp includes 4 full field indoor pool play games per date along with 45 minutes of scheduled cage time and 1 hour of hitting instruction with the Akron staff and team. Sign up for one or both dates.
Please contact Tracee McCoy at 330.972.4943 or tm20@uakron.edu for prices and to register your high school or summer ball team.
Skills Camps ? January 20, 2007
Advanced Pitching (ages 13 and up)
Pitchers will learn advanced pitching mechanics for the curve, drop, rise, screw and change
along with advanced workout suggestions.
All pitchers MUST bring their own catcher.
Time: 8:30 ? 10:30 am
Beginning Pitching (ages 8 ? 12)
Beginning pitchers will learn basic pitching fundamentals and mechanics.
All pitchers MUST bring their own catcher.
Time: 8:30 ? 10:30 am
Hitting, Bunting, Slapping and Baserunning
Hitters will learn basic hitting fundamentals and drills to practice proper technique.
Time will also be spent learning fundamentals for bunting and slapping.
The intricacies of baserunning will be taught including technique and philosophy.
Time: 11:15 ? 1:30 pm
Fielding Skills
Participants will learn fielding techniques for all positions including catching.
Sessions will be divided between infielders and outfielders and then by position.
Throwing, fielding, footwork, positional skill work, teamwork and communication will be covered.
Time: 2:30 ? 4:30 pm
Pizza and drinks will be available for purchase between 1:15 and 2:15 pm.
All sessions will be held in the Akron?s Athletic Field House.
For directions and parking information, visit www.gozips.com.
One Session: $45.00 pre-registered/$55.00 at the door
Two Sessions: $85.00 pre-registered/$95.00 at the door
Three Sessions: $125.00 pre-registered/135.00 at the door
(A $10.00 non-refundable registration fee is included)
For more information, please call the Zips Softball Office at 330-972-4943
or email us at jj39@uakron.edu or tm20@uakron.edu
