D3 College Programs - Ohio - UPDATE How about D2?

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Thanks for that - it IS confusing. High School divisions ARE based on school size, so that's why it threw me. I'm glad you brought up the conference too - - DD's HS has about 600 students and they are in the same conference as a school with well over 1,000 students, so that I get.

I certainly feel more and more prepared to step into this search with my daughter. If it weren't for the people here who have answered, I'm not sure where I could have gotten this insight and information!

Next question is about college contact. This should be pretty simple, right? As a Jr. she can contact anyone. If the coach answers her phone when she calls - can they talk? Or if she meets him personally, can they talk? Then, after July 1 - the coaches can contact Alex as much as they like. Right?

This is so exciting. I know I want my daughter to experience the fun and teamwork of a college sports team. She does too. We just have to watch the fine balance and make sure she is still preparing herself for real life at the same time. I think with a business degree, she can balance the two. (Not saying any degree is easy, but some are less intense - business vs. pre-med for example!)

 

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I recommend checking out Michigan's D2 universities. Unlike in Ohio, there are several larger state-supported D2 universities in MI, and I believe it's with a 26 on the ACT, the student is only charged the in-state tuition rate. As I'm sure you've already learned, the tuition at state-supported universities is alot lower than at private universities, and can make a big difference as most softball players don't get fullrides. Several of the state-supported D2 universities in MI also have pretty strong softball programs (Saginaw St. and Grand Valley St finished last year nationally ranked, Wayne St went to the College World Series the year before, and Ferris St. has been ranked in the past). Most importantly, though, your daughter will receive a good education. My daughter is wrapping up her college career this year at Grand Valley (over 24,000 undergraduate students), and has been accepted to med school. The Grand Valley Athletic Director has a good Q&A on the university website as to why Grand Valley has chosen to stay D2: http://www.gvsulakers.com/links/qatimselgo.html

Check it out. Good luck in the college search. It's over all too quick.

 

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Thank you, I had not thought of Michigan at all. I really appreciate your taking the time to share this!

... and you bet, we are enjoying the search!

 

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A little update -

Today we go to Baldwin Wallace to meet with coaches and other softball recruits. BW is a great business school - and this could be the fit my kid is looking for. I have coachjwb for his advice and his daughter to thank for showing Alex this great campus and softball program. We are very excited about today!!!!!!! :yahoo:

All the advice given to us on this thread has been so helpful, I can't thank you all enough.

 

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JoeA coaches at a D2 College Hillsdale, you better be a real smarty pants if you want to go there lol... Awesome campus and academics.

 

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Sue ... good luck and have fun today! PM or call me later to let me know how it goes!

Jeff

 

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I loved Hillsdale. My DD was seriously considering Hillsdale but changed happened and we couldn't get in contact with Joe and DD wanted to make her decision before her senior year started.

I would definitely recommend Hillsdale for their academics.