There are a lot of great points being made here. I'd like to share my thoughts. As mentioned in a few posts the size of the school and the numbers of girls that come out may dictate different ideals but generally speaking, it's normally in the best interest of the freshmen to play----not sit. This means at whatever level. I mentioned in another post that the girls normally are the ones that put enormous pressure on themselves to make varsity as a freshman as it must have a social stigma attached to it as strongly as it is a competitive thing. This is such a deal maker/breaker that some girls will quit playing softball if they DO NOT make the varsity squad as a freshman. I still believe many would benefit from adults in their lives being supportive by encouraging them to strive to play at any level rather than make it seem an insult to be placed on a reserve squad.
The bottom line; rep's are the best way to improve your skills and field time at any level is still better than sitting the bench. You cannot substitute anything for game situations----even if the skill level is not to your liking.
A good player will adapt, normally within the course of a game. To say a player can't hit less talented pitching makes coaches smile. Do you hear yourself? Great hitters adapt. Trust me, Crystal Bustos can hit your daughter's pitching, regardless of her age and talent level, and I'll give odds she can still play/hit at the international level. A truly talented freshman placed in a reserve or freshmen environment will "shine like a new penny" (since we're using old phrases) and simply improve her worth on a talent chart. This will increase her chances to be called up for action----not to sit.
That's what reserve and freshman teams can do for players as well as programs in general. They help develop the skills and provide opportunity.
Now, what do we do about a freshman that has something to offer at the varsity level as a roll player but not capable of replacing a regular at a position? As a coach, they need to give their varsity squad every opportunity to win so that means your freshman daughter will probably see selected appearances in varsity games. Don’t be offended by this but proud of the fact your daughter is able to contribute. There’s a lot to be said about the young players with fast/great base running skills or the exceptional bunt master. Perhaps your daughter is like a gazelle in the outfield or a cat in the infield but struggles with her stick. This is an opportunity for school coaches to utilize more people on their depth chart and “specialize” players per job at hand. The problem is; players like this need to work extra, away from the normal grind, to improve their status to a regular player. Because they will sit the bench sometimes more than they play, they need the extra to stay fresh and be ready when opportunity knocks.
Take pride in that pinch-running daughter when she gives the varsity squad a chance to win after a hitting specialist has given her an opportunity. That’s simply good coaching. After the game, hit the batting cages, then buy her a hot fudge sunday.
