I would like to insert my 2 cents here... My DD has been playing ball since age 6'. Travel ball since age 9". We started with a local team playing in north central Ohio, we played in small local tournaments wasn't pretty. We then moved to a team in the Ashland area, promised a lot... Got very little. The team started to fall apart and 1,5 hr drives 2 tines a week at 3.75/ gallon was to much. We found a 3 year home with another local program, LOVED them great program, great staff. We played 16U for another team be we moved out of State.
when we played for the first few years we didnt see any college coaches PERIOD. I told my daughter she has 6 years of ball left 2 in HS, 4 in college... Then 45 years of work... So study hard get good grades.
however, her love of the game pushes her to not only study hard, but put forth the extra tine both in hitting, but field work as well. The HS BALL here is not the same level as TB. FACT.
FACT#2 studying and good grades will get her to college, but playing ball on the BIG STAGES get more colleges to look at her,and if Coach XZY, as interest he/she will make every attempt to make sure that admissions does all they can.to make sure she gets in.
My daughter has worked hard enough that she was seen, and offered a chance to play international softball, where she faced the same girls that faced Jennie Finch and the gang of USA softball players.
i have always told her, when you want to be done...just say the word... And it's over... But I think the love she has is far greater than the desire to give it up.