default
Member
Not sure that there are not atleast a handfull of teams in Northeast ohio that would fit your mold gunners. But hay what ever floats your boat.
default
Member
Warren, I'm sure there are a handful, but not near us. It would still be an hour or so drive.
default
Member
We are a 12u team based in the Akron area with 2 players from Stow, 3 from Barberton, 2 from Cuyahoga Falls, 1 from Norton, 1 from Massillon, 1 from Clinton. Tuesday practices are in Stow and Thursday practice in Barberton. Our Massillon player has the longest drive with 40 mins. to Stow and 20 mins. to Barberton. But I would say that you have to go with what makes you happy...
default
Member
I'm with LakeFP also. Anything over an hour seems extreme to me. There are so many organizations probably within an hour of most of us. Of coarse if I'm not driving two hours for practice I'm not gonna judge the people that do. There's so much more to it when you drive that far. Miles on car, Eating out all the time because your schedule doesn't allow you time to at home, taking care of other siblings, gas, dad or mom running home from work because practice becomes all day affair, much more that I didn't write. I'm not ready for that commitment yet. Good luck to those who do.
default
Member
I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I have to think there's more to it than what we're hearing here. Yeah, maybe Northeast Ohio is a bit light in some competitive respects, but even an hour drive south is a lot less than 200 miles! And if you're only practicing every other week (especially since we've been lucky with the weather this fall) you have to question what kind of "team" goals you're able to accomplish without some quality practice time? But, as others have stated, to each his own. I hope you're driving a hybrid.
default
Member
Some of the bigger organizations limit practice time, so girls can be from anywhere in the state and play for these teams. They expect the girls to workout on their own. A friend of mine has 2 dd's playing for a Columbus based team. We live in NEO. He works his girls out and a couple others a couple times a week up here. The limited practice time makes it viable for girls to come from 2 hours away when they do practice.
default
Member
Oh thats right you live up in Gods country
default
Member
Still, even 2 hours isn't 200 miles...
default
Member
The way I drive it is. You've apparently never seen me driving the DD to practice in the turbo. LOL!
default
Member
The real question I was hoping to draw out is WHY? Most parents are very uniformed about college scholarships and if that is the "Why", which I assume it is in most cases, then you better do your research.
For instance, there are 2 types of sports; head count and equivalency. Softball is an equivalency, which means there are 12 total scholarships for D1 and 7.2 for D2 that COULD be used however the school sees fit. This means that there are VERY FEW full rides, except for pitchers and catchers and then not always for these. Volleyball and Basketball are head count sports, which means that every scholarship (12/8 VB D1/D2 & 15/10 BB D1/D2) is a full ride.
There are 4,965.6 equivalency scholarships in softball between both D1 & D2. Assume on average only 25% of them are new each year, that's 1,241.4/yr TOTAL. That's roughly 25/State. So if you use your fingers and toes, you can probably count up all of the partial D1 scholarships handed out to Ohio girls every year. The percentages are staggeringly low.
Also, don't think that college coaches are looking at 10U, 12U, or 14U for potential prospects. Save your travel money for 16U & 18U. Your daughter has to get herself recruited, don't waste money on recruiting companies; go to free recruiting seminars, talk to college coaches, make the tapes yourself, and have your daughter contact all of the schools she is interested in. It is a big world and they won't just find you.
It's your money and you can spend it however you want for whatever makes you and your DD happy, just make sure you are informed with all of the facts.
Sorry - may have went a little off topic, but I think this is what is at the heart of the extensive travelling.
For instance, there are 2 types of sports; head count and equivalency. Softball is an equivalency, which means there are 12 total scholarships for D1 and 7.2 for D2 that COULD be used however the school sees fit. This means that there are VERY FEW full rides, except for pitchers and catchers and then not always for these. Volleyball and Basketball are head count sports, which means that every scholarship (12/8 VB D1/D2 & 15/10 BB D1/D2) is a full ride.
There are 4,965.6 equivalency scholarships in softball between both D1 & D2. Assume on average only 25% of them are new each year, that's 1,241.4/yr TOTAL. That's roughly 25/State. So if you use your fingers and toes, you can probably count up all of the partial D1 scholarships handed out to Ohio girls every year. The percentages are staggeringly low.
Also, don't think that college coaches are looking at 10U, 12U, or 14U for potential prospects. Save your travel money for 16U & 18U. Your daughter has to get herself recruited, don't waste money on recruiting companies; go to free recruiting seminars, talk to college coaches, make the tapes yourself, and have your daughter contact all of the schools she is interested in. It is a big world and they won't just find you.
It's your money and you can spend it however you want for whatever makes you and your DD happy, just make sure you are informed with all of the facts.
Sorry - may have went a little off topic, but I think this is what is at the heart of the extensive travelling.
default
Member
I don't know about every one else, but I don't drive my dd all over the state of ohio to play softball looking for a future scholarship. That is why I put money in a college fund every month (which is shrinking right along with my 401K by the way). I do it because she is a decent player, she loves it, I love it, and it is great for her confidence and self esteem. I think sports are very important in teaching kids team work, great for social skills - all a big part of the real world. And - we live in Mansfield and don't have travel teams in our back yard and the local 'rec' league is worse than terrible.
default
Member
Why? Because my daughters LOVE softball!! I encouraged them from the beginning to try their hardest and listen to their coaches and they could really be good. They have dedicated ALOT of free time to practicing and improving themselves. Now am I supposed to tell them they can't play with a good team because I don't feel like driving an hour twice a week?? I think that is selfish. They have worked hard and why hold them back. As parents we make sacrifices EVERYDAY, driving a little extra shouldn't hold you back from letting your child fulfill their potential. It isn't always about scholarships, but the love of the game. Even if I knew right now that my girls weren't going to college, they would still play travel ball because it is the best competition and that is what they are looking for, to play a good game against a good team. That's what it is all about!!
default
Member
Think some of the post on here are little overboard drama queen like and off base! Shouldnt be judgemental because it does not fit you and your likes.
Sticking with a "close" organization because it is close is logic thinking?! Should have a better feel for the whole picture and all that goes in it also.
If you haft to travel any distance you think that it is nuts or crazy???? You might want to shy away from the powerhouses then and stick to local ball.
Funny thing is our dd also has been on the Acedemic Challenge team for 3 years now (yeah Im sure I mispelled that wrong,but hey Im not on the team) and the travel did not affect her in any way.
If the computer wont turn off on me again I will go deeper into this.
Sticking with a "close" organization because it is close is logic thinking?! Should have a better feel for the whole picture and all that goes in it also.
If you haft to travel any distance you think that it is nuts or crazy???? You might want to shy away from the powerhouses then and stick to local ball.
Funny thing is our dd also has been on the Acedemic Challenge team for 3 years now (yeah Im sure I mispelled that wrong,but hey Im not on the team) and the travel did not affect her in any way.
If the computer wont turn off on me again I will go deeper into this.
default
Member
Depends on DD goals. Does she play to be the high school star? Does she want to play with average players, or be surrounded by above average players to make herself better? Does she want to play at college level? If so, D-I or D-III? Is she going to be happy working out 6 days a week knowing her team mates don't work at all? Or vice versa? I know many think that Slammers are a little over the top, to me they exemplify what travel is and should be about, though not for everyone, no reason to bash 'em or their decisions.. If you want to talk crazy, how about buying a 5yo a $450 cell phone!!
default
Member
Since I feel a couple of these post were direct shots at me I will put my thoughts on here.
The type of competition my dd played against week in week out was incrediable. It has only made her stronger as player. Now she will be in her 2nd year of 12u ball and it will come to her much easier.
There are some coaches out there (and parents) that look for easier tournaments,easier teams to play so they can get some wins under their belts. When they do play a tough team they usually get creamed! This is Rec ball thinking!!!!!! You want to play against the best and learn from the best,even if travel is needed.
For our situation where we traveled from one end to another.............................
Was with an organization til this past March where it was best that we parted ways. I wont put on here what it all detailed but I can tell you it wasnt for that famous "Greenier Pastures" stuff. To this day I think the guy from the organization that we had to leave is one of the better guys would could ever meet.
At the time of March there isnt many teams looking for players. Even that our daughter was down and out (due to mentioned above) she wanted to play ball. Three teams we were in contact with was Buckeye Heat, Valley Extreme, and the Cincy Doom. All 2 hours plus away from our house, but the best choices to work with. Buckeye Heat coach (which really went the extra mile to detail us about them) contacted us a few times but was up front that they were not in need of pitching. We talked with coach Rick from the Valley Extreme and checked them out. We also played against them in `07 in 10u action. Then we talked with the Cincy Doom `95 coach and stayed in contact.
After thinking everything over that holiday weekend we decided that the Doom would be a better fit and our daughter choose them also. At the time gas was under $2.75 and the economy wasnt all that bad. So we figured we could handle this extra travel money wise.
The schedule we played was incrediable. The friendship she made with some of the girls was priceless to her. The extra time to talk (while driving and in the hotels) was fun and will never forget those times spending that extra time with her.
There alot more peaks than valleys. She enjoyed her season (well except that crazy NSA State mess in Tealtown).
We have now currently in our 4th year playing in Toledo,which is an hour away. We are thrilled to be back with the organization that gave our girl her start in travelball. We talked in depth with the coaching staff and the head of the organization before being selected. They are taking their organization to the next level and being ran by one of the top guys involved with softball. With that being said I do want to throw this out there.
When tryouts rolled around gas prices were still out of control and we were filling the pinch from the summer. If I could of afford it and gas prices would go back to normal it would of been hard as heck to leave from down there if the current 12u coach (`96 team) would of had us. The coach is one heck of a good guy and a type of coach I would of loved our dd to play for. Our dd actually got along better with this 12u coach` team than her own team (due to maybe the age thing). Knowing that all that I know of them I dont think I could of not had our dd play for them if they would had her to join. A lousy economy one of the reasons that put a stop to this.
I dont regret doing all that travel this past summer for all the reasons listed above. I wont settle for a close organization because it is easier to get to. You haft to look at the big picture and of course number 1 reason (The3dm will tell you this) it is for the girls and your daughter has to be happy.
Would I do it again (if affordable)......................all that travel................if the daughter loves it and is happy,then YEP!
The type of competition my dd played against week in week out was incrediable. It has only made her stronger as player. Now she will be in her 2nd year of 12u ball and it will come to her much easier.
There are some coaches out there (and parents) that look for easier tournaments,easier teams to play so they can get some wins under their belts. When they do play a tough team they usually get creamed! This is Rec ball thinking!!!!!! You want to play against the best and learn from the best,even if travel is needed.
For our situation where we traveled from one end to another.............................
Was with an organization til this past March where it was best that we parted ways. I wont put on here what it all detailed but I can tell you it wasnt for that famous "Greenier Pastures" stuff. To this day I think the guy from the organization that we had to leave is one of the better guys would could ever meet.
At the time of March there isnt many teams looking for players. Even that our daughter was down and out (due to mentioned above) she wanted to play ball. Three teams we were in contact with was Buckeye Heat, Valley Extreme, and the Cincy Doom. All 2 hours plus away from our house, but the best choices to work with. Buckeye Heat coach (which really went the extra mile to detail us about them) contacted us a few times but was up front that they were not in need of pitching. We talked with coach Rick from the Valley Extreme and checked them out. We also played against them in `07 in 10u action. Then we talked with the Cincy Doom `95 coach and stayed in contact.
After thinking everything over that holiday weekend we decided that the Doom would be a better fit and our daughter choose them also. At the time gas was under $2.75 and the economy wasnt all that bad. So we figured we could handle this extra travel money wise.
The schedule we played was incrediable. The friendship she made with some of the girls was priceless to her. The extra time to talk (while driving and in the hotels) was fun and will never forget those times spending that extra time with her.
There alot more peaks than valleys. She enjoyed her season (well except that crazy NSA State mess in Tealtown).
We have now currently in our 4th year playing in Toledo,which is an hour away. We are thrilled to be back with the organization that gave our girl her start in travelball. We talked in depth with the coaching staff and the head of the organization before being selected. They are taking their organization to the next level and being ran by one of the top guys involved with softball. With that being said I do want to throw this out there.
When tryouts rolled around gas prices were still out of control and we were filling the pinch from the summer. If I could of afford it and gas prices would go back to normal it would of been hard as heck to leave from down there if the current 12u coach (`96 team) would of had us. The coach is one heck of a good guy and a type of coach I would of loved our dd to play for. Our dd actually got along better with this 12u coach` team than her own team (due to maybe the age thing). Knowing that all that I know of them I dont think I could of not had our dd play for them if they would had her to join. A lousy economy one of the reasons that put a stop to this.
I dont regret doing all that travel this past summer for all the reasons listed above. I wont settle for a close organization because it is easier to get to. You haft to look at the big picture and of course number 1 reason (The3dm will tell you this) it is for the girls and your daughter has to be happy.
Would I do it again (if affordable)......................all that travel................if the daughter loves it and is happy,then YEP!
default
Member
default
Member
Well we live in Westpark(AKA Cleveland) and we travel to Willoughby and all that our dd learns it is worth the drive ,our coach teaches the girls alot he spends ALOT of his free
time trying to make the girls better so the drive we have is out of the way but worth it she LOVES it in Willoughby.
I think any parent will find a way to make a good fit that works for there child my wife and I sacrifice alot so with that said I hope my kids can at least put me in a good home when I get old.
time trying to make the girls better so the drive we have is out of the way but worth it she LOVES it in Willoughby.
I think any parent will find a way to make a good fit that works for there child my wife and I sacrifice alot so with that said I hope my kids can at least put me in a good home when I get old.
default
Member
We drive 1 1/2 hours roughly for practice and more for tournaments. My dd went from playing with local girls...less talent...to all girls with her drive and ambition. Just what it has done for her self confidence has been amazing. She now plays for a coach that she adores, she is learning new things all the time, and she is having the time of her life.
For those of you who think the drive is crazy...I wouldn't trade it for the world. Over an hour of laughing and talking with my daughter, listening to music and spending time, sometimes even working on homework together on the way. And seeing her come out of her shell and make new friends and achieve goals she has set for herself...that's just the icing on the cake. Call us crazy...we're having fun with life...
For those of you who think the drive is crazy...I wouldn't trade it for the world. Over an hour of laughing and talking with my daughter, listening to music and spending time, sometimes even working on homework together on the way. And seeing her come out of her shell and make new friends and achieve goals she has set for herself...that's just the icing on the cake. Call us crazy...we're having fun with life...
default
Member
A lot of it depends on what you want out of it. The old saying of you get what you give holds true. We got with an organization that goes primairly to showcase and exposure tournaments to give the girls the chance they need to be seen and evaluated by the college coaches. I've seen more D1 & D2 coaches at most of these places than you can shake a stick at. It's meant so much to us that even with the gas and time on 3 hour round trips for practices it's been worth it to us but again it may not be for all people. But we got what we wanted out of it so far with all the effort that went into it as we're currently in discussion with an offer from a D1 school.
default
Member
We could stay at home and played "glorified rec ball". And then I would have to deal with my dd's frustrations at a sport she loves and is talented at. We are not looking for the free ride. But if I am going to pay to play a a sport that is intended to be the "top level" then she wants to play with other players that give a **** about what they do and take pride in themselves and a group as a whole.
If not I can pay 100 and play rec league for her to be the huge dog in the pond get her name in the local paper and brag to all the local yocals about how awesome my dd is.
She is a high honor student, three sport athlete, I let her choice what she wants out of a sport. We tried the AAU basketball and was not impressed, she has no interest yet in cup ****** (although she has been asked). She enjoys what she does, but to her softball is VERY SERIOUS !!
If not I can pay 100 and play rec league for her to be the huge dog in the pond get her name in the local paper and brag to all the local yocals about how awesome my dd is.
She is a high honor student, three sport athlete, I let her choice what she wants out of a sport. We tried the AAU basketball and was not impressed, she has no interest yet in cup ****** (although she has been asked). She enjoys what she does, but to her softball is VERY SERIOUS !!
Similar threads
- NCAA.com > softball d1 articles and video
- College Softball - Websites, RSS, News
- GNAC Softball - OR
- College Softball News
- Poll
