Scholarship...

[default]

This weekend my DD came home for the first time she started her school, it was great having our family together (oldest came home from Med school).
While discussing all kinds of subject she talked about what happened to S occer team when new coach came in this year. First thing he did was revoke all scholarships from players he didn't recruit until they proved their worth. I guess this affected many players and wondered to myself if this is the norm when there is a coach change? Also, I see many players giving their verbal to school while they are freshman and sophomore and wonder are these kids picking their school because they love particular school or because they want to play softball? Would they have made same choice if no scholarship was offered?

For the record, from my DD's team player with Full ride has quit and rumor of another leaving. Distance did come into play. Also, practices and commitment was/is greater then they are willing to give. Mentally exhausting if not prepared for long season. DD loaded up her first semester with two labs (biology and chemistry) so she can lighten her spring semester ( only taking chemistry).

Knowledge is power...

 

[default]

It must have been great to see the whole family. Too bad Morgan's Pitt Panthers couldn't finish the deal on Saturday, but that is another topic. I cannot imagine that the approach the ****** coach is taking will help his future recruitment as word of that gets out.
While it is the coach's right kids and families are looking for a place where they feel some sense of security.
As far as players quitting my daughter has seen that at her school also for some of the same reasons you mentioned. I also think from listening to her describe these players, I don't think anyone prepared them for a few things.
1. The commitment and expectations of the coaches are a whole lot more than they have ever experienced or ever been told to expect. They will demand a lot and let you know if you are not living up to those expectations.
2. They have not been mentally prepared for the fact that they are freshman and that the older girls can play this game also. This is not high school where many of these girls could come in and as fresman be one of the top 2-3 players on their team. In college as a freshman you are at the bottom and you must EARN every at bat, inning in the field, and base running opportunity you get. You also must produce when you get those chances or there won't be many more.
3. Time management- The school work is harder than you had before, college is not like you see on TV. You must use your time wisely and that means skipping some parties and other activities occasionally.

For those of you with players who are going on to college or hoping to go onto college, talk about these things with them as much as you possibly can. Make sure they understand what they are getting into.
For my daughter I think it all became worth it when she saw the schedule and realized that she was spending her spring break in Santa Barbara and San Diego playing ball.

 

[default]

My oldest is also reporting 1 defection and another one talking of transfer. For some reason - these freshmen thought they should roll right in and take mound time without proving they are better than the returning crop.
My daughter is also a freshman and has also echoed msutt1's comments on time consumption and prioritization. i've received many text messages stating "it's 1 a.m. and still at it". Now what she was "at" I can only hope was what she was supposed to be doing .
It is quite a rollercoaster for these young ladies. 4 months ago they're living under our roof and everything comes very easy. Fast forward and they are on their own trying to make a name for herself. I have noticed the communication has cooled down quite a bit and she's very much settling in.
Can't wait for Thanksgiving weekend so she can come home for a few days.

 

[default]

Now what she was "at" I can only hope was what she was supposed to be doing .

ha ha! I know the feeling as I have a DD at college now too!

My HS senior has verbally committed to BW - and while I am always proud of her, here's where I am REALLY proud of her......... she knows college softball is a huge commitment so for the last two years she has been taking post-secondary classes at Akron U. She will have more than enough credits to qualify as a sophomore - but she won't do that. Her goal is to ensure she can take it easier on college classes while playing softball and perhaps have a double major along with a foreign language minor. I recommend post-secondary classes to everyone I can. Get those basics done, get the feel for college and go into your freshman year a little more confident. Blue Ice's DD has the right idea about her spring semester!

There are some great points in this post that I am going to review with her tonight. None of it should be a surprise, but thanks to those that have posted, I'll make sure it won't!

Scholarships are not a concern for us (God Bless D3), but workload and expectations certainly are something to keep top of mind. I've never heard of a new coach revoking scholarships!!

 

[default]

Sue99..Hadn't heard the news yet...Congrats!!!