Daboss, I agree it would be a nightmare ...Just trying to get a topic going other than talking shit on another team, coach or organization .....I came across this question on a Facebook page ...It had over 100 replies with lots of opinions. From what I been told over and over again is that a Junior playing second year 16 has a better chance being seen than a Junior playing 18u , at least for D1...In regards to baseball , the Higher end travel teams are forming teams based on Grade not age starting in 8 or 9th grade. Its a little different and designed more for showcases , not winning one of the many national championships
I think this is a great topic and one that newbie viewers could really get involved in as well as some senior members that can share some wisdom.
Just a quick note on the comment about a 16 yr. old junior playing 16u rather than playing 18u, colleges are very aware of the "splitting hair" scenario and this could rock either direction. However; in regards to playing within their class, the situation changes dramatically if we are talking about a 17 yr. old junior playing 16u level ball or a 19 yr. old playing 18u. Here'[s where things get slippery.
You mentioned the exposure issue opening the door for pros or cons. I believe many college coaches DO target the 16u level girls hoping to find that blue chip player. Having said this, I know they still witness 18u level girls for a variety of reasons. Many talented players play up in the age groups, especially if they are loyal to a lesser known organization. They expect the level of play to be more challenging and I have to agree with the thought process ------------especially for pitchers and catchers.
In many areas the jump upwards begins in the 12u talent moving up to 14u in fastpitch. While I realize it happens in every class, especially for coaches trying to keep a roster full for their own needs, at the 14u level many clubs are looking to expand their horizons. Parents are beginning to see the sugar plums dancing in their heads with visions of DD playing in Oklahoma City or in the Olympics. Here is where they really bite into the bug and start throwing their money into making this dream a reality. The larger "pay to play" organizations can only withstand so many and the rest are left to find something, anything that will give their daughter an edge. Many choose to play up. For many, it backfires and they are left with a daughter unsure of herself, broken mentally, or burnt out with playing altogether. All of us make choices in life. Not all choices are right. Still, we have to live with them.
NAIA, D2, and D3 schools are very aware of the missed talent playing in 18u competition. All colleges have an agenda.
Let me share a point of interest that many families dispel or have forgotten. College is about education. College sport programs such as fastpitch softball thrive due to money generated from profitable programs such as football. Schools award the programs that have high GPA's. Those facts are real and used for recruiting. Gpa's, class rank, ACT and/or SAT test results carry a huge amount of weight for coaching staffs at every college level. Exposure is only a piece of the pie.
Can playing up in an age group be a benefit and give a girl a recruiting edge? Only for a select few that can withstand the physical and mental challenges. Can playing down be a benefit? Theoretically it should give them a physical advantage. The pitfall to a recruiter would be why is this older girl playing in a younger age group? Is it because she struggles with academics or been academically challenged in her past?
Above you will find thoughts and facts that may help you process your own situation. Let me hear your thoughts.........
