Cincy Doom North: Playing In College

1. Understand the Commitment You'll Need.
Have you ever fielded 250 ground balls, taken 100 hacks in the cage, and sprinted from home plate to first base 25 times -- all in one workout? Now image doing that and more everyday for the next ten months.

If the thought of such rigorous training turns your stomach, then maybe college softball isn't for you. Because that's the type of commitment and dedication you're going to need if you want to play at the next level, whether it be D1, D2, D3, NAIA or JC.

However, if you're ready to accept the challenge, then your softball future could be very bright.

2. Improve Your Softball Skills
Ultimately, your playing ability is the most important factor in deciding whether you'll suit up in a college uniform.

Don't be nervous, though. Most high school ball players need a lot of work to reach the level of play that is going to attract a recruiter's attention. And if you live in the northern U.S., you'll need to work extra hard to be on the same level as your competition in Florida, Texas and California, who live in climates that allow them to play ball year-round.

For starters, sit down with your coach and ask him/her for a honest opinion of your skills. Where are your weak points and what can you do to improve? Video-tape yourself in the batting cage and fielding your position and ask your coach to critique it. Notice your mistakes and work to fix them. After you've made a detailed list of everything you'll need to accomplish to reach your potential, get some professional help.

Find a quality instructor to give you private lessons for an hour or more a week. If you don't know any instructors, ask you local college coach for a recommendation.

Set up a net and hitting tee in your basement. Watch instructional videos and read educational books. Every conceivable topic is available.

Remember, you need to develop the discipline to stick with a training plan, even during the off-season!

3. Set Goals
Set short and long term goals for yourself. Make sure you write your goals down and sign them, pledging your commitment to improve. Keep your goals positive. For example, "I will run the 60-yard dash in 6.9 seconds and I will make contact in every at bat." instead of "I will not be such a slow runner and strike out so much".

Be very specific how you're going to achieve your goals. If one goal is to earn All-League honors this season, write a detailed strategy how you plan to achieve that (work on tee for 30 minutes per night, field 100 pop flys every day, etc.). Be realistic! If your first goal is to become a college All-American and the #1 pick in the amateur draft, you're going to be disappointed.

Instead, begin with small and more manageable goals, like batting .300 this season, driving in 20 runs, stealing 10 bases. When you reach your goal, set the next one even higher. This way, you'll feel good about yourself as you progress.

4. Devise a Target List of Schools
Make a list of all the schools that will meet your educational, athletic, financial and social needs. This is called your target list. By the fall of your senior year, narrow your list to five schools. Ask your parents and guidance counselor to help you research prospective schools. Search the web, read college guides, go on campus visits and ask lots of questions.

Make your educational goals your #1 priority. Unfortunately, no one can play softball forever and you'll eventually have to choose a career. If your list only features softball powerhouses like UCLA, Arizona, and Tennessee, make sure you also include some lesser know softball schools, just so you have something to fall back on. Remember that smaller schools and junior colleges have a great deal to offer as well.

Call each school and ask for a general brochure along with information about their softball program and any specific academic programs that interest you. Write a letter to the coach introducing yourself and expressing your interest to play for his squad. Send him press clippings, your high school and summer league schedules and recommendations from pro scouts. Order the NCAA's free Guide for the College Bound Student/Athlete (800-638-3731). This will give you a better understanding of the recruiting process.

5. Improve Your Grades & College Entrance Exams Scores
If you want to be an eligible recruit at a four year NCAA institution, you must meet minimum requirements for grade point average, SAT or ACT exam scores, and core courses. No exceptions!

Most college coaches will eliminate you from their recruiting list if you do poorly in school. You'd be too much of a risk. If a recruiter must choose between two players of equal talent, he will always choose the better student. Why? Because he knows the better student will not become academically ineligible or fail out of school.

Work your butt off in the classroom and you will see the rewards. The higher your grades and exam scores, the more schools will be able to recruit you and the more opportunities you'll have. So hit the books hard. Be disciplined with your homework. If you're getting B's right now, strive for A's. Ask your teacher for extra help, get a tutor after school, take a preparatory SAT/ACT course, form a study group with your friends. Do whatever it takes to improve your marks. Aim High!

6. Get Your Body in Shape.
College coaches recruit players who are in good physical shape, will not be injured easily and who look like ball players. Sure they will make exceptions if you're overweight and unable to get to first in less than 10 seconds -- you just better be able to hit the ball 400 feet or pitch 90 mph!

Ask your school's trainer or gym teacher to recommend a conditioning program that will strengthen your forearms, hips and legs. Make sure it includes weight lifting and a lot of aerobic work like running, biking and swimming.

So, if you have a gut, lose it! Turn your flab into muscle. Jog and do wind sprints at 6 a.m. before school starts, improve your flexibility with stretching for 30 minutes every night after you finish your school-work and do rotator cuff exercises with dumbbells when you're watching TV.

Also, avoid fatty foods like chocolate, ice cream and french fries. Stick with vegetables, fruits, and lots of complex carbohydrates like pasta, bread and rice. You'll notice a tremendous difference if you workout regularly and fuel your body with nutritious food.

7. Seek Exposure.
If you assume college coaches and pro scouts will be knocking down your door waving offers during your senior year, you're setting yourself up for a big disappointment. It's up to you to promote yourself. So take the initiative and be proactive with your career.

Most college programs do not have the money to send recruiters to your games. So whenever you can take your game to them, you should do it.

Exposure is key. The more opportunities you have to play in front of college coaches, the better chance you'll have of getting an offer.

Go to camps at the schools you want to attend, play on select summer teams, compete against the best competition possible, make a highlight video of your skills and send it to any coach who hasn't seen you play in person and go to as many talent showcases as you can.