National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.
If you are ready to take your recruiting to the next level, click the Get Scouted button below to be evaluated by an NSR College Scout.
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College recruiting starts earlier and earlier every year, especially for softball.
No college coach likes recruiting early. But most realize they must in order to “keep up with the Joneses” when it comes to recruiting. Right now, a Top-25 NCAA Division I softball program likely already has eighth-graders committed and, inevitably, has some seventh-graders offered. However, when people say, “It’s never too early for college recruiting,” that couldn’t be further from the truth. For the past several years, the “recruiting age” has stayed stagnant, beginning with seventh- and eighth-graders for legitimate, top-tier Division I prospects. For the remainder of the prospects, late eighth and ninth grade have proved timely.
Up to this point, no college coaches have asked National Scouting Report for its “best sixth-graders.” Therefore, sixth grade is about one to two years too early to jump into the recruiting arena. However, this is a crucial time to begin having the conversations with your athlete about how serious they are. Talk to them about what’s necessary for success, time management, sacrifice, etc. Find out if they’re serious about playing at the next level, and want to commit to the process.
As a college scout, I love working with athletes when they are entering “the recruiting age” of a seventh or eighth grade. Why? I love being able to “tip toe” them into the process and teach them along the way. It’s easier to do this without overwhelming them and without them feeling “rushed.” At that age, we’re starting with a “blank slate” and, therefore, not having to undo false knowledge they’ve read online or heard from someone else.
Is it ever too late? Absolutely not. I’ve started working with athletes after they graduated from high school and still placed them with ease. There’s always someone looking for someone if the athlete is willing to keep her options open.
Bottom line?
Seventh grade is the best time for a softball player to begin the recruiting process, but ONLY if she meets certain criteria demonstrating she’s competent enough to start early AND has an educated advocate/advisor walking her through. NSR is looking for prospects who are physically advanced, mentally mature, organized and meticulous with good time-management skills.
It’s best to let a professional assess whether your athlete is prepared or not to enter the recruiting process. To have her evaluated by an NSR scout, click the button below.
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.