By: Trace Fowler
Before I get started, thank you for visiting our site. Fastpitch Report was comprised of an idea I had nearly 5 years ago. After careful consideration, and gathering resources, now is the time. We could paint a picture in which Fastpitch Report is being managed by venture capitalists, financing isn't an object, and success is guaranteed.
As some of you can already see, we do not have editors, producers, publishers, or any full time staff. Rather a bunch of passionate former athletes looking to make a positive impact on something we cherish. I write these things, because in certain areas we will rely on you. Twitter has become synonymous with news, and information but thats only because of its users. Twitter provides the platform, and nothing else.
We rather be transparent.
Reporting scores, sending us requests, attending events, creating profiles, and buying into Fastpitch Report will make this place special. Our marketing is your voice, and I promise our team is ready to deliver on making fastpitch softball grow.
Recruiting can be difficult. There is absolutely no one size fits all, ever. However there are two areas that affect all recruiting journeys.
Talent/Skill
Each prospect must set realistic expectations when starting the journey. It doesnt matter if you attend 25 DI camps during the process, if you do not have the skill/talent, you will not be recruited by those schools. DI is a great goal, however there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with playing DII, DIII, JUCO, and NAIA. Just remember, happiness is what you're after, and only focusing on playing at a certain level will leave you dissatisfied. Focus on the school, coaches, and your ability to compete for the program.
Exposure
How many times have you heard If youre good enough, they will find you? Its such a lie. We all have heard She fell through the cracks somehow just as many times. Why would industry leaders Walt Disney, Verizon Wireless, and JP Morgan spend the most on marketing? Because it matters. Sure if youre one of the few top players in the nation, you will get notoriety, but out of 30K college players last year, only 6K played DI. There were 371K high school softball players last year. How many of those players can college coaches actually see? Also, schools that do see you play, do they have your major, are you academically eligible, do you have the skills to play for their program? The reality is, if you can properly assess your talent/skill, and focus on your academic needs, and then market yourself you got it.