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Elite Collegiate Skills logoElite Collegiate SkillsSoftball Camps · Barry University
Straightforward recruiting advice

The college softball recruiting guide

What college coaches actually look for, when they can contact you and what to do at every grade level — from a coach who has recruited for more than 25 years.

What coaches look for

It’s more than the radar gun

Talent gets you noticed. These are the things that get you recruited.

01

Fundamentals

Clean footwork, a strong and accurate arm and a repeatable swing. Coaches recruit players they can build on.

02

Compete level

How you play when you’re 0-for-3, how you run on and off the field and how you pick up teammates.

03

Academics

Good grades open more doors — at more schools — and can make you eligible for academic aid on top of athletic aid.

04

Coachability

Coaches watch how you take feedback at camp. Make an adjustment on the next rep and they notice.

05

Communication

Emails you write yourself, with your schedule, video and grades, show maturity and real interest.

06

Character

Coaches talk to your travel and high school coaches. Be the teammate everyone wants to vouch for.

Grade by grade

Your recruiting timeline

Grades 7–8

Build the foundation

Focus on fundamentals and loving the game. Youth and prospect camps are a great way to see college-level coaching early.

Grade 9

Start the conversation

Make a list of schools you like, keep your grades up and start building a short skills video. You can attend camps and take unofficial visits any time.

Grade 10

Get on radars

Email coaches with your schedule and video, attend prospect camps at schools on your list and register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Summer before Grade 11

Contact opens up

Starting June 15 before junior year, NCAA Division II coaches can call, text, email, send recruiting materials, make off-campus contact and host official visits.

Grades 11–12

Visits, offers and decisions

Take visits, ask questions about academics, playing time and cost, and make the choice that fits you on and off the field.

NCAA rules differ by division and can change. Always confirm current rules with the NCAA Eligibility Center or the compliance office at the schools you’re interested in.
Barry coach reviewing a lineup card with an umpire
Your recruiting checklist

Get noticed the right way

  • A 2–3 minute skills video: hitting, fielding and throwing (pitchers and catchers: position-specific work)
  • A one-page profile with grad year, positions, GPA, test scores and travel team
  • Short, personal emails to coaches with your upcoming schedule
  • Prospect camps at schools you’re genuinely interested in
  • NCAA Eligibility Center registration
  • A reference from your travel or high school coach

Prospect questionnaire

Ready to be seen?

The best way to show a college coach what you can do is to compete in front of them. Our prospect camps are built for exactly that.