Each week we take a question from a softball player, parent or coach and pass on to our long-time contributor, Cathi Aradi, one of the most knowledgeable people in softball when it comes to the recruiting process.

If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.

Today, the topic is whether changing teams during the season will help–or hurt–a player’s recruitability…

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Recruiting Question: High profile travel teams can be affected by internal politics and personal agendas, and they don’t always seem to care about their players as individuals. As as a rising Junior in high school (2017 grad), does it hurt my chances of being recruited if I leave my travel team during the season and pick up with other teams?

I have had several coaches invite me to their camps, and I feel that they are interested, but my travel coach seems to want to help another player improve her skills and get on the radar of college coaches ahead of me.  I am just not certain what to do since this is such a big summer for my class. — Anonymous, Louisville, KY

Cathi’s Answer:  Some college coaches may look at a player who jumps from team to team to team and wonder if she has trouble adjusting.  That said, if you can find another team situation where you feel you will be treated fairly and your skills showcased for the rest of this summer, it’s probably okay to move there.  (After all, no coach wants a player on his/her team who’s unhappy and who may upset team chemistry.)  But if you do switch teams, try to stick with the new team for the rest of the season.

(Note: I’m not sure that going to different tournaments with different teams each weekend will be helpful since the coaches on those teams won’t get to know you well enough to talk to college coaches honestly and effectively about your strengths and weaknesses. If you happen to get lucky and a college coach sees you and is seriously impressed, that’s great.  But you can’t count on that even when you play with the same team all the time, and it’s worse when you go from one team to another.  Plus…unless a team is simply seriously short handed, think of how unhappy some other player on that team is going to be when you show up and take her spot!)

Here’s something all rising juniors should remember.  While this summer is indeed important in terms of the Div. I coaches (who are looking for 2017s) being able to see you, the majority of girls in your graduating class will be playing at D-II, D-III or NAIA schools. Those coaches will be looking mostly at 2016s now.  Strong 2017s who catch their attention may be tagged as players to watch, but they won’t necessarily be actively pursued right away.  So you still have plenty of time to get on their radar.

The other thing you should try to keep in mind is that just being on a travel team (even a good one) isn’t necessarily a guarantee you’ll be discovered and recruited. Make sure you “cover all your bases” by writing coaches, sending them your skills video, and showing them you have the grades, the experience and the dedication it takes to play at their level.  And if you do change teams, make sure your new travel coach understands how much you want to play in college and show him/her that you’ve done your homework by reaching out to college coaches yourself.  Best of luck!

— Cathi Aradi

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Catharine Aradi is the author of Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc. (www.nfca.org).  She has over 20 years of experience working as a recruiting consultant with athletes and colleges around the U.S and Canada.  If you would like knowledgeable, one-on-one guidance through the often bewildering labyrinth of recruiting, Ms. Aradi’s company, Collegiate Softball Connection, offers “concierge” recruiting services.  Unlike corporate websites that rely upon mass marketing of hundreds and hundreds of athletes, Ms. Aradi works with the individual player and her family to ensure a successful college search.  Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com or by calling 415-456-6449. Remember: if you use the code “fullcountsoftball” when signing up with CSC, you will be entitled to a $100 discount off her Fast Track or Elite options!