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, we learn about what to do to improve your recruiting presence if you DON’T play for a high-profile club team..

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Recruiting Question: It seems like so many of the players you spotlight play for big name travel teams that are well known to college coaches.  If I play on a lesser known team that doesn’t go to national tournaments, can I still be recruited?   — Jill Marsalone, Albany, Georgia

Cathi’s Answer:   While it’s true that the better known, more competitive travel organizations draw coaches to their games and may have established working relationships with coaches at many of the bigger college programs, there are 1,200-plus four-year college teams out there and all of these coaches are looking for players who want to come to their schools.

So how do you get on a coach’s radar if the name of your travel team doesn’t immediately grab his or her attention?

First of all, you want to have a good skills video that showcases both your offense and your defense effectively.  (See my book for instructions on creating a skills video.)

Secondly, you need to reach out to a variety of coaches at different levels of competition. Any athlete’s chances of being actively recruited depend on her finding the schools where she would be considered an impact player.  If you just write the schools you see on TV, you may find they’ve already identified their top prospects from your graduating class or that you’re not quite what they need right now.  By contacting schools that are D-II, D-III and NAIA as well as D-I, you significantly increase the likelihood you’ll be recruited.

Some Div. I coaches may have substantial travel budgets and may get out to tournaments all around the country, but many coaches only travel occasionally, preferring to stay within their regions when scouting off-campus.

So, here’s one more thing to keep in mind.

Most D-I coaches won’t recruit players they can’t see in person–either at a tournament or (occasionally) in a camp setting.  If your team isn’t playing where they’re scouting, it may be tough to get them to notice you.

But D-II and NAIA coaches are allowed to have players work out with their teams.  So a D-II or NAIA coach who loves your video and resume and who feels you’d be a great fit for the program can invite you to visit the campus and, when you’re there, put you through your paces.

In addition, most D-III coaches who aren’t able to see you at a camp or tournament will still consider recruiting you based on your video.

If you’re a freshman or sophomore who throws 65 mph or who sets a new state high school record for home runs or stolen bases, you may not need to worry as much about being recruited.

But if you’re in the 90% of players who won’t be recruited as underclassmen in high school, how do you make sure you have the opportunity to play in college.

It’s simple!  You conduct a comprehensive college search and give yourself every opportunity to find a college and a team you can love!

— 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!