We’re starting a new feature this week: a question asked by one of our readers that will be answered by 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@fullcountsoftball.com and we’ll pass it along.

And here we go!

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Recruiting Question: I am in my junior year and I’ve just started my college search.  Is it too late for me to be recruited?

Cathi’s Answer:   Absolutely not!  While some highly visible players on well-known travel teams are identified as top prospects for Div. I schools and may commit as sophomores or even occasionally as freshmen, there’s one little known fact that many people overlook.

In any given graduating class (for example the 2017 class), only about 10-15% of all the players who will eventually go on to play in college will make their decisions before spring of their junior year.

You may hear about the high profile commitments, but since 75% of all college teams (and therefore all college players) are at D-II, D-III and NAIA schools, it’s important to remember that many, if not most, of these coaches don’t start actively recruiting before the junior year.

And quite a few colleges won’t make decisions on players until the players are into their senior year.

If you expect or hope to play at a Top 25 D-I school, you do need to get on the team’s radar early.

However, one of the more glaring examples of the “it’s not fair!” rule of recruiting is that not all athletes develop at the same rate.

So getting noticed by a big D-I school as a freshman or sophomore can sometimes be very difficult.  Nonetheless, if you love the game and truly want to play in college, you will find a team…when it’s right for you.

Do the work, be patient, look at all types of colleges, and be proactive!  Some coach will be lucky to get you!

— 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!