This past Monday we started an ongoing series of recruiting articles coming from softball parents who’ve been through—or are currently in the middle of—the recruiting process.

The kickoff article was from Holly Svekis as she talked about her daughter, Gwen, and what they learned as a family from the experience that culminated with the Florida All-American signing with Oregon.

Today we hear from another Florida mother, Gretchen Cocuzza, who’s daughter “Minnie” is in Colorado playing this week (and had a birthday yesterday!)…here’s another parent’s insights…

 

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Can anyone but a mother or father understand what it means to be the parent of a dedicated softball player?

We are a perfect example: my husband and I are not true softball followers or strategists and after seven years of integrating ourselves with the teams, parents, and coaches, I can’t come close to saying I understand the industry or the ever-changing rules.

But, I do know this: we love supporting the passion and the hope softball has offered our daughter!

Listening to her recap a game, seeing her highs and watching her work thru her lows, I know that character is developing in her.

Lots of family and friends watch us and measure the time and money we invest in this and don’t quite get it (a recurring theme in our own conversations).  Fellow softball parents complain, “We could have paid for college by now with the amount of money we have already paid!”

This is echoed by many parents during this recruitment process. “What are we chasing?” they ask. “Why are we doing this?”

Well, most of us stay with it anyway… but why?  It’s because it’s so much more than the scholarship—it’s more than going D1 or getting a 50 percent scholarship or even a full ride.

It’s about seeing our children navigate success in this small microcosm of softball.

They experience being forced to operate in a team setting, reaching out to prospective college coaches through emails and phone calls (with much prodding), then, realizing the triumph (or sometimes disappointment) that comes from putting yourself out there in front of coaches who are watching you swing the bat or throw one from center to home plate.

What freedom this country offers us and what great growth opportunities. These players can follow a passion and, in the process, grow into confident leaders.

Minnie had an interview with a college a couple of weeks ago and the coach said she had such maturity and confidence.  From experiences like that, I as a mom say: “Yes, it’s worth it!”

This is part of it—the growing of a leader.

And, best of all, the great organization that is softball provides Minnie a safe place to navigate her way to the next adventure!

—Gretchen Cocuzza, mother of Dominica “Minnie” Cocuzza, a 2015 center fielder who plays for Gators Gold Flannery 18U