Coach, trainer and former D-I all-conference catcher Jess Nicola explains that there are three things within a softball player’s control that she can work on to get noticed by a college coach…

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There are many girls that play softball around the world.  When it comes to getting recruited for college, a player has to make herself stand out. Coaches go to tournaments looking for specific things and, as there are typically hundreds if not thousands of players competing at any one event, a hopeful recruit needs to do whatever she can to catch the coach’s eye.

There are some responsibilities players have before they try to get noticed in competition: the first is to narrow down a list of schools they are interested in going to and invite coaches from these schools to come watch them play.

That being done, it’s now time to perform on the field.  Between the lines, it’s not always about talent–there are three very important (and controllable!) things a player can do when it comes to being a stand out while in action:

 

1. Hustle

Coaches want to see speed, sure, as well as the effort to go full speed at all times.  The game of softball is quick and coaches are looking for the player that is going to hustle on everything, not just once in a while.

Always run on and off the field.  Even if you just had the worst at bat or the worst inning of defense, run at all times. If you are on offense going to defense, have your stuff ready to go.  This shows coaches you are prepared for the game.

Hustle after every ball.  You may think you cannot get there but hustle and make the effort.  A coach wants to see a big play, hustle and try.

Always run every hit out hard. When playing on the big stage in front of coaches always hustle, it shows you don’t slack off.

 

2. Attitude

Attitude is a big factor that many players overlook or simply forget about.  College coaches are watching everything–they are like parents as they see and hear all!

With attitude it is not just on the field, but off the field as well.  Always be respectful and positive to teammates, parents, others, etc.

Coaches want leaders.  Leaders respect their teammates and push each other to play harder in positive ways.  Be a stand out.

Pick up your teammates.  Even if you are on the bench, be involved with the game.  Coaches want character on their bench and in their program.  They are looking for good attitudes.

A player may have all the talent in the world, but if her attitude is in the dumpster then talent doesn’t matter.

Coaches do not want a player who makes an error and pouts or strikes out and throws their equipment.  They want the player that makes an error, but then makes the next big play or when she strikes out, she shakes it off and runs off the field encouraging teammates to “pick them up.”

Be positive, be a leader, and always be at team player.  It is a team sport.  Beware of your moves off the field as well.

 

3. Coachability

College coaches talk to travel coaches all the time.  It is a very tight circle and everyone knows each other.  They want players that are open minded and they are going to be able to work with.

College and club coaches say all the time things like “she has a lot of potential.”  This often means they want to recruit you, but are concerned they may have to fix or tweak some things.

When they are out recruiting they can tell who is coachable and who isn’t.  In line with having a positive attitude, recruiters are watching and listening to how you react when your coach tells you to do something or change something.

Are you being that open minded player and listening to improve your gamer or are you closed off and taking it as criticism?  When you are on the field or during a game, even if you don’t agree, act like you do and listen.  You never know –maybe it will work better!

To sum it all up, yes, coaches are looking for talent, but when it comes to a player who always hustles and tries for the ball, plays with a positive attitude no matter were they are on the field, and who works hard and shows she is willing to make adjustments, you are putting yourself in the best possible position to catch a coach’s eye!

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Jess Nicola has been involved with softball for over 15 years including a successful four-year career at Monmouth University (N.J.) where she was a two-time honoree as a 1st team All-NEC catcher. For the last eight years she has been an instructor at Frozen Ropes, a softball/baseball facility. She also manages a 12U team and gives individual and team instruction.