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 her a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.

And if you’re looking for a something to give you a competitive advantage in 2016, Cathi’s book Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level is perfect for you or your favorite softball player!


 
Today, Cathi talks about how important it is to have a good attitude and work ethic on and off the field…



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Recruiting Question:  I always hear from my coaches and even my parents that off the field stuff is really important… I mean like how you act in the dugout, whether you cheer your teammates on and that stuff.  Really, how important is that? Isn’t recruiting all based on how good you can bat or pitch? What percentage of a college looking at a player like me is how you do on the field? I would really think it’s 90 percent, isn’t it? — Paige G., Birmingham, Ala.

Cathi’s Answer: Hi Paige.  This is a great question!

Yes, to some extent how you perform in the clutch is what coaches focus on after they've identified that you are academically eligible, athletically strong, and mechanically sound. 

They will want to know what you actually do on the field. 

Photo: Nadia Martinez

However...it's also critical that you keep in mind that there are thousands of talented, would-be college players out there.  And unless you're the next Lisa Fernandez, the chances are good that there are other girls who are as skilled as you are. 

If it comes down to choosing between two players who appear to be equally strong, but one of them has a better work ethic and a more positive attitude and is able to let go of the negative stuff that happens during a game (like striking out or getting a bad call), then 99.9 percent of the time the coach will go with the player who can smile when the chips are down.

Everyone has bad games or days when nothing seems to be working. But being able to shake that off and look ahead to doing better the next time is more productive than feeling sorry for yourself or taking your frustrations out on your teammates. 

Softball is a team sport, and recognizing that element of the game really helps an athletic maintain perspective.  You don't have to be upbeat all the time.  But showing a college coach that you see the "big picture" and know how to roll with the punches may go a long way towards being recruited!

— Cathi Aradi ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________





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.  

Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com

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