The Best Fall/Winter Softball Camps in 2016

The Best Fall/Winter Softball Camps in 2016

One way to get college exposure is to attend a softball camp. There are so many camps to choose from, so which one is right for your daughter? The camps we

Oct 6, 2016 by Chez Sievers
Inside FSU's Winter Camp
One way to get college exposure is to attend a softball camp. There are so many camps to choose from, so which one is right for your daughter?

The camps we highlight are all-inclusive camps that provide exposure to multiple schools, solid instruction, and go above and beyond any other camps in the country.


Pro Swings College Exposure Softball Camp

WHY: Pro Swings is more than just a exposure camp. It's a collaborative softball experience between the coaches and the players. College coaches have the ability to teach and give ample instruction to prospective athletes. Pro Swings is led by Stephanie Best, one of the greatest players in UCF history. Her passion to grow the sport and put out a meaningful camp experience is the reason why players and coaches alike keep coming back. This is a great opportunity for parents to get their daughters an adequate amount of exposure in a two-day period. For athletes, they get to work one-on-one with coaches and ask questions.



WHEN: November 26-27 (Nov. 26 - Offense) (Nov. 27 - Defense)
WHERE: Seminole County Softball Complex: 2200 North St., Altamonte Springs, FL
GRADES: 8th-12th
HOW MUCH: $225 (1-Day) $390 (2-Day)
AVAILABILITY: Open
WHO'S COMING:
Stephanie Best (UCF Alum)
Sharonda McDonald (University of Florida)
Bianka Bell (LSU/USA)
Jessica Moore (University South Florida/USA)
Jenn Salling (University of Washington)
Erika Bennet (Marshall University/Mexico)
Amber Jackson (Delaware State)
Christine Roser (Queens University)
Hilary Barrow (University of Central Florida)
Eckerd-Katie Grimes (University of Hawaii)
Alissa Smith (FAMU)
Betsy Holloman (Hillsborough Community College)
Chan Walker (FAU)
Jen Steele (Jacksonville University)


Florida State Winter Camp I & II

WHY: If you have never been to a Florida State Winter Camp, you're missing out on the best softball camp in nation. What makes this camp so great is that it caters to the complete athlete. A player spends quality cage time with FSU assistant coach Craig Snider and LSU assistant coach Howard Dobson. FSU head coach Lonni Alameda, Chicago Bandits pitcher Lacey Waldrop, and pitching specialists are in the bullpen developing the pitchers. In addition to pitching, hitting, and defense, a player will get exclusive access to world-renowned sports psychologist Brian Cain and vision specialist Ryan Harrison. This camp is a very special experience that is wonderful for the players and coaches.

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(Photo: Florida State Athletics)

WHEN: Camp l, December 15-16; Camp ll, December 17-18
WHERE: Joanne Graf Softball Field: 425 W Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL
GRADES: 7th-12th
HOW MUCH: $450.00
AVAILABILITY: Camp l, Open / Camp ll, SOLD OUT (Waitlist)
WHO'S COMING:
Annie Smith (Georgia Southern University)
Roland Rodriguez (College of The Ozarks)
Maggie Liveri (University of Utah)
Lori Goodart (Florida A&M University)
Todd Bradley (Campbell University)
Howard Dobson (Louisiana State University)
Jimmy Hendrix (Chipola College)
Kendal Fearn (Marshall University)
Joanna Hardin (University of Virginia)
Lisa Navas (University of South Carolina)
Carly Wynn (Fresno State University)
Curtis Liveri (Southern Utah University)
Cody Thompson (University of Utah)
Victoria Hayward (University of Massachusetts)
Julie Towers (Campbell University)
Kaleigh Rafter (University of Virginia)
Shelby Pendley (USSSA Pride)

Ryan Harrison - Slow The Game Down (Vision)
Brian Cain (Sports Psychologist)
Russell Cooper (Pitching Specialist / Men's Fastpitch)
Charlie Green Jr. (Brewers Catching Instructor)
Carlton Salters (Hitting Instructor / Minor League)
Darren Rea (New Zealand Black Sox Pitcing Coach)
Tiffany Brown (FSU Alum)
Jessica Nori (FSU Alum)
Celeste Gomez (FSU Alum)
Lacey Waldrop (Alumni / Chicago Bandits)
Maddie O'Brien (Alumni / Pennsylvania Rebellion)
Jim Abbott (New Lenox Lighting)
Shelby Burchel (Fury Academy)
Jill Higdon (TN Fury)
Jeremy Higdon (TN Fury)
Jason Gwyn (TX Impulse)
T.J. Goelz (Tampa Mustangs)

**CHECK THE SITE FOR UPDATED COACHES LIST**

What about other college camps?


Most college camps are very similar. The coaching staff and current players work the camp, and you get your basic softball needs met. If there is a school that meets your interest, it might be worth going.

You have to ask yourself. What do you hope your daughter or player(s) gets from the camp? There is a spectrum of athletes who want different things from camps, so you as parent have to evaluate that. Camps are costly.

What if my daughter really wants to go to Alabama, UCLA, or Oklahoma?
If your daughter is looking for an athletic scholarship, I would advise you to find out if those programs have scholarship money in your daughter's particular graduation class. If they do have money, you need to find out if they need that particular position your daughter plays.

If a coach is truly interested in an athlete, there's a high probably that they will get an invite to camp.

For more questions about camps or general recruiting questions tweet @chezsievers!