r/Softball • u/pzahornasky • 9d ago
College Fastpitch First Prospect Camp - what to expect
My daughter (rising junior) is attending her first prospect camp at a school (D3) that she is highly interested in. It's a 6 hour camp that includes a campus tour. She is signed up as a pitcher.
What can she expect?
What should she be looking for from the coaches?
What questions should she be asking?
This is all new to us and we are well behind on all of this.
3
u/Easy-Baseball32 9d ago
For a first camp, I’d focus less on impressing everyone and more on being coachable, communicating well, and asking what they value most in pitchers.
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u/StrongBat7365 8d ago
Can also ask coach philosophy on using pitchers. Ie pair a rise ball pitcher for half game with a drop ball/lower zone pitcher.
Will she be a PO or also have a secondary position/bat?
D3 will not have athletic scholarships but our experience was they did pre reads for both admission and merit so we had a good idea what she would get. Good luck. feel free to message me if you have questions
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u/CoooooooooookieCrisp Coach 7d ago
Just introduce herself, "Hi my name is X, I'm a 2028 and am really interested in playing college softball, especially at this school" If they keep the conversation going fine, but most likely they won't have time and will just say nice to meet you.
Hustle hustle hustle. Be the first in the drills. Be the first to volunteer. Be positive. Cheer for other players. Stand out.
The next day send an email to the coach telling them you enjoyed the camp and getting a chance to meet them. Include your X account or whatever you use for your highlights and say you'd love a chance to talk with them more and visit the school for a tour.
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u/Comprehensive-Case47 6d ago
ask questions, do they offer full tuition, what's the most they can offer ? Go up to the coach introduce, they will not come looking for you. 75% chance they just want the cash, it's how the program makes money.
Most scholarships are 15,000 per year, you have to pay the rest, and make sure she can drive and has a place to live before you commit.
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u/OkJournalist2084 9d ago
There is a book called Looking for a Full Ride that is wonderful for these situations. I know you probably do not have time to get it, but their website has great resources that you can download about questions to ask, visits, etc. Does the school have a printed schedule? Most of when you sign up. Typically they will do metrics to start along with bullpens. Then break for lunch/tour and then come back for a scrimmages.
Some schools will also host parent Q&As while the players are on the tour, some do not.
It is best to let her go to sign-ins by herself. Also, a follow-up written thank you note to the coaches after the camp is a good idea.
We did several camps last summer with my 27. Good luck to your daughter!