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"I recruit primarily on two personal qualities: Personal character and work ethic. I look for student-athletes with a 3.25 GPA or higher, who are highly disciplined and hungry to keep learning. They need to be self-starters, optimistic, selfless, and very, very skilled."
~ Coach Linda Witt, UNC Softball ~

Tip#1 - Grades Matter - I don't care how much talent or skill you have, you're no good to a college coach if you can't stay eligible academically. Why should they waste a scholarship or a spot on their team with a recruit that will never smell playing time because of academic ineligibility? It's in your best interest to prove, during high school, that you can take care of academics as well as athletics. Taking care of business in the classroom helps open up more opportunities during the recruiting process. All else being equal, having better academics than another recruit just may be the factor that sets you apart from other student-athletes. Grades are important. Don't slack in the classroom.

Tip #2 - Attitude Counts - If you think attitude goes unnoticed by college coaches during the recruiting process, think again. Just one player with a bad attitude can infect the entire team. Most coaches I know would rather have a team full of decent players who work hard, play together as a team, and know how to pull together when it counts than a team full of all-stars incapable of playing together to reach their team goals. Demonstrate your ability to work hard, support your teammates, and be coachable!

Tip# 3 - Test Early - If you plan on going to a school that has SAT/ACT requirements, try to take these tests during your Junior Year in high school (if not earlier). Often times College Coaches will offer scholarships in the fall of a recruit's Senior Year in high school, sometimes even sooner. If you've already gotten your tests taken care of and they know you'll be able to get into their school, it's that much easier for them to decide that you're a recruit they want.

Tip#4 - Send Information - Too many student-athletes mistakenly think "If I'm good, someone will find me". Don't make this mistake! Guess What? College coaches can't recruit you if they don't know you exist. Put together a video, if possible, and send it to programs of your choice along with an athletic "resume" highlighting your achievements. Include stats, awards, high school transcripts, information on SAT/ACT scores, and letters of recommendation from coaches and teachers. Don't forget your contact information!

NCAA National Clearinghouse - For those of you who aspire to compete in Division I or Division II college sports, talk with your high school guidance counselor about registering with the NCAA National Clearinghouse. Or click here to register online ~ look for the link that says "Registration Form for U.S. Students". Registering with the NCAA Clearinghouse costs $30.00 but there are fee waivers available for eligible students. It's a good idea to get this taken care of in the spring of your junior year.

AllAboutFastpitch.com Recommends

Dynamite Sports - This company provides great information college athletics and the recruiting process. I had the privilege of hearing Rick Wire, CEO and founder of Dynamite Sports, speak here in Hawaii. Every high school aged student-athlete and their family can benefit from the information available through his company.

National Collegiate Scouting Association - NCSA specializes in matching high school student-athletes with the right college coach as well as proactively guiding each student-athlete and family through the recruiting process. The full measure of a student-athlete's potential is taken by highlighting their athletic and academic achievements and attributes so to effectively expose them to college coaches throughout the country. To gain more information, visit NCSA on the web!