June 8, 2025
To watch the entire webinar on “The Dos & Don’ts of Recruiting” that we recorded with Diamond College Advisory Team, fill out the information below!
Here’s a blog post write-up of the webinar content, as well!
The Do’s and Don’ts of the High-Academic Softball Recruiting Process
When it comes to navigating the college softball recruiting journey—especially for high-academic student-athletes—the path can feel unclear and full of mixed signals. That’s why we recently hosted a webinar with Bonnie Pettis (Director of Softball at Diamond College Advisory Team, or DCAT) to break down the process into straightforward “do this, don’t do that” guidance to help families focus on what truly matters.
In this post, we’re highlighting the biggest takeaways from that conversation—organized into practical do’s and don’ts—to help student-athletes maximize their exposure, communication, and decision-making through the recruiting process.
✅ DO: Personalize every touchpoint.
College coaches receive hundreds of emails—and the ones that stand out are clearly written just for them. Go beyond just getting the coach’s name and school right. Reference specific aspects of the program, major offerings, recent results, or team culture that make the school genuinely appealing to you.
✅ DO: Mix in non-email communication.
While email is the workhorse, also look for opportunities to interact via social media (e.g., tagging coaches in posts), in person at showcases, and even handwritten follow-ups. These personal touches can elevate your profile.
✅ DO: Be persistent, not pesky.
Follow up when you have meaningful updates—new video, test scores, schedule changes. A good rule of thumb? Send something every 2–3 weeks during junior year, or every 6–8 weeks if you’re younger and earlier in your process.
❌ DON’T: Mass-email or BCC coaches.
Coaches can spot generic emails a mile away—and nothing gets your name crossed off faster than saying “Coach Smith” in a note to Coach Jones.
❌ DON’T: Give up too early.
No response doesn’t mean no interest. Coaches may be finishing a recruiting class or simply swamped. Keep following up with purpose.
❌ DON’T: Ghost coaches who reach out.
Even if a school isn’t on your radar, reply professionally. Coaches talk—and burning a bridge at one program could ripple into others.
✅ DO: Create a targeted exposure plan.
Your travel schedule alone isn’t enough. Build a plan that gets you in front of the schools on your list—whether through showcases, prospect camps, or campus visits.
✅ DO: Know that one size doesn’t fit all.
What works for a Power 4 program won’t necessarily help with a NESCAC, Ivy, or UAA school. Build a plan around your goals.
✅ DO: Use every opportunity wisely.
Let coaches know your schedule—down to opponents. Interact with coaches at events like Headfirst, and always warm up, compete, and carry yourself like someone is watching.
❌ DON’T: Rely on passive exposure.
Don’t assume “if I’m good enough, they’ll find me.” That’s a myth—especially in the high-academic space where smaller coaching staffs and travel budgets limit their reach.
❌ DON’T: Play someone else’s game.
Be authentic. Don’t fake enthusiasm or play differently than what got you here. Coaches are evaluating your future projection, not one day’s stat line.
✅ DO: Prepare. Practice. Be bold.
Know who you want to talk to, look them up ahead of time, and practice what you’ll say. If you’re nervous, that’s normal—bring a teammate for support.
✅ DO: Be ready for conversation, not a performance.
Coaches want to get to know you as a person. What are you like as a teammate? What drives you academically and athletically?
❌ DON’T: Wait until after to regret inaction.
The worst-case scenario? Driving home saying, “I wish I’d just introduced myself.” Even a short, imperfect conversation beats silence.
✅ DO: Select for holistic school fit.
Think beyond softball. What kind of academic environment, social scene, and geographic setting will make you happiest?
✅ DO: Own your process.
This is your journey—not your parents’, not your teammates’. Use tools like school websites, roster analysis, and feedback from mentors to drive your decision-making.
✅ DO: Be open-minded and patient.
Some fits don’t reveal themselves until late in the process. Keep your list fluid and stay engaged. Many D3 and Ivy-level offers come after junior year or even into senior fall.
❌ DON’T: Chase labels.
Division doesn’t define value. Incredible softball and academic experiences exist at every level—D1, D3, and beyond.
❌ DON’T: Fear rejection.
Rejection is part of recruiting. Each no gets you closer to the right yes.
❌ DON’T: Leave anything on the table.
Be proactive, persistent, and committed to giving your all. Win or lose, you’ll finish with no regrets—and often that’s what leads you to the right fit.
As a bonus for attendees, DCAT’s Bonnie Pettis is offering a free video evaluation for your student-athlete. Just send video clips, your grad year, and some background to dcatsoftball@gmail.com by May 15. You’ll receive honest, actionable feedback—no strings attached.
This recruiting journey is full of decisions, deadlines, and doubt—but with the right approach and a strong plan, it’s also full of possibility. Be intentional, be informed, and most importantly, be yourself.