Last night, our Mojo players had the incredible opportunity to learn from former D1 softball coach Barb Sherwood in an exclusive recruiting seminar. Coach Sherwood shared invaluable insights about the college recruiting process, drawing from her extensive experience in collegiate athletics.
Key Takeaways for Players
The Changing Landscape of College Sports
Coach Sherwood addressed recent changes in collegiate athletics, particularly noting new roster cap legislation at the Division 1 level. While these changes have impacted opportunities, she emphasized that numerous paths still exist through Junior College, Division 2, NAIA, and Division 3 programs. The key is finding the right fit by considering not just the athletic program, but also academic offerings and career aspirations.
Building Your Digital Presence
In today’s recruiting environment, social media plays a crucial role. Coach Sherwood recommended that players:
- Create professional Twitter and Instagram accounts
- Include key information in profile headers (graduation year, position, travel team)
- Post weekly game and tournament schedules
- Share academic achievements and community service involvement
- Support teammates by reposting their accomplishments
Proactive Communication Strategies
Coach Sherwood emphasized that successful recruitment requires players to be their own advocates. She recommended:
- Sending personalized emails to coaches with correct grammar and accurate names
- Including essential information in email subject lines (name, grad year, position, travel team)
- Making direct phone calls to coaches
- Creating 2.5-minute recruiting videos that showcase best skills first
- Attending college camps starting in 9th grade
Beyond the Field
The seminar highlighted that recruitment isn’t just about athletic ability. Coach Sherwood stressed the importance of:
- Maintaining strong grades, especially in core subjects
- Taking SAT/ACT tests multiple times to maximize scholarship opportunities
- Demonstrating positive attitude and resilience
- Participating in community service and extracurricular activities
- Researching college financial aid opportunities
Creating Your College List
When developing a list of potential colleges, players should consider:
- Academic programs and career goals
- Roster needs and depth charts
- Distance from home
- Financial aid packages
- Campus environment and culture
Next Steps
For parents interested in learning more about supporting their athletes through the recruiting process, we’re hosting a follow-up workshop next Sunday via Zoom. Details will be sent separately.
Final Thoughts
Coach Sherwood’s message was clear: while the recruiting landscape has evolved, opportunities exist for dedicated athletes who take ownership of their recruiting journey. Success comes from being proactive, authentic, and thorough in your approach.
Remember: It’s never too late to start the recruiting process, but the earlier you begin, the more options you’ll have available.