How do I get Recruited?

[FCHS LSA 2024]

I heard somewhere that a certain number of spots are dedicated to recruited athletes. I have been playing softball for 7-8 years and am currently captain of my 16U Travel team. How would I go about getting recruited for softball?

 

[Heatherg21]

If my DS or DD were interested in this, I would recommend they do a deep dive on USMA's softball program. Look at stats, see where you stand in comparison. I would say they should do their research and then reach out to a coach via email if it looked like they were competitive.

 

[Capt MJ]

General advice: If you have not yet read every page, link and menu item at USMA.edu, I recommend it. Recruited athletes must apply, get medical clearance, pass the CFA and obtain nominations the same as any other applicant.

Second, go to the official USMA Softball Team page and read everything there. Ideally, see if your stats and experience are competitive for NCAA Div I Patriot League. Your own coach can probably help with this assessment.

Third, look for the softball team recruiting questionnaire at the link below. This is how you wave your hand and ask to be looked at.

Sports recruits do have the benefit of a a coach advocating for their admission, but all entrance criteria must be met. A USMA coach can explain how that works.

Army West Point Athletics Recruiting Questionnaires - Army West Point

Sport-specific recruiting questionnaires are available below if the team's coaching staff has opted to offer its questionnaire online. All questionnaires are...

goarmywestpoint.com

Finally, be sure you want to attend USMA because you seek to be an Army officer who will serve at least 5 years of active duty after graduation. Explore the officer branches to be sure at least a few of those appeal to you. Playing your sport is secondary.

 

[UHBlackhawk]

What I am going to tell you is from my DD playing competitive soccer and wanting to play at the D1 level. She did. Different sport, but probably the same recruiting process.
College coaches get hundreds of emails from interested athletes. Just writing a coach won’t do it. Especially a head coach.
Have an honest discussion with your club coach about your skill level and ability to play at the D1 level at a SA. If he feels your skills are about the level of USMA, see if he will reach out to the coach.
Look at attending a softball summer camp at USMA and make sure your club coach reached out to the USMA coach before you attend.
See if a USMA coach will be at any of your tournaments. If so, reach out to that coach.
See about putting together a highlight reel.

The exception to this is if you are a highly recruited softball player. If you are you will know it. Top programs usually start recruiting players before the U-16 level. It’s not to say if you haven’t been recruited yet you don’t have a chance.
Finally, I would finish by saying that you should go into a D1 sport with your eyes wide open. It’s a full time job which, at a SA can really be tough, but rewarding. If you play softball at a D1 level anticipate having no life outside your team from January through the end of the school year. I knew basketball players who never got home for a Thanksgiving and missed most Christmases.
Anticipate not being home much (if at all) over the summers.
However, your teammates will probably be some of your closest friends for the rest of your life.

 

[StPaulDad]

The answer is above: you need to do everything it would take to normally get admitted to a service academy AND everything it would normally take to be recruited for a D1 sport. So step 1 is to get into USMA. And the other step 1 is to reach out to the USMA coaching staff and try to get on their radar. Both are hard, and if you're already 16 you don't have a lot of room left to improve your grades or level of play, so get an honest appraisal of your skills to be sure you've got a chance.

But here's my special advice: give it a shot regardless of what you hear. Even if you aren't recruited you could make the team as a role player, or you could be the team manager, or you could end up playing on company teams or even changing sports. Keep your head up and your feet moving and you'll end up where you were intended to be.

 

[Hockey10]

First, be very sure you want to attend a SA and all that means. Then get an opinion of your ability from an unbiased, recognized talent evaluator with no horse in the race. Perhaps a local college coach. Or, as mentioned above, a summer camp at a college. These are major recruiting tools for college coaches. Don't be afraid to ask "Am I good enough?" Don't forget USCGA and USMMA. They are SAs and D3. There are fewer women (especially KP) so the odds of playing are better. Good luck.

 

[Cadet35]

USMA most definitely has a softball prospect day where you come out and showcase your skills. I did two of these for my respective sport at USMA when I was in high school. It’s the best way to develop a relationship with the coaching staff, express your interest, and see what Army softball is all about.

Email film and send a well written email to a few members of the coaching staff as well. Fully prepare to apply to USMA and keep pursuing a roster spot in the instance that you’re appointed.