Softball Recruiting Areas

[slot canyon 1,333]

Florida got recent commit from a 12 year old pitcher from Indiana.  Article states she also took unofficial visit to Auburn along with several other schools.  She apparently has been clocked at 66 mph.  May not be long before coaches will be lined up outside the delivery room in order to sign future players.

[AU64 10,122]

21 minutes ago, slot canyon said:

Florida got recent commit from a 12 year old pitcher from Indiana.  Article states she also took unofficial visit to Auburn along with several other schools.  She apparently has been clocked at 66 mph.  May not be long before coaches will be lined up outside the delivery room in order to sign future players.

That's a thought but I would hand each one a little rattle or pacifier and only sign the ones who reach for it with their left hands...

[RHN1975 302]

On 12/16/2017 at 2:54 PM, WarTiger said:

awesome stuff.  Here they are.   No articles or anything to link too from the website.

Rose Roach (2021) verbally commits to Auburn University

 

Kelsey Schmidt (2020) verbally commits to Auburn University

 

Jaylin Calvert (2019) verbally commits to Auburn University

Just had another commit from the Bandits. A 2022 infielder, Taylor Pannell. I guess after the disaster of our Bolts connection brought us we have now moved to using the Bandits as our feeder club since our new hitting coach coached for them. 

[slot canyon 1,333]

Not sure what you are referring to when you say disaster related to our Bolts connection.  In spite of our recent turmoil we are a much better program than we were 5 years ago.  Last I looked we actually had 2 commits for 2019 from the Thunderbolts and a 2020 pitcher as well. I do not see any reason that we would not continue to get players from the Thunderbolts travel team.  I suspect our HC as well as our new assistant have a very good read on who the quality players are on the Bandits.  Thanks for the update on the new commit.  

[saminbama 740]

On 12/21/2017 at 9:05 AM, AU64 said:

Florida got recent commit from a 12 year old pitcher from Indiana.  Article states she also took unofficial visit to Auburn along with several other schools.  She apparently has been clocked at 66 mph.

A 12 year old throwing 66?  Geez.  I'd like to see that.  Wow!!!  She was throwing a 12 inch softball at 66?  6 years before she starts college.  She may be throwing in the 70's by then.

[AUatHeart 624]

The fastest pitcher my daughter has seen is on her team.  She pitches 64 consistently and has good movement.  She signed with a smaller 4 year school with that kind of speed and movement.  66mph at 12 is just a freak of nature, in a good way.

[WarTiger 3,901]

On 1/9/2018 at 2:32 PM, slot canyon said:

Not sure what you are referring to when you say disaster related to our Bolts connection.  In spite of our recent turmoil we are a much better program than we were 5 years ago.  Last I looked we actually had 2 commits for 2019 from the Thunderbolts and a 2020 pitcher as well. I do not see any reason that we would not continue to get players from the Thunderbolts travel team.  I suspect our HC as well as our new assistant have a very good read on who the quality players are on the Bandits.  Thanks for the update on the new commit.  

Im not following that comment either. 

[AU64 10,122]

Seems our only disaster was Corey......otherwise the connections with the big travel teams have been favorable ...haven't they?

[around4ever 4,139]

21 minutes ago, AU64 said:

Seems our only disaster was Corey......otherwise the connections with the big travel teams have been favorable ...haven't they?

You are correct.  The Bolts girls have worked out well for Auburn.  As far as I know there are no issues with any travel organizations and Auburn.  

[OlderWhiskey 953]

I concluded that RHN was referring to Corey, but I haven't really thought of that as related to the Bolts.

On the topic of early recruiting, the coaches seem to have recognized the problem.  Carol Hutchins of Michigan is quoted as saying "We are spiralling in a poor direction."  Here's an article posted yesterday:  https://nfca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7638:ncaa-division-i-coaches-take-a-stand-against-early-recruiting&catid=284&Itemid=149 

To short-circuit that link, D1 softball coaches are supporting a proposal to make Sept. 1 of the player's junior year in high school the start date for all recruiting contact, including phone calls.  The NCAA still has to legislate it. 

[auburnphan 6,050]

24 minutes ago, OlderWhiskey said:

I concluded that RHN was referring to Corey, but I haven't really thought of that as related to the Bolts.

On the topic of early recruiting, the coaches seem to have recognized the problem.  Carol Hutchins of Michigan is quoted as saying "We are spiralling in a poor direction."  Here's an article posted yesterday:  https://nfca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7638:ncaa-division-i-coaches-take-a-stand-against-early-recruiting&catid=284&Itemid=149 

To short-circuit that link, D1 softball coaches are supporting a proposal to make Sept. 1 of the player's junior year in high school the start date for all recruiting contact, including phone calls.  The NCAA still has to legislate it. 

Guessing there will then be a bunch of coaches doing seminars or one day clinics at club teams to indirectly sell their brand.  I do like the rule if it is passed, but we know they will find a way to get around it, lol.

[slot canyon 1,333]

The following paragraph  should not be considered as fact.  

I can see a situation where an individual with ties to AU athletics as well as the Thunderbolts may have  in some way been involved in getting Clint Myers to Auburn.  If so I do not see that said individual would bear any responsibility as to the behavior of Corey Myers some years later and do not feel this would cause a breach between AU softball and the Thunderbolts.  I wondered if this was the angle that RHN was considering.

I do agree that college softball needs to get a handle on the recruiting process and seems a lot of coaches have been in favor of above proposal.  If passed, wouldn't be surprised if there could be a lot of "winking" going on.  With what I see to be increasing popularity of the sport and increasing salaries it could very well tempt some to use less than conventional means (cheating) to secure the services of a player.  I sure I am over thinking this point.

[RHN1975 302]

4 hours ago, slot canyon said:

The following paragraph  should not be considered as fact.  

I can see a situation where an individual with ties to AU athletics as well as the Thunderbolts may have  in some way been involved in getting Clint Myers to Auburn.  If so I do not see that said individual would bear any responsibility as to the behavior of Corey Myers some years later and do not feel this would cause a breach between AU softball and the Thunderbolts.  I wondered if this was the angle that RHN was considering.

I do agree that college softball needs to get a handle on the recruiting process and seems a lot of coaches have been in favor of above proposal.  If passed, wouldn't be surprised if there could be a lot of "winking" going on.  With what I see to be increasing popularity of the sport and increasing salaries it could very well tempt some to use less than conventional means (cheating) to secure the services of a player.  I sure I am over thinking this point.

That situation would be the only reason Clint Myers was at AU. Granted a person with that particular organization has done a ton for AU softball and as a fan I am very appreciative. The softball world is also a very small place where you see and hear things that you can't and won't repeat. I will just say I enjoyed the heck out watching Coach Myers build the program and seeing the success but I also am very glad that era of AU softball is in the past. 

[slot canyon 1,333]

Saw where Florida got a verbal from another 12 year old this month.  A catcher from Georgia who previously lived in Florida and professes to have been a Florida fan very early on.  Maybe coach Walton is stacking wood prior to any legislation that would limit this early signing.  Or maybe I am jealous that she did not want to go to AU?  Saw an interview with her (I believe on Flo Softball) and she was a very mature in the way she conducted herself and answered questions.

[WarTiger 3,901]

On 2/2/2018 at 7:49 AM, slot canyon said:

Saw where Florida got a verbal from another 12 year old this month.  A catcher from Georgia who previously lived in Florida and professes to have been a Florida fan very early on.  Maybe coach Walton is stacking wood prior to any legislation that would limit this early signing.  Or maybe I am jealous that she did not want to go to AU?  Saw an interview with her (I believe on Flo Softball) and she was a very mature in the way she conducted herself and answered questions.

Verbal and signing are totally different.  She's not even remotely close to being eligible to sign an NLI.   She didn't sign anything, so how would Walton be "stacking wood" prior to any legislation?    Walton can't even initiate contact with a player that is 12 years old.  Everybody knows the verbal isn't binding in any way, shape or form either.

[AUSoftballFan 0]

Does anyone know anything about any standout commits in the 2019-2022 classes? I know they will be voting next week to change the rules in recruiting. Wondering what we have in those classes and who looks promising. 

[slot canyon 1,333]

On ‎4‎/‎12‎/‎2018 at 8:38 AM, AUSoftballFan said:

Does anyone know anything about any standout commits in the 2019-2022 classes? I know they will be voting next week to change the rules in recruiting. Wondering what we have in those classes and who looks promising. 

If you have not looked at the earlier entries on this topic you may find some of the information there.  War Tiger listed 3 commits from Beverly Bandits in a post above on Dec 16, 2017.  There are 3 players who have signed for 2019 class ...Aspyn Godwin, Tate Mosley and Haley Nillen..  I believe a pitcher who graduates in 2019 Kelly Lynch has committed and a 2020 grad Madison Penta also a pitcher.  If you go to the AU athletic site and look under softball/news and scroll down to Nov.8, 2017 there is an article about the 3 2019 signees mentioned above.  Sorry I cannot provide individual details but hope this gets you started.

[OlderWhiskey 953]

Hate to split hairs on you, Slot, but Godwin, Mosley, and Nillen are the 2018 class.  They're called by the year they graduate from HS.  And AU softball Fan can get more detailed recruiting info is he/she is willing to pay for it.  Suggest trying flosoftball.com.

[slot canyon 1,333]

You are correct and I should have designated it as the 2019 "season"  as described in the AU athletics article.  I was in a bit of a rush trying to respond to the original question.  Hope I did not cause undue confusion.

[wildling 35]

Emmah Rolfe looks pretty good.

[steeleagle 2,945]

my goodness, this girl's in 8th grade? wake me up around 2021, then we can discuss. 

[OlderWhiskey 953]

The early recruitment legislation has passed in the NCAA as of today. Meaning, the first recruiting contact with a prospective student athlete may occur no earlier than Sept. 1 of her junior year. Now, I know we have verbals for 2020 - 2022. CMD can no longer talk to those girls until they become "of age". It will be interesting to see how this all works out, and I expect some anguish and confusion; nevertheless, I think it was a necessary step. Here is a link: https://nfca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7784:it-passed-softball-recruiting-contact-date-set-at-september-1-junior-year&catid=284&Itemid=149

[WarTiger 3,901]

Good find.  I took the liberty of copying and pasting here to make it easier.

Early recruiting legislation for NCAA Division I softball passes

Category: General

Created: 18 April 2018

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INDIANAPOLIS - On Wednesday, April 18, 2018, the NCAA Division I Council announced that it passed legislation establishing September 1 of a prospective student-athlete’s (“PSA’s”) junior year as the start date for all softball recruiting contact, effective immediately, pending NCAA Board of Directors approval.  

This means that all recruiting communications between Division I softball coaches and PSAs and their families will be impermissible prior to September 1 of the Junior Year.

The NFCA considers this legislation a huge win for the softball community.

Early recruiting was a hot topic at the December 2017 NFCA Convention. DI coaches spent several hours discussing the problem of committing PSAs as young as 6^th and 7^th grade. Consensus emerged that a clear, bold line rule governing all recruiting contact would slow the process down.

The “lacrosse model” passed last year by the NCAA, which set September 1 of junior year as the start date for all recruiting contact, became the definitive preference of the softball coaches after considering other potential options. Getting something in place as soon as possible was a priority. Lobbying efforts commenced immediately.

At this week’s NCAA DI Council meetings, the Student Athlete Experience Committee (SAEC) proposals 2017-111, 2017-112, 2017-113 were approved, establishing September 1 of junior year as the start date for official visits, unofficial visits and recruiting conversations at camps and clinics for all sports except for football and basketball. Since these SAEC proposals passed, softball’s request to include incoming telephone calls and off-campus visits were voted on and approved as “noncontroversial legislation.” This means that for softball, all recruiting contact will begin September 1, junior year.

NFCA Executive Director Carol Bruggeman believes this is a defining moment for the softball coaches, fans, and student-athletes.

"This is a great day for the sport of softball!  Early Recruiting legislation has passed,” she said.  “I am so proud of the entire softball community for coming together to do what is best for the sport.  Thank you to our coaches for being the driving force behind the change and to the NCAA for voting to pass this impactful legislation.  The real winners are the softball prospective student-athletes, who can now make informed college decisions at an age-appropriate time." 

NFCA Board President Karen Weekly was a key supporter in this change and is grateful for the far-reaching support offered to the initiative.

“I am very pleased that the NCAA DI Council listened to the entire softball community and passed legislation that will truly address the problem of early recruiting,” Weekly said. “Many people worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal and I am grateful for their efforts.  A special thank you to everyone in the NFCA office for their perseverance on behalf of this legislation. Without their organization and passion, it would not have been possible!” 

One NCAA interpretation that is critical for this new rule to work is that third parties, including but not limited to travel ball and high school coaches, may not be used to circumvent NCAA recruiting rules.

Messages may not be passed through any third parties in an effort to continue recruiting communications between coaches and PSAs; this would be considered an NCAA rule violation. Consequences for NCAA rule violations can vary based on the facts and history of the parties involved. For many coaches, an NCAA rule violation can be grounds for termination.  

The NCAA issued an informative Educational Column when this recruiting rule passed for lacrosse, clarifying scenarios and answering frequently asked questions. We recommend that everyone review this Q&A column below.

This new recruiting contact rule does not affect the status of “verbal commitments,” as currently the NCAA does not recognize or legislate such agreements. However, this new rule does govern all communications between any PSA and any Division I softball coach, regardless of verbal commitments or otherwise.

Bruggeman recognized, “For some PSAs, this means having committed to play at a program and then not being able to communicate with that coach for a few years. This will be challenging, but the bright line needed to be drawn and there are no exceptions.”

While change can be hard, the NFCA and the vast majority of DI softball coaches agree that this change is absolutely necessary. This is a time to celebrate a major NCAA legislative accomplishment and a better era of recruiting for the great sport of softball.

Type: Educational Column


Title: Proposal No. 2017-1 Recruiting -- Off-Campus Contacts, Telephone Calls and Unofficial Visits -- September 1 of Junior Year -- Lacrosse (I)

Division: I


Date Issued: July 13, 2017


Date Published: July 13, 2017

Item Ref No: 1

Text:

Editor's Note: This educational column reflects the most recent Question and Answer Document associated with the proposal. Question Nos. 4, 6 and 7 were added to provide additional clarification to the membership.

This document contains questions and answers to assist the NCAA membership in its understanding of Proposal No. 2017-1 (off-campus contacts, telephone calls and unofficial visits -- September 1 of junior year -- lacrosse).

Question No. 1:             What is a coach permitted to say if a prospective student-athlete

initiates a call or contact with an institution's coach prior to September 1 of the prospective student-athlete's junior year?

Answer:                        The coach may not engage in any recruiting conversations. However, the coach may confirm the prospective student-athlete's age, explain the recruiting rules and then must end the call or contact.

Question No. 2:             During an institutional camp or clinic, may a coach have recruiting conversations with a prospective student-athlete prior to September 1 of his or her junior year?

Answer:                        No.

Question No. 3:             During an institutional camp or clinic, may a coach provide a campus tour to a prospective student-athlete prior to September 1 of his or her junior year?

Answer:                        Yes. A campus tour would be permissible; however, no recruiting conversations may occur.

Question No. 4:            During an institutional camp or clinic, may a coach provide an informational session about the recruiting process and the student-athlete experience to a prospective student-athlete prior to September 1 of his or her junior year?

Answer:                         Yes. A general informational session would be permissible; however, no institution-specific information may occur at these informational sessions. Recruiting conversations are not permissible.                                                          

Question No. 5:             May an institution's coach send recruiting messages through 

a prospective student-athlete's high school/club coach or another third party?

Answer:                        No. If a coach cannot contact a prospective student-athlete directly, then he or she cannot send recruiting messages indirectly through a high school/club coach or another third party.

Question No. 6:             May an institution's coach have evaluative conversations (e.g., regarding athletics ability) with a prospective student-athlete's high school/club coach before September 1 of the prospective student-athlete's junior year?

Answer:                        Yes. However, these conversations are not permitted to be used for the purpose of indirectly sending recruiting messages (e.g., verbal offer of aid) to a prospective student-athlete.

[AUatHeart 624]

I like it.  As someone that started the recruiting process late (just because I didn't know I needed to start it at the 14U level) I received a lot of sorry we are no longer recruiting 2018's, or sorry we are working on our 2020 class.

[mustache eagle 2,397]

February of my daughters sophomore year in high school, she was told by Auburn soccer coaches that they were essentially done with their recruiting for her graduating class.  They said they might take one more "best of the rest" ... but by summer they would be 100% done.

Recruiting is completely out of hand and I am hoping things like this will put some clamps on it.