We will try to share as much information as we can related to the recruiting process. But the best advice that can be given is it is never to early to get the process started. Choosing a college is a very important decision.

I thought I would pass these links along. Many of you already know this stuff but some might find it interesting.

* FIRST THINGS FIRST - Any player interested in playing college sports must be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse. It is a short, easy process!!!

* I know you are probably tired of hearing me say that coaches are looking for more than just softball skills. One article below makes sense of it - and reinforces that these colleges are looking for "teammates".
http://sssoftball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=760342

* NFCA is a great tool. The NFCA is the best source of information about softball. We all should be members of the organization.
http://nfca.org/fastpitch/

* Recruiting. There is a lot of misinformation about when contacts/recruiting can take place. This article helps a bit.
http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/AMA/recruiting_calendars/2010/DI/Text/Softball.pdf

* If you are trying to find out where a school is located - check this out:
http://www.stateuniversity.com/sports_conference/list

What makes a great team - I stole this from a friend of mine. Hope he doesn't mind.......

Here are the 10 traits of a championship level team (they are also the traits of a champion athlete as well):

1. Attitude - Championship caliber teams have a swagger about them, an expectancy that they will play well. These type teams literally exude an energy of success. They have a "can do" attitude from the moment they get up in the morning!

2. Confidence - Along with the champion's swagger comes extreme confidence; almost cocky but never arrogant. Regardless of the score these teams never stop competing as they are supremely confident they will prevail when the game is over. They trust themselves to make plays, and never hesitate for fear of making a mistake.

3. Relaxed - Along with confidence comes the ability to play the game relaxed. The more relaxed the less chance for mistakes or poor execution at the plate, in the field, on the bases or in the circle. A relaxed mental state is the result of an expectancy for success.

4. Focused - Championship caliber teams are extremely focused on their goal or purpose. They are able to block out external and internal (mind) distractions during the game that sabotage an ordinary team's success. They anticipate and always have a game plan for each at bat or play.

5. Team - Top teams play as a team. To them their is truly no "i" in team. They are gladly willing to sacrifice and do whatever it takes for their team to succeed and reach their goals. They know their role on the team and excel in it. They support one another unconditionally. There is rarely whining or drama on these teams. They play with great pride and passion.

6. Fun - Championship caliber teams have fun! Because they play with such confidence and experience so much success they play loose and it shows. They laugh and smile on the field and in the dugout regardless of the score or any mistakes made. They are the epitome of what sports is about...playing great with passion and joy!

7. Relentless - The best teams keep coming at you. They love playing the game and are on "attack" mode from the very first pitch. They are always looking to take the extra base, put pressure on the defense; they pitch aggressively and play defense the same. Champions sense momentum and when the victory is in sight they go even harder to finish off their opponents.

8. Work Ethic - Champions simply work harder on both the physical and mental parts of their game. When they are tired they remember their goals and dig deeper. The bar for effort is extraordinarily high on these teams and their performances show it. Each player is constantly striving to improve their weaknesses and turn them into strengths. They play with great desire.

9. Students of the Game - Champion teams are comprised of players and coaches always driven to be their best. As such they are constantly observing the game, the opposition, games on TV, their own team (or personal game videos) in an effort to learn more about the game and themselves. Champions are always looking for the edge that will get them to the final game on Sunday.

10. Poise - Top teams play with extreme poise under pressure. In fact they look forward to pressure games and pressure plays or at bats. Because they are relaxed, confident and focused they play poised and under control. Regardless of the game situation they play at a consistent, peak level that assures their success.