Just curious how many of you have actually been through the recruiting process and actually have girls playing in college that are making all of these comments. I can say first hand with a daughter in college, daughter going through it now and one soon to be that if your daughter is good she will be seen. It’s more important the club she plays for is the right fit for her and don’t chase the big names of clubs thinking that’s the only way to get the offer. I have seen many of my oldest daughters friends that played for M&D and SW that get the offers but aren’t playing anymore while oldest graduates this year after playing four years. If it’s not fun they just might burn out. Hopefully some of you have seen the Vandy girls article. Best of luck to you all and your daughters.
This is spot on! Pick a club that is the right fit for you and your daughter, one she can have fun on, enjoys her teammates, maybe you even enjoy spending time with the other parents. I also have a college age daughter who played for a semi big name club and have seen many of her friends burn out, hated their D1 school but went just b/c it was D1, had to give up the sports for injuries/concussions, etc.
You don't know what will happen over the next 5 years, find a club she/you can enjoy the ride. if your kid is good, she will get seen regardless of what club she plays for.
I have 3 daughters, each of them are vastly different in multiple ways. (personality, drive, body types, on field skill sets, etc)
My oldest who is now in college played for a top 5-8 club team in middle school, she hated every minute of it. The coaches, the girls, everything and was ready to walk away from the sport in 9th grade. Note, she was a starter on this team so it wasn't a playing time thing.
She landed at a bottom tier A team who had some serious struggles but over the next 3 season had awesome coaching, picked up 5-7 girls from other "elite name" teams and finished her career on a top 25 team. They could hang with almost anyone, everyone got along (kids/parents) and had a wonderful experience. She had serious interest from Patriot league schools but wanted a big school experience and is now a Sophomore in college and having a blast. Truth is, unless the player really loves the sport playing in college isn't worth it for the amount of time/effort it takes to play, they own your butt for an 1/8th scholarship. Too many kids will sign somewhere just to make parents happy and eventually transfer after the first year.
