Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level — 2023 Edition

Book Synopsis: Called the “Bible of Fastpitch Recruiting” by youth coaches everywhere, this book (updated annually) has been a trusted resource for softball families and coaches for over 20 years! Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level provides readers with a step-by-step guide to the college search. It discusses what’s expected of college players and how to decide if playing in college is right for you; what it takes to be academically eligible; when and how to start contacting college coaches; how to identify your “wow factor” schools; why putting yourself in front of coaches is the key to a successful college search; how to showcase your softball skills in a video; what to expect during the recruiting process; and the realities of softball scholarships and financial aid. It also includes a list of over 1200 colleges with softball teams and much, much more!

Who should use this book? Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level is essential for softball players who dream of playing in college, for parents who need to fully understand the ins and outs of recruiting, for youth coaches who want to help their players conduct a comprehensive and successful college search, and for High School Athletic Directors and counselors who need a helpful recruiting guide for their student athletes.

About the Author: Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level was written by noted recruiting consultant Catharine Aradi. Over the past 25 years, Ms. Aradi has helped thousands of would-be college softball players find the colleges—and the teams—that were right for them! (You can visit her website at www.fastpitchrecruiting.com)

Here’s what readers say about her book:

“Solve the mysteries of the recruiting process with this step-by-step, easy-to-understand book that will give your athlete the best chance of being recruited to play softball in college. I am so glad to have found this resource!” — Parents of a high school player

“This book helped guide our family through the complicated maze of collegiate recruiting and finding the right school for our daughter.” — Parents of a Division I college player

“Recruiting can make parents and players confused, frantic and anxious. This book kept us on track, reminded us of our goals, and provided many good insights. It was money well spent.” — Parents of an Ivy League student-athlete

“Ms. Aradi seems to know literally everything about how the college search works, and she has no agenda other than helping young women find the right place to play softball in college if that is their dream!” — Parent of a Div. III college player

“I tell everyone who will listen that you have to buy this book. It's really the best softball recruiting investment you can make!” — Parent of a Div. II college player

“Cathi's process as it's laid out in this book is spot on for the softball recruiting world these days. We are fortunate—as a well-established organization—to get into the best tournaments. But following Cathi’s guidelines gets the coaches out there to specifically see our athletes!” — Recruiting Coordinator for a top California travel program