At 16U and up an athlete is playing because they want to for themselves. Granted, there are exceptions. Hopefully, they have enough self-awareness to have a feel for the direction they want to take in life. Part of that direction is their education and its value. I've always counseled players to think of softball as a way pay for part or all of their education. Choose the school for the education first and softball 2nd. The best educational fit for them could be worth millions over the course of their lives.

Entering into their favored pursuit with little to no college education debit puts them far, far ahead of those who are drowning in student loan debt.