A top pitcher from the South Bend area going to a top 5 national powerhouse did the same thing last year- didn’t play high school ball.

I totally understand we don’t want our kids to always be big fish in small ponds. And I also know that many high schools do not give the girls good experiences in softball (for that matter, many travel coaches are guilty of bad experiences, too).

But for a kid who is going to compete at a top 10 school, there is a real chance senior year of high school is the last time to enjoy the ride a little. And to do it with kids you have grown up with. Nothing is certain, but it is very likely that pitchers of this caliber will have many bus rides home from high school games laughing and smiling with teammates and friends. And chasing state title.

The college coaches who suggest players sit out senior year to reduce injury risk are giving up nothing- they are asking the athletes to. There are very different incentive structures for the HS dominant player and the college coach.

I hope this works out in the best interest of the player. And every situation has different variables to weigh.