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Early Grads

Posted by Parent on January 8, 2026, 1:27 pm

Looking for opinions, "stories", about graduating high school early and joining the college program a year early. Personally, I'm totally against it, but the idea is being floated, so I'd like to hear informed opinions.

Re: Early Grads

Posted by NIL on January 9, 2026, 9:00 am, in reply to "Early Grads"

Has she been offered a substantial offer:

Yes - enroll
no - dont

Re: Early Grads

Posted by @Parent on January 9, 2026, 7:35 am, in reply to "Early Grads"

There is a lot to consider here, most of which has to do with the kid. Here are some questions that I would consider.
*Is she emotionally mature enough to be on her own or would she benefit from another six months in high school?
*Is softball her life or does she have other interests/friends/activities? Will she regret missing things like graduation, prom, etc.?
*Is she going to redshirt and the idea is to get her in the program and start lifting/training? Or are they planning to play her?
*Are there financial incentives to go early? I have no idea what sort of NIL a top P4 softball recruit might get, but that is a consideration.
*How strong is she academically? What are the academic implications of going early?

At the end of the day, it is a highly personalized decision.

Re: Early Grads

Posted by Leaving early on January 8, 2026, 5:23 pm, in reply to "Early Grads"

It seems crummy to have kids miss their prom and some/all of their senior year.

It seems awesome if they're ready for it and headed to a place that is going to give them an excellent experience (this isn't happening but high P4).

And mom and dad get to save a summer of hotels, flights and gas.

To each their own.

Re: Early Grads

Posted by The Way of the New World on January 8, 2026, 5:16 pm, in reply to "Early Grads"

The #1 2026 recruit just enrolled for January classes.
The #1 2027 recruit will be graduating a year early.

Both are SEC. At that level, it's going to become more common. The lid is off of college sports, it's all gas no brakes.

This will have implications for some of the travel clubs, at least the national showcase 18U squads. They'll be losing their kids earlier than they'd like, so expect to see more commits playing for PGF and Alliance national championships - not signed kids.

Re: Early Grads

Posted by Parent perspetive on January 9, 2026, 8:35 am, in reply to "Re: Early Grads"

Historically it hasn’t worked out well for the kids that have done it most notably from Florida. All have been unhappy and transferred essentially wasting a year of eligibility ie: Sam roe comes to mind. The 26 kid is from Georgia so has played her senior season already so in that sense perhaps it makes more sense. Financially the majority of softball NIL even in the sec is a few thousand dollars a year…under 10. For some families that might make a difference…not for most. Looking at the number of kids that transfer after freshman year as a parent I would not encourage it. Freshman year is hard enough without being a year younger than your contemporaries and even the strongest students can struggle with the pressures of class and the season. My daughter’s class had 6 and we lost 3 to transfer after freshman season. 2 didn’t see a path to playing time and 1 is still a head scratcher.

Re: Early Grads

Posted by @Parper on January 9, 2026, 11:05 am, in reply to "Re: Early Grads"

Are these kids all losing a year of eligibility? Do any enroll early just to train and get ready for their normal first year?

Re: Early Grads

Posted by @eligibility on January 12, 2026, 10:12 am, in reply to "Re: Early Grads"

Depends on whether they step on the field or not during the season.

A player could pinch run once, and bam, entire year of eligibility gone.

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