Athlete's Corner

For those of you who are interested in playing college softball,  READ THIS!!!

Kirt Whiteside, who heads up the queen of diamond showcase tournaments, gave out some advise on verbal committments and national letters of intent.  I have included a lot of what he advised in this message. 

If you are looking to play in college, you need to be aware:

• A verbal committment to a university is an offer to give an underclassman a scholarship to play there when they graduate.  It is not legally binding, but is usually honored by the university.  Some Division I colleges are now offering these as early as your freshman year.  I personally feel that is too early to decide, but a few of my pitchers have done it.  Most colleges will make some offers in your sophomore year but verbals are most common in your junior year.   
• The national letter of intent is when you committ and legally agree to play with a university.  It is done in your senior year. 
• College coaches like verbal committments because they can sew up future positions.
• Take note, If you agree to a verbal committment you are essentially telling all other universities that you are "taken," and most other college coaches will not even try to recruit you. 

Most atheletes agree to verbals emotionally not rationally.  They are so excited to be wanted and agree to the offer without asking simple questions. Most athletes who agree to verbals, dont even try to negotiate for a better offer. Most atletes who agree to verbals, take what the coach offers, without hesitation. Almost all colleges will honor their verbal committments.

Most athletes who verbal, do usually honor it, but not always.  There is no penalty for this.. However, if you change your mind and pull out of the offer because you think you want another school and then, that school turns you down, THEY DO NOT HAVE TO, AND PROBABLY WILL NOT,  GIVE YOUR ORIGINAL OFFER BACK!!!  I have seen this happen. 

Most athletes who avoid the verbal committment will get more money when they sign the National Letter of Intent in their senior year. 

Questions to ask before you accept a verbal or sign the letter of intent:

• How much is it for?
• Once they make an offer, ask them for more.  Negotiate!  If you dont, someone else will get your money.
• Ask if you are eligilble for non athletic money.
• Can they pay for your books?
• How about work study to reduce tuition?

See if other schools are interested and can better the offer.  Beware here because I know that many colleges will back off as soon as they know you are playing them against another offer. 

Whatever you do, be patient and do your research on the coach and the school. Remember, do what is best for you and avoid making decisions based on "I need to do it now or the offer will be gone."  That could be true, but if you are a good pitcher, there will be other offers. 

by: Dave Leffew