Just because you’re a standout athlete doesn’t mean that college will be completely paid for with an athletic scholarship.

Just because you’re a standout athlete doesn’t mean that college will be completely paid for with an athletic scholarship. Very few college athletes earn a full ride, but there are other forms of financial aid available to help defer college costs, especially if you understand the FAFSA. Here are a few answers to a few questions about the importance of financial aid and how to get it.

Does an athletic scholarship ensure that all of my tuition and expenses are paid for?

Not necessarily. The stark reality is that full-ride athletic scholarships are extremely rare. According to the NCAA, only 2% of high school athletes are awarded athletics scholarships in college and very few of those are full scholarships. Big money Division I sports like football or basketball offer full rides, but smaller sports tend to spread scholarship money around between athletes.

How do I pay for college expenses if I’m only given a partial athletic scholarship?

If you don’t get a full athletic scholarship you’re still eligible for other financial aid. That’s why completing the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential. Federal Student Aid distributes more than $150 billion of federal financial aid each year, and it’s available to you even if you’re an athlete.

When should I complete the FAFSA?

You can apply as early as January 1 of your senior year. Many forms of financial aid are given on a first come first served basis, so completing the FAFSA as soon as you can gives you the best chance of getting some sort of financial aid.

What types are financial aid are available?

Need-based aid includes grants, low-interest loans, and work-study jobs.Grants are financial gifts that don’t require repayment. Student loans let athletes borrow money for college expenses at low interest rates. Work-study lets students earn money towards college expenses through jobs on or off campus. (Note: The time that work-study requires may not be ideal for most student athletes.)

Non need-based aid includes merit-based awards, and other scholarships not associated with athletics.These types of financial aid can be awarded based on a strong academic record, excellent community service and school involvement, or other special qualifications.

Are there other resources besides FAFSA to consider for financial aid?

Absolutely. Ask your high school guidance counselor about awards and scholarships that your high school has that you may not know about. You should also get in touch the financial aid department at the college you plan to attend to ensure that you’re not missing out any scholarship opportunities.

Are there ways to earn scholarships at the Division III level?

There are no athletic scholarships in Division III, but that doesn’t mean that financial aid isn’t available. Many Division III schools have additional need-based and merit-based financial awards to help defer the cost of college.

How to make a great Skills Video

A well-made recruiting video is an essential tool for high school softball players trying to earn college softball scholarships. College coaches don’t have the time to see softball recruits in person. That’s why a good skills video is one of the most important parts of your online resume. It takes just a few minutes for a recruiting video to show softball coaches what a high school recruit has to offer. For your skills video to be effective, you need to know specifically what softball coaches are looking for. In terms of recruiting videos, every sport is different. For example, a softball skills video should show skills clips specific to your position, but doesn’t require any in-game footage.

If you follow these guidelines and create a standout recruiting video, you’re taking the first step toward earning a softball scholarship.

How to Film:

·         A tripod is highly recommended. 

·         Ideally station the camera 5 feet off the ground.

·         The camera view should not be obstructed (backstop or fence). 

·         Do not move the camera back and forth.  Get the angle from a wide view if necessary. 

·         Focus on the player being taped so that they are clear and in focus, but not too close! 

·         Skills footage only.  Do not send game footage

·         You only need to send footage of yourself playing your primary position. If you are not sure what position you will play in college and you film yourself playing multiple positions, cut all the numbers below in half.

·         Dress in spikes, pants or shorts, a tucked in shirt and helmet when hitting. (A uniform is preferred – NO cut-off shirts).

Position Specific Inclusions:

Hitting:

·         The pitcher should throw batting practice type fastballs OR use a pitching machine.

·         Footage should be filmed either outside on a diamond or in a cage.

·         With camera angle behind the catcher area film

·         30 swings

·         With camera angle 5 ft. directly to the right of the plate for right-handed hitters or left of the plate for left handed hitters.

·         15 swings 

Base Running:

·         Footage should be filmed either outside on a diamond or in a cage.

·         With Camera angle from 3B side of home plate (to show running form)

·         Take a swing and run through 1B.

·         Take a swing and run for home run. (Sliding into home is optional). 

Pitchers: 

·         Begin recording these pitches AFTER a complete warm-up.

·         RHP camera angle should be set up 3 ft. to the right and 5 ft. behind the mound to be able to see ball movement.  LHP should be to the left. 

·         We must be able to see the catcher catch the ball at all times.

·         With camera angle positioned 3 ft. directly behind catcher for half AND from the open side of the pitcher for half.

·         Log 20 varied pitches, with fastball at least 5 of them.

·         Go through each pitch: Rise, Drop, Curve, etc. (approx. 5-6 each pitch).

·         20 mix your pitches, with fastball being at least 5 of them. 

Infielders (SS & 2B)

·         Regardless if you are a SS or 2B, you will need to take your groundballs at SS in order to maximize range and arm strength.

·         With camera angle positioned 4 ft. to the left of the mound for half AND 4 ft. behind 1B for half.

·         8 Groundballs hit directly at you

·         8 Groundballs hit 8-10 feet to your left.

·         8 Ground balls hit 8-10 feet to your right.

·         6 Slow Choppers hit directly at you.

·         With camera angle positioned 2 ft. behind the mound for the first 4 shots AND  4 ft. behind 1B for last 2 shots

·         Double plays - 6 Feeds from the 2B coming across the bag and making the throw to 1B.

·         With camera angle positioned 2ft. behind the mound show fielding from SS position & throw to the 2B.

·         2 ground balls hit directly at you.

·         2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your right.

·         2 ground balls hit 4 ft. to your left. 

Infielders (3B)

·         With camera angle positioned 4 ft. to the left of the mound for half AND 4 ft. behind 1B for half.

·         8 Groundballs hit directly at you.

·         8 Groundballs hit directly to your left.

·         6 Groundballs hit directly to your right/backhand.

·         6 Slow Choppers hit directly at you.

Catchers

·         With camera angle 10ft in front of the catcher

·         Framing Pitches (5 pitches on each corner).

·         With camera angle positioned 2 ft. to the left and 5 ft. in front of the mound.

·         Blocking Pitches (5 directly in front of you, 5 to your left, 5 to your right).

·         With camera angle positioned 3ft. behind the 2B for half AND 2 ft. behind the catcher for half.

·         Pop and Throws to 2B (8 throws).

·         With camera angle positioned 3ft. behind the 3B for 4 throws AND 2 ft. behind the catcher for 2 throws.

·         Pop and Throws to 3B (6 throws).

·         With camera angle positioned 3 ft. behind the plate for 2 throws AND 3 ft. to the right of the 1B for 2 throws.

·         Mock Bunts and Throws to 1B (4 balls up the 1B line, 4 balls up the 3B line). 

Outfielders

·         For all outfielders, regardless of whether you are a CF, RF, or LF, you will need to take your groundballs and fly balls in centerfield.

·         With camera angle positioned halfway between 2B and the mound.

·         4 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to 2B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to 2B.

·         4 ground balls hit to your left and thrown to 2B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly to your left and thrown to 2B.

·         4 ground balls hit to your right and thrown to 2B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly to your right and thrown to 2B.

·         Camera angle should be positioned directly behind 3B

·         4 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to 3B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to 3B.

·         4 ground balls hit to your left and thrown to 3B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly to your left and thrown to 3B.

·         4 ground balls hit to your right and thrown to 3B.

·         4 fly balls hit directly to your right and thrown to 3B.

·         Camera angle should be directly behind the catcher.

·         4 ground balls hit directly at you and thrown to home plate.

·         4 fly balls hit directly at you and thrown to home plate.