Does Size Matter?

Does size matter in softball recruiting? Absolutely! But it’s not the “be all, end all.” In college recruiting, we call it “the box.” Does a kid fit “into the box” as per her position, etc.? There are some coaches who recruit by the box, and some coaches who believe “it’s not how big they are, but how big they play.”

Size will catch your eye, but it doesn’t solidify interest or even an offer. Most scouts or coaches will stop to watch a couple of pitches when they see a 6-footer on the rubber. But, believe me, I’ve stopped to watch many when it took me only a couple of pitches to realize she’s not what I’m looking for. On the flip side, I’ve scouted AND worked with several prospects who didn’t necessarily “fit the box” or “pass the eye test,” but they were gamers who had the ability to change the outcome of a ballgame all by themselves.

It’s one of my favorite things about softball in comparison to other sports. If I see an athlete who is 5-0 tall, she’s likely not going to be a big basketball or volleyball recruit. But if she’s fast, has good bat control, you can turn her left and put her in the outfield, then you have a high-level recruit as long as she’s an effective slapper with good range. Softball does have “the box” and “the eye test” just like any other sport, but heart and competitive drive are big factors in a prospect’s level of play and her ability to impact a game.

Bottom line? Size can help you big time if you have it. However, size doesn’t have to limit you in softball recruiting as long as you know what your selling points are and accept the fact that there are some coaches who will automatically overlook you. If you’re willing to open your mind to other options, you will have the same opportunities as bigger prospects. This does become somewhat easier when your advisor/advocate has experience with the coaches and knows which ones recruit by the box and which ones will overlook size.