They came from California, Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, Washington, New Mexico, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Nevada.
They're high school softball players, looking to showcase their skills in hopes of landing a college scholarship. The Triple Crown College Showcase was the magnet that drew these young ladies to Lorenzo Park and Dock Romeo Park in Las Vegas.
Thursday night saw the players arriving from their respective hometowns, checking in at the registration desk, and getting updated information on the weekend's activities.
The players were grouped into teams named after Las Vegas celebrities such as Frank Sinatra and Howard Hughes. The only thing missing was the sound of
John Fogerty's "Centerfield" being played in the background.
The sun was just waking up on Friday morning as
Cassie Colón and
Brianna Zubia (both of the John Burroughs High School Indians) arrived at Romeo's field #7. They would be members of the Bugsy Malone team, facing the Howard Hughes team.
Several college coaches were assigned to coach and instruct players, with an eye on possible scholarship opportunities (to be offered on the last day of the showcase). The players did the pre-game stretches then warmed up for the scrimmage (games were all about showing off the players and not who won or lost).
The players scrimmaged on Friday and Saturday, enjoying the pointers from the college coaches. In addition, players were able to get a "feel" for the coaches working with them. This process helps parents and players sort out colleges, enabling them to narrow the final choices.
College recruiting is not something taught to parents or players. If you are not involved in one of the major sports (football, basketball, baseball) or your child is not a weekly newspaper highlight, you become the sports agent representing your child.
Before arriving at the showcase, Colón worked with
Tiffany Nelson, softball player and travel ball coach, on a skills video. The video was edited, with music added, by
"Gator"Dave Cook, an entertainment industry professional.
The videos were then placed into a packet with biographical information on Colón's softball and academic history. The video is sent to colleges expressing an interest in a player or who have posted "player needs" on the NCAA website.
The information provides a background on the player(s) a coach may express interest in. If parents are unsure about putting the skills video together, there are professionals who can assist in the process (usually for a fee), including negotiating the scholarship with colleges.
If you're interested in more information about the college recruiting process for softball players, contact ycolon56@yahoo.com or visit
www.NCAA.com.