Travel ball is what softball can do for you.
High school ball is what you can do for softball, your team and your school.
I'm not saying that every kid has an obligation to play, and I admit that there are too many HS programs that don't have the coaches, players, resources, to make all that work in its ideal form.
But I absolutely think that many, many TB players and their families can't get the concept of softball beyond what's in it for me.
One example on the local team. We have 1 pitcher who wants to pitch. She's decent. We have 2 others who are more talented and experienced but no longer pitch in travel and don't want to do it. Why? I don't like it. I'm not a pitcher. I just want to hit and play 3B. That's not my position in college. It never occurs to them or their parents that the purpose here is to be the best team we can and make whatever sacrifices are necessary to make that happen. They've been trained in travel ball to be selfish. You want to play SS? Let's find a team where you can play SS. That's all fine in TB. They don't get HS ball.
I agree with a lot of your points, but in my experience your point about travel ball players being selfish and only in it for themselves is folderol. I have seen countless examples of girls playing out of position in order to help the team, making sacrifices to help the team, etc. My own daughter (always weak to share personal experiences when making an argunment but I can't help myself) was the backup catcher this summer. She caught about 10-12 games, including elimination games at PGF nationals. She was 17 this summer AND HAD NEVER CAUGHT BEFORE. But the team was in a bind and she was one of about 4 girls on the team to volunteer for the position. A position they will NEVER play in college. And the thing is, I have seen it over and over. I've seen the shortstop pitch a few games due to injuries. I've seen pitchers who are quite capable hitters, nevertheless accept the fact that there are better hitters on the team and don't say one word about not being able to hit. I could go on and on all day long about the commitment to team play that I've seen from travel ball players. Again, you make some great points about high school ball that I agree with but your assessment of travel ball players does not match my observations over the last 7 years. Agree to disagree.