Actually, when my daughter was in 12U, she not only played travel softball and travel field hockey but she also played softball, field hockey, and basketball for NDP middle school and got straight A's. It's all about time management which meant no time for TV, video games, etc. and doing homework in the truck on the road, plane, in the hotels, etc.congrats! So happy for your daughter and family! We are just entering 12u and college Seems so far away! Any tips on how to balance school and softball? Love to hear advice!
That said, it really matters most when she gets to high school which is why my daughter had to choose to focus on either softball or field hockey when she became a freshman to increase her chances to become a DI student athlete since she got her FIRST B's EVER that fall.
Bottom line is there is only so many hours in a week, so you have to manage your time well, get enough sleep, and drop the behaviors and act that don't help you reach your objectives (e.g. TV, video games, etc.).
My daughter actually started school a year early so she always played up which I recommend if your daughter can hold her own. Always play at the highest level of competition possible. If she dreams of playing DI ball then you need to get her on a travel team that plays national level tournaments and competition.
Don't tolerate daddy/mommy ball. Just finish out the season and move on to a better team. My daughter played for 4 teams in 6 years starting in 12U and finally is playing for the NJ Intensity which is a 5 hour round trip from our MD home for a 3 hour practice, and those Sunday 8am practices mean a 0430 wake up call with naps and/or homework on the road to and from. Since practices are not doable during the week with school that means more work for her with weekly private hitting and pitching coach sessions.
As far as recruiting, focus on the college coache prospect camps instead of the cattle call money grab camps and go early and often.
Lots more lessons learned. Might have to start a new thread. ?
Until then, feel free to ask any specific questions and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!