First and foremost, you want her on a team comprised entirely of 8th graders if possible so there is no danger of the team going dark.
Second, don't get her on a team that might go dark.
Third, find a team that has absolutely no reason to go dark.
Fourth, get it in writing that the team will not go dark during the season.
Now, find out who has a team that will not go dark next year. Chances are, that team is not currently playing 14U because if they were, they will more than likely have girls going into 9th grade next Fall and need to be wiped off your list.
If a big org with experienced coaches is putting together a first-year 14U team, that's where I'd start. There is a very big difference between 12U and 14U ball and I would probably avoid a team where the coach will be learning the 14U game along with the girls. Not saying that can't work, I'd just put my money elsewhere if given the chance. I'd especially look for some of the better 12U A teams that have played up a bit of 14U this year ... more than one tourney. Those coaches are smart and are teaching their girls to play with bigger girls by doing so, and that experience is invaluable. Teams that have done it often walk right into 14U as competitive as they ever were at 12U.
Watching some games is always the best way to figure out a fit for your girl. Find some teams you like, then go practice with them. It will become readily apparent to your DD where she'd like to be if you approach it this way.
Second, don't get her on a team that might go dark.
Third, find a team that has absolutely no reason to go dark.
Fourth, get it in writing that the team will not go dark during the season.
Now, find out who has a team that will not go dark next year. Chances are, that team is not currently playing 14U because if they were, they will more than likely have girls going into 9th grade next Fall and need to be wiped off your list.
If a big org with experienced coaches is putting together a first-year 14U team, that's where I'd start. There is a very big difference between 12U and 14U ball and I would probably avoid a team where the coach will be learning the 14U game along with the girls. Not saying that can't work, I'd just put my money elsewhere if given the chance. I'd especially look for some of the better 12U A teams that have played up a bit of 14U this year ... more than one tourney. Those coaches are smart and are teaching their girls to play with bigger girls by doing so, and that experience is invaluable. Teams that have done it often walk right into 14U as competitive as they ever were at 12U.
Watching some games is always the best way to figure out a fit for your girl. Find some teams you like, then go practice with them. It will become readily apparent to your DD where she'd like to be if you approach it this way.