Expert: Tom Kovic - 4/23/2010

Question
I go to a large public school. We have a bad softball coach who plays players by seniority rather than talent. For example if you are a senior you are basically guarantee a starting position even if you're not the best. I want a softball scholarship. I'm a pitcher. I played travell ball and last year I pitch in 64 games and went 57-7. I was a freshman and pitch jv and my high school record was 21-1-1. My batting average was 446. This year as a sophomore I pitch every other game but don't bat because that would take a senior out of the line-up. My grade point average is 3.4 and I just took the psat and scored 1200. I don't know if that's good or not. We don't have a lot of money to go to camps and such. Any advise?

Answer
Hi Kayla,

Take the "high road." If someone approaches a challenging situation from a "negative" standpoint, their chances are slim in reaching a goal. My first suggestion is try to not see Coach as "bad" but "different."

You have goals, desires and drive. You want to play at the college level and Coach can help! My suggestion is to schedule a one on one meeting with Coach and let him know you want to discuss your future aspirations. Exercise respect and be cordial in your approach, but be sure to make your message clear. You are firstly looking ahead and have the desire to play softball at the college level and ask for Coach's assistance (coaches like to be asked for help!). Let him know you respect his position as Coach and the responsibility he has in determining who plays and when.

Let him know that if your skill as a player warrants it, you feel you could be best served by getting more playing time and that you are commited to meeting your end of the bargin by playing above and beyond the "norm."

You don't want to "lock horns" with Coach...It will only get worse. In addition, do not let the situation fester...It will spread through the team like a sickness and bring everyone down.

Take the high road and do the right thing...You can never go wrong with this approach.