by two other ACC schools (VT not interested although they would love to attend). I am a coach at the showcase level and I am very perplexed by the process. We have had a few other girls receive offers and I don't get it. These girls are 14/15 and D1 coaches are saying we want you for pitcher, etc.

Sure our girls can hit the 62 mph mark but there is no movement. These coaches are counting on that materializing at some point. My most successful pitcher only hits 58 (on a good day) but her ball drops off the table and her change is about 17 mph slower than fast ball. She very rarely gives up hard hits and her ERA is very low. Calling pitches for her is like playing a video game. She can't get VT/others to look at her because of that magic over 60 number but I would start her over most others.

I attended a SEC coaches training and it was a very different outlook. They are now looking at the girls who can move the ball and are thinking they need to carry 3/4/5 pitchers. The hitting now is much better than it was in the past. A fast pitcher is just timing. If it doesn't move, the batters will eventually tattoo it. It's becoming like baseball in the sense that they are looking at pitching a girl for 2 innings then switching out to another (see Auburn).

I also am hesitant to believe the numbers. I have seen high school coaches here in Richmond cook the books for the players if they are potential recruits. Obviously you can't fake HR but there are a lot of hits that are really errors. I have seen girls on opposing teams go 0-4 in two games against us and 0-4 in two games against our rival yet end the year with a 600 average.

We play from PA to SC and I see very few girls at the 14/15 age that I would offer - I guess that's why I am not nor never will be a college coach. Kudos to them for being able to judge the players at that young age - I am not good enough to do it.