Thread really sums college ball up. My daughter, loved softball, star in hs and in area and then played as a freshman her first year. She took 18 hours in the fall so she could only take 12 in spring to allow time for softball. She's also an athletic training major which required alot of time. This year the school got a new coach who does not budge at all on the 4 hour mandatory practices plus lifting etc so mine has decided not to play. It was hard at first to accept it since she always loved the game and had a great time last year. Athletic training as well as many fields you have to have an outstanding GPA to stay in the program. Although I thought I'd never hear it from her but she said I'm here to get an education which has to come before playing ball. Good luck to all those athletes who can juggle grades, time and play a college sport!