My 2018 committed yesterday. Just wanted to say thank you for all the support and guidance to help understand and get through this process.
While the college was not what we or he initially thought it would be, it is a top academic school where the coach see's my son having an impact immediately. Drawing an end to this process I learned what everybody has been talking about: it's not about playing D1,2,3, but rather seeking the right fit. Sometimes timing can preclude opportunity, but present other opportunity.
Son is ecstatic; his first visit to the campus felt electric. It happened to be a beautiful day, first year students were moving in, the layout of the college made it seem like a much larger school, the facilities are fantastic, the extracurricular's sounded great, and it happens to be a top academic school, and he still hadn't had his meeting with the HC.
The following day he met with the HC. I reminded son that it was his meeting and he'll be going without me, but I'd be nearby if and when there's an opportunity to also meet with the coach. They talked for 40m, I was then called to find son and HC having a very energetic conversation about baseball, the school, and role my son could have. Son has seen so many schools and entertained numerous D1 and D3 offer's, he had a clue this was a fit.
As the conversation flowed talking about off season workouts, summer baseball, throwing mechanics and patterns, Cressey - Driveline - etc..., you could tell they had chemistry.
HC asked son what he thought of the school, knowing full well, there were several opportunities my son was pursuing as a result of a phone conversation with my son's club coach the previous week.
Son didn't skip a beat: "Coach you are my number one pick, I would like to play for you and attend this school."
Coach quickly said: "you are my number one pick, I'd like to offer you support through admissions, will you play for me?"
Son said yes, but would like to digest his excitement for the college and opportunity and if he could have a few days. HC was cool with it, and even offered more time, but definitely made it known he was in active recruiting mode and knew the top players he'd seen over the summer would only be available for few more weeks. Soon would be better. Son did not feel pressure, he'd worked the process, and understood this was business now.
Son called the HC late yesterday and accepted. (Coach mentioned he thought there was a real connection between them and he may hear from my son soon. Also, HC has seen my son at 3 showcases and 2 tourney's and they'd talked at length several times. )
Son is happy and feels confident he made the right decision. He thinks he worked the process well, and took advantage of great opportunity. Stars were aligned... Carpe diem...
Thanks again for the help to all of you, whether we spoke via PM or not, there were always plenty of comments presenting perspective. Happy I stumbled on this site 5 years ago.
Cheers,
David