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My 2019 was injured during Junior, got healthy and started the recruiting process. We hit D3, NAIA, and D2 schools. A D3 school out of nowhere seen some film and asked us to visit. Son visits, next day does a prospect camp and they end up offering a really good academic package. the coaches are great guys, texted son almost everyday and just really started good relationship. At the same time we visited a top ranked NAIA that offered athletic money to him. The decision came down to playing time for him and he decided to go with the D3 school. A couple of weeks ago, we were informed that the D3 school is in major financial ruins and it will be voted on this week whether or not to close the school or scrap up enough money to make it through the end of the school. This was devastating to son, because he really likes the coaches and the college was nice as well. He turned down the NAIA school already, so I assume they're out and now he's going to have to tell the D3 coaches that he is moving on. It sucks, but I told him even if they get the funds to make through the school year, without a plan given to us, this could happen after he goes there. With an unstable financial situation, there is no way I pay money to enroll him. Has anyone ever been through something like this? or heard of this before?

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I know of a college that announced they would close with no real notice. The previous statement was about how they were going to be able to raise the money to stay open.

Newspapers create dramatic stories. There were a bunch of student and parents, “I feel robbed” stories. But if you want to find them search “Mount Ida (MA) closes.” Some of the stories were with athletes left without a place to play. 

RJM posted:

I know of a college that announced they would close with no real notice. The previous statement was about how they were going to be able to raise the money to stay open.

Newspapers create dramatic stories. There were a bunch of student and parents, “I feel robbed” stories. But if you want to find them search “Mount Ida (MA) closes.” Some of the stories were with athletes left without a place to play. 

I'll have to look that up. We're fortunate that he's a HS senior, but we're going ride it out a little long because son doesn't want to bail on the coaches he really likes. We're just going to be hurrying to find another school soon.

I communicate with the finance departments of private universities fairly regularly as part of my work.  Private colleges with financial struggles are not uncommon and closing, merging or major cuts (including sports programs) is sometimes the result.  The words you use to describe the specific situation sound pretty serious.  If those are the options being considered, I'm afraid your best move is to change schools.  When a school closes like that, there are often limited transfer options and therefore also likely challenges with finding a baseball program match.

Your son may want to contact the NAIA and tell them that the decision came down to the two schools, he liked them both a lot and has since discovered concerns with the other school and ask if the offer is still a possibility.    

PABaseball posted:
Florida State Fan posted:

If your son can play baseball he can certainly play D1 baseball.  Just a matter of finding the right fit that's all.

This is overly optimistic. To say anybody can play D1 as long as its the right fit is just not accurate

I would go so far as to say that's almost the opposite.  D1 has to be a fit for the player.....no matter how talented he is.  Just because you're talented (even very talented) doesn't mean you'll fit at D1 for a number of reasons, the biggest being grades.   

University of St. Thomas in Houston is starting a baseball program.  2020 is their first season.  They are actively recruiting players right now.  I have heard good things about their coach from local travel coaches.  Spoke briefly to him on the plane back from Jupiter.  Pretty high energy guy.  Small catholic school.  I got my MBA there.

https://www.stthom.edu/News/Pr...nt_ID=112702&0=0

Go44dad posted:

University of St. Thomas in Houston is starting a baseball program.  2020 is their first season.  They are actively recruiting players right now.  I have heard good things about their coach from local travel coaches.  Spoke briefly to him on the plane back from Jupiter.  Pretty high energy guy.  Small catholic school.  I got my MBA there.

https://www.stthom.edu/News/Pr...nt_ID=112702&0=0

Yea we've spoken with him. School is super expensive. Also exploratory for 4 years and unable to go to any post season because they are a New D3.

cabbagedad posted:

I communicate with the finance departments of private universities fairly regularly as part of my work.  Private colleges with financial struggles are not uncommon and closing, merging or major cuts (including sports programs) is sometimes the result.  The words you use to describe the specific situation sound pretty serious.  If those are the options being considered, I'm afraid your best move is to change schools.  When a school closes like that, there are often limited transfer options and therefore also likely challenges with finding a baseball program match.

Your son may want to contact the NAIA and tell them that the decision came down to the two schools, he liked them both a lot and has since discovered concerns with the other school and ask if the offer is still a possibility.    

This is what I suggested to him. We'll see how that goes.

Its hard to make this switch, but you need to start thinking about this more like a business then baseball.  I can guarantee you that the school and coaches are thinking in that mode.  

Think of it this way, if you were at a company and worked with a lot of folks you like but the company was on very unstable financial ground what would you do?  You had no idea if the doors would be open when you showed up every day.  Gamble and hope the company makes it, start making alternate plans, or leave for the sure thing?

BTW I can't answer the question for you.  Everyones situation is different.  

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