Doing a little research on Service Academies. I know they host youth and HS camps (son attended USNA in 2019 but the last two years - well you know). I have not come across any info that they attend showcases or other off campus events. Is that accurate - it’s all done direct thru the camps and assuming maybe attending the bigger tournies?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
My son was recruited and ultimately offered by one of the Service Academies. All from them seeing him at multiple big tournies in Atlanta, Hoover and Cary. Feel free to PM me if you want more info about his experience with that process.
The RC from Air Force was at a garden variety V Tool Tournament in North Texas a couple weeks ago. I imagine it was to look at a specific kid or two. So they do get out for things besides the big events.
IIRC Air Force and Navy have been on the list for HF and/or SB in the past. Don’t recall seeing Army.
The service academies recruit at the same places as other D1s... PG tournaments, USA Baseball, etc. Their camps are unnecessary. You have to work hard to let them know you are interested. They don't waste time chasing kids that don't want or understand the service academy lifestyle and commitment.
@adbono posted:The RC from Air Force was at a garden variety V Tool Tournament in North Texas a couple weeks ago. I imagine it was to look at a specific kid or two. So they do get out for things besides the big events.
It was my experience that the service academies were very visible at events in Dallas, Houston, and Franklin Ranch throughout the summer recruiting cycle. They had the summer coaches narrow down the potential fits for them very quickly.
My kid had a narrow choice of HA schools so elected to go their camps rather than the super camp route. Also, the service academy he was interested in asked him to attend their camp in June. He did wwba in July and sort of cut off contact with schools as he was ready to commit to a HA D3. In retrospect the kid either placated me for attending the SA camp or failed to realize the gravity on their summer and post grad commitment...probably a bit of both.
Before any kid reaches out to coaches or goes to a camp to be seen only by a particular service academy make sure they understand you have to have a lot of passion (being in the military, flying, driving a big boat, sub commander etc) AND truly understand you will be serving your country and have commitment for 7-12 years.
I went to Air Force, my kid was recruited by AF, I counsel kids about the Academy's and have been involved with the selection committees. You have to really want the life and communicate that in the emails to the coaches: your baseball ability and desire to serve our country and hopefully be able to pursue a career as an AF pilot.....
Coach Kaz at AF turns boys into men! One of the best motivators and leaders I've ever met. I hoped my son would have pursued it, but didn't have the passion.
They are routinely at PG WWBA HF events...especially AF.
Happy to answer questions via PM.
This is something we are slightly entertaining for my son. I think it maybe a potential fit based on his personality. One of my question is what happens if he really develops as a baseball player while in college and gets drafted, does he have the option of pursuing an MLB pro career at that point (assuming we have to reimburse the education expense)? It's not something I would expect to happen but it's something I've wondered about.
Griffin Jax, Air Force Academy grad - first grad to make it to the MLB June/21
He served two years active duty, now maintaining a reserve status
@Gov posted:Griffin Jax, Air Force Academy grad - first grad to make it to the MLB June/21
He served two years active duty, now maintaining a reserve status
Yes, but he slipped through a bit of a donut hole being assigned to the Olympic training center for his “active duty”. That’s not an option when baseball is not part of the games.
Truth 22and25. Def some luck involved there…. He’s having success w the Twins, no doubt a good story.
