If you’re a high school athlete hoping to play college softball, timing is everything. The recruiting process has key milestones that can affect your visibility, scholarship opportunities, and overall chances of playing at the next level. Whether you’re just starting or already deep in the process, this softball recruiting timeline for 2025 can help you stay focused and make the right moves at the right time.
Below, we break down what to do and when to do it—step by step—for athletes in the 2025 graduating class.
Freshman Year (2021–2022): Lay the Groundwork
Starting early is a smart move, even if official contact with college coaches hasn’t begun yet. This year is all about building habits, improving your skills, and beginning the awareness process.
Focus Areas:
- Maintain strong grades — College athletics still require academics.
- Start building your recruiting profile — Include your GPA, position(s), basic stats, and video clips if available.
- Attend local softball camps for exposure and experience.
NCAA Division I coaches can’t initiate recruiting conversations yet, but they can observe you at showcases or events.
Internal Tip: See How to Write a Standout Sports Recruiting Email to get ahead when it’s time to make contact.
Sophomore Year (2022–2023): Grow Your Network
This is when the recruiting process starts to become more real. Athletes should continue improving on the field and begin researching schools that match their athletic and academic goals.
Key Actions:
- Create a recruiting video and start posting updated highlights.
- Fill out recruiting questionnaires on college websites.
- Begin building a target list of schools—D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO.
- Attend college prospect camps to get exposure and make early impressions.
Keep in mind that NCAA Division I coaches still cannot contact you directly until after June 15 of your sophomore year, but attending events is a great way to be seen.
Explore how to get recruited by colleges with strong academic programs if academics are a big part of your decision-making process.
Junior Year (2023–2024): Peak Recruiting Season
This is when most recruiting activity happens, especially for Division I and II programs. Be proactive—this is your year to stand out.
June 15 After Sophomore Year:
- Coaches can begin reaching out via phone, email, and text.
- Athletes can now receive official camp invites and schedule unofficial visits.
Fall of Junior Year:
- Start sending personalized recruiting emails to your top schools.
- Update your recruiting video and send it along with a note to coaches.
- Take unofficial visits to campuses on your target list.
Spring of Junior Year:
- Communicate regularly with coaches at interested programs.
- Attend spring showcases and tournaments.
- Evaluate scholarship offers (if any) and keep track of eligibility requirements.
Want to avoid mistakes? Read NCAA Division I Softball Recruiting Rules: 2025 Breakdown.
Senior Year (2024–2025): Make It Official
If you haven’t committed yet, don’t panic. Plenty of athletes commit during their senior year, especially to D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs.
Early Fall:
- Finalize your list of schools.
- Schedule official visits (allowed after August 1 before senior year).
- Keep in touch with coaches and continue showcasing your skills.
- Stay active on recruiting platforms and update your highlight video as needed.
November:
- National Signing Day begins. Athletes can officially sign with programs offering scholarships.
Spring:
- Stay in game shape for your final high school season.
- Continue reaching out to new schools if you’re still uncommitted.
- Respond to any late offers or last-minute interest from programs needing players.
Bonus: Key Dates for Softball Recruiting in 2025
- June 15 after sophomore year: D1 and D2 coaches can initiate contact.
- August 1 before junior year: Unofficial visits allowed.
- Official visits: Limited to five schools per athlete per NCAA rules.
- November 2024: Early signing period begins.
- Spring 2025: Regular signing period continues.
Pro tip: Keep an up-to-date recruiting calendar to stay on track with deadlines and communication goals.
Final Thoughts
The college softball recruiting process can be long—but it’s also exciting and rewarding when you approach it with a clear plan. This 2025 recruiting timeline is meant to guide you through each step so you’re never left wondering what to do next.
Need more advice? Learn what college coaches really look for in student-athletes to better position yourself for success.
