It’s lame to quote my own post, but I’m doing it anyway.
I just dropped my 12yo off at soccer practice at a local community college (she’s not in college, that’s just where the practice is). They have a decent softball team that was practicing on the adjacent field. I stayed and watched a bit and I saw at least six or seven women who I think could contribute to UM’s team tomorrow. Pitching, hitting, fielding, and overall awareness. These are women who were likely overlooked by regional DI programs for whatever reason, and would (I’m making a huge assumption) jump at any chance to play DI anywhere, even if it’s partially on loans.
This CC program is not unique. There are myriad all over the region. Just a shit ton of girls who have played year-round since they were six. There have to be some of them who could play for UM. I think it wouldn’t hurt us to look a bit harder outside of the PNW.
One last observation: I’ve noticed that “softball sisters” are sometimes more likely to follow one another for college than other sports. I’ve noticed a senior signing with X college and then her “bestie” on the HS or travel team signing the next year multiple times. I think if we can open up a pipeline, it could only help. It definitely can’t do any damage.