Why Setting Your Values Matters in Choosing a College 🥎🔥
When it comes to deciding where you want to attend school, one of the most important steps is setting your personal values. Without them, it’s easy to get caught up in what looks good on social media, what your teammates are doing, or even what coaches say during recruiting. But at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live there for four years.
Here are some examples of values you might consider:
✅ Academics – Do they have the major you’re interested in? Is the academic support strong for student-athletes?
✅ Coaching Style – Do you want a coach who is tough and demanding, or one who is more supportive and encouraging?
✅ Location – Do you want to stay close to home, or are you excited to experience something new far away?
✅ Team Culture – Is it a positive, family-like environment, or does it feel more businesslike and competitive?
✅ Facilities & Resources – Are you looking for top-level training facilities, or is that less important compared to other factors?
✅ Size of School – Do you see yourself thriving in a small, tight-knit campus or a large university setting?
👉 When you clearly know your values, it becomes much easier to compare schools and see which ones are truly the right fit for YOU. Remember—it’s not about choosing the “biggest name” program. It’s about finding the place where you can succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
💡 Set your values first, then let them guide your recruiting journey.
📣 TO SOFTBALL ATHLETES: Let’s Talk About Wanting D1 🥎
“Wanting D1” can mean a lot of things. But have you really thought through this goal completely?
🔹 Do you want to actually play… or just be on the roster?
🔹 Are you okay with spending your first few years watching from the sidelines?
🔹 Are you prepared to fight for your spot every single year—because just like in pro sports, someone better can come along and take it? (Enter Portal Players)
🔹 Do you truly want to be developed, coached hard, and valued—or are you chasing a label?
Here’s the truth:
The real flex isn’t just “D1.”
It’s finding the coach and program that believes in you, invests in you, and wants you to be an impact player from the start.
And guess what? That dream of having college paid for—that can happen at every level.
There are incredible opportunities at D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO where you can earn scholarship money and graduate with little to no debt while playing the game you love. (This is the real win in my book)
🎯 Search that high.
🎯 Chase that level of trust.
🎯 Don’t settle for the title. Seek the opportunity.
Let’s change the narrative. It’s not about the level—it’s about the fit. 💯
You deserve a place where you can thrive, not just survive.
— Coach Jennifer Turner 🤍
Softball Recruiting Coach
🍦Nothing sweeter than a W and a scoop! AFA snagged the dub today and hit up Sunny Scoops to celebrate #NationalIceCreamDay the only way we know how…loud, proud, and undefeated. 💪Catch us chasing that championship with sprinkles on top tomorrow at 9:45am at Poway Sportsplex! 😎
Team dinner and lots of laughs after going 2-0 today in the @TCSFastpitch San Diego World Series. Back at it tomorrow starting at 11:30am!! Come watch us at Poway Sportspex!
Getting updates on how well my players do in HS games is the greatest thing as a coach. They choose to text me, they choose to reach out.
Proud is an understatement.
🥰🥰
On this 16th day of December it’s time to recognize a few great athletes from the Sunflower state!🌻 Check out these 5 uncommitted studs in the 2026 class from Kansas ⬇️
@OrthAlly@henley_rapp@bridget_mohr4@KarlieDemel@BellaDiggs2026
https://t.co/Ot0C57lIB1
Why are we not celebrating contacts by NAIA, D3, D2, & JUCOS like D1 contacts are celebrated?
I see A LOT of Athletes posting about Sep 1 or pics of mail from D1 colleges.
Reality: There are D3’s, D2’s, JUCO’s & NAIA’s that can outplay more D1’s than you think.
Celebrate every opportunity.
Didn’t get the calls you wanted Sept. 1?
Why?
What do you need to change?
Can you look in the mirror & say you are out working everyone in the country?
Are you consistent?
Who holds you accountable?
Who gives you honest feedback?
Do you execute in game?
Are you a great teammate?
How is your self talk?
What is your confidence level?
Are you a problem solver?
How is your mental game?
Do you know & love yourself?
Do you train with people who consistently get people to the level you want to play at?
Do you have a written out plan of action?
Are you truly working the recruiting process the right way?
College coaches get fired for not winning..
Are you helping your team win on & off the field?
Are you winner?
Winners Win - they always figure it out…
Who can help you figure it out?
GRAND SLAM over LF fence in 2nd game of bracket tonight for @BellaDiggs2026 and her very first career home run to boot!!!! Congratulations Crash!!!!!!! @AFA_softball
Coaching at ANY level is becoming a thankless job & because this profession means SO much to me, it’s time we (families, fans, friends) recognize how much time, love & dedication goes into our teams & our players as people. The scrutiny has to be better. People need to be better.
Tripled just as an excuse to get around the bases to see my buddy @PaigePeiker2027 who’s a Freshman playing Varsity ball! Frosh lefty Varsity pitcher @TaylorPeiker27 got me good with a SO later! that’s ok bc these games are so much more fun w/ best buddies to face off against!
9: Finally, and Most Importantly, this is your CHILD'S EXPERIENCE, not yours.
This is important.
Let them enjoy the experience with your support. Don’t judge them. Don’t be critical. Just be there.
Tell them you LOVE watching them play.
Be a fan of the TEAM.
8: Your child GETS it.
Your child understands.
They are at every practice. They know their strengths. They know their weaknesses.
They know their role.
Don’t feed their youthful insecurities by questioning the coach.
This will hurt their experience and the team.