What's Your "Wow" Factor?

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Right now is an exciting time in the softball world. Maybe you're trying out for a travel team, deciding which organization is the best fit, attending a college exposure camp, or playing in tournaments where college coaches are watching. No matter what stage you're in, there's one question every athlete might be asking:

What makes me stand out?

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with two outstanding college coaches—my cousin, Coach Erica Hanrahan and Coach Laura Matthews—to talk about what it really takes to play softball at the college level. Looking back on that conversation today, the advice they shared is even more relevant.

Since then, Erica has accepted the position of Assistant Coach at DePaul University (we’ve joked that DePaul must have thought she was an alum and that’s why she got the job - she used to coach at DePauW in Indiana). Coach Laura has also continued to build an outstanding program at Belmont University, making an impressive NCAA Tournament run this season behind star pitcher Maya Johnson, who is now playing in the AUSL on the Oklahoma City Sparks.

Despite all of their success, one lesson has stuck with me more than any other.

Every player needs a "WOW!" factor.

Both Coach Erica and Coach Laura always challenged players to identify the one thing that makes college coaches stop and take notice. Every recruit needs something that separates her from everyone else.

What makes a coach say:

"Wow...we need to keep an eye on her."

As a pitcher, your WOW factor might be:

  • Elite command

  • An outstanding changeup

  • Dominant movement pitches

  • Exceptional velocity

  • Incredible composure under pressure

Coach Laura also emphasized that every pitcher needs enough command to work both sides of the plate. You can't survive by living on one corner forever. But beyond having a solid overall game, the players who stand out usually have one tool that is truly exceptional.

One of the biggest mistakes young athletes make is trying to be average at everything instead of becoming exceptional at something.

When you're younger, absolutely experiment. Learn different pitches. Develop athleticism. Figure out what you're naturally good at. But as you move into high school and begin thinking about college softball, it's time to ask yourself:

What am I becoming known for?

The best college players aren't just "pretty good" at everything. They have an identity. They know what they do better than almost anyone else.

Maya Johnson has excellent command, movement, and composure, but when people talk about Maya, they immediately think of one thing—she strikes people out. Her ability to miss bats is her "WOW!"

I work with a 10 year old pitcher who throws in the upper 50s and overpowers hitters with her velocity. A 13-year old doesn't throw nearly as hard, but she has incredible command, consistently hits her spots, and can pitch multiple games without breaking a sweat. I coach a 12-year-old who throws three different speeds and uses all of them in nearly every at-bat, keeping hitters completely off balance. They each have a different "WOW!" factor—and they're all incredibly effective.

At Practice Pro, that's one of our biggest goals—helping each athlete discover and develop the unique strengths that can separate them from the competition. We're always asking the same question:

What's your WOW factor?

That's often what opens the door to the next level.