If you're an 8th or 9th grader playing in summer travel tournaments, you're not alone in thinking, "Is this where recruiting starts?" This is the time of year when college coaches are out scouting and recruiting companies are working hard to connect with athletes. If you’ve recently handed over your email at a showcase or tournament, you may have already gotten a call from a company like NCSA (Next College Student Athlete).

These companies exist to help athletes get seen by college coaches. They are often made up of former collegiate athletes—sometimes people who’ve coached you or trained you in lessons. But when they call, it might catch you off guard. Maybe college softball hasn’t even crossed your mind yet—aside from those Practice Pro mental game sessions where we ask you to dream big and imagine what’s possible.

Suddenly, it might feel like everyone else is doing something you’re not.