Faster. Smarter. More transparent. That’s what coaches can expect as Extra Inning Softball unveils its most significant update to the national rankings nomination process to date.
After months of planning, software development, and feedback from coaches across the country, Extra Inning Softball has introduced 10 major improvements designed to make submitting nominations easier while continuing to strengthen the integrity of the nation’s most trusted fastpitch softball rankings.
Whether you’re nominating one athlete or an entire roster, these updates reduce the time required, improve transparency, and create a better experience for coaches, families, and college recruiters alike. Continue listening for 10 new nomination improvements that coaches are going to love!
1. Enter Tournament Information Just Once
One of the biggest time-saving updates is here.
Instead of entering the same tournament schedule for every athlete, coaches now enter their team’s tournament information one time, and it applies throughout the nomination process. No more repetitive data entry.
2. Verified Statistics Through Screenshots
To help maintain the integrity of the rankings, nominations now require screenshots from GameChanger, or another verified statistics platform.
If a coach is short on time, parents are welcome to complete the nomination. However, Extra Inning Softball strongly encourages families to collaborate with their coach first whenever possible to ensure the most accurate and complete submission.
3. Expanded Region Board Leadership
Over the past several months, Extra Inning Softball has refreshed and expanded its Region Board leadership across the country.
This continued investment helps provide broader regional perspectives while reducing the potential for individual bias during the evaluation process.
4. The SERV Methodology
Every athlete is evaluated using Extra Inning Softball’s SERV Methodology, a structured process that guides every rankings cycle. These repeatable steps help ensure every athlete receives a thorough and consistent review before rankings are finalized.
SERV stands for: Software, Evaluation, Research, Verification
5. GPA Collection Moves to a Separate Initiative
To simplify nominations, athlete GPA is no longer collected during the rankings process.
Instead, Extra Inning Softball will recognize academic achievement through a dedicated National Honor Roll initiative, allowing rankings and academics to each receive the attention they deserve.
6. Athlete Photos and Player Bios
National rankings are becoming more than a list.
Each ranked athlete will now include a headshot photo and player bio, creating a more complete profile that better showcases each athlete’s accomplishments and makes it easier for college coaches to learn about prospective recruits.
7. A Brand-New Leaderboard Experience
The rankings themselves have received a major visual upgrade.
The new Leaderboard format makes it easier to browse rankings, compare athletes, and share recognition on social media with a clean, modern presentation.
8. New 5-Star Rating System ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Beginning with the upcoming rankings cycle, every nationally ranked athlete will receive both a numerical ranking and a 5-Star Rating.
The additional rating provides valuable context while recognizing athletes based on their current level of development and overall evaluation.
9. Free Access for College Coaches
To increase athlete exposure, verified college coaches now receive complimentary access to the entire Extra Inning Softball website, including both regional and national rankings.
This expanded access helps place athlete profiles and rankings directly in front of the coaches evaluating future recruiting classes. Learn more HERE.
10. Nominations Now Take Half the Time
Thanks to a complete software rebuild and numerous workflow improvements, the nomination process now takes approximately half the time it did in previous years.
The goal is simple: spend less time filling out forms and more time on the field.
Building the Future of Athlete Recognition
These updates reflect Extra Inning Softball’s continued commitment to improving the rankings experience while protecting the integrity of the evaluation process.
From faster nominations and stronger verification to enhanced athlete profiles and expanded coach access, every improvement was made with one goal in mind: providing the most comprehensive, transparent, and trusted rankings experience in fastpitch softball.
Class of 2030 National Rankings nominations officially close August 24. Coaches and families are encouraged to prepare early and take advantage of the streamlined nomination process.
WHAT’S NEXT?
📝Class of 2030 nominations Close August 24 👉 Nominate HERE
🔥 A BIG announcement is coming exclusively to EIS members in just a few weeks! Stay tuned! 👀🥎
TRENDING NEWS DESCRIPTION
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COMMITTED Committed News!
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