Bonnie Holland
Extra Inning Softball CEO
October 23, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET
For years, I’ve heard people call rankings a “necessary evil” or even “a money grab.” I understand why some feel that way—especially when rankings are rushed, biased, or target athletes who are far too young. But when rankings are done correctly, they are not a necessary evil at all. They are a valuable tool that players, coaches, parents, and college programs can rely on to recognize hard work and opportunity.
Changing the Game—Even When It Cost Us
At Extra Inning Softball, we made a difficult but necessary decision: as of January 2024, we no longer ranked seventh graders, and we only rank eighth graders after they’ve completed their eighth-grade year. That change came with a significant financial hit during our company’s transition, but I stand by it completely.
As someone who has personally fielded years of customer service calls and complaints, I can confidently say that ranking players too young does far more harm than good. When the time came to lead according to my values, I chose to prioritize athlete development and mental well-being over profit. Rankings should begin when athletes are entering true recruiting age—not when they are still learning the basics of the game.
Fixing a Broken System
Before I took full ownership of Extra Inning Softball, I witnessed firsthand how the previous leadership operated. Coaches would call to complain about a player’s ranking, and within minutes, the computer would open, the player would be added, or her ranking number would be changed.
Meanwhile, I was instructed to tell families through customer service that we “do not add players after the nomination period closes or after rankings are launched.” That contradiction was one I could not accept and which led to many heated discussions. We clearly didn’t see eye-to-eye, and when the opportunity arose to take over the company, I chose to do it my way—ethically and transparently.
At Extra Inning Softball, I don’t play favorites. I believe in fairness and equality for every athlete, no matter where she plays, who her coach is, or how well-connected her circle may be. Rankings should never be influenced by personal relationships or back-channel favors.
No Outside Funding, No Hidden Agendas
Let me be clear: Extra Inning Softball is not privately funded by any outside company or corporate interest. Our Articles of Incorporation are public record and prove that fact. Unfortunately, that same transparency can’t be said for every rankings outlet.
I want to respectfully challenge any coach who’s accustomed to “making a call” to influence rankings—whether to add a player, adjust a number, or shift a placement—to pause and reflect. If your first instinct is to reach out and request a change rather than trust the integrity of the process, it may be time to take a step back and realign with the values of fairness and respect that this sport stands for.
It is completely fair to express disappointment or disagree with a placement, but leveraging personal relationships to get your way is wrong—plain and simple.
A Player’s Perspective
On October 2, 2025, I received an email from a young athlete whose name has been blotted out to protect her privacy, but her parent gave permission to share her words.
This message stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me why we do what we do at Extra Inning Softball—why integrity, patience, and compassion must remain at the core of everything involving rankings and recognition.
“Hi Bonnie,My name is XXXX, I have been blessed to be featured and ranked by Extra Innings since I was 12 years old. I have heard from my dad that many people complain about rankings and how they don’t matter. I just wanted to send you a thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing a platform for athletes like me to be promoted. I am proud of how much work I put in to be good and know I earned a spot at the University of XXXX but the financial package I received will not only pay for school and all the expenses but it will set up life after graduation and I know that is in thanks to being ranked on Extra Innings and the platform you provide all of us athletes.Thank you again very much”
That email speaks louder than any data, debate, or criticism ever could. It represents what Extra Inning Softball stands for: doing the hard work, standing on principle, and reminding young athletes that integrity still matters.
Every hour of research, every coach conversation, and every late-night committee review is worth it if even one player learns the difference between entitlement and earned recognition. That’s what makes this more than rankings—it’s about raising the standard of our sport.
How We Ensure Fairness
This is exactly why our rankings committee operates through full consensus. Every decision must be agreed upon unanimously, ensuring no single voice carries undue influence. I’ve personally witnessed the kind of unethical practices that once existed elsewhere—gift cards and “thank-you” packages were sent in attempts to stay in favor with those in charge. While genuine appreciation is always valued, accepting such gifts is inappropriate and compromises integrity.
We have built a transparent, multi-layered system that ensures accountability long after my time as CEO. When I eventually step aside, Extra Inning Softball will continue to operate on fairness and structure—not personality or influence. The same can’t be said for companies whose entire system depends on a single person’s opinion.
Integrity and Technology Working Together
Our commitment to fairness extends far beyond words. We developed proprietary software that automatically flags statistics which appear inaccurate. When that happens, our team follows up with coaches and parents to verify the data before it ever goes public.
For the Class of 2028 alone, we reviewed 1,226 players. I personally met with more than 45 coaches in five weeks to gather their insight and feedback. Our process also includes cross-checking tournament schedules, reviewing film, and evaluating the strength of schedule and competition level.
We removed ties, partnered with regional representatives across the country, and created an evolving committee composed entirely of women who have played or coached at the college level and beyond. We rotate regional board members regularly to ensure no bias and to introduce fresh, balanced perspectives.
Ranking Young Players Is a Money Grab
I’ll say it plainly: ranking 7th and 8th graders—especially when there are ties—is a money grab. Before the ownership change in January 2024, this practice was the company’s number one source of revenue. It capitalized on the excitement and vulnerability of young athletes and their families, often valuing profit over principle.
The truth is, ranking players that young can have long-term mental effects. It fosters comparison instead of development and shifts focus away from growth, teamwork, and genuine love for the game. When rankings are rushed, tied, or released within days, they can’t possibly be fair or credible.
At Extra Inning Softball, we refuse to take that shortcut. We dedicate more than a month to research, verification, and discussion for every rankings release. It costs time, effort, and resources—but that’s the point. True rankings done the right way aren’t a quick profit. They’re an investment in the sport and the integrity of the young women who play it.
A Call to the Softball Community
To parents, coaches, and organizational leaders: please step back and look at the bigger picture. When it comes to rankings, do your research on the companies you support.
If you’re simply looking for your player to be ranked higher in a system filled with ties, take a closer look—because that “Top 15” ranking may actually place your player behind dozens of others. At Extra Inning Softball, we rank fairly, transparently, and without shortcuts.
If a company cannot clearly explain why your player is ranked where she is, or if rankings change after complaints are made, that’s not credibility—that’s corruption.
Our Promise Going Forward
At Extra Inning Softball, we encourage parents and coaches to do their homework before submitting nominations.
Ask the hard questions: How can rankings be credible when positions are combined or when ties are used? If you don’t receive a clear, evidence-based explanation for why your player was ranked where they were ranked, that’s a major red flag—it likely means there’s no real methodology guiding the process.
Another red flag? When the person doing the rankings makes themselves known. True rankings are a collective, unbiased effort—not a platform for personal recognition. When someone feels the need to attach their name for attention or take prideful ownership of who deserves credit, it shifts the focus away from the athletes and toward ego. Rankings should never be about self-promotion; they should be about the sport and the players who give their all to it.
At Extra Inning Softball, we take pride in doing things differently. Our rankings rely on a system of checks and balances—from our data software to our multi-member committee—each decision made with care, integrity, and transparency.
We’ll continue leading with honesty, education, and respect for the game. Because when rankings are done right, they’re a valuable tool, not a necessary evil. And at the end of the day, if the rankings and methodology don’t make sense to you, they won’t make sense to a college coach either.
For questions about rankings, please email our Rankings Committee at rankings@extrainningsoftball.com
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