From verified statistics and tournament competition to positional skills and athletic achievements, discover what the Extra Inning Softball Rankings Committee looks for when reviewing athlete nominations.
Every softball athlete has a story to tell, but when it comes to national rankings, how that story is documented matters.
At Extra Inning Softball, rankings nominations are more than an opportunity to submit an athlete’s name. They provide the Rankings Committee with valuable information about a player’s performance, development, competition level and overall contributions to the game.
But what separates a strong nomination from one that leaves important questions unanswered? Understanding the Extra Inning Softball Ranking Nomination Criteria can help coaches and families provide a more complete picture of an athlete’s abilities.
SERV™ Methodology: The Process Behind the Rankings
Extra Inning Softball uses its SERV™ Methodology— Software, Evaluate, Research and Verify — to support a structured rankings evaluation process.
The methodology incorporates available athlete information, statistical performance, tournament strength, positional ability and supporting research. Rather than relying on a single statistic or recommendation, the Rankings Committee considers multiple components of an athlete’s performance.
Verification plays an important role in this process. The committee seeks to establish a reliable foundation for its evaluations through credible information and supporting evidence. Learn more about the SERV™ Methodology and how it supports the rankings process.
Nomination Quality Matters
A nomination is the starting point of the rankings evaluation process. The information submitted helps the Rankings Committee identify athletes, review their accomplishments and evaluate their performance within the context of their competition.
A strong nomination does not necessarily mean submitting the longest list of accomplishments. It means providing accurate, relevant and verifiable information that demonstrates what an athlete has achieved on the field.
Statistics alone cannot tell the entire story. Neither can tournament championships, individual awards or highlight videos.
Together, however, these elements help create a more comprehensive picture of an athlete’s abilities.
Verified Statistics: Let the Numbers Tell the Story
One of the most important components of a strong rankings nomination is reliable statistical information.
Batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, pitching performance and defensive production can provide valuable insight into an athlete’s contributions.
However, the Rankings Committee also considers the context behind those numbers.
For example, a hitter producing a .450 batting average against nationally competitive pitching may demonstrate a different level of performance than an athlete batting .600 against significantly less challenging competition. Nominate your athlete today!
That is why verified statistics, preferably supported by GameChanger records, are especially valuable. Submitting accurate statistics from the applicable evaluation period helps the committee better understand an athlete’s consistency and production.
Tournament Strength: Competition Matters
Not all tournament schedules present the same level of competition. Extra Inning Softball considers the strength of an athlete’s tournament schedule when reviewing nominations.
Participation in nationally recognized events, premier showcases and highly competitive tournaments can provide important context.
Events such as PGF Nationals, Alliance competitions, Colorado Sparkler and other established national tournaments may help demonstrate the level of competition an athlete has faced.
However, simply participating in a major tournament does not automatically establish an athlete’s ranking.
Individual performance against strong competition matters. The Rankings Committee evaluates tournament strength alongside statistical production, athletic ability and the athlete’s overall body of work.
Positional Ability: More Than a Stat Sheet
Softball is a position-specific sport, and evaluating athletes requires an understanding of the different demands placed on players.
A pitcher may be evaluated through command, velocity, movement, effectiveness and performance against quality hitters.
A catcher brings additional considerations, including receiving, blocking, throwing ability and defensive leadership.
Infielders and outfielders demonstrate their abilities through range, arm strength, footwork, consistency and defensive execution.
For hitters, the committee considers offensive production alongside hitting mechanics, power, contact ability and other position-relevant skills. The goal is to recognize complete athletes, not simply impressive statistics.
Measurables, Video and Athletic Development
Measurable athletic performance can provide additional insight into a player’s abilities.
Relevant information may include pitching velocity, overhand throwing velocity, home-to-first times, exit velocity and other position-specific measurements. Video can also be valuable because it allows evaluators to observe athletic movement, mechanics and game execution.
Whenever possible, nominations should include current information that reflects the athlete’s development during the evaluation period. Accurate measurables and quality video help support the committee’s broader research and evaluation. Nominate your athlete today!
Athletic Achievements: Recognition With Context
Individual awards, team accomplishments, national tournament performances and other distinctions can strengthen a nomination.
However, recognition carries the greatest value when accompanied by meaningful context.
An athlete’s role in a championship run, her performance against nationally recognized opponents or her consistency throughout a competitive season may provide more useful information than an award title alone. The Rankings Committee considers achievements as part of the athlete’s complete evaluation rather than treating any single honor as an automatic qualification.
MyEIS360™: Keep Your Athlete’s Story Visible
A rankings nomination is an important opportunity, but an athlete’s development continues well beyond a single evaluation cycle.
Through MyEIS360™, athletes can maintain a shareable profile featuring their statistics, accomplishments, videos, measurables, schedules and rankings history.
Profiles are free for anyone to view, including college coaches, while an active EIS membership is required to create and maintain a profile.
Once rankings are published, interactive leaderboards connect athletes to their MyEIS360 athlete profiles, making it easier for visitors to discover additional information.
Maintaining an updated profile helps athletes present their evolving body of work throughout their softball journey.
One Athlete. One Nomination.
Extra Inning Softball requires only one nomination per athlete during an applicable rankings cycle.
Multiple nominations do not improve an athlete’s chances of earning a higher ranking.
Parents are encouraged to communicate with their athlete’s coach before submitting a nomination to determine whether the coach has already nominated the player or plans to do so.
If the coach is not submitting a nomination, parents are welcome to nominate their athlete. The emphasis should remain on submitting one complete, accurate nomination with the strongest available supporting information.
Regional Recognition and National Rankings
A rankings nomination opens the door to evaluation, but it is important to understand the distinction between regional and national recognition. EIS’s rankings program includes regional positional rankings and national rankings determined through the committee’s evaluation process.
National recognition is earned through the complete evaluation process and is not guaranteed simply because an athlete has been nominated.
Extra Inning Softball does not award ties. Each nationally ranked athlete receives a distinct placement. Athletes also receive a 5-Star Rating as part of the rankings presentation, offering additional insight into their evaluation.
Class of 2031 Nominations: Deadline November 9
The next opportunity for athletes to enter the rankings evaluation process is already underway.
Class of 2031 nominations are officially open and close November 9, 2026. Coaches and parents are encouraged to review the nomination criteria carefully, gather accurate supporting information and submit before the deadline.
Meanwhile, the Class of 2028 rankings will begin their official release on November 9, continuing Extra Inning Softball’s commitment to recognizing athletes across the country.
Whether an athlete is just beginning her competitive journey or preparing for the next stage of recruiting, a well-documented nomination can help ensure that her accomplishments receive meaningful consideration.
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