You know a camp must be good when four players of a club team send us their thoughts on the event unsolicited, meaning they had such a good time, they wanted to world to know about it and shared their thoughts with us without being asked!
Here’s the background: most of the players from Team North Carolina 16U – Hinde participated in the ProSwings College Exposure Camp which took place August 6-8, 2021 in Longwood, Florida.
Four of the athletes on the team wrote Extra Inning Softball to say how impressed they were with the three-day exposure camp run by Stephanie Best and detailed their observations including how much they enjoyed interacting with the college coaches.
We liked their input so much, we decided to share the players’ perspectives and runs some photos showing how much fun they had…
*****
Grace Roark (2023 RHP):
If you had to pick one camp to go to out of your entire summer, ProSwings should be it.
The number of college coaches there, from all levels was truly impressive. While each coach represented their own school, they all represented the sport of softball and the desire to impact the next generation of players. The player-to-coach ratio was probably the best you’ll ever see at an elite level camp.
The first two hours of camp, or rather Power Hours, were the perfect opportunity to connect with the college coaches all while showcasing your skills in a controlled setting; whether that be front toss, live defense, or simply shagging.
Each field provided a new group of coaches, and with that, a new group of opinions, perspectives and instruction. No two fields were the same and that’s part of what made it so fun. Not only did the first two hours provide invaluable instruction and feedback, they also provided ample opportunity to show off your strongest assets.
After the first Power Hour, campers were allotted a 15-minute break. Breaks are crucial when it comes to the Florida heat and the camp provided just that.
After the second hour of drills, players were given a 30-minute break at around 1:30 that allowed time for necessary snacks and hydration. After the break, we were split into teams and given an hour and 30 min to competitively scrimmage against one another.
Players were responsible for switching positions and establishing a line-up, which was also an opportunity to show the coaches our leadership and problem-solving skills. Some players were asked to play new positions and we all handled it perfectly.
I personally had to play a few innings in right field; a position I hadn’t played in over three years. The scrimmages pushed us out of our comfort zones and forced us to react to adversity, whether that be the wet fields, new positions, or playing against your own teammate.
After the first day, close to four inches of rain fell on those fields and instead of cancelling camp or waiting until Sunday, campers were given extra opportunities to interact with college coaches through a Q&A setting.
The fields were rough when we got there but the grounds crew and staff were determined to get the fields ready and by the time the second power hour rolled around, the fields were playable. The dedication of the staff definitely puts this camp on another level.
In most cases, rain would have ended the chances of an outdoor camp, but at ProSwings, Stephanie Best gave us extra valuable time with college coaches from ALL levels.
That means, Power 5, mid major, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and some of the best Juco schools in the country.
In addition to amazing instruction and scrimmage play, campers received daily advice at the beginning of camp, from each coach. ProSwings is one of the best camps I’ve ever been to, because each and every coach WANTED to be there.
The organization, attendance, venue, and staff were all top notch and I can’t wait to do it again next year!”
*****
Ryleigh Shull (2024 LHP):
The ProSwings College Exposure Camp is by far the best camp that I’ve attended this year!
Stephanie Best creates a safe, positive atmosphere where players get to work with amazing coaches from every level in the game. At each field, there was a group of coaches who were able to pick what they wanted to do so every field we went to offered something different and kept us excited to learn new things.
I attended all three days of the camp and I liked how there was something different in the schedule every day.
One day we were working with coaches on defense and hitting, the next we were doing Q&A’s, and the last day we were scrimmaging and showcasing our skills to each college coach. I loved getting to talk one on one with the coaches and getting to share my personality with them.
This camp provides a unique opportunity with so many gifted coaches to help us get better and answer so many questions relating to the recruiting process!”
*****
Teagan Ritchie (2023 MIF):
The ProSwings College Exposure Camp was filled with great college coaches and great players!
I appreciate how the atmosphere was fun the whole time and we were able to showcase our abilities to the college coaches, as well as competing with other players. The stations were run very well since each college coach was able to see every player who was attending camp.
Most of the coaches offered different information and I think it was very beneficial; especially to the 2022 & 2023 graduating classes.
I most enjoyed the one-on-one conversations with coaches. I have been attending ProSwings camps since they started and this one was the best yet.
I want to thank Stephanie Best, the ProSwings’ staff and all of the college coaches who were able to make this happen. I am very grateful for this unique opportunity.
*****
Anna Hinde 2025 (3B/C):
For the third year in a row, I had a spectacular weekend at the ProSwings College Exposure Camp! Unique to this year, I was thrilled to spend time with Olympic Bronze Medalist Jenn Salling (Team Canada). She even let me wear her medal!
Stephanie Best works tirelessly to put together a group of the most dedicated coaches in college softball; those whose mission it is to grow the game and influence the next generation of players.
I received one-on-one instruction from every single one of the coaches in attendance, getting to know them personally while building relationships that will last a lifetime. Each coach was engaging and wanted to get to know me more as a player and person.
The camp was extremely well-run and organized as I had no questions about where to go, who I was working with, or if I was going to get time with certain coaches. The drills were run strictly by college coaches, and we got many reps to show off our personal skills while also learning many new skills to add to our tool box.
The exposure at this camp is absolutely incredible!! I would 10/10 recommend to any softball player if they want to be seen by coaches of all levels, build a relationship with those coaches, and learn new skills, drills and practice communication techniques.
The ProSwings camp is one I look forward to attending every year and I cannot wait to see what’s in store for 2022!
