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The innovative new event coming this Summer, CONNECT 2023, opens registration Saturday evening at 6 pm EST and, for those that want to attend, don’t delay in signing up or you might not make it in for this first year–so strong has been the response for this first-year event that will feature more than 80 clinics offered all in one day at one location.
For high school players and college eligible transfers looking to get direct, hands-on instruction from top college coaches, the CONNECT 2023 Camp looks to be the perfect format to do so.
CONNECT 2023 is being described by Co-Camp Director Nate Eaton as:
“A new camp exposure experience that CONNECTS the serious softball athlete with many college softball coaches all at one place, in one event.”
The event will be held June 12, 2023, in Duncan, South Carolina and is being produced by Diamond Direction Events, the long-time softball camp and tournament organizer.
“There isn’t a softball exposure event like this anywhere,” believes Eaton.
“It’s one event for one day at one venue with over 80 college clinics and the camper—you, the athlete—gets to choose where you go. We will accept high school athletes as well as college transfers that have registered on the portal.”
The list of universities already confirmed to attend includes the following in no particularly order (ones italicized are new since Extra Inning Softball first previewed the event in mid-November):
- Tennessee
- Auburn
- Ole Miss
- South Carolina
- Duke
- Louisville
- Florida State
- Notre Dame
- North Carolina
- Virginia
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Michigan State
- Northwestern
- Oklahoma State
- Arizona State
- Charlotte
- Ohio Univ.
- Appalachian State
- James Madison
- Pitt
- UNC Greensboro
- Texas Tech
How strong has the response been? Coach Eaton explains that it’s been so positive, there will likely be a second event scheduled in the near future to accommodate the interest.
“We have more schools requesting to come to CONNECT,” he says, “but we are trying to keep this group of schools on schedule before we add more and hope to announce a new CONNECT date soon in which the line up of programs will differ in each event.”
Registration for CONNECT 2023 begins Saturday and the Event Co-Director covers how the sign-ups will go.
“We guarantee that if campers signs up between Feb. 4-8, we will ensure that they get into their Top 3 session choices,” Eaton begins.
“We will close Phase I registration after about two weeks to focus and plan for Phase II registration. During Phase II registration, campers can select their additional sessions and we will take a limited amount of campers that did not register in Phase I.”
To date, college coaches from 16 states have indicated they will attend and, based on info from players and travel club teams inquiring how to get it, Eaton believes athletes from as many as 40 states could be at the June 12th event.
Even many university coaches that aren’t working the event have indicated they’ll be there to watch the workouts and instruction.
We welcome coaches from all levels — who aren’t officially participating in CONNECT — and expect some will show up and watch campers learn and work out,” Coach Eaton adds. “It’s a great opportunity for coaches to watch other coaches and watch campers learn.”
“We have communicated to coaches that we are okay with this happening and, ultimately, if it helps the camper and coaches, then that is what we are here to do. We are dedicated to continuing to provide softball athletes a great experience to learn, grow and showcase their softball skills so their recruiting journey is easier to navigate.”
More details can be found on the following informational links:
The entry fee is $300 with a deposit of $99 due initially. Additional individual clinics are then $60 per clinic with a minimum of one to a maximum of six.
Pitchers have a special two hour session from 3:30 – 5:30 pm that will be $100. The first clinic on June 12 begins at 7 am and the last one ends at 7 pm prior to a concluding game that will begin at 7:30 pm and finish by 9:30 pm.
“This is the perfect opportunity for the camper to choose up to six college softball programs to work with in one day,” adds Coach Eaton. “Come grow and learn with us in this national event!”
“Many college-bound athletes have benefitted from Diamond Direction events for years, where softball athletes can get exposure to various colleges in one day. This brand-new event is something softball has never seen.”
“We want to create a great experience for athletes to see some of the best programs from across the nation. With affordable airfare and lodging, an incredible complex of 13 beautiful fields, so many talented college softball programs in attendance and over 80 clinics in one day, we are sure that you will leave this event so glad you came. A perfect way for you to be seen before summer evaluations and recruiting begins!”
Those wanting to learn more can also follow here:
- InstaGram: thesbconnectevent
- Website: diamonddirectionevents.com
- Twitter: DDSBandEvents