Florida State-committed 3B/C Jaysoni Beachum, #12 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, is one of the top power hitters in the country and she’s on Extra Inning Softball’s team of bloggers.
Beachum blew up for Houston Academy High of Dothan, Alabama, belting 80 home runs during the Kasey Cooper Home Run Derby at the Dothan Diamomd Classic this spring before event organizers said “No mas.” [Click HERE to read that story!]
She’s a big reason Tennessee Mojo 2023-Danley will be contending for titles at all major national events this summer.
Beachum took some time out to talk about coaching and recruiting for her latest “Inside Pitch.”
—Carlos Arias, Extra Inning Softball (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
Also, click on the links below to read more articles on Jaysoni!
- 2023 Extra Elite 100 Infielder Jaysoni Beachum… “Why I Committed to Florida State”
- Inside Pitch: The Beautiful Story Behind Jaysoni Beachum’s Name Change
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Finding the right fit
Finding the right fit in anything in life is an awesome feeling.
This is the goal most people strive to achieve when working with others. Recruiting is no different. Yes, a big part of getting recruited includes having great grades, outstanding skills, amazing character, and more; however, none of these attributes are beneficial if it isn’t a right fit.
I’ve been so blessed to play for some amazing coaches. Unfortunately, I have also played for some not-so-great coaches. This is why I am so grateful for my current travel ball and future college coaches. It was through some past unpleasant experiences that helped me realize my current coaches are a right fit.
Everyone’s path will definitely be different. I strongly recommend doing your homework on the college program(s) and coaches you have interest in.
I have watched games (past and present), interviews of the coaches and teammates of the college program I had interested in, and watched practices of the college coaches I had interest in.
Coaches will always display their values, beliefs, coaching style, and how their program is run; however, you have to be willing to watch and listen. All athletes should look to go into a program to finish and make an impact however they can.
I think this is the goal for most athletes, but a lot of times, they don’t know how to achieve the right fit. I have listed a few ways that helped me find my right fit.
How I chose the best fit for me:
Connect with people who have been to places you’re trying to go.
I am fortunate to have some amazing mentors in my life: a few of them are Jessica Warren (former FSU third baseman and current Athletes Unlimited Pro player), Brhett McCabe (Sports Psychologist), Lincoln Martin (Hitting Coach), and Erin Sykes (recruiting advisor).
Make a list of schools you have interest in at all levels.
You have to determine what level you can play. Finding your appropriate level can come from experienced coaches/trainers who have coached or played at the level you are trying to achieve. Another way to determine your appropriate level is by the interest schools show you or your travel/high school coaches.
Attend camps at the level you want to achieve. Many times, camps are run like college practices.
The ultimate way of knowing where you stand are phone calls and emails on September 1st of your junior year.
Once you determine your skill level, narrow the list down to your top 10, 5, and 3 schools.
Watch coaches, team practices, talk with current/past teammates and do your homework of the school(s) you’re interested in.
Choose the school that shares the same values you believe in, and you’re proud to wear its name. Everything may not be a total match, but there should be at least one or two values you have in common.
Play for a coach(es) you respect and who also wants you to succeed. You will know this by the way they communicate with you.
