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On Monday, we introduced the first of our three-part series asking “What will be the Impact of the Extra Year of College Eligibility?”
We asked dozens of players, parents and club coaches what they thought of the eligibility decision from when NCAA voted in March to “allow schools to provide spring-sport student-athletes an additional season of competition and an extension of their period of eligibility.”
Yesterday, we presented insights from several club coaches and softball parents.
We finish the series today with the opinions of current college and future college players.
If you would like to share your opinion on the pros and cons of the extra year of college eligibility, email me at [email protected] and we may use your submission!
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
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2021 verbal commitment:
When the news first came out, I was panicked because of not knowing now if the school I committed to, would be able to still have room for me. At this time the coaches are saying I am OK, but I don’t feel really comfortable with so much unknown.”
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SS Brooke Blankenship (2021, Wichita Mustangs, Florida State commit)
The extra year of eligibility has inspired me to work even harder because there will be more competition when I get to college. This makes me feel anxious to hear from my coaches.
Some of my teammates have gotten calls already and some of us are nervously waiting. I feel like there will be more pressure for us to perform, not only because we are committed but because now we are proving why they should keep us.
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P Becca Zawistowski (2022, PA Strikers 16U Premier, uncommitted):
I am happy the college seniors get a chance to go out on their own terms, although some do not have the option to do so unless they transfer. I think some players will choose to move on with their life and some will not get that chance because some schools will not give them a 5th year.
How this all impacts my class of 2022 is hard to say as I think it will impact each 2022 differently and will depend on the schools that they are interested in. It also depends on how coaches will want to manage their roster sizes and how many players make the choice to stay or leave. Some schools may decide to recruit one to two fewer players in each class over the next four years or drop a recruiting class altogether.
With the new eligibility rule, the only thing I may have to do (as a 2022) is expand my research of schools that I see as a great fit for me. I was focusing on 5-6 schools, but I know I need to add options, just in case. The good news is that this hard time has given me more time to make myself better – both physically and mentally. I believe we will be back on the field soon and when we are, I will be ready. I cannot wait to be back on the field with my Striker family.
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IF Elizabeth Nitka (Colgate University freshman):
I think the 5th year of eligibility granted to the seniors is a good idea. The seniors lost their last season and they deserve a chance to play one last time. With that being said, I know that means it’s going to be tough for the incoming freshman. But the 5th year of eligibility should just push the freshman to work harder and earn their spot on the field even more. A little friendly competition never hurt anybody!
As for next year, all I know is that the seniors were granted another year to play with their college team. Next season will be tough for the incoming freshman but I’m sure if we continue to work hard and have fun, it will all work out in the end! I think the best way to approach next year is with a positive attitude and lots of dedication to the sport.
*** Scroll down to read more player comments—pro and con—on the extra year of eligibility….