Mercyhurst University

Ohio University

Queens University of Charlotte

University of Akron

University of Pittsburgh

Washington and Jefferson College

Youngstown State University

Junior Day is designed for high school softball players that want to work directly with college coaches in an on-field environment. The event is for those players who are focused on becoming college softball student-athletes or want to learn more about that process. The camp will feature quality instruction from active college coaches, verbal evaluations provided by the coaching staff through the instructional process, and a Seminar on Recruiting and the College Experience for both players and parents. The camp is open to all high school softball players and is restricted in enrollment. These camps are in compliance with all NCAA rules.

• The Pitching / Catching Session will run from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
• The Infield / Outfield Session will run from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM.
• The Hitting Session will run from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

All campers and their parents from every session will have the opportunity to participate in the Seminar on Recruiting and the College Experience that will happen shortly after the Pitching / Catching Session ends at 10:00 AM. 

ALL PLAYERS WILL RECEIVE

• Instruction from all college coaches attending the event.
• Opportunities to ask questions about their skills and get to know the college coaches.
• One-on-one and small group instruction.
• An open seminar about the NCAA recruiting process, rules, and regulations (parents are encouraged to either stay or come back for this segment. Questions are encouraged to help answer questions about the recruiting process).
• All campers will be numbered so the coaches can identify each player.

TYPICAL EVENT CONSISTS OF 20 PITCHERS | 20 CATCHERS | 50 INFIELDERS / OUTFIELDERS | 60 HITTERS

ENROLLMENT MAY BE LIMITED OR EXPANDED BASED ON EACH INDIVIDUAL FACILITY. ADDITIONAL COACHES WILL ALWAYS BE ADDED TO ENSURE THE RATIOS REMAIN 8:1

EVALUATION
Players will receive verbal feedback from the different levels of college softball represented at the camp. Coaches will evaluate each player based on their experiences at their level of college softball and give feedback when appropriate. This will allow each participating softball player the opportunity to get a much clearer idea of where their skills may fit at the college level.

To encourage interaction between the coaches and players, we highly recommend players to ask questions of the staff and obtain any and all information they would like to know. 

WHY IS IT A CAMP AND A SHOWCASE?
Players want to showcase their skills to coaches, but they should also want to learn from the coaches. Coaches want to evaluate players and their skills so they can teach them appropriately, just like they do with their own players. Coaches also want to see how players react to new instruction, new techniques and how they socialize with peers and other coaches.

SEMINAR ON RECRUITING AND THE COLLEGE EXPERIENCE
The Seminar on Recruiting and the College Experience will be held during camp and is for all members of the family. The discussion will cover topics like: The NCAA Recruiting Rules, How to Promote Yourself, What Coaches Look For, The Best Way to Make a Video, What to Expect Playing College Athletics and How to Talk to College Coaches. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and will come out of the event having a much better idea of what college athletics is all about. Parents and players are encouraged to ask questions during the discussion.

JUNIOR DAY IS RUN BY CURRENT COLLEGE COACHES

PITCHING / CATCHING SESSION → 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
This session will include advanced instruction and problem solving on all aspects of pitching including mechanics, velocity development, pitch variation, delivery tempo, and adjustments to improve command. We will work via lecture and drills throughout the course of the session. The catching segment will cover various drills for receiving, blocking and throwing footwork. During the skill session, pitchers and catchers will be divided into small groups, with all bullpen work being done one-on-one with the various coaches. Catchers will work in small groups with one-on-one instruction on drill work and live bullpen work.

INFIELD / OUTFIELD SESSION → 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
This session will focus on sound fundamental techniques of infield / outfield play via footwork drills, throwing drills, arm strength evaluation, hands / glove development and proper positioning. Each player will work individually in the "field" with the members of our coaching staff.

HITTING SESSION → 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
This session will focus on sound fundamental techniques of hitting via lecture, tee work, dry swing breakdown, side/front toss, and live hitting in the cage. Also, special attention will be given to exit velocity off the bat and techniques to improve this very important metric. Each hitter will work individually in the cages with the members of our coaching staff.

TENTATIVE CAMP SCHEDULE

PITCHING / CATCHING SESSION → 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
8:00 AM → Pitchers / Catchers Warm-Up & Arm Care
8:45 AM → Bullpens & Evaluation / Catchers Live Work Pitchers
9:15 AM → Small Group Pitching Rotations / Catching Drills Session
10:00 AM → Pitching/Catching Session Completed

INFIELD / OUTFIELD SESSION → 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
11:00 AM → Defensive Drills - Footwork & Skill Development
12:00 PM → Defensive Evaluation - Throwing Efficiency & Positional Instruction
1:00 PM → Evaluative Drills (Small Group & Full Field)
1:30 PM → Infield/Outfield Session Complete

HITTING SESSION → 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
1:30 PM → Hitting Lecture & Hitting Drills
2:30 PM → Hitting Skill Session & Instruction
3:30 PM → Hitting Instruction & Evaluation
4:00 PM → Final Comments, Dismissal

DIRECTIONS TO WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON COLLEGE

Cleats (metal/molded), turfs, and athletic shoes permitted.