Why a College Target List Matters

Why a College Target List Matters

The biggest mistake families make in recruiting isn’t just chasing the wrong camps—it’s failing to build a realistic, strategic college target list. Without one, players drift aimlessly through the process, hoping lightning strikes. With one, they stay organized, intentional, and in control of their journey.

A well-managed list lets athletes track schools they’re interested in, monitor communication with coaches, plan campus visits, and align their outreach with both academic and athletic goals. In short, it keeps recruiting efforts focused and effective—because this process isn’t about chance, it’s about strategy.

When to Start

Every athlete should begin compiling a college list by the age of 12—yes, that early. The list will evolve as they grow, improve, and reevaluate priorities, but starting early ensures no opportunity slips away. By the time they hit their first year of 14U, the list should already be underway.

Building the Right Mix

Too many families build lists that only include SEC or Power 4 schools. It’s natural—every player starts with nothing but SEC logos on the dream board. But here’s reality:

• Only 5.6% of high school softball players go on to play at any NCAA level.

• Just 1.8% reach Division I.

• Only about 0.03% ever land in Power 5 conferences (SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12, Big 12).

  
  

Translation: an all-SEC list is like buying a lottery ticket and calling it your retirement plan. Fun, but not a strategy.

Instead, build a balanced list of at least 20 schools, broken into three buckets:

• Target Schools – The best academic and athletic fits for the player.

• Reach or “Dream” Schools – Power programs that may be a stretch but are still worth pursuing.

• Safety Net Schools – Programs where the player may be slightly overqualified but can still thrive.

Pro tip: Safety schools are not a throwaway option. Building relationships with those coaches early creates a backup plan. If Target schools don’t pan out, you’re not scrambling in junior or senior year to start fresh.

How to Manage the List

To keep recruiting efforts sharp:

• Create a Top 20 College List.

• Classify schools as Target, Reach, or Safety.

• Keep the list in a shared file. Player maintains it, coach has access.

• Update regularly. As skills, interests, and coach feedback evolve, so should the list.

  
  

Bottom Line

Parents and players can choose to chase “dream-only” lists and hope for the best. That’s their call. But the truth is simple: the recruiting journey is dictated by choices. A balanced, intentional, and well-maintained target list isn’t just paperwork—it’s the difference between chasing a fantasy and building a future.