softball and college

Question
I've been playing for the city of paramount for a long time. I;m a junoir in high school and would like to join a college team.I'm either going to pomona, UCLA, Fullorton. My question is does playig for the city help you when you go to college? And how do you get information about it?

Answer
You were probably playing on fastpitch recreational league. Playing any kind of fastpitch softball helps however playing on class "A" or GOLD ASA select travel teams would be better. Do you play softball on your high school team? That helps also. College softball teams offer scholarships for top players and generally don't accept recreational players.  

If you are looking for an athletic scholarship consider these steps:

Involve your parents in your decision-making process.
Decide how close you want to be to your home.
Decide on what level (Division I, II, III) you can compete in college.
Ask your high school and summer league coaches for an evaluation of your ability.
Write the College softball coaches. Personalize each letter. College coaches are turned off by form letters.
Return softball questionnaires sent by college coaches as soon as possible. Delay indicates lack of interest.
Make a softball videotape. Many college coaches will request a videotape of your softball skills.
Send high school and summer league softball schedules to college coaches.
Be conscious of your high school grades, the level of courses you take, and your rank in your class.
Schedule yourself to take the SAT's.
Decide on which colleges have your areas of study or interest.
Be aware of "college nights" in your area.
Start your initial-eligibility clearinghouse at   www.ncaa.org

If you can't get an athletic scholarship most teams have tryouts for walk-on students. Fullerton and UCLA are Division I teams and you will have a difficult time making the team unless you have exceptional skills. You might have better luck at Pomona which is a Division II college. Even consider Division III colleges if you really, really want to play college softball and the school has the classes you need.

Most colleges have a website with a way to contact the softball coach

www.pomona.edu
Click the Athletics link. Under women's teams select "softball".  Click the "Recruit Form" link.

uclabruins.collegesports.com
Click the "recruiting" link

fullertontitans.collegesports.com
Click the "softball" link, contact one of the coaches