The recruiting process can be overwhelming for prospective athletes and their parents alike. That's why 2aDays sat down with Cathy Michalowski, a parent of two children that have played Division I softball. Here's what Cathy had to say!

Did you go to college? If not, did you find it difficult to guide your child through the recruiting process?

No, but I went to hairdressing school. Yes, I found it difficult because I didn't know much about the college process.

Did you find that your child's sport had a different way to go about the recruiting process than speaking to parents of other sports?

No, I didn't really talk to anyone else that was being recruited for a different sport.

Did you ever have doubts about your child's ability to play in college? If not, did you have a different idea of what division they should be looking at versus the one they were looking at?

No, because I knew the level of competition and talent because I have had a daughter that played D1 softball. I knew my daughter could handle it.

Do you think that, as a parent, you should play a big role in helping your child get recruited or do you think you shouldn't help at all?

I felt that this was my child's job, but I was there to support her 100 percent. They have to play at a high level for the coaches, so it is on the child to perform well.

Related: A Parent's Role in the Recruiting Process: Ten Questions to Consider

Did you find yourself taking a big role in helping your child with the recruiting process? If so, do you think you may have had too much power in their recruiting process?

No, I think the student-athlete has to put in the effort towards being recruited.

To you, were academics more important than athletics in your child's decision-making?

Absolutely. It's nice to have a good program to play at, but education is the most important part of the college process.

How big of a role did your child's ability to receive a scholarship—academically or athletically—play in the recruiting process?

It's important, they have to be a good student and they have to be talented enough to play division 1 sports.

What qualities were you looking for in the coaches?

Someone that would take care of her and look after her, especially since we wouldn't be there with her.

What is one thing you do not regret while helping your child/children through the recruiting process?

I don't regret anything.

What is one piece of advice you would give future parents in helping their child get recruited?

Most important thing is their education. Look for a good school that fits your child's educational needs best.

What is one thing that you know now that you wish you knew during the recruiting process?

I wish I knew that the travel team coach does not play a big role in the recruiting process for your child. Both my kids were recruited through camps.

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* Originally published on April 25, 2022, by Nicolette Michalowski