Future First, Softball Second: College Planning for Softball Athletes & Parents
Are you ready to own the college planning process as a softball family? Then you’re in the right place! I’m your host, Quincy Lewis-Buggs, and I’m a former DI, D2, and D3 college coach, D2 pitcher, and education/athletic administration major. Join me (along with some amazing guests) as we discuss college planning, finding your perfect fit, academics, and more!
COMMUNITY: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/connect-with-us.html
CONNECT: Quincy@diamonddynamics.org
WORK WITH ME: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/work-with-us.html
Episodes
142 episodes
138: Down Time Makes You a Better Softball Player and Recruit
Quincy Lewis-Buggs emphasizes the importance of taking a mental and physical break during August for softball players, coaches, and parents. She discusses how this downtime can improve performance, mental health, and overall process management ...
137: What the Class of 2030 Needs to Know // COACHING SESSION
Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares insights for the class of 2030 on preparing for high school softball, recruiting timelines, and how families can navigate the college recruitment process effectively.Connect with us:
136: Choosing the Right Travel Team Matters
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how to evaluate and choose the right travel softball team to align with your college and recruiting goals. She covers key questions to ask, assessing organization credibility, and navigating team ho...
135: What College Coaches Are Really Evaluating
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares insights from conversations with college softball coaches this summer about the recruiting process, including the importance of live evaluations, social media, and team culture.Connec...
134: Questions to Ask on College Visits // COACHING SESSION
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares essential questions and strategies for high school softball players and parents to ask college softball coaches during visits. Learn how to evaluate fit beyond softball and prepare for a successful col...
133: 5 Years of Eligibility for D1 Athletes
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the transition to the age based 5 year eligibility model for Division 1 athletics, how it impacts athletes and coaches, and offers guidance for navigating the evolving recruiting landscape.
132: The Truth About the Transfer Portal
Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the complexities of the college transfer portal, its impact on athletes, and how to navigate the recruiting process effectively. This episode offers valuable insights for high school athletes and families aiming to ...
131: Building Your List of Schools // COACHING SESSION
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how softball athletes and families can build an effective and personalized list of colleges for recruitment. She emphasizes campus visits, realistic expectations, and relying on your support system....
130: A Different Opportunity - The National Club Softball Association
In this week's episode we explore the world of collegiate club softball with Christian Smith from the National Club Softball Association, uncovering how club sports provide a valuable college experience, the organization behind them, and how st...
129: Helping Athletes Feel in Control // COACHING SESSION
Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how high school softball players and their parents can navigate the challenging college recruiting process, focusing on building confidence, managing expectations, and taking control of what they can influence. ...
128: Showcase Season is Here - Camps, Events, and Standing Out
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights into the summer recruiting process for softball athletes. She covers how college coaches plan their schedules, how players can stand out, how to utilize camps, and how to navigate the...
127: Making the Most of Sophomore Year // COACHING SESSION
Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how to approach the recruiting process as a 2028 (sophomore), and what to be focusing on now to make the most of the next year. She also reminds us that everyone is on their own recruiting timeline, and ...
126: Real and Raw Recruiting Advice from Sarah Syden (Unv of New Haven)
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Sarah Syden, a freshman at the University of New Haven, about her journey through the college recruitment process and her transition to college life as a student-athlete. As Sarah reflects on her f...
125: Overcoming Injury // COACHING SESSION
This week on Future First, Softball Second host Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights for athletes recovering from injury, focusing on maintaining confidence, staying connected with coaches, and navigating the college recruiting process d...
124: A Conversation with Softball Mom Lisa Hayes
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs chats with Lisa Hayes about the journey of being a softball mom, recruiting insights, and supporting young athletes through their sports careers. They share practical tips for navigating college recruitment, ...
123: When HS Ball Gets Tough // COACHING SESSION
This week host Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights for athletes and families navigating the frustrations of high school softball, emphasizing resilience, leadership, and the importance of a balanced perspective. She covers why high scho...
122: From OR to OH - How Riley Smith Found Her College Home
In this episode of Future First Softball Second, host Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Riley Smith, a freshman and Diamond Dynamics college planning program alumna at Denison University who transitioned from Oregon to Ohio to pursue her academic a...
121: I'm a Parent Coach // COACHING SESSION
In this episode of Future First, Softball Second Quincy Lewis-Buggs addresses the challenges and strategies for parent coaches managing their dual roles as parents and coaches in youth softball, especially during the recruiting process. It offe...
120: The Role of Social Media in Recruiting
This episode explores the role of social media and online presence in the college recruiting process for athletes. Quincy Lewis-Buggs, a former college softball coach and college planning expert, breaks down what platforms matter, how coaches v...
119: Post-Commitment Pre-College Life // COACHING SESSION
In this week's coaching session episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs focuses on the critical post-commitment pre-college phase for high school softball players after being recruited. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining training, communication, a...
118: All Things College Softball with Bobby Humphrey
In today's episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs chats with Coach Bobby Humphrey, catching coach at Bridgewater College (VA), Phillies scout, catching instructor, and former travel ball coach. Coach Humphrey shares his thoughts on the recruiting process, ...
117: Differences in Division // COACHING SESSION
In this episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs explores the differences in college softball across divisions, debunking myths about time commitments and highlighting the importance of experience and fit over division level as you're going through the recru...
116: Watching with Purpose: How to Evaluate College Softball Programs
In today's episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs dives into watching college softball games this spring with a purpose. She breaks down: why watching games matters, what you should actually be looking for when watching games, what it call tell you about ...
115: Camp Etiquette // COACHING SESSION
This week's coaching session episode with Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights into camp etiquette for athletes and parents going through the recruiting process. Quincy emphasizing communication, independence, and strategic engagement to...
114: Finding the Right Fit with Madelyn Perrone
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Madelyn Perrone, a freshman at Mercy University and a Diamond Dynamics College Planning Program Alumna. Madelyn shares her journey through the softball recruiting process, which began in her early ...