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
132 episodes
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 ...
113: Showcase Games vs. Camps // COACHING SESSION
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the decision-making process for rising seniors regarding whether to attend a day of summer showcase games or camps. She emphasizes the importance of individual circumstances, coach relationships, an...
112: What Coaches Won’t Say, But You Need to Know
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares valuable recruiting insights into the college recruiting process from the perspective of a former college softball coach. She discusses the often unspoken realities of recruitment, including how coache...
111: Navigating Siblings and Recruiting // COACHING SESSION
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the challenges and strategies of managing sibling dynamics in sports, particularly in softball. Drawing from personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of treating each athlete as an indivi...
110: From Softball to Scrubs: Megan’s Journey to the PICU
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews her sister Megan, who shares her journey from being a talented softball player to becoming a pediatric ICU nurse. They discuss the recruiting process, the challenges of balancing athletics with aca...
109: The Parent Role // COACHING SESSION
In this coaching session episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the vital role parents play in supporting their athlete's journey through the recruiting process. Emphasizing the importance of being a supportive parent rather than a recruiting co...
108: The Recruiting Reset for 2026
As we head into the 2026 recruiting cycle, Quincy Lewis-Buggs dives into self-evaluation and reflection, planning for summer, and evaluating your list of schools for softball players who want to play in college. We're also celebrati...
76 (x2). About Diamond Dynamics College Planning
While I'm away from the mic this week loving on our nieces, we're revisiting an old episode to share more about how we support families in the recruiting process and what our softball specific college planning program is all about! ...
46 (x2). What Finding Your Fit Actually Means
With the holiday season I am away from the mic this week, and hope you all are enjoying some family time too! I went way back to 2024, and pulled out episode 46, What finding your first actually means just in case you’re spending some time in t...
107: NFCA Convention Updates
In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the latest updates from the National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Convention, focusing on potential changes in NCAA rules regarding communication dates for Division I athletes, eligibility ...
106: What Should the Off Season Look Like // COACHING SESSION
This week's episode dives into the listen submission "I am the parent of a 2028 and a 2030. Realistically what should off season training look like if they want to play in college someday? It seems like what we hear from college coaches about i...