Financial assistance for softball players (and in some cases managers and team volunteers) is available from more than one source. The following are some examples of funding available at the national, state/regional, and individual school levels:
NCAA Softball
Student athletes may be eligible to apply for scholarship assistance from the NCAA. Funds for both undergraduate and post-graduate studies are available.
To be eligible, applicants must have graduated from high school and successfully completed a certain number of core courses, including English, mathematics, social science, and natural/physical science. SAT results are also considered.
As a first step in the consideration process, all interested persons are required to register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Bobby Sox Softball Scholarship
Young ladies graduating from high school who have played softball under the Bobby Sox Softball Program for at least five years are eligible to apply for one of more than 40 scholarships available. In addition, girls who have completed Grade 8 and have participated in the Bobby Sox organization for at least four years can apply.
Individual scholarships of up to $2,500.00 are awarded annually; Grade 8 graduates will receive a $100.00 savings bond.
In evaluating applications for funding, the Scholarship Committee considers such factors as academic achievement and the recommendations of Bobby Sox officials, community leaders, and teachers. The content of a personal essay carries the most weight when the Committee makes decisions about which students will receive financial assistance.
Northshore Softball Scholarship Foundation
Individuals interested in being considered for the Nick Jewett Memorial Baseball/Softball Scholarship must be recommended by their high-school coach, who will advise the Foundation whether the student is capable of succeeding in a two- or four-year post-secondary program. Successful applicants are selected based on a personal interview.
Minnesota Twins Diamonds and Dreams Scholarship
Up to 19 one-time scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each will be awarded each year. U.S. citizens who reside in Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, or southwest Florida are eligible to apply. Baseball and softball players, managers, and team volunteers will be considered for funding under the Twins Scholarship program.
Only the first 150 applications will be considered. Financial need will be taken into consideration when evaluating applications, along with GPA and level of community participation.
Kansas Amateur Softball Association
In addition to players, coaches, scorekeepers, and umpires are eligible to apply for financial aid from the K.A.S.A. One scholarship in the amount of $750.00 is offered; others in the amount of $500.00 are available.
Both graduating high school seniors and those who have already graduated from high school are invited to apply. Scholarship recipients will accept their scholarship at the annual Awards Banquet.
Dixie Softball Scholarships
High school seniors who have participated in Dixie Softball two years or more are invited to apply to be considered for one of four-$1,500.00 scholarships. The Scholarship Committee will determine successful applicants by taking into account financial need, academic ability, participation in extracurricular activities, and personal character. Athletic ability is not a factor in determining which applicants will be awarded scholarships.
Pitch2Fast - Florida Girls Fast Pitch Softball
Four scholarships in the amount of $1,000.00 each are awarded each year. Both high school and college students who have participated in ISA (Independent Softball Association) events are eligible to apply.
All applicants will submit an essay (by e-mail only) setting out how they have benefited from playing fast pitch softball and sharing their best experience while participating in an ISA event.
Kennesaw State University
The M. Bobbie Bailey Endowed Softball Scholarship is a merit scholarship offered to both undergraduate and graduate students of the University who are members of the women's softball team. Full- or part-time students with good academic standing are eligible to apply for funding.
Eastern Oklahoma State College Institutional Scholarships
Outstanding softball players who are interested in attending Eastern Oklahoma State College may be eligible for scholarship funds. Further information can be obtained by contacting the College's softball coach directly.