Scholarships

If Softball is your sport of choice, you may just want to consider a softball scholarship to help defray the costs of your college education. There are several types of scholarships that can be scored by softball players.  The first, as might be expected, are from the individual colleges and universities.  The second are from alumni funded organizations that are directly connected to a particular school.  And third, are the scholarships that can be had from the private groups, foundations and organizations outside of the colleges and universities; many of them on a local level.

The most significant scholarships available for softball are, of course, from the individual college and universities for students who will be playing softball on the college teams; especially on the competition teams.  They want the very best players to represent the school, so you track record on the field is going to come into play, although academic achievement and financial need will most likely come into it and you will have to check the availability and qualifications at your school’s financial aid office.

May schools, particularly the larger ones, have alumni funded organizations that offer softball scholarships to students from those particular schools to ensure that their college’s teams do well.  Many of these are regulated by groups outside of the college itself (like the NCAA) so players who qualify must not only have a proven track record on the softball field, but maintain a minimum GPA.

But there are also smaller local scholarships available from groups like Summer Softball leagues.  Summer Softball leagues are an excellent way to gain exposure if you are going for a college-funded award as they will showcase your talents and give you a leg up on the competition.

But many of the smaller local scholarships for softball do not look at talent at all.  Their only sports-related requirement is that you be on a college softball league.  These sorts of scholarships look at academic achievements, financial need, extracurricular activities outside of softball, community service and other related aspects of the college experience.

Popular Softball Scholarships

NCAA Scholarships.  The NCAA awards about $1 billion worth of athletic scholarships each year to over 126,000 undergraduate students attending Division I and Division II schools.  Scholarships are awarded by and administered by each college and may require a minimum GPA in order to qualify.

The Bobby Sox Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have taken part in the Bobby Sox Softball Program for at least five seasons.  Being a member of Mini Sox, or American Girl is also considered for eligibility.   Scholarship amounts range from $100 to $2,500 per student awarded.  Qualifications include academic achievements, recommendations and the like.

The Dixie Boys Scholarship is awarded to outstanding high school seniors who have participated in a franchised Dixie Boys Baseball, Incorporated program.  Being a member of Dixie Pre-Majors Baseball for boys is also considered for eligibility.  Scholarship amounts vary

The PONY Baseball/Softball Scholarship Program awards scholarships to graduates of the Pony League, Colt League and/or Palomino League.  The student must have been a member and participant of one of these leagues for at least two years and be a current graduating senior in order to qualify.

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