The conversation with Tyler Younger, head coach of Gulf Coast State College, covers the world of junior college baseball and the recruiting process. It delves into the JUCO path, player evaluation, statistics, and the role of camps in recruiting. The discussion provides valuable insights for parents and players interested in the junior college baseball experience.

Takeaways

• Junior College Baseball
• Recruiting Process

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Background
• 06:39 Recruiting and Player Development
• 23:30 Player Evaluation and Statistics
• 31:32 Role of Camps in Recruiting

The podcast features Cody and Cole Boisvert, freshman pitcher and catcher at Maryville University, discussing their recruiting process. The conversation covers the challenges, networking, geographical considerations, evaluation, effective communication, campus visit, parental role, efficiency, and the level of play in Division III baseball. Key takeaways include the challenges of the recruiting process and the importance of academics in recruiting.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it’s like to be a talented player who feels overlooked
• Common recruiting mistakes families make early
• The role film, academics, and outreach play together
• Why recruiting takes time and consistency
• What the commitment moment actually felt like
• Advice for players and parents still waiting for their opportunity

The conversation with Mikayla Santa Cruz covers her background in softball, the college transfer experience, and the importance of academics in the recruiting process. It also delves into the changes in softball recruiting rules, early recruiting pressure, the role of athleticism and academics in softball, priorities in softball recruiting, mentoring and consultation in recruiting, and the support available for softball players through Florida Diamond Recruiting Services.

Takeaways

• Softball recruiting process
• Importance of academics in recruiting

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Mikayla Santa Cruz
• 05:18 How Michael and Mikayla Connected
• 11:11 Changes in Softball Recruiting Rules
• 18:47 Priorities in Softball Recruiting
• 25:17 Equipped to Support Softball Players

In this kickoff episode of The Recruiting Roundtable, FDRS founder Mike Silvestri breaks down the evolving landscape of college baseball and softball recruiting. From roster reductions and the transfer portal to JUCO pathways and scholarship realities, Mike explains why the recruiting process has never been more complex and how families can navigate it successfully.

You'll learn:

• Why D1 roster spots are shrinking — and where players are landing instead
• How FDRS evaluates, projects, and places athletes nationwide
• The role of academic money, JUCO programs, and the "freshman impact" philosophy
• Why managing expectations and starting early are now essential

Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for clarity in a shifting system, this episode sets the foundation for what’s ahead on the Recruiting Roundtable.