Nate Trosky believes that character can make or break a prospect’s chances to be recruited by a college coach.

Nate Trosky has been in the baseball world over two decades running his own company, Trosky Baseball, and working over 150 college recruiting events and professional scouting combines.He recently contributed an article to StudentSportsBaseball and we felt that his information is very applicable to softball as well and modified his list below to be “softball relevant.”

1. Addressing an email to a college coach by either calling him or her Coach, without a first name and/or by spelling the name wrong.

2. Sending emails to college coaches that are lengthy, with too much information.

3. Getting in trouble outside of softball fostering a reputation that reaches college coaches.

4. Attending a college recruiting camp with a sloppy look including untied shoes or wearing headphones.

5. On a official visit, asking current players what the party scene is like.

6. During a college visit, acting rude to a parent or family member.

7. Throwing gear after getting upset during a game.

8. Having an uncoachable attitude when a coach is advising, teaching techniques or training.

9. Looking like a slob in your uniform.

10. Being seen at the yard with a hat on backwards.

11. At a college prospect camp, a player disrespecting her high school coach in front of the college coaches.

12. Player seen eating a poor diet at a showcase or tournament, especially if she appears to be struggling with weight problems.

13. Overly involved parents or family members. Parents that are too attached, controlling, or speak for their kids when a college coach asks the player questions.

14. At a high school or travel ball game, a player asking her parents for drinks/snacks.

15. Lack of self control, revealing negative emotions through poor body language when things aren’t going right on the field.

16. Complaining or disrespect toward umpires or coaches.

17. Inconsistent effort of hustle running to 1B.

18. Low GPA.

19. Low test scores.

20. Player’s dad carrying her bat bag or equipment .

21. Mom applying sunscreen to the player’s face.

22. Colorful language, poor attitude or inappropriate images on social media.

23. Showing up late, anytime.

24. Not being prepared at a college camp, forgetting belt etc..

25. Verbally committing early, getting lazy, not improving or reaching one’s projection.

26. Player rolling her bag into the park on wheels.

27. Verbally committing to a college on a softball scholarship, and then decommitting without a good reason.

28. Lack of commitment to a club or high school team. For example, playing on numerous teams at once and being unreliable.

29. Showing off, boasting, or other ego-driven actions that degrade a team collaboration.

30. Rounding up on GPA, test scores, and/or softball statistics