Coach Teague is entering her 3rd year as Columbia's Softball head coach. Teague has coached players who have received All-Ivy League accolades and has broken records such as: most home runs in a season, single-season records in slugging percentage, total bases, and RBI. Before coaching at Columbia, Teague coached at the University of Buffalo, Michigan State and the Philadelphia Force of the National Pro Fastpitch League.
How should an athlete contact you?
Since the Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships, can you explain how Columbia can offer aid to their recruits?
All Ivy League is done by the Financial Aid office. All students are looked at on an individual basis.
As far as strength and conditioning go, do you focus on position-specific workouts?
Only for pitchers.
Are you likely to keep a recruit in their current position, or is there a possibility they can play other positions?
Other positions and versatility is important.
What are the most important qualities you look for in a recruit?
Talent, effort, attitude, ability to get better, teach-ability, and good parents.
What camps, leagues, showcases and teams would you recommend a recruit attend to gain exposure?
Columbia camps, where we can work with you one on one.
What advice can you offer a recruit looking to play softball for Columbia?
Play at the highest level you can. Push yourself in the classroom and on the field.
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Don't post something that has a negative tone. Would you want your pastor or grandmother to see it?
What really jumps out at you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape? What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruits highlight tape?
The first 30 seconds need to grab our attention. Put your best at the front.
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? (e.g., during offseason, in the middle of season, after each game)
Before Junior year.
What advice do you have for recruits that get turned down by their dream schools? What are their options if they don't gain recruiting attention they desire?
They need to realize that just because they didn't get into their dream school, it doesn't validate who they are as a player. There is a place for everyone, if you are willing to work for it. The dream school might not have needed that position for that year.
Photo Credit: http://www.ubbulls.com/sports/sball
* Originally published on January 17, 2017, by LRT Staff
