How Many College Softball Players Are There?
What are the odds of playing beyond high school?
Are you or your daughter hoping to play college softball? Is there space available?
Here’s a table that provides an overview of the number of girls playing softball at various levels of competition, from high school to different college divisions:
Level | Number of Schools | Total Athletes | Average Roster Size | Scholarship Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
High School | - | 374,528 | - | - |
NCAA Division I | 296 | 6,168 | 21 | 12 (increasing to 25 in 2025) |
NCAA Division II | 291 | 5,827 | 20 | 7.2 |
NCAA Division III | 415 | 7,667 | 18 | None (no athletic scholarships) |
NAIA | 195 | 4,092 | 21 | 10 |
Junior College (NJCAA) | 351 | 6,037 | 17 | 24 |
Overall Odds
These numbers are, of course, estimates. Even the number of schools at each level of college play fluctuates perpetually due to frequent reclassification. But here are some rough stats to keep in mind.
High School Softball Players: 375,000
College Softball Players: 30,000
Approximating that both high school and college span 4-years-worth of athletes, that means that nearly 100,000 softball players graduate high school each year. But less than 10,000 will go on to play in college.
In other words, less than 10% of high school softball players will go on to compete at the college level.
Gif by tincaps on Giphy
Currently, about 20% of the college softball players pay at each of the Division I, Division II, and junior college levels. Division III has the highest participation level at 26%, with NAIA coming in at 14%.
College Level Summaries
NCAA Division I: With 296 schools offering softball, the average roster size is about 21 players, but scholarship limits will increase from 12 to 25 in the 2025-2026 academic year. This represents a significant increase in opportunities for athletes to receive financial aid while playing at the highest collegiate level. About 1.6% of high school players reach D1 softball. Will more scholarships change that?
NCAA Division II: Slightly fewer schools and athletes compared to Division I, with smaller average rosters and fewer scholarships available (7.2 per team), making recruitment and scholarship offers highly competitive.
NCAA Division III: While no athletic scholarships are offered, there are a substantial number of schools and athletes, providing opportunities for those who prioritize academics alongside athletics.
NAIA and Junior Colleges: Both offer smaller campus environments and more flexible recruiting processes. NAIA schools offer up to 10 scholarships per team, while junior colleges offer 24, making them attractive options for athletes looking to develop their skills or transition to a four-year program.
Are you or your daughter hoping to play college softball? |