re: Who actually likes “travel ball”

I think you and I are saying the same thing. There is a certain level athlete that belongs at that level if they want to continue being elite.

In the softball world this gets exasperated by the sheer lack of numbers playing the sport. The top 5% in the girl's game is a significantly smaller number than in the boy's game. In order to face that level of competition consistently and continue growth, these girls are forced to play all across the country.

College coaches simply want to see best vs best out there. They don't care if you are elite and beating up on lower level competition. I am thoroughly convinced through my experiences on this journey with her that iron sharpens iron in any sport.