Softball scholarships in the U.S. for international players: step by step

Updated: October 31, 2026

To get a softball scholarship in the U.S. you need to meet eligibility, build a video by position, pick programs at your level and email the coaches yourself. There are thousands of programs, so it pays to start with an organized list.

1. Understand the divisions and scholarships

Women's softball is played in the NCAA (Divisions I, II and III), the NAIA and the NJCAA (junior colleges), among other leagues. Division III gives no athletic scholarships: aid is academic or need-based. In Division II the limit is 7.2 scholarship equivalencies per team, which the coach splits into portions. In Division I, since 2025-26 and the House v. NCAA settlement, the scholarship cap was replaced by a roster limit (25 players in softball) and each university decides how much to offer. Rules change, so confirm them on the official sites. More in how much a scholarship covers.

2. Solve eligibility

NCAA D1 and D2 require the Eligibility Center, and the NAIA has its own. Do it early: see the eligibility guide.

3. Know the positions

Pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, outfielders (left, center, right) and designated player. Many players cover more than one position and coaches value that. Each program has different openings depending on its players' graduation years.

4. Build a video by position

Pitchers: show your pitches from two angles, with your pitch types and location. Fielders: fielding, throwing and speed. Hitters: your swing from two angles and real at-bats. Add measurable numbers (pitch speed, time to first base) if you have them. Follow the video guide.

5. Build your university list

Smartrecruit lists more than 1,600 softball programs across all divisions. Build a list of ambitious, realistic and safety programs, and look at the major, the cost and the positions each one needs.

6. Email the coaches

Send a short email in English with your position, graduation year, measurables, GPA and video link, personalized with something concrete about that program. Follow up after 10 to 14 days if there is no reply. Follow the email guide.

See which coaches are recruiting now

Browse the open softball needs, filtered by division, state, position and graduation year, and read how U.S. college softball works.

Frequently asked questions

Are there softball scholarships for international players?

Yes. Universities can recruit international athletes, subject to each governing body's rules and each university's admissions.

How many scholarships does a softball team have?

It depends on the division. In Division II the maximum is 7.2 equivalencies per team; Division III has no athletic scholarships; Division I has had a 25-player roster limit instead of a scholarship cap since 2025-26. The NAIA and NJCAA have their own rules.

Are softball and baseball the same for recruiting?

No. Women's softball and men's baseball are different sports with their own programs and rules. This guide is about softball.

Which position has the most opportunities?

It depends on each program and year. Pitchers and players who can cover several positions tend to draw more interest, but the best approach is to see what each program needs.