You're probably thinking about it. That drive down to Columbus, the smell of the turf at Buckeye Field, and the hope that a weekend at an Ohio State University softball camp might actually be the "secret sauce" to a Division I scholarship. Look, I’ll be honest with you right out of the gate. If you’re going there just to get "discovered," you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. These camps are massive, high-energy events, but they are misunderstood by a lot of parents and players who think a three-hour clinic is a golden ticket.
It isn't. Not usually.
But if you want to understand how Head Coach Kirin Kumar and her staff actually operate, or if you want to see if you can handle the "Buckeye way" of practice, then yeah, it’s worth every penny. Coach Kumar, who took over the program in 2024 after a stellar run at Miami (OH), brought a fresh intensity to the program. Her camps aren't just about repetition; they’re about the philosophy of the game.
What Actually Happens at an Ohio State University Softball Camp?
Most people expect a lot of standing around. And sure, when you have 50-100 kids on a field, there’s some transition time. But the Buckeyes usually run their camps with a heavy focus on high-rep drills. You aren't just hitting off a tee for two hours. They break it down.
Typically, the camps are split by age and skill level. You have your "Elite" or "Prospect" camps, which are meant for high school-aged athletes (usually grades 8-12). Then there are the youth clinics for the younger kids who just want to learn how to slide without skinning their knees.
The Pitching and Catching Clinics
The battery work is usually the most technical part of the weekend. If you’re a pitcher, don't expect the coaches to change your entire mechanics in one afternoon. That would be a disaster. Instead, they focus on "spin efficiency" and the mental side of the circle. They want to see how you react when you give up a (hypothetical) home run. Do you mope? Do you adjust?
Catchers, on the other hand, get worked to the bone. You’ll be blocking until your legs feel like jelly. The Ohio State staff looks for "active" catchers—players who lead the field, not just kids who sit back and catch whatever comes their way.
The Recruiting Myth: Are They Really Watching You?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Recruiting.
A lot of families spend thousands of dollars a year traveling to different college camps. They think that because they paid the $150 registration fee, they are officially "on the radar."
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Here is how it actually works at a place like Ohio State. The coaches use these camps to cross-reference their "watch list." If they saw you play at a PGF tournament in Huntington Beach or a Sparkler event in Colorado, the camp is where they get to see your personality up close. Can you take coaching? Are you a "know-it-all"?
Honestly, the way you treat your parents in the parking lot often matters as much as your exit velocity. Coaches are looking for reasons not to recruit you just as much as they are looking for reasons to recruit you. If you strike out in a scrimmage and throw your helmet, I can almost guarantee your name is getting a red line through it on the master list.
The "Exposure" Trap
If you’re a freshman in high school and no one has ever heard of you, an Ohio State University softball camp is a great place to start, but it shouldn't be your only strategy. You need to be emailing the coaches beforehand. Tell them your jersey number. Tell them which session you’re attending.
Otherwise, you’re just a number on a t-shirt.
The Facilities: Playing at Buckeye Field
One of the biggest draws of these camps is the chance to step onto Buckeye Field. It’s located in the Fred Beekman Park area of the Columbus campus. It’s a beautiful stadium, but the camps often spill over into the nearby turf fields or the Woody Hayes Athletic Center (the "Woody") if the weather turns sour.
If you get the chance to go inside the Woody, take it in. That’s where the football team practices. The history in that building is thick. For a softball player, practicing in a world-class indoor facility like that is a game-changer, especially during those brutal Ohio winters.
What to Bring (Don't Be That Player)
I’ve seen kids show up to these camps without their own water bottles or, worse, without a helmet. Don't be that person.
- Turf shoes AND cleats: Buckeye Field is natural grass/dirt, but if you move to the indoor facilities, you’ll need turfs.
- Sunscreen: Even if it’s overcast. Columbus humidity is no joke.
- A snack: Most camps have a lunch break, but it’s usually "on your own." Don't rely on vending machines.
- Multiple shirts: You’re going to sweat. A lot.
The Coaching Philosophy: The Kirin Kumar Era
Since Coach Kumar took the reins, there has been a noticeable shift in the program's energy. She’s a winner. She took Miami University to four straight NCAA tournaments. When she speaks at these camps, you should be taking mental notes—or actual notes.
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She values versatility. In modern college softball, being "just a first baseman" is a liability. They want athletes. They want the kid who can play short, move to the outfield, and isn't afraid to lay down a bunt. During the Ohio State University softball camp sessions, pay attention to the "small ball" drills. The Buckeyes have historically been a program that values power, but under the new regime, speed and pressure are becoming huge pillars of their identity.
The Role of Current Players
You’ll notice that current Ohio State players are usually the ones running the drills. Talk to them. Ask them what a "day in the life" looks like. They won't sugarcoat it. They’ll tell you about the 6:00 AM lifts and the struggle of balancing organic chemistry midterms with a weekend series in Ann Arbor.
These players are your best resource. If they see you working hard and being a good teammate, they might mention it to the coaches. Word of mouth within the team carries a lot of weight.
Breaking Down the Cost: Is It Worth It?
Let's do some quick math. Most elite camps run between $150 and $300. If you’re traveling from out of state, you’re looking at hotels, gas, and food. You could easily drop $800 on a single weekend.
Is it worth it?
If you are a legitimate D1 prospect, yes. It is the best way to get face-to-face time with the staff. If you are a middle-of-the-road player who just loves the Buckeyes, it’s still worth it for the experience and the instruction. But if you’re hoping this one camp will bypass the years of travel ball and private lessons required to play at this level, you’re going to be disappointed.
Think of it as an investment in your "softball IQ." You are paying for a high-level masterclass. Even if you never wear the Scarlet and Gray on game day, the drills you learn at an Ohio State University softball camp can be taken back to your high school or travel team.
Navigating the Registration Process
These camps sell out. Fast.
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Usually, the summer camps are announced in late winter or early spring. The winter "indoor" camps usually drop their dates in the fall. You have to be quick on the "Register" button.
Different Types of Sessions
- Prospect Camps: The big ones. High intensity, focused on evaluation and advanced skills.
- Position-Specific Clinics: Usually shorter (2-3 hours) and laser-focused on one area, like hitting or pitching.
- Team Camps: Sometimes they host entire travel teams for a weekend of scrimmages and instruction.
- Youth Camps: Focused on the "fun" side of the game. Lots of games and basic fundamentals.
Make sure you sign up for the right one. I’ve seen 17-year-olds accidentally sign up for youth clinics and spend the day feeling like a giant among toddlers. Check the grade requirements twice.
Why the "Buckeye" Brand Matters
Ohio State isn't just a school; it's a massive global brand. When you participate in an Ohio State University softball camp, you’re stepping into a culture of excellence that spans every sport on campus. The resources available to these athletes—from nutritionists to sports psychologists—are insane.
During the camp, the coaches often give a "talk" about what it means to be a Buckeye. It’s about more than softball. It’s about the "People. Process. Results." mantra that has defined the athletic department for years. If that doesn't fire you up, then maybe a different school is a better fit.
Practical Steps for Success
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger and sign up, don't just show up and wing it. You need a game plan.
First, film yourself before you go. Know what your swing looks like on video so when a coach gives you a correction, you can visualize it. Second, research the roster. Know who the current shortstop is. Know who the pitching coach is (currently, the staff has deep roots in the Midwest and beyond).
Third, and most importantly, be loud. Softball is a vocal game. The quietest player on the field is rarely the one who gets recruited. Communicate during drills. Cheer for the girl next to you, even if she’s your "competition" for a spot.
Actionable Checklist for Your Camp Weekend
- Email the staff 48 hours before: Keep it short. "Hi Coach Kumar, I'm [Name], a 2027 SS from [State]. I'm excited for camp this Sunday. I'll be the one in the neon green headband."
- Arrive 30 minutes early: Give yourself time to check in, get your number, and get your arm loosened up. Stretching should happen before the camp officially starts.
- Eye contact: When a coach speaks to you, look them in the eye. It sounds simple, but you’d be surprised how many kids look at their cleats.
- The "Hustle" Rule: Never walk on the field. If you’re going from the dugout to the chalk line, you run. If you’re shagging balls, you run.
- Follow up: Send a thank-you email a day or two after the camp. Mention something specific you learned. "I really liked the drill where we focused on our lead-off footwork."
The Ohio State University softball camp experience is what you make of it. It can be a life-changing step in your recruiting journey, or it can just be a fun weekend in Columbus. Either way, you'll leave with a better understanding of what it takes to play at the highest level of college athletics.
Just remember to bring your "A" game—and plenty of water.
Next Steps for Potential Campers
- Check the official Ohio State Buckeyes website for the most current schedule.
- Ensure your NCAA Eligibility Center profile is up to date if you are of high school age.
- Prepare a one-page "player profile" or QR code to share if coaches ask for your information (though many prefer digital communication post-camp).
- Review Big Ten softball standings to understand the competitive landscape the Buckeyes navigate every spring.