Quincy Lewis-Buggs

Future First, Softball Second: College Planning for Softball Athletes & Parents

Sports EN ↓ 138 episodes

Are you ready to own the college planning process as a softball family? Then you’re in the right place! I’m your host, Quincy Lewis-Buggs, and I’m a former DI, D2, and D3 college coach, D2 pitcher, and education/athletic administration major. Join me (along with some amazing guests) as we discuss college planning, finding your perfect fit, academics, and more!  COMMUNITY: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/connect-with-us.html CONNECT: Quincy@diamonddynamics.org  WORK WITH ME: https://www.diamonddynamics.org/work-with-us.html

Author

Quincy Lewis-Buggs

Category

Sports

Podcast website

linktr.ee

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

134: Questions to Ask on College Visits // COACHING SESSION 09.07.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares essential questions and strategies for high school softball players and parents to ask college softball coaches during visits. Learn how to evaluate fit beyond softball and prepare for a successful college recruiting experience!  Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our College Planning Program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠...

133: 5 Years of Eligibility for D1 Athletes 02.07.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the transition to the age based 5 year eligibility model for Division 1 athletics, how it impacts athletes and coaches, and offers guidance for navigating the evolving recruiting landscape.  NCAA 5 Years of Eligibility Information | Eligibility 101 Guide  Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our College Planning Program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠...

132: The Truth About the Transfer Portal 25.06.2026

Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the complexities of the college transfer portal, its impact on athletes, and how to navigate the recruiting process effectively. This episode offers valuable insights for high school athletes and families aiming to make informed decisions about college softball and beyond. NCAA Data on the Transfer Portal from 2025 Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our College Planning Program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

131: Building Your List of Schools // COACHING SESSION 18.06.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how softball athletes and families can build an effective and personalized list of colleges for recruitment. She emphasizes campus visits, realistic expectations, and relying on your support system.  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠...

130: A Different Opportunity - The National Club Softball Association 11.06.2026

In this week's episode we explore the world of collegiate club softball with Christian Smith from the National Club Softball Association, uncovering how club sports provide a valuable college experience, the organization behind them, and how students can start or join a team. Club Softball Website | Instagram | Facebook Page | X Account   Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our College Planning Program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

129: Helping Athletes Feel in Control // COACHING SESSION 04.06.2026

Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses how high school softball players and their parents can navigate the challenging college recruiting process, focusing on building confidence, managing expectations, and taking control of what they can influence.  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

128: Showcase Season is Here - Camps, Events, and Standing Out 28.05.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights into the summer recruiting process for softball athletes. She covers how college coaches plan their schedules, how players can stand out, how to utilize camps, and how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of recruitment. Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our College Planning Program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Face...

127: Making the Most of Sophomore Year // COACHING SESSION 21.05.2026

Quincy Lewis-Buggs  discusses how to approach the recruiting process as a 2028 (sophomore), and what to be focusing on now to make the most of the next year.  She also reminds us that everyone is on their own recruiting timeline, and talks about how to individualize your process to achieve your goals!  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support...

126: Real and Raw Recruiting Advice from Sarah Syden (Unv of New Haven) 14.05.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Sarah Syden, a freshman at the University of New Haven, about her journey through the college recruitment process and her transition to college life as a student-athlete. As Sarah reflects on her freshman year, she shares insights into the rigorous demands of being a Division I athlete, including the importance of time management, budgeting, and self-...

125: Overcoming Injury // COACHING SESSION 07.05.2026

This week on Future First, Softball Second host Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights for athletes recovering from injury, focusing on maintaining confidence, staying connected with coaches, and navigating the college recruiting process during setbacks. It provides practical advice for athletes and parents to turn adversity into a comeback story. SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠...

124: A Conversation with Softball Mom Lisa Hayes 30.04.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs chats with Lisa Hayes about the journey of being a softball mom, recruiting insights, and supporting young athletes through their sports careers. They share practical tips for navigating college recruitment, the importance of support systems, and lessons learned along the way. Lisa's Softball Moms Facebook Group   Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning p...

123: When HS Ball Gets Tough // COACHING SESSION 23.04.2026

This week host Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights for athletes and families navigating the frustrations of high school softball, emphasizing resilience, leadership, and the importance of a balanced perspective. She covers why high school seasons can be challenging, how it can impact recruiting, and practical strategies to stay motivated and positive.  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with...

122: From OR to OH - How Riley Smith Found Her College Home 16.04.2026

In this episode of Future First Softball Second, host Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Riley Smith, a freshman and Diamond Dynamics college planning program alumna at Denison University who transitioned from Oregon to Ohio to pursue her academic and athletic dreams. Riley shares her recruiting journey of selecting Denison and highlighting her early desire to explore the East Coast. She discusses the...

121: I'm a Parent Coach // COACHING SESSION 09.04.2026

In this episode of Future First, Softball Second Quincy Lewis-Buggs addresses the challenges and strategies for parent coaches managing their dual roles as parents and coaches in youth softball, especially during the recruiting process. It offers practical advice on maintaining healthy relationships, supporting athletes, and navigating college recruitment dynamics. SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect...

120: The Role of Social Media in Recruiting 02.04.2026

This episode explores the role of social media and online presence in the college recruiting process for athletes. Quincy Lewis-Buggs, a former college softball coach and college planning expert, breaks down what platforms matter, how coaches view social media, and best practices for athletes and parents. Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instag...

119: Post-Commitment Pre-College Life // COACHING SESSION 26.03.2026

In this week's coaching session episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs focuses on the critical post-commitment pre-college phase for high school softball players after being recruited. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining training, communication, and mindset to succeed as a college freshman on the softball team.  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &a...

118: All Things College Softball with Bobby Humphrey 19.03.2026

In today's episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs chats with Coach Bobby Humphrey, catching coach at Bridgewater College (VA), Phillies scout, catching instructor, and former travel ball coach. Coach Humphrey shares his thoughts on the recruiting process, the parent role, and more!  Coach Humphrey's Catching Facebook Group Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Option...

117: Differences in Division // COACHING SESSION 12.03.2026

In this episode Quincy Lewis-Buggs explores the differences in college softball across divisions, debunking myths about time commitments and highlighting the importance of experience and fit over division level as you're going through the recruiting process.  SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college planning program⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & Support Options  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

116: Watching with Purpose: How to Evaluate College Softball Programs 05.03.2026

In today's episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs dives into watching college softball games this spring with a purpose. She breaks down: why watching games matters, what you should actually be looking for when watching games, what it call tell you about a program, and how it helps you make smarter recruiting decisions as you're going through this crazy process!  Connect with us:  ⁠⁠⁠Our college pl...

115: Camp Etiquette // COACHING SESSION 26.02.2026

This week's coaching session episode with Quincy Lewis-Buggs offers valuable insights into camp etiquette for athletes and parents going through the recruiting process. Quincy emphasizing communication, independence, and strategic engagement to maximize camp experiences and recruitment opportunities. SUBMIT YOUR OWN QUESTION 2/28/26 - Last day for Discounted VIP Weeks & Meetings 3/2/26 -...

114: Finding the Right Fit with Madelyn Perrone 19.02.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews Madelyn Perrone, a freshman at Mercy University and a Diamond Dynamics College Planning Program Alumna. Madelyn shares her journey through the softball recruiting process, which began in her early high school years. She discusses the importance of finding the right fit for her college experience, emphasizing her non-negotiables such as a strong academ...

113: Showcase Games vs. Camps // COACHING SESSION 12.02.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the decision-making process for rising seniors regarding whether to attend a day of summer showcase games or camps. She emphasizes the importance of individual circumstances, coach relationships, and effective communication in the recruitment process. The conversation also highlights the significance of  building relationships beyond just camp invites...

112: What Coaches Won’t Say, But You Need to Know 05.02.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs shares valuable recruiting insights into the college recruiting process from the perspective of a former college softball coach. She discusses the often unspoken realities of recruitment, including how coaches evaluate athletes, the importance of communication, the factors that influence a coach's decision beyond just athletic talent, and more!  Connect wit...

111: Navigating Siblings and Recruiting // COACHING SESSION 29.01.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs discusses the challenges and strategies of managing sibling dynamics in sports, particularly in softball. Drawing from personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of treating each athlete as an individual, providing tailored support, and creating a supportive environment that minimizes comparisons. Quincy shares insights on how parents can navigate the c...

110: From Softball to Scrubs: Megan’s Journey to the PICU 22.01.2026

In this episode, Quincy Lewis-Buggs interviews her sister Megan, who shares her journey from being a talented softball player to becoming a pediatric ICU nurse. They discuss the recruiting process, the challenges of balancing athletics with academic commitments, and the importance of time management. Megan reflects on her experiences in nursing school, the realities of clinical commitments, and ho...

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