D1Big West
Competitive

UC San Diego Softball

Big West · La Jolla, CA

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Solid ProgramGrads earn $85K/yr

$15K

In-state tuition

Out-of-state: $46K

Up to 25

Scholarships

allowed under 2025 roster-limit rules (funding varies by program)

88%

Graduation rate

Room & board: $17K

2023-2024 data via IPEDS

Program Info

Division
D1
Conference
Big West
Location
La Jolla, CA
Scholarships
Up to 25 (2025 roster rules)

Coaching Staff

Nikki Palmer

Head Coach

n•••@ucsd.edu

Kiarra Crockett-Pope

Assistant Coach

k•••@ucsd.edu

Brittney Fernandez

Assistant Coach

b•••@ucsd.edu

Megan Wachholtz

Assistant Coach

m•••@ucsd.edu
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Camps & Clinics

Elite Camp

Elite Prospect Camp | July 22nd 07/22/2026

Date
July (date TBD)
Cost
See registration
Age Group
High School

Grade as of Fall 2026: 9th - 12th Cost: $220.00 Register

Register at official site

From the school's athletics site, checked . Confirm dates and cost on the registration page before you travel.

Elite Camp

Elite Prospect Camp | August 11th

Date
08/11/2026
Cost
$220
Age Group
9th Grade - 12th Grade

Top-tier camp for advanced players, often invite-only.

Register at official site

Travelling in? 1 night in La Jolla, CA, Aug 11Aug 12. Check hotel prices →

From Ryzer, checked . Confirm dates and cost on the registration page before you travel.

Elite Camp

Elite Prospect Camp | August 18th

Date
08/18/2026
Cost
$220
Age Group
9th Grade - 12th Grade

Top-tier camp for advanced players, often invite-only.

Register at official site

Travelling in? 1 night in La Jolla, CA, Aug 18Aug 19. Check hotel prices →

From Ryzer, checked . Confirm dates and cost on the registration page before you travel.

Elite Camp

Elite Prospect Camp | September 19th

Date
09/19/2026
Cost
$250
Age Group
9th Grade - 12th Grade

Top-tier camp for advanced players, often invite-only.

Register at official site

Travelling in? 1 night in La Jolla, CA, Sep 19Sep 20. Check hotel prices →

From Ryzer, checked . Confirm dates and cost on the registration page before you travel.

Camp Tips for Recruits

  • Bring printed copies of your recruiting profile to hand to coaches after your session.
  • Before paying for any event, ask: which specific coaches will be there? Get confirmation.
  • Register early — the best camps fill up months in advance.

What UC San Diego Coaches Look For

Recruiting benchmarks for Mid-Major programs. Min = on the radar, Competitive = solidly in the pool, Elite = stands out.

Pitching Velocity
61 mphMin
64 mphCompetitive
68 mphElite
Exit Velocity (Tee)
69 mphMin
72 mphCompetitive
76 mphElite
Home to 1st (RH)
3.2 secMin
3 secCompetitive
2.9 secElite
Overhand Throw (IF)
58 mphMin
61 mphCompetitive
64 mphElite
Pop Time (2B)
1.95 secMin
1.85 secCompetitive
1.75 secElite
GPA
3Min
3.2Competitive
3.5Elite

See how your metrics compare to UC San Diego's standards.

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Benchmarks compiled from recruiting services. Individual programs may have different expectations based on roster needs.

Quick Fit Check

Enter your top metrics to see how you compare to UC San Diego's Mid-Major standards.

Grade:

Recruiting Timeline

D1 contact rules for UC San Diego. Select your graduation year to see personalized deadlines.

Class of 2028 — currently a Junior

When Coaches Can Contact You

September 1 of junior year — coaches can call, text, email, and DM on social media

Campus Visits

Official and unofficial visits with the coaching staff can begin September 1 of junior year (campus visits without recruiting contact are allowed anytime)

Offers & Commitments

Verbal offers can happen anytime (not binding). Written aid offers are signed during the early or regular signing period (the NLI was eliminated in October 2024).

Key Dates

  • September 1, junior year — official contact begins
  • September 1, junior year — official and unofficial visits can begin
  • Early signing period (November) — written aid offer signing
  • Regular signing period (April) — written aid offer signing

Updated for 2025-2026 NCAA rules

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get recruited by UC San Diego softball?

Start by filling out the UC San Diego recruiting questionnaire, then email the coaching staff directly. Attend camps and showcases where UC San Diego coaches are present. CommitBound can help you track your outreach and build recruiting habits.

Does UC San Diego offer softball scholarships?

UC San Diego is a D1 program. Up to 25 scholarships are allowed under the 2025 roster-limit rules, though funding varies by program.

When are UC San Diego softball camps?

UC San Diego has 4 camps listed. Check the camps section above for dates, costs, and registration links.

Who is the head coach at UC San Diego?

The current head coach is Nikki Palmer. Verified coach email access is available with a free CommitBound account.

Location

Recruiting Difficulty

Competitive

This is a competitive D1 program. Strong travel ball and academic credentials are expected. Start reaching out to coaches early.

Graduate Outcomes

Median earnings (10yr)
$84,943/yr
Median earnings (6yr)
$65,669/yr
Median student debt
$15,500
Admission rate
27%

Good Value — based on earnings vs. cost of attendance

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard

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More D1 Programs in CA

Quick Facts

Division
D1
Conference
Big West
State
CA
Camps Listed
4

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