Helping softball players (and families) navigate the complex recruiting process
Helping softball players (and families) navigate the complex recruiting process
Maximize Opportunities...
Helping athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process effectively so they can find the best possible college fit (both athletically and academically.)
Individual Support...
Offering personalized guidance and mentorship tailored to each athlete’s recruiting journey and adjusting strategies as needed throughout the recruiting process.
Player Accountability...
Ensuring that athletes take ownership of their recruiting journey by staying proactive, committed, and engaged in the process.
Trusted Resource...
Established myself as the go-to expert that athletes and families can rely on for accurate information, guidance, and support throughout the recruiting process
Maximize Opportunities...
Helping athletes and their families navigate the recruiting process effectively so they can find the best possible college fit (both athletically and academically.)
Individual Support...
Offering personalized guidance and mentorship tailored to each athlete’s recruiting journey and adjusting strategies as needed throughout the recruiting process.
Player Accountability...
Ensuring that athletes take ownership of their recruiting journey by staying proactive, committed, and engaged in the process.
Trusted Resource...
Established myself as the go-to expert that athletes and families can rely on for accurate information, guidance, and support throughout the recruiting process
Parent Testimonials:
" Luke started to work with my daughter her Junior Year of high school to help her get recruited to the next level. Luke approached us with a wealth of information and knowledge not only for recruiting but helping her get to the next level. Luke’s process has shown our daughter the importance of setting goals, creating schedules, and preparing mentally and physically to play the game she loves. She has grown in so many ways outside of softball it has prepared her to talk with college coaches with confidence and other adults as well. She has gained interest from many colleges by following Luke’s process. She finds it very easy to talk to Luke and looks forward to meeting with him every month. I would highly recommend Luke to any girl looking to play at the next level.”
“When we first embarked on the recruiting journey we felt so overwhelmed. We had no idea where to start, especially with how much the softball recruiting landscape is evolving. We are so blessed to have Luke come alongside us with Uncommon Journey to navigate and streamline all the information on the dos and don’ts of recruitment. The process with Uncommon Journey is so much more than just a helpful guide to playing college softball. It is personal. As a parent it has been fun to watch my daughter work with Luke and see her journey and her opportunities expand in so many different ways. She has opened communication with colleges that she didn’t even knew existed before this process. She holds herself accountable to grades, training, nutrition, and recovery. This has been invaluable for her as her journey. Without Luke in her corner and meeting one-on-one every month her goals may have gone to the wayside, but he has been right beside her adjusting her path while still leading her to her ultimate goal.”
ABOUT:
Uncommon Journey Recruiting Services is a trusted resource dedicated to helping softball players and their supportive families navigate the college recruiting process. My goal is to empower athletes with the tools, knowledge, and mindset needed to find the best college fit (both academically and athletically). Whether you're just starting the recruiting process or actively engaging with college coaches, I am here to support your uncommon journey every step of the way. My holistic approach will help to significantly reduce stress and anxiety during the recruiting process, enhance player/parent awareness, direction, organization and accountability. This will lead to more clarity and increased opportunities that will better position both players and parents to make informed decisions about the future of playing college softball.
Mission Statement
My mission is to empower athletes and their supportive families with the knowledge, resources, and guidance needed to navigate the college recruiting process successfully. I strive to connect athletes with the right collegiate programs, ensuring they find the best fit academically, athletically, and personally.
Vision
To be the most trusted and effective resource, helping athletes achieve their college dreams while fostering a culture of education, integrity, and opportunity. I envision a future where every aspiring athlete has access to the tools and support necessary to play at the next level.
Core Values
Athlete-Centered Approach: Every decision I make is driven by what’s best for the athlete and their future.
Integrity & Transparency: I provide honest, clear, and realistic expectations to help athletes/families navigate a complex recruiting process.
Commitment to Education: I believe recruiting success starts with understanding the process, and then I equip families with the knowledge they need.
Personalized Support: Every athlete is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit individual goals and needs.
Passion for the Game: Softball is more than a sport; it’s a community, a commitment, and a lifestyle. I share in that passion.
Excellence & Growth: I continuously improve my strategies and resources to offer the best possible support to athletes.
Building Meaningful Connections: I foster strong relationships between athletes and families to create the best recruiting outcomes
My Story
I know firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level. As a former Division I football player at Washington State University (1995-97) and husband to Jaime (Owens) Rice, a former WSU javelin thrower (1994-96), athletics have always been a central part of my life. I understand the mental toughness, dedication, and resilience required to succeed in college sports.
But my real recruiting education did not start until my daughter, at just 10 years old, told me she wanted to play Division I softball. At that moment, I was just a dad, a coach, a mentor, and her biggest supporter with no clear roadmap for how to get her there.
Determined to help her achieve her dream, I immersed myself in the world of fastpitch softball, gaining experience at the local, regional, and national levels. I spent countless hours researching, networking with college coaches, and learning the recruiting system step by step. I saw firsthand the confusion, misinformation, and obstacles families face when trying to navigate this process on their own.
Now, my daughter is living her dream as a Division I softball player, and I could not be prouder. For her, it was about dedication, hard work and perseverance to develop the skills and strength to become an elite athlete AS WELL AS follow a recruiting plan to gain the necessary exposure and opportunities.
For many talented athletes, the path to college softball is filled with uncertainty, frustration, and missed opportunities. That’s why I created Uncommon Journey Recruiting Services so no parent or athlete has to go through this alone. I want to share the proven strategies, resources, and guidance I had to find on my own and/or through coaching, helping other families take control of the recruiting process with confidence.
If your daughter dreams of playing college softball (or other sports at the next level), I’d love to help your family navigate this journey because every athlete who is willing to put in the work, deserves a real shot at their dreams.
Luke Rice
I AM: A different voice (other than a parent or coach) during the recruiting process that players need to maximize opportunities
I AM: Passionate about helping players reach their goals/dreams on and off the field (this is bigger than softball)
I AM: A mentor that helps players stay true and accountable to the process (and goals) they have set before them
I AM: Another level of individualized support that players/parents need to reduce stress and anxiety
I AM: A resource that will enhance the recruiting experience so players and parents have confidence and clarity through the process
PRICING PACKAGES:
I understand that every family’s financial situation is different, which is why I’ve structured my pricing to offer flexible options that fit your needs. My goal is to provide high-quality recruiting support while ensuring affordability and accessibility for all athletes. Whether you’re looking for a one-time free consultation, ongoing guidance, or a comprehensive recruiting package, I have a few payment plans available to make the process manageable.
For: Player/Family
PATHWAY TO
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
(ALL IN) PACKAGE
$2000 / 1 year
(payment options available)
Who This is For: Designed for athletes in 8th–11th grade who are serious about playing at the next level. This package is perfect for those who want to fully invest and not feel rushed in their recruiting journey, stay ahead of the competition, and maximize every opportunity along the way. Ideal for players ready to build a strong recruiting foundation early in the recruiting process, take consistent action, and receive personalized guidance throughout the process. This package is intended to minimize stress and anxiety for players and parents.
Pathway to College Softball Course: It is vital players and parents understand the recruiting process so there is enhanced direction and purpose moving forward. Therefore, I provide 8 hours of instruction covering recruiting landscape & timelines, goal setting, best practices, player assessments, recruitment protocols, dos and don't, college coach insights, creation of Individual Recruitment Plan (IRP) and much more
Uncommon Journey Course Handbook: Detailed blueprints of the softball recruiting process and expectations, best practices for all aspects of the softball recruiting process. Activities geared to help player's growth and development, skills, time management, mindset, communication and much more
Monthly Meetings with Luke Rice (1 year): Individual one-on-one virtual monthly meetings with players and parents for IRP updates, monitor progress, encouragement, motivation, accountability to timelines, guidance for important decisions during the recruiting process
BONUSES: Impromptu text/phone calls with Luke Rice when questions & concerns arise
Virtual meetings with college coaches & players to gain their insights and perspectives about softball, recruiting process and more
Connected with an online softball community where additional content and resources will be shared
Monthly Membership after 1 year commitment: At the conclusion of the ALL IN Package, players/parents have the opportunity to participate in the ALL IN monthly membership which is $100 per month. This allows the player/parents to continue to have access to Luke Rice for ongoing monthly meetings for guidance and support especially when important decisions are being made when offers and opportunities are presented by college coaches. Also, these meetings significantly help players and families transition from high school to college to ensure they are ready to compete and be successful at the next level. I GOT YOU!!
For: Player/Family
PATHWAY TO
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
(JUST IN TIME) PACKAGE
$1197 / 3 months
(payment option available)
Who This is For: Created for athletes who are getting a later start in the recruiting process (typically from the end of junior year through senior year) and need immediate, focused support. This package offers urgent, strategic guidance to help players make up ground quickly, identify realistic opportunities, and take decisive action. Whether you are feeling behind or unsure of your next steps, I will help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Players who still want to play at the collegiate level but have not started the recruiting process will learn more about the current college recruiting landscape and timelines
Players who have started the recruiting process but have not made any or minimal progress and need immediate assistance will learn recruiting best practices and necessary adjustments in their recruiting approach to maximize their exposure and results
Players will receive a rapid player assessment and establish realistic goals and timelines for their individual situation
Players will have the opportunity to create a modified Individual Recruitment Plan (IRP) to enhance recruiting process and direction
Players will establish a communication plan for college coaches and receive feedback on highlight videos and social media tools to increase exposure
Players will receive assistance in identifying best college fits through research and online resources
Players will receive individualized support, guidance, and accountability to maximize options
Monthly Membership after 3-month commitment: At the conclusion of the JUST IN TIME Package, players/parents have the opportunity to participate in the Just In Time monthly membership which is $100 per month. This allows the player/parents to continue to have access to Luke Rice for ongoing monthly meetings to ensure athlete is continuing to make process with their recruitment plan to maximize opportunities at the later stages of the recruitment process especially when important decisions are being made if potential offers are presented by college coaches. Also, these meetings significantly help players and families transition from high school to college to ensure they are ready to compete and be successful at the next level. I GOT YOU!!
For: Club/HS Teams
PATHWAY TO
COLLEGE SOFTBALL WORKSHOP
(EXTRA BASES) PACKAGE
$750 / 4 hours
Who This is For: This 4-hour live or virtual workshop is designed for club or high school softball teams (players, families and coaches) who want clarity, direction, and confidence in the recruiting process. You will learn how to set appropriate goals, research the right schools, and build a strong foundation both on and off the field. Whether you are just starting or feeling stuck, this workshop will simplify the process and give you actionable next steps.
4 hours of instruction and active learning activities to provide an overview of the college recruiting process and landscape
Discuss key timelines and what to do at each stage
Learn how to identify the best college fit (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, JUCO)
Setting realistic goals and establish a direction for your recruiting process
Learn how to begin the process of building an Individual Recruitment Plan (IRP)
Overview of foundation levels 1 (strength & skills development) and level 2 (recruiting mindset & process)
Q&A session with Luke Rice