Many believe the summer is a time where college coaches switch to lower gears. The regular season is complete and the student-athletes have headed home for a well-deserved break. Nothing can be further from the truth! Opportunity is eminently knocking and if there is a prime season for recruiting, it is during the summer. Below are some auxiliary tips to consider as you move your college recruiting effort to a higher level.
Define Goals:
Whether you had that “magical season for the books" or one where you hit a brick wall at the end, now is the time to “ferret out” your past season and put it into lucid perspective. The young prospect that has the ability to be introspective in his approach to the past year and pull significant learning points from both positive and negative experiences is well on his way in developing self-awareness and effectively plotting the next target in his college search.
Don't just muddle forward through your summer. Face it as the ultimate challenge in "rising up" to a higher athletic level. Determine the skill set you want to achieve and ask yourself two questions: Are these aims reasonably within my grasp? Am I selling myself short? Once you have done a "reality check," determine your goals and place them at the vanguard of your priority list.
Team Approach:
Include your club and/or high school Coach in reviewing your goals and helping you build your plan of attack. This approach shows respect for Coach and your willingness to reach to him for advice. Second, it demonstrates a mature approach in utilizing a team approach and in this case, with an individual who wants to help!
By including Coach in the mix, he now has a vested interest in the final product and with that interest will grow a willingness to become a key player in the effort.
Updates:
Whether you intend to provide the college coaches with your latest SAT score or with an improved look to your athletic skill set, the rule of thumb here is to give it "grip." Coaches are simply swamped, even during the summer when their travel schedules accelerate. By keeping communication updates simple and crisp, you are assisting Coach and he will appreciate the effort.
As soon as you have compiled your academic progress records (past year grades, standardized testing and academic awards), forward them along in a clean and easy to read format.
Next, re-cap your past season in a bullet format that includes your team record, individual statistics and personal accolades. Let Coach know where you will be attending tournaments and showcases and as these events draw nearer, send a more personal and detailed communication about each event.
Finally, update your personal profile, video stream and share it with the coaches. Keep it clean and crisp and remove any unnecessary and outdated information.
Take a Road Trip:
A good road trip is your “backstage pass” to the college search for athletes and taking unofficial visits to several of your top schools of interest is a great way to get a "look under the hood" to determine if the institution is a potential "match."
The campus visit is extremely important and requires careful planning. Coaches are like hot potatoes during the summer and it can be very difficult to track them down without proactive communication. Contact the office of admissions and determine when campus tours and information sessions are offered, but you also want to make every attempt to schedule a meeting with Coach.
Contact the college coaches 4-6 weeks prior to your planned trip and determine their schedule and availability to meet with you. You should be pleasantly surprised with how these campus visits will jump start your recruiting quest!
Summer vacation provides the prospective student-athlete with a great break from school and a wonderful time to "lighten the schedule." That said, prospects and families who are willing to make proactive efforts in executing key areas of their recruiting plan will position themselves best for great success in the college search.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the President of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. He is the author of Reaching for Excellence: An educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wired for Success: Five Ways You Can Maximize College Recruiting By Tom Kovic
Wired for Success: Five Ways You Can Maximize College Recruiting
By Tom Kovic
So your top college hasn’t come knocking on your door. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed never to enter its hallowed halls. Prospective student-athletes can wire themselves for success to maximize their chances of gaining admission to their top college choice.
Below are five things you can do to have a shot at attending the school of your dreams.
Begin With a Dream
My mantra for the students and families I have the privilege of advising is “victory begins with a dream.” Every effort requires a starting point, and I believe we should never deny ourselves the opportunity to reach high, especially in the college search.
That said, maintaining a grounded approach when lining up potential college options is equally important. I suggest identifying three groups of colleges for your recruiting plan: Dream, Likely and Back-Up.
Define Long-Term Goals
As an adviser, I like to begin by envisioning “the end game” and working backward to define specific goals. The initial phase of the college search might appear a bit daunting, but the trick is to begin big and then chisel away at a plan to simplify it.
Look long-term when defining your goals. Although the athletic component will be exciting during your four-year college experience, ask: “Where do I see myself in 40 years?” Keep the academic component in the vanguard to position yourself for years of success beyond college.
Use a Team Approach
A team approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes individual pressure and stress. Forming a group of trustworthy individuals who assume specific roles during the process will increase your chances in grabbing the brass ring. The team should include:
• Prospect
• Parents
• Team Coach
• Club Coach
• Guidance Counselor/College Adviser
• Personal Mentor/Adviser
With a team approach, responsibility for effectively executing your recruiting plan is distributed among the various team members. All assignments should be clearly spelled out, and communication among team members should be frequent and consistent. This will help streamline the plan and avoid mistakes and confusion, which can contribute to unclear thinking, misdirection and potentially poor choices.
Establish Time-lines
You have envisioned your dream and defined your goals. Your team is in place, and you are anxious to get started. Not so fast! A key component of the college search is to establish specific time-lines that you will hold yourself to in executing your plan.
Without strict adherence to time-lines, you reduce your chances of hitting your targets. Deadlines can get missed, raising the stress level. Start broad and develop long-term to-do lists with calendar dates up to a year. From there you can break your time-lines into more detailed formats that include weekly and monthly targets.
Express Desire
Unless you are a blue chip athlete whom every college coach wants, you will need a recruiting plan that helps you rise above your competition. Various character components can assist you, but one that stands out above the rest is desire.
When it comes to the recruiting process, most college coaches make comprehensive assessments. Coaches always look beyond athletic and academic achievements at intangible factors that define a great recruit. The successful college recruiter looks for self-aware, independent prospects that bring strong character to the table.
At this point, you have your college recruiting vehicle put together and are ready to take it out for a spin. Desire is the fuel that moves the vehicle forward.
In the final analysis, recruiting success depends on a number of factors, but having a dream, defining your goals, forming a team, establishing time-lines and showing your deep desire to play your sport will push you to the top.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and President of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families in navigating the college recruiting process. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
By Tom Kovic
So your top college hasn’t come knocking on your door. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed never to enter its hallowed halls. Prospective student-athletes can wire themselves for success to maximize their chances of gaining admission to their top college choice.
Below are five things you can do to have a shot at attending the school of your dreams.
Begin With a Dream
My mantra for the students and families I have the privilege of advising is “victory begins with a dream.” Every effort requires a starting point, and I believe we should never deny ourselves the opportunity to reach high, especially in the college search.
That said, maintaining a grounded approach when lining up potential college options is equally important. I suggest identifying three groups of colleges for your recruiting plan: Dream, Likely and Back-Up.
Define Long-Term Goals
As an adviser, I like to begin by envisioning “the end game” and working backward to define specific goals. The initial phase of the college search might appear a bit daunting, but the trick is to begin big and then chisel away at a plan to simplify it.
Look long-term when defining your goals. Although the athletic component will be exciting during your four-year college experience, ask: “Where do I see myself in 40 years?” Keep the academic component in the vanguard to position yourself for years of success beyond college.
Use a Team Approach
A team approach maximizes efficiency and minimizes individual pressure and stress. Forming a group of trustworthy individuals who assume specific roles during the process will increase your chances in grabbing the brass ring. The team should include:
• Prospect
• Parents
• Team Coach
• Club Coach
• Guidance Counselor/College Adviser
• Personal Mentor/Adviser
With a team approach, responsibility for effectively executing your recruiting plan is distributed among the various team members. All assignments should be clearly spelled out, and communication among team members should be frequent and consistent. This will help streamline the plan and avoid mistakes and confusion, which can contribute to unclear thinking, misdirection and potentially poor choices.
Establish Time-lines
You have envisioned your dream and defined your goals. Your team is in place, and you are anxious to get started. Not so fast! A key component of the college search is to establish specific time-lines that you will hold yourself to in executing your plan.
Without strict adherence to time-lines, you reduce your chances of hitting your targets. Deadlines can get missed, raising the stress level. Start broad and develop long-term to-do lists with calendar dates up to a year. From there you can break your time-lines into more detailed formats that include weekly and monthly targets.
Express Desire
Unless you are a blue chip athlete whom every college coach wants, you will need a recruiting plan that helps you rise above your competition. Various character components can assist you, but one that stands out above the rest is desire.
When it comes to the recruiting process, most college coaches make comprehensive assessments. Coaches always look beyond athletic and academic achievements at intangible factors that define a great recruit. The successful college recruiter looks for self-aware, independent prospects that bring strong character to the table.
At this point, you have your college recruiting vehicle put together and are ready to take it out for a spin. Desire is the fuel that moves the vehicle forward.
In the final analysis, recruiting success depends on a number of factors, but having a dream, defining your goals, forming a team, establishing time-lines and showing your deep desire to play your sport will push you to the top.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and President of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families in navigating the college recruiting process. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Creating Closure to the College Search for Athletes By Tom Kovic
Creating Closure to the College Search for Athletes
By Tom Kovic
The college search for athletes is an enduring process with a definite starting and ending point and just like a well run race, the successful student-athlete will remain focused until she breaks the tape. Below are some simple tips to consider when heading down the homestretch in the college recruiting process that will assist families in remaining diligent in "closing out" a very important life decision.
Whether a prospect is looking for an athletic scholarship or support in admissions, it is important to remain committed to the relationship you have cultivated with the coaches. By the time you reach this point, you will have likely narrowed your college choices down to a select few and trust me...So have the coaches.
Review Your “to do” list
A key component of your college search organizing system will be a list of your target areas moving through each phase of the recruiting process. Heading into the final turn you want to “sharpen the tool” and review your final target points for clarity and accuracy. By this time, you have devoted yourself completely to a worthy and successful effort and now it’s time to close out the experience.
We have all heard coined phrases such as “dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s,” “polish the effort,” “sharpen the tool,” leave no stone unturned” etc. This is the time to execute. This is the time to begin your final kick to the finish line. Highlight important contacts you plan to make with the coaches and organize any additional information Coach has requested and mark it on your calendar and execute.
Student-Athlete Statement
One of the first things I attempt to get the boys and girls I advise to accomplish is to write a personal statement. This is not only a great way to get a glimpse of how you see the college experience playing out for you, it shows self awareness in the eyes of the college coaches and in the current recruiting climate, trust me…the best recruiters are looking at this component carefully.
It is a difficult concept to wrap your arms around but I suggest taking three simple steps to reach this end. Firstly, take 20 minutes to simply become “introspective.” The first few moments will be turbulent, but when you settle down, try to envision your interpretation of how you would like your college experience to unfold. From this point, simply write down “operatives” that define that experience. Moving forward, polish the statement into no more than a 1 page document you can share with the coaches.
Remember, there are 3 primary attributes college coaches are looking for in prospects: Good students, strong athletes and self-aware, high character kids.
Outside Connections
College coaches attempt to cover every base they can in evaluating every prospect they recruit and if they happen to be in a "grey area" with a grouping of recruits, they will be looking for a "tie breaker" to solidify the rankings.
Your high school and/or club Coach can make a difference here and as long as you have provided the college coaches with the tools he has needed to do a thorough and regular evaluation (updated transcripts, test scores, video etc.) of your talent as a student-athlete, this would be a prime opportunity for your current Coach to connect directly with the college coaches in an effort to support your commitment to a particular program.
Tough Questions
At this point in the process if you do not have a "firm" commitment from Coach to where you stand on his recruit priority list, I suggest you find out. There are several tough questions families and prospects encounter throughout the college search and the well prepared and organized prospect will have the best chance in reaching out to the coaches for straight answers.
If you practiced an honest, truthful and consistent recruiting effort, you can expect the same in return from the college coaches. Whether you’re hoping for that financial aid pre-read or feedback on where your application stands in admissions, do not be anxious about approaching Coach. It is his position and obligation to assist families. That said, coaches and good recruiters are brutally honest and there may be cases where the answer you receive is not the one you were anticipating.
In closing, the family that approaches the college recruiting process with integrity, persistence and an organized approach will build mutually strong and respectful relationships with college coaches and position themselves best to navigate the college search. And like a great race, game or competition, the best athletes remain focused and committed from start to finish. The brass ring is out there and it is different for every prospect. Focus on the process and remain diligent in your approach… Everything else will take care of itself.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
By Tom Kovic
The college search for athletes is an enduring process with a definite starting and ending point and just like a well run race, the successful student-athlete will remain focused until she breaks the tape. Below are some simple tips to consider when heading down the homestretch in the college recruiting process that will assist families in remaining diligent in "closing out" a very important life decision.
Whether a prospect is looking for an athletic scholarship or support in admissions, it is important to remain committed to the relationship you have cultivated with the coaches. By the time you reach this point, you will have likely narrowed your college choices down to a select few and trust me...So have the coaches.
Review Your “to do” list
A key component of your college search organizing system will be a list of your target areas moving through each phase of the recruiting process. Heading into the final turn you want to “sharpen the tool” and review your final target points for clarity and accuracy. By this time, you have devoted yourself completely to a worthy and successful effort and now it’s time to close out the experience.
We have all heard coined phrases such as “dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s,” “polish the effort,” “sharpen the tool,” leave no stone unturned” etc. This is the time to execute. This is the time to begin your final kick to the finish line. Highlight important contacts you plan to make with the coaches and organize any additional information Coach has requested and mark it on your calendar and execute.
Student-Athlete Statement
One of the first things I attempt to get the boys and girls I advise to accomplish is to write a personal statement. This is not only a great way to get a glimpse of how you see the college experience playing out for you, it shows self awareness in the eyes of the college coaches and in the current recruiting climate, trust me…the best recruiters are looking at this component carefully.
It is a difficult concept to wrap your arms around but I suggest taking three simple steps to reach this end. Firstly, take 20 minutes to simply become “introspective.” The first few moments will be turbulent, but when you settle down, try to envision your interpretation of how you would like your college experience to unfold. From this point, simply write down “operatives” that define that experience. Moving forward, polish the statement into no more than a 1 page document you can share with the coaches.
Remember, there are 3 primary attributes college coaches are looking for in prospects: Good students, strong athletes and self-aware, high character kids.
Outside Connections
College coaches attempt to cover every base they can in evaluating every prospect they recruit and if they happen to be in a "grey area" with a grouping of recruits, they will be looking for a "tie breaker" to solidify the rankings.
Your high school and/or club Coach can make a difference here and as long as you have provided the college coaches with the tools he has needed to do a thorough and regular evaluation (updated transcripts, test scores, video etc.) of your talent as a student-athlete, this would be a prime opportunity for your current Coach to connect directly with the college coaches in an effort to support your commitment to a particular program.
Tough Questions
At this point in the process if you do not have a "firm" commitment from Coach to where you stand on his recruit priority list, I suggest you find out. There are several tough questions families and prospects encounter throughout the college search and the well prepared and organized prospect will have the best chance in reaching out to the coaches for straight answers.
If you practiced an honest, truthful and consistent recruiting effort, you can expect the same in return from the college coaches. Whether you’re hoping for that financial aid pre-read or feedback on where your application stands in admissions, do not be anxious about approaching Coach. It is his position and obligation to assist families. That said, coaches and good recruiters are brutally honest and there may be cases where the answer you receive is not the one you were anticipating.
In closing, the family that approaches the college recruiting process with integrity, persistence and an organized approach will build mutually strong and respectful relationships with college coaches and position themselves best to navigate the college search. And like a great race, game or competition, the best athletes remain focused and committed from start to finish. The brass ring is out there and it is different for every prospect. Focus on the process and remain diligent in your approach… Everything else will take care of itself.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Muriel Davis Grossfeld Endowed Scholarship at Southern CT State University
Congratulations to Arianna Mallardi!! The first recipient of the prestigious Muriel Davis Grossfeld Endowed Scholarship at Southern CT State Univ - Awarded Feb.12, 2011 - Celebrating Muriel's dedication to Women's Gymnastics!
Arianna Mallardi
Class: Senior
Hometown: Norwalk, Conn.
High School:
As a Sophomore in 2010:
Posted a 9.1 on the floor exercise against Springfield and Brown on 1/16…Scored a 9.225 on the floor exercise against Brown and New Hampshire on 1/24…Registered a 9.475 on the floor exercise against Brockport, Wilson and West Chester on 1/31…Posted a 9.05 on the balance beam and a 9.325 on the floor exercises against Ithaca, Bridgeport, Rhode Island College and Yale on 2/6…Finished 10th on the floor exercise with a 9.425 against Cornell, Bridgeport, Ithaca and Towson on 2/13…Scored a 9.375 on the floor exercise against Yale and Bridgeport on 2/20…Took first on the balance beam with a 9.5 against Springfield on 2/21…Registered a 9.475 on the floor exercises against Rutgers, Bridgeport and William and Mary on 2/27…Posted a 9.375 on the floor exercises against Bridgeport, Temple and Towson on 3/5…Posted a 9.125 on the balance beam against Penn, Temple and Maryland on 3/12…Scored a 9.575 on the floor exercise against Towson and Brown on 3/20…Finished 10th on the floor exercise with a 9.4 at the ECAC’s on 3/27.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
College Athletics Recruiting: The Verbal Offer
College Athletics Recruiting: The Verbal Offer
By Tom Kovic
I recently had 3 athletes I am advising receive verbal athletic scholarship commitments from 3 different college coaches. Obviously the families were thrilled with the opportunity for their children to be recognized and awarded well before the senior year in high school.
As an advisor, I am asked many questions about the college quest and lately the area of verbal commitments seems to top the list. I would like to share my personal thoughts on what has become a popular recruiting strategy that is used by prospects and college coaches alike.
Competition
College coaches have a much different job description compared to 25 years ago when I first became a college Coach. Not only are they expected to run an efficient and successful college athletics program, they need to foster strong relationships with their alumni, grow strong loyalty within the team and regularly recruit and retain “impact” prospects to the program.
If there is one area that creates a trickle down effect that improves each specific area of a Coach’s program it is measured by the annual success of the team. In short, a Coach, no matter the tier of the sport within the department, is expected to win regularly, especially within the conference.
Recruiting Strategy
As the coaches roles have changed over the years, so has recruiting in general. The competition, especially for the blue chip athlete has been raised exponentially among college coaches and although they are restricted by well defined NCAA contact rules, they utilize early evaluations, unofficial visits and proactive communication by the prospects to “advance” their recruiting timelines.
A good college recruiter will begin to build a recruiting base of prospects as early as the 9th grade in an effort to “look further out” at kids that will fill important program gaps. When college coaches evaluate a prospect, they are often not just looking at the primary athlete they drove to see. The are evaluating a “grouping” of kids from a club or team where, in many cases, the college Coach has developed a “pipeline” where prospects from that organization or school have a good chance in getting strong and regular attention.
The Verbal: A Layman’s Definition
Simply put, a verbal commitment is one where a Coach and a prospect agree there is a proper and mutual fit scholastically and athletically with the prospect and the institution. In many cases, there is an offer of athletic aid (scholarship), or in some cases, support by the Coach in admissions. The verbal commitment is a “gentleman’s agreement.” An old fashion handshake where both party’s offer their word to remain committed through either the signing of The National Letter of Intent or offer of admissions.
The verbal offer is "open ended" and a common question that prospects and parents have is “Can we back out of the agreement?” And the answer is yes. That said it is important to realize the flip side of the coin and although it is less likely, college coaches can back out of a verbal commitment, especially if the prospect shows a lack of progress on the field or in the classroom.
Timelines
Coaches will typically give families time to think about the offer, but they will also give them a deadline to make a decision. The prospect, in most cases, is one of several athletes on a short list of kids that the Coach is prepared to offer. If you decide not to accept, Coach will simply work down the list and make an offer to the next prospect in line.
The verbal commitment is a tremendous tool that can assist both the prospect and the college coach in making an early decision during the college recruiting process. If your child is not a blue chip athlete, it is a process that begins much earlier than most families realize and therefore a proactive approach to organizing early for the college search becomes essential in reaching your goals.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families in navigating the college recruiting process. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
By Tom Kovic
I recently had 3 athletes I am advising receive verbal athletic scholarship commitments from 3 different college coaches. Obviously the families were thrilled with the opportunity for their children to be recognized and awarded well before the senior year in high school.
As an advisor, I am asked many questions about the college quest and lately the area of verbal commitments seems to top the list. I would like to share my personal thoughts on what has become a popular recruiting strategy that is used by prospects and college coaches alike.
Competition
College coaches have a much different job description compared to 25 years ago when I first became a college Coach. Not only are they expected to run an efficient and successful college athletics program, they need to foster strong relationships with their alumni, grow strong loyalty within the team and regularly recruit and retain “impact” prospects to the program.
If there is one area that creates a trickle down effect that improves each specific area of a Coach’s program it is measured by the annual success of the team. In short, a Coach, no matter the tier of the sport within the department, is expected to win regularly, especially within the conference.
Recruiting Strategy
As the coaches roles have changed over the years, so has recruiting in general. The competition, especially for the blue chip athlete has been raised exponentially among college coaches and although they are restricted by well defined NCAA contact rules, they utilize early evaluations, unofficial visits and proactive communication by the prospects to “advance” their recruiting timelines.
A good college recruiter will begin to build a recruiting base of prospects as early as the 9th grade in an effort to “look further out” at kids that will fill important program gaps. When college coaches evaluate a prospect, they are often not just looking at the primary athlete they drove to see. The are evaluating a “grouping” of kids from a club or team where, in many cases, the college Coach has developed a “pipeline” where prospects from that organization or school have a good chance in getting strong and regular attention.
The Verbal: A Layman’s Definition
Simply put, a verbal commitment is one where a Coach and a prospect agree there is a proper and mutual fit scholastically and athletically with the prospect and the institution. In many cases, there is an offer of athletic aid (scholarship), or in some cases, support by the Coach in admissions. The verbal commitment is a “gentleman’s agreement.” An old fashion handshake where both party’s offer their word to remain committed through either the signing of The National Letter of Intent or offer of admissions.
The verbal offer is "open ended" and a common question that prospects and parents have is “Can we back out of the agreement?” And the answer is yes. That said it is important to realize the flip side of the coin and although it is less likely, college coaches can back out of a verbal commitment, especially if the prospect shows a lack of progress on the field or in the classroom.
Timelines
Coaches will typically give families time to think about the offer, but they will also give them a deadline to make a decision. The prospect, in most cases, is one of several athletes on a short list of kids that the Coach is prepared to offer. If you decide not to accept, Coach will simply work down the list and make an offer to the next prospect in line.
The verbal commitment is a tremendous tool that can assist both the prospect and the college coach in making an early decision during the college recruiting process. If your child is not a blue chip athlete, it is a process that begins much earlier than most families realize and therefore a proactive approach to organizing early for the college search becomes essential in reaching your goals.
Tom Kovic is a former Division I college coach and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families in navigating the college recruiting process. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
Friday, January 7, 2011
College Athletics Recruiting: A Snapshot of Recruiting Rules and Terms By Tom Kovic
College Athletics Recruiting: A Snapshot of Recruiting Rules and Terms
By Tom Kovic
Student-athletes bring a unique quality to the table when it comes to college admissions. They offer a special talent that can improve the institution’s visibility and raise the level of popularity among future attendees. College officials understand this and in many cases, offer strong support to student-athletes both in admissions and with financial aid.
The college recruiting process can be a daunting effort if it is not well planned and executed with organization and enthusiasm from start to finish. Below is a simple snapshot of terms and athletic recruiting rules and procedures you will run into as you navigate the college search for athletes.
Contacts
Recruiting contacts are essential for both college coaches and families to become familiar with each other. Whether contacts are made by phone, e-mail or face to face, the aim of the college coach will be to simply make an effort to cultivate a strong relationship with the prospect and family in an effort to determine the likelihood of a good match.
Parents and prospects should understand the importance of initiating contact with the college coach. Coaches are bound by NCAA rules that prohibit them from contacting prospects and families during certain times. Families, on the other hand, can contact coaches at any time, with rare exceptions.
Evaluations
These are opportunities for college coaches to assess the academic and athletic ability of a prospect. Evaluations typically occur off-campus and coaches are permitted no more than 7 “recruiting opportunities” (contacts and/or evaluations), with no more than 3 opportunities resulting in face-to-face contact. (There are individual sport exceptions).
Evaluation timetables are sport-specific. Recruiting calendars for your sport of interest can be found in the NCAA Manual and are available to view at www.ncaa.org. The evaluation offers the coach a chance to get an early read on future prospects. It is also used as a recruiting tactic by college coaches in order to create visibility. This “celebrity effect” can have a powerful impact on a prospect and the family, especially if the evaluation is timed and communicated properly.
NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA Eligibility Center is an organization that collaborates with the NCAA in the area of student-athlete eligibility. Basically, the job of the Eligibility Center is to determine eligibility for all incoming Division I and Division II freshmen student-athletes. This is achieved through the evaluation of high school academic records. Each division has individual standards for entering freshmen.
Student-athletes can register with the Eligibility Center either at their high school, or online at http://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/. It is suggested to begin this process soon after junior year grades are in. This will provide coaches with preliminary “reads” on eligibility. Final eligibility will be determined after the senior year grades are presented to the Eligibility Center.
Campus Visits
UNOFFICIAL VISIT: The unofficial visit is a great way for prospects and families to begin to become familiar with a number of colleges and universities. It is a visit that is made at the expense of the family and can be taken at any time (with few exceptions), including before July 1 following the junior year in high school. Institutions typically offer information sessions and tours which can be very useful in gathering general information. (Before visiting, contact the Admissions Office to determine times and dates for information sessions and tours).
It is suggested you make unofficial visits to the colleges that are on your radar, beginning as early as the end of the sophomore year in high school. Alert the college coach to your impending visit and attempt to arrange a meeting. This will give families a perfect opportunity to begin cultivating a relationship with the coach and alert the coaching staff to your sincere interest in their institution. These visits impress the college coach, and reinforce the family’s effort to become familiar with the institution and learn more about the coach and his/her program.
OFFICIAL VISIT: The official visit is a wonderful means of narrowing down your college choices by spending quality time with the coaching staff, current student-athletes and college administrators. These visits differ from the unofficial visit in cost, time limitations and the total number permitted by the prospect and to each individual institution.
The official visit is one that is paid in part or in full by the institution, can be taken beginning the first day of classes in the senior year of high school and is typically the “clincher” when a prospect and family are narrowing down their final choices. These visits provide a great opportunity for the family to witness first-hand, how the entire process (social interaction with team, team practice, attending classes, living in the dormitories etc.) operates from a “production” standpoint.
Proactive Tips
• Telephone contact: College coaches are bound by very strict rules to when and how often they are permitted to contact prospects (In most sports beginning July 1 following the junior year in high school). On the other hand, prospects and families have virtually no limitations here. My suggestion is simply this: If you plan to call the Coach, make sure you have a good reason and you are well prepared!
• E-mail: Probably the most effective means of communicating with the college coaches. Coaches can begin initiating e-mail contact beginning September 1st in the prospects junior year in high school. I suggest not waiting until then to determine the volume of e-mail in your inbox…Get on the radar early!
• Face to Face Contact: There is no better way to present oneself than through a face to face meeting. Remember, for this to happen before July 1 following the junior year, the family and prospect must arrange an on campus, unofficial visit.
• Control the Field: As a former college Coach I remember clearly the edge I had over families and their children during the recruiting process. That said, I suggest making a concerted effort to continually grow an educational awareness of NCAA procedures and develop a clear plan to how your personal college search quest will proceed. Remember…This is a major “life decision” our children will make.
I have learned that when prospects and families are choosing between schools, the well-informed individuals reached their decision with relative ease. The decision was based not only on the information they gathered and the commitment to prepare thoroughly, but on a feeling of self-confidence that developed naturally after putting a well-designed plan into action.
This article is only the “tip of the iceberg” of information you should gather before launching your college search effort. An educational approach where we see the brass ring and understand how to bridge the gap between start and finish will not only give families “their” edge in college recruiting, it will make it an enjoyable and a memorable journey.
Tom Kovic is a former 19 year head coach at Penn and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
By Tom Kovic
Student-athletes bring a unique quality to the table when it comes to college admissions. They offer a special talent that can improve the institution’s visibility and raise the level of popularity among future attendees. College officials understand this and in many cases, offer strong support to student-athletes both in admissions and with financial aid.
The college recruiting process can be a daunting effort if it is not well planned and executed with organization and enthusiasm from start to finish. Below is a simple snapshot of terms and athletic recruiting rules and procedures you will run into as you navigate the college search for athletes.
Contacts
Recruiting contacts are essential for both college coaches and families to become familiar with each other. Whether contacts are made by phone, e-mail or face to face, the aim of the college coach will be to simply make an effort to cultivate a strong relationship with the prospect and family in an effort to determine the likelihood of a good match.
Parents and prospects should understand the importance of initiating contact with the college coach. Coaches are bound by NCAA rules that prohibit them from contacting prospects and families during certain times. Families, on the other hand, can contact coaches at any time, with rare exceptions.
Evaluations
These are opportunities for college coaches to assess the academic and athletic ability of a prospect. Evaluations typically occur off-campus and coaches are permitted no more than 7 “recruiting opportunities” (contacts and/or evaluations), with no more than 3 opportunities resulting in face-to-face contact. (There are individual sport exceptions).
Evaluation timetables are sport-specific. Recruiting calendars for your sport of interest can be found in the NCAA Manual and are available to view at www.ncaa.org. The evaluation offers the coach a chance to get an early read on future prospects. It is also used as a recruiting tactic by college coaches in order to create visibility. This “celebrity effect” can have a powerful impact on a prospect and the family, especially if the evaluation is timed and communicated properly.
NCAA Eligibility
The NCAA Eligibility Center is an organization that collaborates with the NCAA in the area of student-athlete eligibility. Basically, the job of the Eligibility Center is to determine eligibility for all incoming Division I and Division II freshmen student-athletes. This is achieved through the evaluation of high school academic records. Each division has individual standards for entering freshmen.
Student-athletes can register with the Eligibility Center either at their high school, or online at http://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common/. It is suggested to begin this process soon after junior year grades are in. This will provide coaches with preliminary “reads” on eligibility. Final eligibility will be determined after the senior year grades are presented to the Eligibility Center.
Campus Visits
UNOFFICIAL VISIT: The unofficial visit is a great way for prospects and families to begin to become familiar with a number of colleges and universities. It is a visit that is made at the expense of the family and can be taken at any time (with few exceptions), including before July 1 following the junior year in high school. Institutions typically offer information sessions and tours which can be very useful in gathering general information. (Before visiting, contact the Admissions Office to determine times and dates for information sessions and tours).
It is suggested you make unofficial visits to the colleges that are on your radar, beginning as early as the end of the sophomore year in high school. Alert the college coach to your impending visit and attempt to arrange a meeting. This will give families a perfect opportunity to begin cultivating a relationship with the coach and alert the coaching staff to your sincere interest in their institution. These visits impress the college coach, and reinforce the family’s effort to become familiar with the institution and learn more about the coach and his/her program.
OFFICIAL VISIT: The official visit is a wonderful means of narrowing down your college choices by spending quality time with the coaching staff, current student-athletes and college administrators. These visits differ from the unofficial visit in cost, time limitations and the total number permitted by the prospect and to each individual institution.
The official visit is one that is paid in part or in full by the institution, can be taken beginning the first day of classes in the senior year of high school and is typically the “clincher” when a prospect and family are narrowing down their final choices. These visits provide a great opportunity for the family to witness first-hand, how the entire process (social interaction with team, team practice, attending classes, living in the dormitories etc.) operates from a “production” standpoint.
Proactive Tips
• Telephone contact: College coaches are bound by very strict rules to when and how often they are permitted to contact prospects (In most sports beginning July 1 following the junior year in high school). On the other hand, prospects and families have virtually no limitations here. My suggestion is simply this: If you plan to call the Coach, make sure you have a good reason and you are well prepared!
• E-mail: Probably the most effective means of communicating with the college coaches. Coaches can begin initiating e-mail contact beginning September 1st in the prospects junior year in high school. I suggest not waiting until then to determine the volume of e-mail in your inbox…Get on the radar early!
• Face to Face Contact: There is no better way to present oneself than through a face to face meeting. Remember, for this to happen before July 1 following the junior year, the family and prospect must arrange an on campus, unofficial visit.
• Control the Field: As a former college Coach I remember clearly the edge I had over families and their children during the recruiting process. That said, I suggest making a concerted effort to continually grow an educational awareness of NCAA procedures and develop a clear plan to how your personal college search quest will proceed. Remember…This is a major “life decision” our children will make.
I have learned that when prospects and families are choosing between schools, the well-informed individuals reached their decision with relative ease. The decision was based not only on the information they gathered and the commitment to prepare thoroughly, but on a feeling of self-confidence that developed naturally after putting a well-designed plan into action.
This article is only the “tip of the iceberg” of information you should gather before launching your college search effort. An educational approach where we see the brass ring and understand how to bridge the gap between start and finish will not only give families “their” edge in college recruiting, it will make it an enjoyable and a memorable journey.
Tom Kovic is a former 19 year head coach at Penn and the current director of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement for families on college recruiting. Tom is the author of “Reaching for Excellence, an educational guide for college athletics recruiting. For further information visit: www.victoryrecruiting.com.
Copyright © 2011 Victory Collegiate Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
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