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College SportsCollege Sports

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Introduction

• Not meant to intimidate

• Know what to expect

• Be prepared

• Expectations of college sports at all levels

• Get help and ask questions

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Observations of College Sports

• Playing in college is not the end, but a continuation of the playing experience.

• College varsity sports require 20-30 hours per week for practice, games and travel.

• The players are better, bigger, faster, stronger and more committed than in high school or club sports.

• Play because you love to. No other reason (except possibly $$) will sustain you through the process.

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Background

Division 1 and Division 2– Scholarships available– Must register with NCAA clearinghouse– 5 “official” visits– Unlimited unofficial visits

• Division 3– Because you love it

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Goals

• Know the type of school you want

• Size– Course of study– Location– Environment

• Know the type of coach that you want to play for.

• Pick the school first. Coaches leave

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Self Evaluation

• Know your capabilities

• Know the team that you’re recruiting

• Know how you help the team

• Know your academic fit at the school

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Rules of Engagement

• You are selling

• Communication is your responsibility

• Make it easy for the coach to see you

• Following up is critical to success

• Make decisions

• Make a plan

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Schedule

• Coaches recruit in the off-season– Basketball – Spring and Fall– Football – Winter and Spring– Baseball & Softball – Summer, Fall, Winter– Soccer – Winter and Spring

• Initiate contact in your Junior year

• D1 and D2 have strict communication guidelines

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NCAA Process

• Only required for D1 and D2

• Register with NCAA Clearinghouse

• Send SATs, Transcripts, Amateur certification and other personal information

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Selling

• The coaches perspective– What can you do for me and my team?– Why should I give you more time than I already have?– Can you meet the academic standards?– Your letter is 1 of 100

• Value the coaches time and attention– Take the initiative and be responsive– Be prepared to ask and answer questions– Know what you want the coach to remember– Make a good impression EVERY time

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Selling Process

• Email or write an introduction and resume, website• Get a meeting/visit the campus• Maintain a dialog

– Send game schedule and invite the coach– Update progress/results of your season

• Play and be seen• Evaluation/Campus visit

– Academics (Admissions interview)– Athletics (overnight)

• Ask for commitment• Make your commitment as soon as you can• Notify all active coaches of your decision

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Communication

• Coaches want players with – Fire, confidence, motivation, maturity AND skills– They want to know that YOU want to be at their school and on

their team.

• If the coach does not respond…– It’s your problem– Pick up the phone, send an email, get to his secretary but do

something if you really care to attend that school.

• Players talk with coaches. Period– Parents don’t call or email coaches.  It annoys them.   – All communication should be through the student/athlete.  – Coaches want to see motivation from the player.

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Organize Communication

• Have a list of schools you want to pursue

• Keep track of what you’ve sent and when

• Track coaches responses

• Planner and Calendar

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Be Seen

• Play in regional or national tournaments with your club teams– AAU Basketball

• Blue Chip Tournaments

– MAPLE Soccer– USA Baseball / ASA Softball

• Showcase camps

• Tell the coach, in writing where, when and for whom you’ll be playing

• Send video

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The Interview

• You are in a sales meeting– Send documents and tape ahead of time– Bring copies of everything (resume, transcript, tape)

• Have references make introductions before you arrive– Current players recent alumni from the team are great references– Influential club directors – Coaches from other colleges

• The first interview should not be your most important.– Practice where the outcome is not critical.– Treat it seriously, you may have been wrong.

• Read the meeting– The meeting tone will change perceptibly to “all business”. Be ready– The coach forms impressions from the first moment

• Coaches questions – be prepared– Why do you want to come to this school and play for this team?– Can you play here? (ie What can you do for me?)

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The Interview

• Team questions– How many players will be added to the team?– What kind of ball does the team play? (running? ½ court? small

ball, long ball, aggressive base running, big pitching staff w/ specialists?)

– What kind of off-season training and facilities are available (strength and conditioning, skills).

– When can I come to see the team play?– Where does specialized equipment come from (catchers gear,

bats, and cleats).  If the kids have to supply them, what regulations apply to the gear at the collegiate level?  Can it be purchased through the school?

• School/Academic Questions– Practice and travel vs classwork. How do the athletes keep up?– How much time on the road?  What days of the week?

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References

• Athletic– High School coaches (all sports)– Club coaches– Opposing coaches

• Academic– Teachers– Administrators– Guidance

• Community

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Documents and Correspondence

• Introductory Letter• Athletic Resume• Web Site• Transcript• Injury letter 1• Injury letter 2• Follow up Letter• Reference Letters• Video

Coaches Packet

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Resources

• NCAA web site