Basketball Interview with Amanda Apgar
April 30th, 2009 - byNCSA caught up with rising basketball athlete Amanda Apgar to talk about her basketball recruiting.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Apgar: I think to show a college coach that I am interested in their program, it’s very important to make a connection early. Usually a phone call would be my first choice but many times coaches are busy and not in their offices. So, I also use email. I have found that to be a huge factor in making contact and a way to go about introducing myself to someone for the first time.
NCSA: What are you doing to take charge of your recruiting process?
Apgar: Some of the things I have done recently to take charge of my recruiting process has been to contact coaches regarding their schedules so that I can see about attending their games, possibly talking to a coach personally and getting a feel for the team, and their style of play. I also have made sure to have a lot of video taken and send over my profile each time I have had any major updates. Not just contacting coaches but following up with coaches is also another way I have been proactive, and ensuring they will remember me the next time I contact them.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Apgar: I’ve experienced being evaluated by coaches at the AAU level. Last summer, my AAU team traveled extensively throughout the US and most tournaments were attended by numerous college coaches. While this was a little nerve-racking at first, I soon realized that these were coaches that I might someday play for and some whom I had either spoken to or looked forward to meeting in person. It was a very exciting experience to imagine playing for any of their programs!
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Apgar: Sometimes talking with coaches and making that initial contact makes me nervous, but what’s seemed to work the best has been writing out a list of questions ahead of time that I want to ask about that school and their program. I’ve also researched the schools I’m calling ahead of time to better familiarize myself with what the coach might be looking for. These things all keep me focused and organized which helps make the call go more smoothly.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Apgar: I don’t know if I’ve experienced any real disappointment in the recruiting process yet, but there have been contacts I’ve been unable to reach and some who don’t seem to be heavily recruiting for my position the year I am graduating. I will continue to pursue a coach I haven’t reached on a first attempt and do update the others in the event they find they need more players on their roster for that year. I think you should always deal with a possibly challenging situation positively. Coaches move around and their needs could change if they find themselves at another college, which could ultimately end up being a better fit for everyone.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Apgar: I think that I’m a unique athlete because aside from pursuing athletics at the next level, I am also very interested in working in my community and being involved in on-campus activities, such as clubs and student government. The most important thing for me is also knowing that I have the academics needed to move on to college and be successful both on and off the court. I believe that that makes me a person who understands the dedication and level of commitment it will take to stay competitive at the college level both athletically and academically without jeopardizing either.
NCSA: How is the season going and are you meeting your goals? What are your summer plans?
Apgar: My high school season is coming to an end this week and I feel that although we had many challenges to face along the way, that these obstacles actually taught us how to work harder and communicate with one another better. Our team is young and many are inexperienced, but that gave me an opportunity to step up and be a role model and leader for my teammates. I am happy with the goals I set for myself and the results. I feel as though I’ve had a successful season and have grown as a member of my team.
NCSA: What are your summer plans?
Apgar: This summer, I plan on traveling with my AAU team again and attending quite a few viewing tournaments throughout the U.S. I will also be working out with my high school team and hope to tour a few college campuses, as well.
NCSA: Who is your biggest motivator?
Apgar: My biggest motivator would have to be my family, specifically my mom. She has always been supportive of everything I do and basketball is no exception. She’s the person who gets me to my practices, attends all my games, and volunteers her limited free time to help me and my team in any way she can. I know I have my own personal cheerleader, win or lose, when she is in the stands. I also have a great AAU coach that I have to credit with getting me in the best basketball shape ever and who pushes me to be better.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Apgar: Overall, my recruiting experience has been very positive. I’ve had the chance to make new contacts and really understand some of the criteria needed to play at the next level. NCSA has helped with those questions and preparing for the steps needed to accomplish my goals, whether it’s dealt with speaking to coaches, putting together video, or supplying me with recruiting updates. These are all tools that I think will assist me in being successful after high school.
