NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

If you are a senior and haven’t chosen a school yet, don’t give up just yet. There is still some time, but not a lot. If you want to play at the next level bad enough, you can make it happen if you are willing to put the work in. There are some coaches that are still looking, but your options are going to be limited. You will have to be pretty open in terms of things such as location, size of school and level of play. Realistically, your opportunities will be at the lower level Division III schools because they do their recruiting last. There are always exceptions, but overall, that is where the most opportunities will be.Before you contact a coach, you must take a look at their website to make sure that academically it is a realistic option for you and athletically it is realistic as well. Look at the player bios and see how you measure up to the players on the team and what their experience was like in high school.

You need to contact as many coaches as you can and try to do it sooner rather than later. Send them an email with some background information on yourself as a student and lacrosse player. Be sure to mention major tournaments you have attended and any awards you have received on your high school team. Keep it short, but you want to highlight yourself to spark the coach’s interest. It’s a good idea to ask if they are still recruiting for 2009 as well because if they aren’t, then you will know to cross them off your list.

You will need to get comfortable speaking with coaches on the phone, if you aren’t already. Since time is short, you will need to get to know the coach fast and vice versa; this is best done by phone conversations. Always stress your interest in the school and how much you would like to play at the next level. There are approximately 330 schools offering lacrosse for women and 270 for men; the opportunities are there, you just have to put the work in to make something happen. No one else is going to do it for you.

Many college football fans follow “The 2nd Season,” or the recruiting trail as closely as they follow their favorite team.  they spend the entire offseason obsessing over teenageers that they belive will become future superstars.  A multi million dollar industry has emerged to report on the latest leanings of these star recruits. However, the indcutry might not be so big if more fans realized these rankings for what they really are: a myth.

ESPN the Magazine, looked back on how this year’s NFL Draft highlighted what was once thought of as a less than

Aaron Curry

stellar recruiting class.

We’ve always known recruiting rankings are full of bunk. At least in football. For one, you have a limited sample size to evaluate — high school, er, AAU basketball players have played a hundred-plus more meaningful games than a high school football player has — and there’s the raw subjectivity factor. If USC is even interested in a kid, his rating will rise. Ask any independent evaluator and they’ll say this is true. Herds rule, and it carries right on through the NFL Draft.

Of course, look at what Wake Forest did in the draft.

As our own Bruce Feldman writes the Deacons did a lot with the 95th rated class. He cites a Dan Collins piece that notes, “Four players from the Deacons’ class of 2004 were chosen in the first 118 picks of this season’s draft. Linebacker Aaron Curry, cornerback Alphonso Smith, safety Chip Vaughn and linebacker Stanley Arnoux will join a former classmate, defensive end Jeremy Thompson, who never redshirted and thus has already spent a season playing in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers.”

The best player of the class Aaron Curry, this years No. 4 overall pick,  was only offered one scholarship.  He is proof that every prospect can’t be labled as a 17 year old.  Still, the recruiting process almost slipped right passed him.

If you don’t want the process slip by you, I urge you to contact an NCSA Scout today.

It is very important that every student-athlete responds to every coach and each recruiting material they receive. The main reason why it is so important, is that, coaches change jobs. Fortunately, this past year we have seen a record low in the turnover in college coaches offices that coach men’s basketball.  Lets say, as the student-athlete, you receive some information from a school you have never heard about and decide to throw the information out. In turn the coach takes a new job at your number 1 school. Now ask yourself, is this the impression you want to give a coach? Taking the time to follow up is just common courtesy.

Just because this year has been on the low side doesn’t mean we won’t see a spike in the future or that a coach change won’t affect your recruiting, so make sure you learn about as many colleges and universities as you can and be proactive! Don’t burn bridges-follow up with each coach you hear from. Remember coaches are friends and talk to each other, so don’t give anyone a chance to say anything bad about you. Keep your options open. As you learn more about the opportunities that are out there, you might find that you could change your mind.

NCSA 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.

For four years I have worked with athletes on a daily basis as a member of the Recruiting Coach department here at NCSA. An important component of my position is to teach each student-athlete where the best opportunities lie and how to target realistic, but challenging options. Geographic location is one of the first factors we consider.

For most sports (including volleyball) there are a lot of options on the East Coast. The concentration of schools in the East is much greater than the West. The sheer number of opportunities on the East coast dwarf the number of West coast options. Unfortunately, I encounter a lot of girls from the West Coast who only want to look at options in California. This can be incredibly limiting. This is also the case for many Florida natives, although it usually has to do with college costs because of the Bright Futures program.

I strongly encourage you (the athlete) to open up to different areas of the country. If your goal is to play volleyball in college, you will have a much greater chance if you do not limit your search by geographic region.

One benefit for those on the West Coast is that East coast schools tend to like the West Coast players! For the most part the high school talent level on the East Coast is lower overall than in the West, Mid-South and Midwest. Eastern schools really like to go after student-athletes from these areas if they are open to it.

The other side of this story is that Western (especially California) schools are also difficult to be recruited by. There are so many student-athletes from other parts of the country wanting to attend West Coast schools and a lot of in-state students want to stay there. The talent pool in California is also really loaded! It is great that the volleyball is high level, but that also means a lot more competition for roster spots and scholarships at these popular California schools. Not to mention the skyrocketed price tag for out of state students to attend California schools. These schools are in high demand.

If you are recruited by schools on the West Coast, then great! If you aren’t getting the interest you were hoping for, if won’t hurt to open up to some other geographic options. With so many East Coast schools to choose from, you should be able to find the level of competition you are looking for, high interest from a coach, and of course the academic environment that fits you.

Here is a video of Coach Bob Chmiel, former Recruiting Coordinator for Notre Dame and Michigan Football programs talking about the subject.

One of our top student-athletes is Brian Monette from Willowbrook High School just outside of Chicago, Illinois. He plays for Top Tier in the summer and last year he hit .462 in 105 at bats for them as well as went 8-2 on the mound. Brian was also named the number 22 prospect in the Illinois class of 2010 by Prep Baseball Report.

In school, Brian is maintaining a 3.55 GPA, is taking AP and honors courses, and is ranked in the top 25% of his class. Here are a few academic rewards he has received: High Honors 2006-2009, National Honors Society Member and Recommended for Youth Leaders of America. We are proud to have Brian Monette as an impact student-athlete in the class of 2010.

NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Devon Brown to talk about her volleyball career and collegiate plans.

NCSA: What is your background in volleyball? When did you start playing?

Brown: I began playing volleyball in the fifth grade with a youth recreational team. From that point, I knew volleyball was my passion and then in seventh grade I began playing club volleyball.

NCSA: What is the best athletic experience you have ever had?

Brown: The best athletic experience I have had was this past high school season when my team went undefeated in our league and eventually took third in the 4A division at state. We only lost one match the entire season and that was to the state champions Lewis and Clark.

NCSA: What is the best academic experience you have ever had?

Brown: The best academic experience I have had was being admitted into the National Honor Society. I worked extremely hard my freshman and sophomore year to make sure that I would have an opportunity to be in such a prestigious organization.

NCSA: What type of college are you looking for?

Brown: I am looking for a college that has strong academics as well as competitive athletics. I am looking for one that has a decent population, but not overly large or small.

NCSA: How are you seeking out colleges of interest?

Brown: I am seeking colleges through the internet as well as with the help of my counselor.

NCSA: What makes you really interested in a volleyball program after a coach contacts you? What types of things are you looking for?

Brown: Some of the things that make me interested in a volleyball program after a coach contacts me are the reputation of their program and the experiences that past players have had. The things I am looking for are competitiveness, the ability to participate in various activities throughout the school year, and an emphasis on academics.

NCSA: How has your recruiting process changed since starting with NCSA?

Brown: My recruiting has really taken off since I started with NCSA. I have gotten a tremendous amount of exposure and contacts.

NCSA: If someone was just starting the recruiting process, what advice might you give them?

Brown: The advice I would give someone that is just starting off the recruiting process is to understand what they are truly looking for in a college program and to focus to that throughout the process.

The NCSA April Impact Athlete of the Month is Lindsey Butterfield, a 2010 graduate from Springfield, Ohio. At 6’0” Lindsey dominates the court at middle and outside during both club and high school seasons.

At Springfield High School Lindsey is a decorated player. She has started varsity since freshman year and been a Captain the past two seasons. She was named to the All Conference, Area and County first teams. She was also named the Area Player of the Year. She plays club with Dayton Juniors on the 17 National Team and has four year of experience at the JO level.

Lindsey not only achieves on the court, but in the classroom. Even with a heavy AP course load, Lindsey holds a 3.96/4.0 GPA and ranks in the top 5% of her class. She plans to major in pre-medicine.

There was a movie that came out about twenty years ago starring Tom Cruise. The name was “All the Right Moves.” Cruise played a high school football player dreaming of earning a college football scholarship.

Nick Banke of Mishawaka (IN) High School has made all the right moves. As a result, he is going to throw the shot and discus for the University of Akron starting this upcoming academic year.

I tell parents all the time you cannot live through your kid. Nick’s step Dad, Kurt, openly admits he would have loved

Nick Banke

for Nick to play college football because he is such a big, powerful lineman. However, Kurt is smart enough to know that it has to be Nick’s decision.

“Otherwise, he could end up being miserable in College and quitting,” Kurt told me. “Hey, I think he could be a great College Football player, but he would rather do something else in College sports.”

Nick’s passion is the Shot and Discus. Originally, he started out as a College Football prospect, but found that he loved Track and Field more.

“We know it is his passion because he loves to throw on his own,” Kurt says. “He has his own shot and discuss pack that he takes to the local park all the time.”

THAT is a great observation by a parent. When I deliver “College Recruiting Simplified” Seminars, I often share the story of my 10th grade son. As a Dad, I would have loved for him to have become a left handed pitcher. I joke that the Majors are always looking for left handed pitchers and he could pitch into his 40′s like Jamie Moyer and send me checks in retirement (!). Well, he did baseball for awhile, but found his passion was running. How do I know it? Last summer I never once had to tell him to run. He would get up and go because he loved it.

Nick and his family heard of the success stories of kids at his high school and NCSA. He qualified for NCSA and his life changed drastically soon afterward.

“We have a garbage-sized bag full of letters from College coaches,” Kurt said. “The thing must weigh 20 pounds.”

Ironically, several months after going into NCSA, Nick made his decision to pursue Track and Field instead of Football. Because he had listed his Shot and Discus accomplishments, that helped generate awareness among Coaches in that sport. Nick also was proactive on his own, contacting Coaches. Nick and his family constantly utilized NCSA through calls, coaching sessions and emails.

Nick has decided on Akron of the Mid American Conference, a division one school with a beautiful campus. He loved the camaraderie of the Track program.

“It costs about $29,000 a year to go to Akron,” said his Mom, Dawn. “He is getting everything covered but about $5000 for his first year. His Coach said if he throws well and does well in the classroom, he could get more as a sophomore. ”

“I had another son go through College as a regular student,” said Kurt. “He had to take out student loans because we couldn’t afford the tuition. He is going to be paying $400 a month for the next 15 years.”

“NCSA guided us,” said Kurt. “The exposure was tremendous. Ten years ago College Coaches couldn’t go to NCSA and find kids. Now they can.”

“I keep telling my kids how important it is to get a College degree,” said Kurt, his Step Dad. “This is the way for Nick to do it. I tell my kids I am an Electrician. If you don’t to work Saturday’s and Sundays all your life and have to crawl up in holes like I do, then get a College degree. I am pushing 50. I come home and my back is sore and my hands are raw.”

“I want to get into the medical field – athletic training, physical training, nursing,” Nick told WSBT TV. “School puts the money on the table. Education is important to your life, it’s what you do.”

Nick holds the record for Shot and Discus at his high school. He is a state championship contender. It is important to clarify that not every young person in NCSA is going to get trash bag-sized amounts of mail. Nick has size, record-setting ability, and such. Not every high school prospect is going to generate such large volumes of response, but it is vital they respond to the amount they do receive and develop relationships with those College Coaching staffs. Softball prospects at Nick’s high school have been know to attach personal notes to questionnaires when responding to information College Coaches send out. One softball player even signed her letter, “From your future center fielder.”

Nick’s story is a great example of how College Coaches trust NCSA for verified information on prospects.

“We really liked the professional way they helped with his DVD,” said Dawn. “It’s a whole team effort. Mom. Dad. The athlete. NCSA.”

“We heard from Schools that we had never heard of,” said Kurt. “Nick would be on the cell phone with one Coach and our home phone would ring with another Coach on the line. It was something.”

“NCSA played a major role for us,” said Dawn.

Dion Wheeler is an expert on the track recruiting process.  He has coaches more than two dozen All-Americans and nine Division II National Champions.  Two of his athletes have gone on to compete at the Olympics.