NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Something might be in the water in Southern California.  This week USC football coach Pete Carroll and UCLA basketball coach Ben Howland both lashed out at NCAA restrictions that are keeping them off the road during the critical spring recruiting period.

Coach Carroll is still unhappy with 2 year old ban forcing head coaches off the road.

Coach Howland is agitated with a new rule designed to keep coaches from encouraging students miss school in order to attend AAU tournaments.

“Everybody’s complaining about it on our side of the business,” he said. “We’re allowed to go to the high school of kids that are recruits, and watch them work out with their high school team and their high school coach. But all these kids are still going to AAU events. They leave on Fridays, so you can’t even go and see anybody on Friday because nobody’s there. Even Thursday, some of them have started to leave.”

Despite the coaches objections to the new rules, it doesn’t seem likely that the NCAA will be lifting these rules anytime soon. In fact, its is more likely that additional rules will be added further restricting coaches ability to travel.  That is why it more necessary than ever for coaches to use advanced tools like NCSA’s Recruit Match Database to identify top talent.

The database allows coaches the ability to stream both highlight and full game videos from the comfort of their office.  If coaches can’t attend events they will continue to utilize technology to bring the game to them.

Justin Serrao, Baseball, Sonoma State University
Brock Thomas, Baseball, Otero JC
Josh Hampton, Baseball, Cecil Community College
Jordan Vasquez, Baseball, Clarendon College
Chris Fahey, Baseball, Northwood University — Florida Campus
Haydn Vaughan, Baseball, LeTourneau University
Ian O’Connor, Baseball, Lewis University
Chris Pernicano, Baseball, Linfield College
Alex Sharp, Baseball, Southeast CC
Brett Boyer, Baseball, Susquehanna University
Esteban Abbey, Baseball, Bethel University
William Leach Jr., Football, University of Louisville
Aaron Arant, Football, Hampden-Sydney College
Anthony Jantke, Football, Carthage College
Chris McNeill, Football, University of Wyoming
Jahleel Barnes, Football, Pacific Lutheran University
Chris Kennedy, Football, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Cornelius Tomlinson, Football, Chowan University
Christopher Green, Football, Temple University
Joe Mancini, Football, Fairleigh Dickinson University — Florham
Chris Sodergren, Football, Menlo College
Matt Lambert, Football, Illinois Wesleyan University
John Heaton, Football, Allegheny College
Michael Ladner, Football, Austin College
Nathan Majnaric, Football, West Virginia University
Bobby Pettis, Football, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Glade Hall III, Football, Carroll College
AJ Kuhns, Football, Lebanon Valley College
Marcus Pate, Football, Abilene Christian University
Zech Deges, Football, Fresno City College
Phillip Quick, Football, Belhaven College
Kyle Starling, Football, University of Northern Colorado
Travante Stallworth, Football, Auburn University
Brandon Williams, Football, Northwestern University
Cody Dunaway, Football, Mississippi College
Edward Powell, Football, Eastern Arizona College
Mike Eaton, Football, Hampden-Sydney College
Steven Nix, Football, LaGrange College
Bryan Webb, Football, College of Mount St. Joseph
Robbie Nallenweg, Football, Wingate University
Cory McDonald, Football, Tennessee Technological University
Josh Stafford, Football, Methodist University
Jake Vernon, Football, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Michael Colvin, Football, Lehigh University
Cody Daily, Football, Fairleigh Dickinson University — Florham
Matthew Spinazzola, Football, Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Daine Bealon, Football, Murray State University
Marcus Kerrigan, Football, Harper College
Cody Moore, Football, Dana College
Matt Rulon, Football, Cal Poly — San Luis Obispo
Kameron Barnes, Football, West Liberty State College
Joe Zimbric, Football, Winona State University
Cole Walter, Football, University of Virginia — Wise
Jason Cristini, Football, Marietta College
Austin Lewis, Football, Virginia Military Institute
Brandon Cervenka, Football, Mississippi College
Jake Meyer, Football, Carthage College
Brett Houchen, Football, MidAmerica Nazarene University
Nick Ozanich, Football, Macalester College
Bradley Woleslagel, Football, Bowling Green State University
Melvin Woodard IV, Football, Mount Union College
Robby Schuler, Football, DePauw University
William Devlin, Football, Allegheny College
Trevor Hammargren, Football, West Texas A&M University
Robert Valencia, Football, Eastern New Mexico University
Phillip Bingham, Football, Virginia Tech
Chris Pernicano, Football, Linfield College
Kayden White, Football, Upper Iowa University
Drew Gentry, Football, East Carolina University
Hans Cook, Football, Kilgore College
Bruce Milam, Football, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Kelan Richardson, Football, University of South Dakota
Dylan Wartluft, Football, Marietta College
James Anderson, Football, Liberty University
Daniel Burkett, Football, Washington University in St. Louis
Kyle Gavoni, Football, United States Merchant Marine Academy
Dwayne Cunningham, Football, Mercyhurst College
Brad Brown, Football, Faulkner University
alex valdivieso, Football, Glenville State College
Charles (Ryan) McCurdy, Football, Birmingham Southern College
Chad Butcher, Football, Mount Union College
David Metzendorf, Men’s Basketball, Ithaca College
Justin Battley, Men’s Basketball, Austin College
Julian Leon, Men’s Basketball, Occidental College
Lucas McKean, Men’s Basketball, Wittenberg University
Taylor Papion, Men’s Basketball, Holy Family University
Edwin Oliva, Men’s Cross Country, Johnson & Wales University
Joel Siegel, Men’s Golf, Aquinas College
Stephen Austin, Men’s Golf, Sterling College
Walker Jensen, Men’s Golf, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Craig Fisher, Men’s Ice Hockey, University of Maryland
Frank Kowalewski, Men’s Lacrosse, Lake Erie College
Cameron Braun, Men’s Lacrosse, Fontbonne University
Mitch Weiland, Men’s Lacrosse, St. Vincent College
Ryan Terada, Men’s Lacrosse, Ithaca College
Joseph LaSala, Men’s Lacrosse, Washington and Lee University
Joseph Eck, Men’s Lacrosse, Washington and Jefferson College
Patrick Furdon, Men’s Lacrosse, Florida Southern College
Alan Rondon, Men’s Lacrosse, Limestone College
Sean DeWitt, Men’s Lacrosse, Pfeiffer University
Tyler Quinn, Men’s Lacrosse, Husson College
Joe Gaudet, Men’s Lacrosse, University of Alabama
Anthony Conroy, Men’s Lacrosse, Franklin and Marshall College
Scudder Clay, Men’s Lacrosse, Union (NY) College
Barrett Schwartz, Men’s Lacrosse, Clark University
Jordan Steptoe, Men’s Lacrosse, Indiana Institute of Technology
Matthew Merkle, Men’s Lacrosse, Gwynedd-Mercy College
Taylor Graves, Men’s Lacrosse, Robert Morris University
Max Ellison, Men’s Lacrosse, Denison University
Jake McPhee, Men’s Lacrosse, Catholic University of America
Justin Dougherty, Men’s Lacrosse, United States Coast Guard Academy
Ethan Colbert, Men’s Soccer, Mesa State College
Ian Tune, Men’s Soccer, Hiram College
Drew Krause, Men’s Soccer, Albright College
Mike Kelley, Men’s Soccer, Walsh University
Andres Daza, Men’s Soccer, Roger Williams University
Trent Kirkwood, Men’s Soccer, DePauw University
Jorden Messersmith, Men’s Soccer, York College of Pennsylvania
Jose Tellez, Men’s Soccer, Midwestern State University
Billy Ries, Men’s Soccer, Keene State College
Zach Kelly, Men’s Soccer, Louisiana State University–Shreveport
Briceton Cannada, Men’s Soccer, United States Air Force Academy
Joshua Tucker, Men’s Soccer, University of California – Berkeley
Richard Manall, Men’s Soccer, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Michael Laffey, Men’s Soccer, McMurry University
Rory Mills, Men’s Soccer, Hampden-Sydney College
Joseph Daniel Bailey, Men’s Soccer, Catawba College
Eric Wootten, Men’s Soccer, United States Naval Academy
Alex Lebl, Men’s Soccer, University of Dallas
Cody Barnett, Men’s Soccer, University of San Francisco
Thomas Stuhlbarg, Men’s Soccer, University of Redlands
Tyler Torbet, Men’s Swimming, Allegheny College
Sean Fronczak, Men’s Swimming, Trinity University
Jonathan Lesniak, Men’s Swimming, University of Wisconsin — Green Bay
Christian Steinwarz, Men’s Swimming, Allegheny College
Cole Gindhart, Men’s Swimming, Drexel University
Graham Eve, Men’s Swimming, University of Maryland
Sebi Carbajal, Men’s Track, University of the Incarnate Word
Nicholas Hushebeck, Men’s Track, Bellarmine University
Evan Barratt, Men’s Track, Grand Valley State University
Joseph Puntoriero, Men’s Track, Knox College
Jeff Matyas, Men’s Volleyball, University of California–Santa Cruz
Claire Morton, Softball, Mesa Community College
Taylor Labis, Softball, Mount Union College
Kelli Miyahira, Softball, Whittier College
Kelcey Pierce, Softball, Indiana University Southeast
Destiny Manning, Softball, Lansing Community College
Caitlin Stangl, Softball, Auburn University
Caitlin Wood, Softball, University of San Diego
Nicole Gallo, Softball, SUNY-Cortland
Amanda Johnson, Softball, Augustana College (IL)
Katie Hall, Women’s Basketball, Western State College of Colorado
Jacqueline Darrow, Women’s Cross Country, Salisbury University
Tess Wolfe, Women’s Golf, Robert Morris University
Sarah Crofcheck, Women’s Golf, California State University–Monterey Bay
Samantha Zitzer, Women’s Ice Hockey, Salve Regina University
Kendra Kunkel, Women’s Ice Hockey, Marian University
Kerrie Young, Women’s Lacrosse, Converse College
Rebecca Wheeler, Women’s Soccer, Arkansas State University
Geavonni Bryant, Women’s Soccer, Georgia Southwestern State University
Michelle Miller, Women’s Soccer, College of Mount St. Vincent
Jessica Montano, Women’s Soccer, California State University — Bakersfield
Mae Casey, Women’s Soccer, Rhodes College
Jackie Lowdermilk, Women’s Soccer, Mount Union College
Danette Davis, Women’s Soccer, California Lutheran University
Sioban Stahl, Women’s Soccer, Monmouth College
Frances Boukidis, Women’s Soccer, Northern Illinois University
Kimmy Lawrance, Women’s Soccer, Cape Fear CC
Jessica Kern, Women’s Soccer, St. Vincent College
Brooke Lewis, Women’s Soccer, Capital University
Alexandra Gatti, Women’s Soccer, University of California – Davis
Kirsten Haneberg, Women’s Soccer, University of Illinois–Springfield
Mandi Hochheimer, Women’s Soccer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Janet O’Donnell, Women’s Soccer, University of Wisconsin–La Crosse
Megan Gegesky, Women’s Swimming, Ohio University
Marybeth Hall, Women’s Swimming, Northwestern University
Kiara Ocasio, Women’s Tennis, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Elizabeth Barron, Women’s Track, University of Notre Dame
Alison Day, Women’s Track, Monmouth University
Samantha Taylor, Women’s Track, Everett Community College
Michele Keathley, Women’s Volleyball, Fordham University
Julie Windish, Women’s Volleyball, Milwaukee School of Engineering
Kristen Kiefer, Women’s Volleyball, Roger Williams University
Justine Simpson, Women’s Volleyball, University of Great Falls
Jaklyn Wheeler, Women’s Volleyball, University of Oregon
Jessica Stonerock, Women’s Volleyball, Adrian College
Leyna Lloyd, Women’s Volleyball, Florida Atlantic University
Kimberly Seiler, Women’s Volleyball, Redlands Community College
Miranda Binks, Women’s Volleyball, University of Sioux Falls
Kelly Last, Women’s Volleyball, Simmons College
Stephanie Wertz, Women’s Volleyball, Menlo College
Lauren Reid, Women’s Volleyball, Foothill College
Alex Edwards, Women’s Volleyball, University of Oklahoma

M.I.T is the latest school to respond to the economy, announcing this weekend that they will eliminate eight varsity sports – alpine skiing, competitive pistol, golf, wrestling, men’s ice hockey, women’s ice hockey and gymnastics. This move will strip $1.5 million from the M.I.T. Budget.

The announcement ended several weeks of meetings and student hand-wringing over which of M.I.T.’s 41 Division III varsity teams would be cut. Being an innovative lot, M.I.T. students looked for ways to save programs, including fund-raising and protests. Some disgruntled students even kidnapped Tim the Beaver, the institute’s mascot, demanding that all 41 teams be kept.

The institute said, however, that even in flush times, the 41 teams weighed heavily on the department, and that the cuts were intended to strengthen the remaining 33 squads.

Some of these sports may turn into club programs, which would at least allow current students to play their sport, although not at the NCAA level. These cuts are a major disappointment for  M.I.T. students as well as the hundreds of high school athletes who aspired to play their sport at the prestigious institution.

It takes a mature person to understand the keys to being successful and accomplishing goals. It is especially tough when the task is both physical and mental in nature. The steadfast and focused individuals are able to handle the ups and downs that eventually lead to success. The following is a road map for young athletes to follow if they are truly committed to being the best they possibly can be in their particular sport.

Keep All Doors Open

As an athlete, you need to give yourself every opportunity to succeed. The better you are in the classroom the more opportunities you will have in the future. Everyone would like to play at the top level of collegiate competition but we all know those opportunities are limited. If you are talented enough and dedicated, those chances may indeed come to fruition. The ultimate goal, however, is to end up at a school that is the best match for you. The better you are in the classroom, the more choices you will have from which to pick.

Be Committed

Once you have decided to make college athletics your goal, you need to set your game plan and be rigid in keeping your every action toward accomplishing that end result. It’s easy to stray from the disciplines it takes to be successful; only the strong-willed reach their goal.

Let Others Know Your Intentions

As an athlete, don’t be afraid to communicate your intentions. There are a lot of people who can be instrumental in the process. Relatives, coaches, administrators, and friends are just a limited example of those who can be important as you work to accomplish your goal.

Ask For Help

Even though the bulk of your success rests within tour attitude and your efforts, it’s smart to learn from those who have been where you want to go. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about physical training, improving technical skills, or mental maturity; seek help from those who know what it takes to max out ones’ potential.

Work to Improve

As you go up the athletic ladder the competition gets tougher and tougher. Everybody you will face at the next level will be as good as or better than the best of the best you have already faced. The great athletes thrive on competition and know if you don’t get better you are doomed for failure.

Ignore Naysayers

Remember that not everyone you come in contact with is as dedicated and committed as you. There will be those who try to deter you along the way; even though sometimes not purposefully. Others will be jealous of your successes. It is crucial to keep your eye on the target and not get off track.

Be a Leader

Just as others have done for you, you have an obligation to pay back and pay forward. The examples you set may well be the standard other athletes will use as their guidelines in the future. Remember, the best leaders are those who lead by example.

Learn from Failure

The road to success is a rocky one. There will be ups and downs along the way and it’s important to not dwell on the shortcomings but use them as motivators. Every failure is learning and growing experience. Getting knocked down is going to happen, the key is to get back up and go again.

Share Your Successes

Great teams celebrate together. As an athlete, never forget your success is a team success even if the sport is considered an individual success. Your team is comprised of may who have and continually helped out. Let them know your success is a direct reflection of their help and support.

Believe in Yourself

Confidence in yourself and your convictions is the self-motivator to finish the job. Never waiver from your belief in your own abilities. Others can help but you have to have the grit and determination to do it yourself. The long hours of physical and mental preparation fall solely on your shoulders; be proud.

NCSA’s efforts to Simplify the College Athletic Recruiting Process were profiled by Taylor Bell in today’s Chicago Sun Times.

The May evaluation period for college football coaches is just around the corner. But the timetable for the recruiting process has been squeezed, and coaches, faced with new NCAA restrictions, are looking for more efficient ways to see as many prospects as they can in a shorter period of time.

Chris Krause, the founder and director of the Chicago-based National Collegiate Scouting Association, and his co-workers, former college recruiting coordinators Randy Taylor and Bob Chmiel, have established a state-of-the-art film library to feed the appetite of every college coach.

For the first time since the 1980s, coaches from coast to coast will be able to view highlight tapes of all the leading prospects in an area at one time and in one place, then have an opportunity to visit the schools and personally eyeball the players who fit their needs.

”A lot of kids are flying under the radar right now,” recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. ”Coaches are looking for diamonds in the rough. We’re going to see schools coming into Chicago that haven’t been here in a long time or are coming for the first time: Clemson, West Virginia, Syracuse, BYU, Nebraska, Colorado, California, UCLA and Washington.”

Describing the May evaluation period as ”a new dawning in Chicago,” Lemming predicted the Class of 2010 could receive more full scholarships than any class in recent years because of the increased exposure.

”The bulk of recruiters are looking at seniors-to-be,” Lemming said. ”A lot of offers come in May and June. By July 1, if you don’t have an offer from a Division I school, you’d better run for help to a Division II or III program.”

Some fantastic advice from Tom.  If you are really interested in jump starting your recruiting process contact our scouts at NCSA.

Softball player Meredith Heath is a freshman at Chipola College. Currently she is #9 in the NJCAA leaders in batting, hitting .518 for 27 games, scoring 25 runs on the year.

I thought you may be interested in her parents viewpoint also.

Thus far, Meredith has been tested both physically and mentally! Her academic and athletic abilities are always being challenged. It was a wise decision to choose the 2 yr school for Meredith. We believe the focus from coaches and professors is much needed to be successful in life! Chipola College holds a high regard for its student-athletes and their ability to succeed.Therefore, Meredith feels much more secure with her future.

We are still receiving calls from potential colleges, and look forward to her next decision.

On a side note… Meredith hit for over.500 in the 2009 season opening tournament in Henderson NV/St George UT. She should be among the leaders in the NJCAA stats after posting!! The competition was fierce, almost every team was ranked top 10 and Palomar from California was in the mix. This level of play is priceless for her rising career.

Jessica Van Galen, Fox Lane HS – Bedford Hills, NY

Jessica Van Galen, 5’8″, Senior from Bedford Hills, NY completed her search for a college where she can continue playing softball. Jessica selected Manhattanville College to attend this fall. She had some other options to chose from but felt most comfortable at Manhattanville where she will receive some merit scholarship.

Jessica plans to study Education (Math/Spanish) in pursuing her degree. She was a 3.8 student in high school with a course load filled with honors and AP classes. She is a member of the National Honor Society as well as the National Society for High School Scholars. Jessica was a volunteer coach in her community.

During this fall Jessica was a member of the 18 U Empire State Huskies travel team. Last summer she played with the 18u Pro Swing Pride team. She was a 1st Team All-League.

We at NCSA wish her the best as she is looking forward to attending Manhantanville College next season.

Kasey Travitz, Millersburg Area Senior HS – Millersburg, PA

Kasey Travitz, 5’7″ senior from Millersburg, Pennsylvania has found the right fit in California University of Pennsylvania this fall and will compete on the swim team there. Kasey is looking to study Physical Therapy/Athletic Training and found the five year program there just what she was looking for.

Kasey swims the 50 Back (28.56), 100 Back (1:01.45), 200 Back (2:15.81). She has qualified for the YMCA Nationals in the 100 back.

Kasey has a 92.5 GPA and is on the distinguished honor roll at her school. She has been nominated for the National Honor Society as well. Some of her extracurricular activities include SADD, Band, Choir and she is active in her church youth group.

We know Kasey will do well for the Vulcan’s next season and we at NCSA wish her the best.

Softball Recruiting with rising softball star Olivia Jesionek about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.

NCSA: What motivates you before a big game?

Jesionek: At Holy Name High School we pray before every game. First we pray in front of the Mary statue at school, and we pray in the huddle before and after games. Before my tournament games I pray by myself, and I listen to the radio or my iPod.

NCSA: What are you looking forward to if and when you get the opportunity to play at the collegiate level?

Jesionek: At the collegiate level I am looking forward to meeting new people. I am also looking forward to traveling to other states to play. I also want to play at a new and exciting level.

NCSA: Why did you get involved in softball?

Jesionek: I started playing travel softball when I was ten. I tried out for a twelve and under team, and I made it. I have loved the game ever since.

NCSA: Tell us about your interactions with college coaches so far.

Jesionek: I am receiving alot of letter and e-mails from coaches. There is a good mixture between close to home schools and out of state schools.

NCSA: How does your team look for this season?

Jesionek: I have a new high school coach this year. I am more comfortable this year on varsity because this is my second year. My travel team, MC Madness, is also a new organization. I feel comfortable because a lot of my teammates are the same from last year. This season I am taking strength and conditioning lessons. They help me to become stronger, and I am also working on my arms for softball.

NCSA: What are your goals athletically, academically and in your community for the rest of the school year?

Jesionek: My goal academically is to get above a 4.0. I also want to be exempted from as many finals as I can. I can do this by getting an A in both the third and fourth quarters. Athletically I plan to work hard to get a high batting average. I also want to help my team by getting a lot of RBIs. I also want to be the starting catcher on varsity. I am also working hard on increasing my speed. High school conditioning is helping a lot.

NCSA: Tell us about what you’ve learned since being with NCSA.

Jesionek: I have learned how to make and maintain a profile and video. I have also learned how to get coaches to notice myself.

Important Recruiting Reminder

With the weather heating up and school winding down, don’t forget to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Clearance through the eligibility center is mandatory in order to compete in Division I or Division II athletics.

Seniors – NCAA clearance is not actually complete until all required high school courses are taken. Your high school will need to send your final transcripts into the Eligibility Center (formerly known as the NCAA Clearinghouse). Be sure to speak with your guidance counselor about this before he/she leaves for the summer. If you have not done so already, as a final step you will need to request final amateur certification by signing the 10.1 statement. Remember to log back in to your account and finalize your amateurism questionnaire before you enroll in college. I suggest that you take care of this right away, so you do not forget over the summer.

Juniors – If you have not done so already, you must complete your registration at the end of junior year. Your guidance counselor will need to send your transcripts once you have completed six high school semesters, so make sure to discuss this before he/she leaves for summer vacation! 

Underclassmen – Review your high school course load to make sure you are on track to successfully complete the 16 required core courses.