How would you describe yourself as a coach? I put a lot of time and effort into my program and I expect the same amount of dedication and hard work from my players. I expect a lot from my athletes because I feel like a player is going to get out what they put into an experience. I expect discipline, hard work and positive attitudes at all times. College athletics should be challenging; therefore playing for me would be hard work. I expect my players to show up every day to compete and to make one another better.
What’s unique about the experience at your school? Recruits have the opportunity of starting the first women’s basketball program in Lindenwood University-Belleville’s history this upcoming fall season. It is a great opportunity for recruits to be able to make their mark on the school and be part of an inaugural team from the beginning. Players get to help shape and build a program from the ground up; It is something that athletes can be proud of for several years in the future and will be a legacy for them to share with their children.
What do recruits need to know about you? College athletics is about developing the whole person, not just the athlete. I care about my players getting their education and getting a job that makes them happy after graduation. I encourage my players to talk to me about their future plans, about their current lives, and what we can do to improve together. I want them to succeed and love to help them do so in any way that I can.
What do you look for in recruits? Strong academics, positive attitudes, a desire to improve, and passion for the game are important characteristics in any college athlete. I want girls in our program who want to be here and want to contribute.
What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Recruits should make sure to weigh all of their options and find the right fit for them. A recruit needs to make sure that she can see herself at a particular college for 4 years – the people, the area, the coaching staff, and the academic programs offered are all things to take into account. Visiting the college and getting a feel for what it would be like there is an important step.
What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Recruits should be concerned with how they are going to balance their academics with their athletics and if they are going to be able to handle that aspect of being a student athlete. They should be concerned about the academic programs offered and that they can get the major that they want to achieve.
What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? The way that athletes present themselves at college visits is a great first impression. If an athlete shows up late, cancels at the last minute, or does not dress nicely for a college visit, she is implying that she is not taking the visit very seriously. In my opinion, an athlete should treat a college visit the same way that they would treat a job interview – be prepared, know what questions you need answered, present yourself well, and be on time.
What do you think your program is the most successful at? We are working on starting the program at Lindenwood-Belleville this upcoming 2010 season. However, I hope that we will be successful in developing quality student athletes. We would like to be known for being a very competitive team but at the same time exhibiting sportsmanship both on and off the court.
Why should a recruit consider your program? Lindenwood University is very well known for both their academics and athletics. Recruits should consider our program not only to get the opportunity to help shape and build a program from the beginning but to get a quality education that will help them achieve their personal goals in the future.
If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? If there is an interested recruit they can email me at: aewing@lindenwood.edu.
