NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

NCSA Coaches Corner takes a look into the Golf  program at Centenary College of Louisiana with Coach Emlyn Aubrey – check it out below:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Fun and laid back, but driven to get the best out of my players.

2. What is unique about the experience at your Centenary College?

We are a small college with a big atmosphere and excellent academics

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I played professional golf for 22 years with 18 being the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tours

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Good kids who want and appreciate a good education, love golf and want to improve everyday-not because they feel like they have to

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Campus life, available majors, golf facilities, “will you make me a better player?” etc.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Not telling me they are not interested.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Not only turning kids into better golfers but better people

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We have a small intimate setting on campus with a big feel to it. Small teacher to student ratio. Award winning academics. 6 golf courses to play and practice on. The coach’s playing experience

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

eaubrey@centenary.edu

NCSA shares some tips from Swim Coach Rankin of U. of Texas of the Permian Baisn – see his comments below:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Energetic, caring, non-traditional

2. What is unique about the experience at your U of Texas of the Permian Basin?

We are a relatively young program and school records fall every year. We compete against Division I, II, III and NAIA teams throughout the season.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am not a high yardage coach, but I expect a good attitude and a good effort in whatever we do.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I want three things from recruits: 1) UTPB is your number one choice for college, 2) You have made a decision that you have a passion for swimming collegiately, 3) You have a passion to do well in school and graduate in five years or less.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Turn in an application for admission and get accepted to UTPB.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Do I have a chance to be on an “A” relay?

Do I have a chance to go to the National Meet?

Will I get a chance to swim what I think is my best event?

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Not accepting of a team concept, over zealous egos, wanting the team to fit him/her instead of having them fit our team.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Making everyone feel their role on the team is important.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

UTPB is very focused on student success. We are a small public university that has low class size, excellent apartment style housing and a very affordable cost-of-attendance.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Rob Rankin, M.Ed.

Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach

Director of Aquatics

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

432-552-2335 (Office)

432-352-4376 (Cell)

NCSA College Coaches Corner recently received feedback from Coach Rick Morris about his swim program at Rollins College.  Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Life long swimmer with a passion for stroke mechanics. Intense positive approach.

2. What is unique about the experience at Rollins College?

Rollins combines the best academics (Ranked #1 in south by US N & W Report) with a great location, magnificent campus and the finest faculty.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I look for great students first, then great athletes. I work best with those who want to succeed.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Strong academics, the discipline to be a scholar-athlete, the desire to excel in life.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Be sure to consider your future. A great education combined with athletics shows the world you are formidable. Very few people can do what we do. Don’t just consider the athletic side of a college, look for the whole package.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

How hard is it to balance studies with swimming? How many classes would we miss in an average season? What does Rollins do that would set it apart from other schools in terms of training?

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Being compared with schools of lesser academic rigor. Be sure to understand what the school stands for and compare the whole experience. Also, be sure to consider all avenues of financial aid before giving up just because I can’t offer much athletic aid. Rollins is a leader in academic grant money, as well as need-based aid.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Producing life long success stories. We have a long list of successful alum who have count their athletic experience as a positive factor in their growth.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We can tailor fit your training. We offer a variety of training modalities, and look to focus on what will make you better. I am a student of swimming, never turning down new ideas or better ways to do things.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Go to rollinssports.com and look under “inside sports”. find the swimming questionnaire (“prospective tars”) and fill it out.

Check out comments that U. of Montevallo Golf Coach Justin Pratt offers in our NCSA College Coach’s Corner feature:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am very structured, organized and disciplined in the day to day running of the golf programs but am very personal and strive to get the best out of my players and have them reach their full potential. I want each player to feel that I believe in their abilities and that I will do whatever it takes to help them be successful.

2. What is unique about the experience at U. of Montevallo?

We have a school and athletic department that is supportive of the golf programs. We have great new facilities on campus and great golf in the Birmingham Metro area. Our university has just enough students (3,000 undergrad) to feel like you are not in a college environment that is too small or too big.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am passionate about building the golf programs at Montevallo into very competitive and respected programs. I want to win!!!!

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for good players that have shown an ability to win and compete well in junior tours as well as players that have the right mindset and attitude to play competitive golf in college, also players with great work ethics and players that will do well in school with their studies.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Every recruit needs to actively put their name out there and contact coaches and show an interest. Golf is not like college football or basketball where coaches can travel all over to find players and make visits. Recruits need to do a little work of their own.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I like it when recruits want to be a part of a program that wants to win and they feel they can make that happen.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

When recruits are not sure if they want to play college golf. Don’t contact me if you think you may want to try it out.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Well I have just taken over the golf programs as of August of 2009 and I feel we are headed in the right direction. We have the right kind of players on both teams to win. One thing our program will be successful at is turning out good people and golfers that know what working hard is all about and they can take that with them wherever they go in life.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A recruit should consider us if they want to be apart of an up and coming Div 2 program that wants to win. If you feel that you want to be in a competitive environment to be pushed to become the best golfer you can be then Montevallo is the place for you.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Contact me by email at jpratt3@montevallo.edu and have a swing video available or a youtube link to your swing. After an initial evaluation I will make plans to watch you and check on you tournament result and have you visit Montevallo.

Read Coaches Corner tips by U. of Denver swim coach Schrader to learn about the program and recruiting.  Read on:

1.How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach—I like to make things challenging, but in a good way. I communicate very directly about expectations, and I expect our student athletes to take academics and Division I athletics very seriously. Technique, strength, and progressive aerobic improvement are all tenets of our program….

2.What is unique about the experience at U. of Denver?

Our institution has a lot of unique qualities—we are in the city of Denver at the base of the Rocky Mountains; we have only 5,000 undergraduates; we are on the quarter system; we train at 6,000 feet (which I believe is a huge advantage); we are a fully funded Division I team with a healthy travel budget (we travel to both coasts every year); we have a 50 meter pool; we have a brand new strength and conditioning center

3.What do recruits need to know about you?

I have had a lot of success with swimmers at the NCAA level but also with putting athletes on their National and Olympic Teams in Germany, France, Britain, and the US Virgin Islands. Personally, I love the activities Colorado has to offer and love to fly fish, mountain bike, snowshoe, and ski and snowboard.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I like to ask coaches these questions—who are your hardest workers? Who are your best students? Who loves swimming and is going to be passionate about swimming and improving? Who is a team player?

5.What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

Every recruit needs to be persistent….

6.What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Do you have a year round training group? Do you train your swimmers in the summer?

7.What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

I think a big turn off is if recruits don’t make an effort to get to know the team that they are visiting…and if they don’t have their own questions to ask…

8.What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Improvement through four years and accomplishing personal (the athlete’s) and team goals.

9.Why should a recruit consider your program?

Great education at a unique place, with a great Division I swimming and diving team experience.

10.If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Any of our coaches: Alicia Hicken (ahicken@du.edu), Joel White (joel.white@du.edu), and myself Brian Schrader (brian.j.schrader@du.edu)

Please post the following links:

U of Denver Athletics

Video on U. of Denver Athletics

Check out Denver, CO

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received interviewed Coach Paul Vasquez about his soccer program at New England College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated. I want to make sure that my players are successful on the field and off.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

Our school does a great job working with individuals. You are a person and not a number. The college community wants each student to be successful and is willing to help them.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that I will be invested in them as long as they are invested in themselves and making the effort to be the best they can.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for players that are willing to work hard, push themselves and their teammates, and is committed to being the best person, player and teammate they can be.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

I feel they need to be honest throughout the process. I am as honest and upfront as I can be during the process and I just want the same in return.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

What are your team goals? Where is the program headed? What do your players do after graduation?

7. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Having high quality student athletes

8. Why should a recruit consider your program?

They will have the opportunity to receive an education play soccer at a high level and be part of something that is building

9. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

They can email me at pvazquez@nec.edu ,call 603.428.2263, or mail Paul Vazquez 98 Bridge Street Henniker NH 03242

Everyone has an opinion on the recruiting process.  They are certainly entitled to their opinion, but remember at the end of the day it is your future!  Below is an e-mail from a parent demonstrating of why you need to make your own recruiting decisions.

I would really like to thank the entire staff at NCSA, when we first came aboard my son’s coaches told me that it was too late in the recruiting process and not to waste my time.  I would tell those same coaches, that they should wish that all of their player’s had father’s like me who would go all  the way out to try and do what ever it takes to make sure their kid gets a chance at life.  I will never forget just what you guys did for me and my family. With your help, my son is the first in my family to go to college. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!!!!

Check out our current NCSA College Coaches Corner with Swim Coach Brooks talking about BYU:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I believe my strongest strength as a coach is I care about the swimmers more than any other coach out there.

2. What is unique about the experience at BYU?

BYU is unique because you can get one of the best educations in America in the safest cleanest campus in America at the least expensive school in America

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I want dedicated swimmers and students who are willing to push themselves to the limit everyday for 4 years

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Talent, respect to coaches, parents and a willing heart

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

keep in good contact with the schools you are interested in

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

how do I fit in on your team, what do you expect from me, can I achieve my goals with your team.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

someone who doesn’t do their homework; if you are a 1:00 in the 100free and the slowest girl on our team is a 51.8 you need to get faster before you start asking for a spot on the team

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

Swimmers get faster here! We take care of you both in the classroom and in the water!

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

BYU is nationally ranked in every sport and we want to be the best in every sport. If you come to BYU you will be safe and get a top ranked education!

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Go to our website www.byucougars.com and fill out our questionnaire.

Check out tips from our Coaches Corner guest U. of Auburn Swim Coach Hawke who consistently has his teams contending for championships:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I coach every athlete as an individual within a team environment. My strength is my connection to my athlete’s, as I was a former swimmer myself, I understand the ups and downs of athletics. I am strong but sensitive, a perfect combination for a good coach I believe. And I always fight for my athlete’s! I am their number one supporter.

2. What is unique about the experience at U. of Auburn?

Auburn is not only a great University, but is also surrounded by an amazing community. The environment is one that is balanced with awesome academics and athletics. We are one of few schools in the nation where swimming is as celebrated with the likes of football, basketball and baseball. It is great to have both an amazing indoor facility (that has hosted NCAA’s and SEC’s) as well as a 10 lane 50m outdoor facility as well.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am committed to Auburn University. This program is my home. I swam at Auburn and will continue to be the Head Coach here for many years to come. I love College swimming, but want to take athlete’s all the way to the Olympic Games. I have been married for 12 years and have 4 children.

I am a family man and run a ‘FAMILY’ team.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

When recruiting, my assistant coaches and I look for strong academics, a good technical swimming foundation, general athleticism, and great natural leadership skills. I also look for someone who wants to be part of a team.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?

I believe that every student-athlete has to go into the recruiting process with an open mind. I believe that they should take advantage of the process and take their 5 recruiting trips. That way, it gives them the ability to make the best informed decision about academics, athletics and can compare swimming programs.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I encourage all prospective student-athletes to ask as many questions as possible during their recruiting process. It is an exciting time for them and their families, so I try to get as good of an interaction as possible, so I am not the only one talking. Questions about academics, athletics, the City of Auburn, any and all questions are welcomed!

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

That is hard to say because every single student-athlete is different, and the exchanges and interaction that we have with the hundreds of prospects are very unique. I guess arrogance is never a good thing.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

I believe our program is extremely successful at creating a family type of environment. The TEAM is more of a family environment, one that may not be only unique to us, but something that we excel at.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

The Auburn University Swimming & Diving program has a long tradition of success, at the SEC, NCAA and International levels. Our goals every year are to compete for an SEC and NCAA championship, as well as put athletes on USA and International teams, and every 4 years, be able to compete for Olympic Medals.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

If a student-athlete is interested in joining this program, they can either send me or one of my assistant coaches an email expressing their interest. We do our best to respond to every single email that comes our way. The information can be found on our website at auburntigers.cstv.com

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
A coach who is demanding of himself and his players both on and off the field, yet fair. I also believe it’s important to listen to my players to give them a feeling that their voice is important whether I agree with them or not.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?
The student-athletes here at Dowling are positioned for success both on and off the field. S-A wellness is of paramount importance at Dowling College.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I am passionate about winning. I place academic performance on a par with athletic performance.
4. What do you look for in recruits? I look for players who want to come to Dowling College as much as I may want them to come here. I want good people with strong character, with strong academic credentials and, of course, who have demonstrated an ability to excel on the field.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Show an interest in the particular school and be persistent in their pursuit of an opportunity without being insistent.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? I want players to ask about their potential role in the team, about career opportunities after graduation and how they can achieve their athletic and professional goals within a team structure.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? An immediate inquiry about scholarship possibilities and what kind of style/system do you play. To which I always answer, a winning style.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Providing young men an opportunity to experience athletic success while understanding how their experiences in collegiate athletics can prepare them to succeed in life after college.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Because we win, our players graduate and are better prepared to face the challenges that await them.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? An e-mail detailing their interest in Dowling College along with an academic and athletic profile to begin with.