NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Glenn  about his tennis program at the University of Georgia. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

A player’s coach with an understanding of the value of goal setting and hard work. I work with the best coach in the country in Manuel Diaz on court strategies and the mental mind set of winning.

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

The atmosphere at UGA is the best you will find in college tennis. Our legendary Coach Dan Magill helped make college tennis what it is today by bringing in up to 6,000 fans for the NCAAs in Athens in May. This crowd makes a college tennis match feel more like a College Football game or a European soccer match with the energy the fans provide. It is really amazing.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I recommend to all recruits to ask the current and former players about their coaches to get a better idea of what they are really like. This will help them see through some of the fluff that goes along when some programs are recruiting you.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Attitude has got the be on the top of the list. A player who believes in himself and has the work ethic to inspire others, including his coaches. Character and leadership skills also are valued very highly. And Georgia Tennis is known for being the best competitors in the Nation, so a guy who hates losing is also up there.

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

Do your homework on the coaches from each school. Make sure you hear from other players how they were treated by them. Let the history of each program speak for itself and not what the coaches say they will do in the future.

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

What are your goals for the next year?

Explain your training system.

How have you proven yourself in the past?

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

A lack of interest or unfocused player when we are speaking on the phone with them.

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

Developing young men to set goals for their lives in whatever they choose to do beyond tennis. Helping them become part of a fraternity of Georgia Tennis lettermen who help each other out and look after one another long after their years here are finished. And winning National Championships.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

It is the best championship college tennis experience you can have. Proof is in the history of the program.

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

Call or email us at 706-542-6441 and wglenn@sports.uga.edu

We are open to all players with questions.

College Coach’s Corner – Simmons College Women’s Tennis Coach, Bob Rauseo:

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I’m all about the preparation.  If we can prepare as much as possible then the results will follow.  Its a nice a feeling entering a match or tournament knowing that you did what is necessary to succeed.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

Simmons is unique in that we have a lot of nursing majors. It is not uncommon to see our players in scrubs before or after practice. We’re also an all women’s undergraduate college.  I believe this adds to the overall camaraderie that we share.

What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits should know that I expect a lot from my players, both on the court and in the classroom.  We have been very successful by focusing  on both academics and athletics.

What do you look for in recruits?

In no particular order, I look for “Head, Heart, Legs”.   Players who are intelligent enough to make adjustments, will fight to the very end and get to as many balls as possible.

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

I like to have my recruits meet my team.  Even better is if they can do an overnight visit.  It is important to know the caliber of teammates that you might be playing with.  Also, the players will give a lot of insight to the recruit.

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

I like to hear recruits ask about the academic/tennis balance.  It is important for them to be aware of the commitment which is necessary as part of a winning program.

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

The main turn-off for me are when prospects are unable to meet the requirements they need to meet — when they can’t or don’t return their application, financial aid, and housing materials in a reasonable amount of time.  If you are unable to handle your private business, you will be unlikely to be a productive member of our organization.  I also am very turned off by prospects who do not treat their parents and those with whom they come in contact on their visit with respect.

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

We’ve been very successful at getting the most out of our players. At the end of four years, I want my players to feel like they worked hard to be the best player they could be.  We provide as many opportunities as possible so that players can go as far as their game will take them.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

The first reason that a recruit should consider our program is the opportunity to play for a winning team. We’ve won out conference five out the last six years and have played in three NCAA tournaments.  We recently won a round in the NCAA’s for the first time. With our success comes a confidence which players can use in all facets of their life.  I love the idea of such a small school playing at a national level.

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

I can be reached by email at robert.rauseo@simmons.edu.  Or, my office number is 617-521-1043.

Here is some advice from Assistant Women’s Golf Coach Jackie Booth offers to NCSA Coaches Corner about New Mexico State University:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

My motto in coaching is a quote from Janet Evans; “When we are here we should set goals and achieve them, make the best of things, make others feel good about themselves, and be happy with who we are and what we are doing.”

2. What is unique about the experience at New Mexico State U.?

We are a medium size school that takes a lot of pride in knowing each and every athlete. You will be given every opportunity to be successful in the classroom and on the golf course. People at NMSU are very friendly and caring. Each student is a unique person that we value. We are a town that revolves around NMSU. The AGGIES are very important in Las Cruces. We have great weather that allows year round practice and play on our home course and private short game practice facility. When you leave Las Cruces you will miss the environment you have enjoyed for four years but more importantly you will know that you have a second home and family here.

3. What do recruits need to know about you.

I will push them to be their best. I know they might thank me for pushing them, but they will not thank me for being too easy on them. We will work hard everyday to be our best selves and we will have fun and creat great memories along the way.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I really am looking for a recruit that shows their love for the game in their play and practice. I like to see someone who is competitive but at the same time respects the etiquette and values the game is renown for in a world where so many sports are getting away from those values.

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

Be honest with the schools and coach. If you don’t think a school is a good fit for you, tell the coach. We spend a lot of time in the recruiting process and it would be very helpful if the recruits would let us know if they think they are interested or not. We hear no more from recruits than we hear yes so you are not going to hurt our feelings, (for very long).

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

I would really like a recruit to tell me why they are a good fit for our school. It is very refreshing when a coach hears what the recruit will give to the school, instead of what the school is going to give to them. It is nice to know upfront that it is going to be a two way street.

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

The letter that is word for word from the PING Recruiting Guide is a turn off. Not hearing back from recruits is rude also. If you are not interested please take the time to thank the coach for their interest but you do not think the school is a good fit. It also really bothers me when recruits are rude to their parents.

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

We take a lot of pride in our graduation rate at NMSU. We believe that our players are student/athletes and that school should come first. NMSU is currently working very hard to rebuild the program to the top 30 program is was in the past and we are looking for the people who want to be apart of rebuilding a successful program.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

There are 4 core reasons to play golf at NMSU:

1 We have a university golf course across the street from campus.

2 You can improve your game daily on our team practice short game facility.

3 NMSU is located in southern NM where the weather allows year round play.

4 Our coaching staff is experienced and knows the game and what it takes to be successful at the college level. If you have an open mind and will listen you will be successful here.

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

The best way to reach me is email at: jackie77@nmsu.edu

College Coach’s Corner: Lincoln University (PA) Baseball Coach, Anthony Pla’

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am a hard working coach that coaches each player individually.  I do not believe that each athlete is the same and they should be coached as such.  I am 100 percent concerned about my players academic progress because I want all of them to graduate with a degree.  I am a hands on coach that works out with the team during practice and lets them play during the games.  I only began building this program a year and a half ago and we have made many strides but still working to get over that hump.

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

This is my first experience at an HBCU but there are so many wonderful opportunities for everyone to be involved with throughout the campus.  We are right in the middle of a rural area which makes it difficult for students to go off campus and do things, but the students make it worthwhile staying on campus with all of the events they put together throughout the year.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am firm but fair and expect each student-athlete to give me 100 percent all of the time.  If all they have is 75 percent left in the tank, I want 100 percent of that 75 percent to get the max out of them.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for players that like to work hard, do not question what they are doing, ask questions about getting them better, and are willing to put in that extra effort when no one else will no matter how hard they worked that day.

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

Make sure they keep contact with me.  I am recruiting many players and it is hard to keep up as I am the only coach here.  As long as they keep contact with me, I will know how interested they really are and make sure they get everything I can give.

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

What kind of coaching style do you have?  Do you like to play small ball?  Would I be able to get help with my studies?

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

I get turned off when their main concern is about scholarship money, not playing or getting an education.

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

Fighting through adversity and working hard in the classroom and on the field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Recruits will have the opportunity to play here as long as they do what they are asked from the day they step foot through our campus doors until the day they leave.  The campus is colorful and it is growing each year.  With all of the new additions being made to the school from the new Cultural Center, the new athletic facilities and the new academic buildings, it is going to be the place to be!

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

Recruits can call me or email me.  I will always get back to someone who sounds interested in my program.  If they are sending a blanket email to 50 coaches, I am more than likely not going to respond.  I am a personal coach that likes to know where the recruit stands with where they would like to be for their future.

If a school only accepts athletes that have 28 on the ACT and a 3.8 GPA, and you don’t come close, does it really make sense to attend their summer camp?  Exceptions are made for athletes all the time, but unless you are very high on a recruiting board chances are you will be out of luck.  You need to know that you are a potential fit athletically AND academically before you waste hundreds of dollars on a camp.

How many emails do you get on a daily basis? Do you delete any before your open them? Do any slip through the cracks? How many contacts do you have? How many links do you trust to open? College coaches receive thousands of emails. The ones that get read come from a trusted source. If you are serious about getting the attention of a college coach, make sure your recruiting information comes from a trusted source.

Did you know that college coaches in certain women’s sports have trouble finding enough female athletes to fill their rosters?

Former college coach and current NCSA Head Recruiting Coach, Joyce Wellhoefer, teaches female athletes why there might be more opportunities and money available than they realize at the collegiate level.  Be sure to listen in and pass the information along to other female athletes who want to take their game to the next level!

The key point to take away is that although there are ample opportunities out there for female athletes, the college coaches need to know about you in order to recruit you!

How many college coaches know about you?

Find out which opportunities you qualify for by calling 866-579-6272 or getting started here.

NCSA recently received feedback from Coach Schaffer about his baseball program at Southern Vermont College:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

UNASHAMEDLY OLD SCHOOL. I AM ALL ABOUT PLAYING THE GAME THE RIGHT WAY.
2. What is unique about the experience at your school?

WE ARE A SMALL COLLEGE WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS YOUR NAME. WE ALSO HAVE A BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINSIDE CAMPUS.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
THAT I DEMAND A LOT OUT OF THEM, ON AND OFF THE FIELD – BUT I AM ALSO THEIR BIGGEST SUPPORTER.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

CHARACTER, FIRST AND FOREMOST. ALSO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TOUGHNESS.

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

TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY SCHOOL UNDER CONSIDERATION IS A MATCH ACADEMICALLY, SOCIALLY, GEOGRAPHICALLY, ETC. – AS WELL AS BASEBALL WISE.

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

QUESTIONS ABOUT OFF-SEASON, PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING, ETC.

ALSO QUESTIONS ABOUT WHO ELSE PLAYS THAT POSITION, WHO ELSE I AM RECRUITING, ETC.

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

WHEN THE PARENTS DO MOST OF THE TALKING. ALSO, COMPLAINING ABOUT PAST COACHES.

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

SKILL DEVELPOMENT AND TEAM BUILDING.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A CHANCE TO PLAY IN AN UP AND COMING PROGRAM FOR A COACH THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT EVERY PLAYER – BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

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

E-MAIL IS BEST AT DSCHAFFER@SVC.EDU OR BY PHONE AT (802) 447-4662.

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Fishback about his women’s tennis program at William Smith College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I see myself primarily as a teacher ,whose responsibility is to get as much out of my “students” as possible.  I also would like to think that, while I take what I do very seriously, I do not take myself too seriously.  I am going to demand a lot from our players, in terms of effort, dedication, and their time, but we’re going to have a lot of fun, too.

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

William Smith College is part of a “coordinate” system with Hobart College (officially Hobart & William Smith Colleges), which means that, while our students share one campus and one faculty with the Hobart students, all of the decisions that affect them are made by their own – William Smith College has its own athletic department (and a coach who doesn’t coach the men’s team as well!), its own dean of students, and its own student government.
3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I’m a father first, a husband second, and a tennis coach third.  Coaching is what I do; it’s what I love to do; but it’s not who I am.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Assuming a recruit fits our academic profile, we’re always looking for outstanding tennis skills, but overall athleticism and competitiveness aren’t far behind.  We want kids who go stir crazy when they haven’t picked up a racquet in a couple of days.

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

Everyone should visit her favorite schools while classes are in session.  Every campus has a different personality, and that comes from its student body.  A summer visit to a quiet campus won’t tell you enough.  Spend some time on campus while the students are there; sit in on some classes, and meet some students who aren’t tennis players.  Then, you’ll know if a place is right for you.

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

How will you make me better?

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

If a parent does most of the communicating/talking, it sends out warning signals.

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

Everyone who comes here gets better.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If you want a terrific education and the opportunity to maximize your tennis potential, and you want to pursue both in a gorgeous setting, then you have to come visit.

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

I can be reached at Fishback@hws.edu