NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

How would you describe yourself as a coach? Demanding, Caring, and Loyal. I expect my ladies to put in the time and effort to learn and improve the skills we need them to master. At the same time I have grown to understand that things outside of Basketball can drive a wedge into the life of my athletes and those need to be dealt with. I will defend my girls with no reservations and ensure that people understand just what they sacrifice in order to participate in basketball at the college level.

What’s unique about the experience at your school? We are a small Christian school in a small town in South Central Kansas (Haviland). Some are turned off by that which is ok. This has tremendous advantages in that the gym is always open and very few distractions to keep the team from working on the skills they need to work on. Crime rate is virtually zero and you really have to work at it to find things to get in trouble. We also routinely draw more fans to our games than bigger schools because a game in Haviland is an event and people show up to cheer on the Lady Bears.

What do recruits need to know about you? My number one desire is that all my players leave with the skills needed to do whatever it is they desire. Academics are important and without them you cannot play here. Teamwork, loyalty, honesty, preparation, execution and commitment to excellence are all life skills I foster in the girls that play for me. These skills, while developed in an athletic context, are invaluable when entering the “real world”. They translate into no matter what you attempt to do later in life.

What do you look for in recruits? Shooting, Bball IQ and aggressiveness. Bball is a game in which you have to put the ball in the whole so the ability to shoot it is extremely important. Bball IQ is extremely important as well because the difference in athleticism is usually not that great at this level. Those who gain the advantages are out thinking the opposition. Finally aggressiveness is important for 2 reasons. One, I demand a high energy, get after it brand of defense. If you are not aggressive, you will fall behind. Two, I would much rather have to reign someone in then try and fire them up all the time.

What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Contact me either by phone or email. From there I can set up opportunities for visits whether it be the recruit comes to see us or I come to see them play. I need very little time to determine whether the skill set is there to play at our level. I am not a big fan of highlight tapes. Those are ok, but I would rather watch a whole game. I like to see what happens when a player makes a mistake and how they respond to it.

What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? I like it when a recruit takes control of a recruiting conversation. Asking me questions about things “they” want to know about. Take ownership in your recruitment. “What will your expectations of me be?” or “What do you like to do offensively or defensively?” These are great questions. I also love it when they are looking at the academics side of the equation. The most important thing we do at Barclay College is on the academic side.

What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? One word answers to questions and just an overall impression that I am wasting their time. If an athlete has no interest than there is no need for me to waste your time. I also want to hear about interests other than basketball, especially academic. I know some coaches out there want to only hear about basketball because that is all they care about. I care about each of my ladies that stretch far beyond basketball. Do not wrap your identity up in only basketball.

What do you think your program is the most successful at? Graduating players, playing hard and building relationships that carries on well after the roar of the crowd dies down. This is a family.

Why should a recruit consider your program? Playing basketball in college is a privilege and not a right. The girls that come here and commit to doing things hard, and to the best of their ability will blossom athletically as well as mature in areas that will allow them to be successful in whatever they desire to do. I want to see successful professionals that leave my program with the ability to not just succeed, but also excel in the path they choose to take.

If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Contact me by phone or email. My cell number is 316 293-9979 and my email address is brad.lingafelter@barclaycollege.edu. They can also fill out an athletic questionnaire at: http://www.barclaycollege.edu/Students/Athletics/prospect.asp

University of Oregon head Coach Mike White shares some insights on recruiting with NCSA coaches corner in the following post:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I do not like to fall into a “category” as a coach. I think that the game is dynamic and that the coach and players must be ready to change their game plan from out to out, inning to inning, game to game and year to year. I have always said that the team that adjusts last loses. I am a listener and I always listen to my players and assistant coaches to what they have to say.

2. What is unique about the experience at the University of Oregon?

Eugene is the Ducks and the Ducks are Eugene. They are one and the same – it is a true college town and they live for the Ducks here in Eugene and Oregon for that matter. College sports is front and center of our media and wherever athletes go in town they are recognized and respected for their contributions towards putting Oregon on the national scene academically and athletically.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am a player’s coach. Having played the game at the highest level I know the pressures and situations that the athletes find themselves in frequently. In fact our entire coaching staff is well qualified to lead the team from experience, to prepare them for competition at the highest level. I also understand that each athlete is independent from her teammates and in that sense they may have to be coached differently and that they will all have individual styles. It is our goal at Oregon to take their style and mold it to the team without changing that which makes her an individual. I also value family very highly and it is always family first, school second and softball third.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Athletic presence – do they stand out from the crowd? Do they want to be in pressure situations? Do they “know” the game? Do they have good grades and do they make good decisions in life? Do they have a burning desire to win?

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

Build your wish list and start contacting schools in the 8th grade so they are ready to visit schools in their freshman year through camps and unofficial visits. If you want a top tier school you may have to make that decision as a sophomore so be prepared.

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

What does it take to be a Duck? I want to be a Duck?  How can the University of Oregon through its academic and athletic programs prepare me for life after college?

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

Poor attitude, poor effort and lack of respect for themselves, the sport, their parents and others in general.

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

Our coaches are very good at getting involved physically with drills and batting practice with the players. We are all very passionate about the game so we are not afraid to get into the “trenches” with the players and do everything we can to make them better players and people by the time they leave Oregon. It is also our mission to make the players “students” of the game, to not only work harder but also smarter.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I believe Oregon and the city of Eugene is very special. It is a great place to live, study and play softball. We are surrounded by rivers, mountains, the coastline, waterfalls and the city is just big enough. The University has tremendous academic and athletic programs that have state of the art facilities. Our softball program plays in the premier PAC 10 conference and we are working hard to become a top 10 team nationally. We have some tremendous recruits in the pipeline that we are so excited about becoming Ducks.

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

You have to stand out and get noticed. The best way initially is still through video and an introductory letter. Go online and fill out the “Want to be a Duck” questionnaire. Use your travel ball coach to make a high recommendation about you. Also get onto the best travel team that you can find, attend player evaluation camps such as the On Deck, Adidas or NFCA combines. Attend one of our camps so that we can get to know you better as a player and a person.

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Carleton College’s Baseball Coach, Aaron Rushing:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am relaxed, more a teacher than a yeller, and I have very high expectations of our players.  I push them hard and try to get them to see where they can push themselves even more.  We focus on the fundamentals, throwing strikes and playing good defense.  I expect our players to be exceptional baseball players and highly committed, but I expect our players to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Carleton.

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

I would argue that we provide the best combination of baseball, academics, and student life in the country.  We are competitive in one of the top conferences in Division III.  We are a top 10 liberal arts college.  Our players are able to experience “college” and all that Carleton has to offer.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Most importantly, I care about the players.  I want them to succeed on and off the field.  We have a team GPA over 3.3, and our guys do amazing stuff off the field.  I am going to support your non-baseball interests more than just about any other coach.  One of our guys did a health care service project in Africa last summer, another won a Fulbright, and most study abroad during the fall or summer at least once in their career.  Close to 10% of our players are pre-med.  We have several two-sport athletes as well.  I’m not going to try to run your life off the field.  I expect great commitment and effort when we’re together, but I want you to pursue your other interests as well.  We have just one rule: do the right thing.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I want the player who wants to win a championship without sacrificing academics.  I place a priority on competitiveness, athleticism and a great arm.  Our guys need to be able to throw, run and hit, and be committed to getting the absolute best education they can get.  Our ideal guy is a Division I player who is not willing to sacrifice academics to play at that level.

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

Have a transcript and video ready for coaches.  Also, be proactive in the search so that you get a good idea of what you are looking for.

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

Questions about what the college athlete experience will be like.  I want guys who want to spend more time with the players than with me.  The players are the ones who can tell you about being a student-athlete.  As a coach, I have a feel for where they will fit on the baseball field, but they’ve got to be a fit with their teammates and the school.

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

Guys who have not done any research on their own and have no idea what they are looking for.  I need guys who are self-starters.  Carleton is one of the most challenging colleges in the country and our guys have to be able to balance academics and athletics.  If the academic part of the college search is not a priority, they will not be a good fit.

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

Giving our players a great college experience. Our guys compete and have fun.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Unique opportunity to play for a competitive program while getting the best college education in the world.

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

Email me and fill out our online questionnaire:

http://www.frontrush.com/Templates/FRGeneral/Carleton/MBaseball/SubmissionForm/carletonmbaseball.html

I will also want a skills video and a copy of their transcript.

NCSA caught up with Coach Pavlow from Pennsylvania State University–Abington and here is what he says about his program.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would say that I am a player’s coach.  I give our guys a great deal of responsibility and a great deal of lee way. When things are going well the players are pulling their own weight and “pushing  in the same direction.”  When things are not going well, the coaches have to make sure that the team has the direction to gather themselves, regroup, and go about things in the manner that is expected of them.  I believe I am understanding of the the pressures and time constraints of the college student at a Division III program, but I always take the commitment that each player made to the program very seriously.  I feel my job is to make sure that the team remains the primary focus over an any individual.  I love this game more than words can express, and each of the players in our program will enjoy themselves because my coaches and I try to keep the game as much fun as possible.  I try never to lose sight of the fact that the game has to remain fun.  That is why I love it.  That is why the players love it.  When it is played with this type of passion is usually when baseball is played at it’s most successful level.

2. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am an honest hard working guy that is going to be concerned with their well being and education.  This is a student first program where education is paramount.  As a college student, I believe that there are valuable lessons to be learned on the baseball diamond, as well as in the class room.  Our program preaches hard work and the constant desire to get better. I believe loyalty is one of the most important qualities an individual can have, and I try to promote this as often as possible.  I am going to demand that the players treat each other, themselves, and the game with respect.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

Make-up.  This is not always easy to see, but if a player demonstrates good character he is someone I want in my program.  On a purely physical level, I am looking for pitchers in the 75+ range.  This ideally is coupled with decent command, the ability to throw an off speed pitch or two, and mound presence.  For position players I am looking for speed, and defensive ability above all else.
4. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Research.  Use the internet and the schools website as a tool to find out as much about that program as you can.  Roster size, roster turnover, the number of players at your position, does the coach share playing time, etc. This information is out there on each school’s website.  If I was a recruit I would do my homework and know from reviewing the website what questions I wanted to ask a coach that was interested in me.
5. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I want recruits to ask me what I see as being the negatives of the Penn State Abington.  This allows me to discuss where our program is and more importantly where our program is going.  I believe that one of our major strengths at PS Abington is that we are aware of what we need to do to make our program a better experience for our athletes, and these shortcomings are all being addressed.  When a recruit comes to Penn State Abington, I want them to feel comfortable that they have made an informed decision about the school, the classes, the coaches, the campus, etc.  I take pride in the fact that an athlete will never say to me, “Coach, this isn’t what you told me this was going to be.”

6. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?
I am looking to recruit player’s that have excellent character.   One of the things that I use as an indicator of a recruit’s character and makeup is their ability to handle failure.  This game is easy to play when your team is up by 5 runs, or you are 3-4 with a few RBI’s.  As player’s grow they will inevitably go through periods when they will struggle.  It is in these periods that a player’s character is revealed.  I don’t go to recruit a player and hope that they struggle, but if their team or if they personally are having a bad day I look at this as an opportunity to evaluate that player’s character.  I am turned off  by player’s who come across as a me-first guy.
7. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Developing long lasting relationships.  Our players enjoy each other and forge friendships that seem as if they will last a long time.  I keep in contact with the majority of players who have graduated from our school, and view them as being permanent members of the program.  We spend months with each other every spring and the bond that develops is extremely rewarding. We prepare and then compete as one unit and the student athletes that stay for four years are part of what will ultimately be a wonderful tradition.
8. Why should a recruit consider your program?
Our program should be attractive to prospective student-athletes that are looking for an opportunity to help establish a baseball program.  We have a young program with opportunities for early playing time.   At Penn State Abington, our current recruits will be leaving a legacy that goes deeper than most.  Our student-athletes are defining what our program will be for the foreseeable future.

9. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
I can be reached by email at jzp11@psu.edu.  Any inquiry will be answered in a timely fashion.  An interested recruit can also download our recruit questionnaire and fax it back to me at 215-881-7450.

Coach Clark from Denison University spent some time talking about his program.  Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

High energy, knowledgeable, passionate.

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

A great education while competing at a high level

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I have coached 17 players in 7 years that have gotten signed or been drafted.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Talent, coachability, effort

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

Visit campus, consider schools that they may have not considered before.

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

Who else is being recruited, where do you see me, how can I help your program?

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

When a player thinks he is better than he actually his

8. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Chance to compete at a high national level, be successful and get a chance to stand out

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

email: clarkm@denison.edu.

questionaire

phone call

Read about Maine Maritime Academy College softball program and Coach Katrina Dagan:

Recruits should know I am a fair coach and always keep the student athletes best interest in mind. I love to coach and teach and develop relationships with my players that extend outside the gym or playing field. The great part about Maine Maritime is that it is a small school so you can get involved in many activities which I think is important to the overall college experience. I encourage my athletes to get involved and make a difference.

In potential student athletes I am looking for self-motivated people who have a passion for volleyball or softball but also can see the big picture and realize the importance of their education. Most of my athletes are very well rounded and take part in many other clubs, activities or other athletic teams on campus.

Our program has been very successful in coming together to create a great team and family environment. Everyone has a role and everyone buys into that role and does their part to help us succeed. Each player respects and appreciates one another and the individual talents that they bring to the team. Our chemistry has played a huge part in our success on the court. We have won three straight conference championships and advanced to the NCAA D3 Tournament for three years as well.

Anyone who is interested in business, engineering, or marine sciences should Maine Maritime Academy. We have an excellent job placement rate with competitive salaries. We are a small school with a 12:1 student to teacher ratio which is an ideal learning situation. We are located on the beautiful coast of Maine.

If a recruit is interested they can call or email me directly. 207-326-2484 Katrina.dagan@mma.edu

See what Edward Miller, Jr from Contra Costa College has to say to Coaches Corner about recruiting:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Tough by fair.

2. What is unique about the experience at Contra Costa College?

I took over a program that had not won a single game in the last past six years, however, this past season we won 19.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am structured and fundamentally focused on academics and softball.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Fundamentally sound, hard working, good students in the class room, and ready to win.

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

Think academic first, and look at the coaches background.

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

If I work hard will I play, can I do anything extra for the team.

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

I am this, and I am that. What can you do for me.

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

Working hard in the classroom, and on the field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Strong academic program, and a hard work softball program.

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

Call me directly @ 510-882-1389