NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? Passionate. Passion for our great University, for our students, and for our basketball program. Our coaching staff really puts an effort into having an open door policy with all of our players as we aim to create a family atmosphere at Pfeiffer, I believe that this is a big reason why we have had so many successful teams here.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? Pfeiffer is a small school with a tremendous support system for our students on the basketball court, in the classroom, and in the community. I believe that student leave Pfeiffer as being exposed to many different aspects in life, not just athletics. Pfeiffer is centrally focused on developing servant leaders that are prepared to enter society as an ambassador. To support this mission, we have our guys to participate in outreach programs that allow them to offer a helping hand for children at risk, local hospitals, and other community service projects- and this allows us to stay grounded and thankful that we have the opportunity to help other. Pfeiffer is a tremendous university that offers each student a tremendous, and unique experience, and they will be surrounded by wonderful people in this community.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? We are going to work. We are going to work hard to recruit the student athlete to Pfeiffer, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Once they get to campus, they are going to be working with the most dedicated coaching staff in the country. Because of this, we have been blessed to have over 40 players leave Pfeiffer and play professionally in the last 15 years.

4. What do you look for in recruits? High character kids is most important for us. Kids that know how to be a good teammate, and kids that are hungry to get better. We think that these kids have their best basketball ahead of them. Kids that think they know everything and demonstrate selfishness generally do not improve a whole lot in college. We try to identify players that make winning plays, and have winning characteristics.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? I believe that kids get too hung up on the level that they play at. There is too much ‘status quo’ going on right now. That is why so many kids are transferring each year. Recruits need to evaluate what the best situation for them is- not what level they are at so they can brag to their buddies in the cafeteria. I encourage kids to really know what they are getting into, do their homework on the school, coach, program, history, etc.- and don’t just take the highest offer they have.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? This past summer, we had a young man ask what our plan was to get him better at basketball was. I was impressed with that because he is taking the initiative and demonstrating the understanding that he needs to improve. We are in a ‘what can you do for me society’, and this particular young man wanted to know that if he came to Pfeiffer, than he would have the opportunity to get better, and be a part of a winning team. We are thrilled that young man is now a part of our team.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? I don’t care for recruits that take the ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ attitude. We don’t recruit to many kids that think they are too cool- but rather look to bring in hard workers that show a winning attitude and the ability to make championship decisions on and off the court.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? I think we do two things very well. The first is that we care about our players. We care about our guys on and off the court- and we make sure that they know that. We create an atmosphere that we are all in this together- something that most kids really enjoy being a part of. The other area that I think that we do a great job with is player development. We really get into the gym and weight room with our guys everyday and work with them to improve their games. It is amazing to look at player that comes in a freshman at Pfeiffer, and then see how good we can get them by their senior year.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? We are one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II- and we play in a great league in the Conference Carolinas. They are going to be a part of a winner, and this is one of the most exciting atmospheres in college basketball. Our student body and local community have always been amazing in supporting us, which is something that we are extremely thankful for. The other area is that Pfeiffer University is a tremendous academic institute, with a tremendous faculty and staff that do an amazing prepare our graduates for the real world.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? If someone is interested in Pfeiffer University, they should send their NCSA profile to our coaching staff.

NCSA caught up with newly hired assistant coach of Guilford College, Coach Bates.  Here is what Coach Bates had to say about his lacrosse program:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would say that I am a players coach. I want each player to achieve his maximum potential. I have high expectations for my players and expect them to put in the time necessary for us to be successful. I will push them and continue to work with them until they have achieved it, whether that is in 1 season or 3 seasons. I want my players to walk away from my program after 4 years and say, “That was a great experience. I learned a lot, but achieved more than I thought I could.”

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?

Our school is unique primarily because of our school’s Quaker background. The Quaker tradition and Guilford traditions have created an active learning and accepting community. Our players will get to know their professors on a first name basis and interact with people of a variety of beliefs and backgrounds. Sure, other schools can boast the same type of interaction, but due to our size, this is a very real part of everyday life at Guilford. On the lacrosse field Guilford has a proud tradition and we are currently in the process of rebuilding while also competing in the always competitive Old Dominion Athletic Conference which makes for a very exciting lacrosse experience!

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Prospective players need to know that we are here to help them be as successful as they can. We genuinely care for our players and strive daily to help them reach their goals in all aspects of life. Our office door is always open and our players know that they can come see us at anytime to discuss lacrosse, school, life, or whatever.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

We look for hard-nosed, hard-working, multi-sport athletes. We want players who have proven themselves not only on the lacrosse field, but in academics, community service and in other athletic endeavors. Lacrosse is a sport that can be enhanced by an athletes experience in other sports. Lastly we want players with character. When we talk with their high school or club coach we want to hear things like: coachable, team player, hard worker, and respectful.

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

Every recruit needs to be proactive. Players need to understand that there are more and more high school lacrosse players looking to play in college every year. College coaches do not have the time to get to know every high school program and go “hunting” for players. The recruits need to pursue the colleges they are interested in, contact the coaches and get their information to the coaches as quickly as possible. Too many players wait for college coaches to call them and miss their opportunity to continue their career.

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

We like to hear questions about the school and the academic side of college. This lets us know that the athlete is just as interested in his education as his lacrosse experience. College is not just about continuing to play, but about getting a degree that will support the student for the remainder of his life. Also, it is always reassuring and shows maturity when the athlete knows some information about the college. If he can talk about schools in our conference, different areas of study, the location of campus, this shows me that he has already done a little homework on the school and is being proactive with his college search.

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

There is nothing worse than when a coach makes a call to a prospective player and the player hardly talks at all. The recruiting process is very much about building a relationship and letting the coach and player get to know each other. The recruit needs to be able to talk about himself, share his career goals and ask quality questions when talking with the coach.

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

At Guilford we are blessed to play in one of the toughest conferences in all of Division III. We face top 20 teams week-in and week-out as well as a strong out of conference schedule. We have new and outstanding facilities that when coupled with our strong academics, make for a very complete college experience.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We offer an opportunity to truly find a lacrosse family that will support them throughout all aspects of their lives. This is formed by players with similar life values, by working hard on the field, by playing a very tough lacrosse schedule, and through quality interaction with players, coaches, and other mentors who want to help you grow.

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

The best way to get our attention is to fill out our online questionnaire on our Men’s Lacrosse page. This gets sent directly to me and gives me all the information I need to “get the ball rolling” with the recruiting process. To further get our attention, send me a complete schedule of your spring/summer/fall lacrosse schedule, with dates and locations of all events.

Continue to share your stories at www.facebook.com/athleadership !

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? Players coach who works to see individual improvement on and off the court. Stays in touch after completion of their degree. Help in pursuing opportunities to continue to play overseas.

2. What’s unique about the experience at Culver-Stockton? Opportunity to play collegiate basketball and get a good quality education

3. What do recruits need to know about you? Available for individual workouts, oversee academic growth and to assist in securing employment after graduating.

4. What do you look for in recruits? Student-athletes who have a balance between school and sport. Open to learn, have a good basketball IQ, good basketball foundation and wanting to be part of a successful program. Looking for an opportunity to do both.

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

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Their dream and ambitions, their goals, what motivates them

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Not responding to any contact within a couple days notice. Another thing is choosing a college strictly for the financial package only. Take into consideration all the possibilities that each school has to offer. I have had student-athletes contact me after their freshman year realizing that they did not make the right decision.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Making student-athletes better upon graduating than when they arrived on campus

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? To better themselves and to learn from a staff that has the student-athletes best interest at heart.

10. If a recruit is interested in Culver-Stockton, how should they reach out to you? Phone call first, with a followup with e-mail and profile sheet and when is the best time to contact them.

In this article about Ben Garland, it’s easy to see why he’s where he is.  He set goals from a very early age and that was his compass that directed him to where he is.  Here are two quotes from the article: 

As a little boy, Ben Garland clutched a poster of the Air Force Thunderbirds, the planes roaring into the sky, and he knew exactly what he wanted to be. He pinned that poster to his bedroom wall, beside the pictures of John Elway, and he told his mother, Syndee, he was going to the Air Force Academy someday.

”Can you imagine you had two dreams as a little kid?” he asks one day at Broncos training camp, where he is trying to make the team as a defensive end. ”One to be a pilot in the Air Force and one to play for the Broncos? Not just any team. The Broncos. And now you have both opportunities before you?”

If you’re a student-athlete reading this, you must set specific, measureable, attainable goals that are time-bound.  This will eliminate procrastination and put you in a position to be recruited to play the sport you love.  If you’re a parent reading this, teaching your children goal setting skills will empower them to achieve great things.  If either of you need help in setting S.M.A.R.T goals, NCSA teaches goal setting skills.  If you wish to play in college and don’t know how to begin, call 866-579-6272 or go here.

September 1st is a critical day in the recruiting world and we will explain the significance in detail next week.  In fact, Coach Taylor will be conducting a LIVE Webcast about that date on Wednesdsay, September 1st at 8:30 pm Eastern / 7:30 pm Central so mark your calendars!  The reality is that the athletes who have been taking the right, proactive recruiting steps will be in the best position come September 1st.

Are you taking the right steps?  This is your chance to find out.

We want you to post the “3 Recruiting Actions” you have been taking this summer to make sure you are prepared. 

The athlete or parent who posts the best “3 Recruiting Actions” will win a free NCSA Enhanced, Edited and Digitized Highlight Video and 5   hard copies for college coaches.

Here are the (brief) details:

• All you have to do is comment / leave a reply below and explain the 3 steps you have taken this summer to make sure you are recruiting ready for September  1st.
• Coach Taylor will be reviewing all the submissions and based on his 30 years in college recruiting – picking the winner.   The winner’s “3 Recruiting Action” plan will be featured in next week’s newsletter.
• The contest will end on Monday, September 30th at 10 pm Eastern.
• Once a winner has been selected, we will alert the family through email and explain the next steps to redeem their NCSA Athletic Recruiting Highlight Video.
• ***Be sure to leave the best email address to reach you so we can let you know if you are the winner!
• Important Note:  In order for NCSA to produce your highlight video, the winner will be asked to provide the raw footage and a game log to help us select your best plays.  NCSA will not conduct the actual filming. 

Now it’s time to get started!  Post the “3 Recruiting Actions” you have taken this summer below for a chance to win your very own highlight video produced by NCSA!

Last week we asked everyone in the NCSA Athletic Recruiting Network to share their stories.   The aim is to spread our message of empowering future leaders through athletics.  Our Facebook page received more than 10,000 visits and over 50 athletes Shared their Stories at www.facebook.com/athleadership

The Project reflect the NCSA Why.

Here is the best of the Project so far, but we encourage you to YOUR Story with the world. Even if you are still in high school, we want to know why you play sports. We want you to share your story.

Bryan Payne At an MFUGE missions trip with my church I was in a group that ran a VBS for the Salvation Army kids. During a recess session I noticed that none of the other teenagers in my group knew what to do with the children (they mainly played with one another). Luckily I had my soccer ball handy and just started juggling, doing tricks, and getting all the kids attention to where we could start a pick-up game. It started out just a few kids chasing me trying to get the ball or tackle me and ended up with everyone playing together, laughing, and having a good time! That was more fulfilling than any high school or club game that I have ever played in. I would love to bring joy to others, especially underprivileged children, by playing or coaching soccer! That is why I want to continue on in college!

Marc Tijerina Football is a big thing in south Texas, especially when you live in a small town, then its everything there. I’ve played football ever since i was in pee wees till now in high school. It has been a great experience in my life and has taught me leadership and how to take control over something. I hope that i can continue these leadership skills at the college level and hold them for life.

Sam Fowler I grew up in a family where being an athlete was essentially a must. Being the younger brother to one of the best goalkeepers in the state, I knew I had to be great at what I did. Now I didn’t turn out to be a top notch goalkeeper like my sister was. But I have worked my tail off to become one of the best placekickers in the state. Most would say im crazy to work as hard as i have to be a kicker. But i grew up with the motto “if you dont work youll never succeed”. And now i think its safe to assume im on the road towards success and being a Division 1 college athlete.

Leigh Hunter Well we’ve all got a story, but with mine no one died, no one’s sick and I didn’t do it for anyone but I did do it. and now it’s an opportunity for kids. Success is an individual thing and if can inspire others to greatness then that’s what I’ve done. Good luck to you all, you all have the ability you just need to believe in yourself. We all make choices and we all make mistakes that’s what life is all about. Follow your heart and you can do it.

Simon Mainwaring Being Australian I specialized in swimming and rugby growing up. Like others below my Dad was my coach so he inspired me by the fact that he gave his time to coach others. Being a competitive swimmer in Australia is serious stuff. Five hours a day face down in the water for six months a year. Forever wondering if you’ll see the same wayward band aid on the return lap. Swimming taught me discipline in and out of the water. Sport is life skills with added sweat. Invaluable.

Join the Network and Start Building Your Profile for College Coaches Now!

Why Aren’t College Coaches Calling?

Phone calls are a critical part of the recruiting process as prospects begin to develop relationships with college coaches.  Unfortunately, many athletes never even make it to that point in the process.

NCSA Head Recruiting Coach, Jeff Schlicht, recently conducting a Coaching Huddle with hundreds of athletes around the country to let them know what steps they can take to make sure their phone is ringing!

If you are a serious prospect who has yet to speak with a college coach on the phone, call 866-579-6272 to discuss the steps that you can take immediately.

Athlon Sports has compiled a list of the Top 100 high school senior football prospects by combining the rankings of NCSA and five other of the top recruiting services available.  Check out the Athlon Consensus 100!