NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

For Immediate Release                                                                             July 15, 2011

Student-Athletes Win National Grants through NFLPA

Ten student-athletes awarded leadership grants towards college scholarship

WASHINGTON – Every month a number of high school student-athletes are awarded the National Leadership Grant sponsored by the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and NCSA Athletic Recruiting.

The ten student-athletes who received these awards from this past June were chosen based on leadership in their communities, academic achievement and a written essay describing why they were qualified and deserving of the honor.

“We are very pleased to be involved with NCSA in assisting in the recognition and selection of young qualified student-athletes to receive scholarship opportunities,” said DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director of the NFLPA. “Anytime you can identify, help and reward future leaders to further their education and athletic pursuits, it’s a win-win and we are pleased to contribute to this worthy effort with NCSA.”

Following the selection process, NCSA will work closely with each student and their parents in developing an online recruiting profile which will include athletic statistics and a highlight video, high school transcripts, SAT and ACT scores, a listing of community involvement initiatives and other key personal achievements. NCSA, which develops and builds four essential communities (athletes/parents, high school/college, coaches and colleges/businesses) will work with families through their vast network of 35,000 collegiate coaches to find a university that best matches each student’s academic and athletic achievements.

NCSA is the nation’s premier “athletic recruiting network” and leadership platform for student-athletes to find college scholarships, as well as internships and business careers. The following student-athletes will be receiving Leadership Grants:

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Coach T- Can I combine my best scores from the SAT or ACT?

It really all depends on the college you are applying to. A number of schools will “superscore” a student-athlete’s ACT or SAT. For those of you not familiar with superscoring, it’s when a college takes the highest subscores from multiple tests to get a new high score on the ACT or SAT. For example, if a student takes the SAT two times before applying to a particular school and he or she does extremely well in the math section but botches the critical reading section they may re-take the test and use the best scores from each section to apply to his school of choice!

However, it all depends if the school you are applying to allows this. Though superscoring can be extremely helpful, I would always recommend working with a tutor to help increase your ACT or SAT scores!

If you are in the Network, want to become a part of the network, athlete or parent, LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and join the Athletic Recruiting Network on Facebook!

Tough Time Landing Recruits because Your College is Unique?

How many times have you heard that your college is in too rural of an area, too small, or too expensive? NCSA speaks with recruits on a daily basis and we are going to share some of their feedback with you about what’s important in choosing a college or university.  Hopefully you can use this information to turn those objections around and get more recruits interested in your school.

Fact #1:

There are over 3,500 colleges and universities in the United States and approximately over 40% of colleges have an enrollment of 2,000 or less. Also, just over 200 of them have an enrollment of 15,000 or more students

• Perspective One: The number of small colleges far outweigh the typical “college atmosphere” at a larger university. Student-athletes and families are not aware of this and need to be realistic about their chances to play a sport in college are greater at a small college.
• Perspective Two: If you are at a big college which doesn’t receive as much publicity then this is a strong advantage.

Fact # 2:

Approximately over 78% of all colleges are east of Colorado

• Perspective One: Your school is unique and an opportunity to play at a college on the West Coast is limited.
• Perspective Two: The student-athlete needs to be open to your school east of Colorado because their chances of playing in college are limited if they stay in the west.

Fact #3:

Approximately 92% of colleges compete at the division two, three, NAIA, and junior college levels

If your college is more rural and smaller…

• Focus on Academics
  • According to our survey with over one thousand student-athletes, academics were the most important factor in choosing a college
  • The second most important factor was that the college has the major they want to study
  • Student to teacher ratio
  • Lack of travel time in your conference allows more time to concentrate on schoolwork

• You can also focus social side of the college:
  • Relationships / Networking

If your college is expensive…

• Most private schools can usually give more non-need based aid versus public schools depending on the endowment at the college
• Make sure you know your financial aid packages that may be available
  • If a student-athlete knows there is a scholarship available this creates immediate interest
  • If a parent knows they can afford the college then that also creates immediate interest
  • Recruits expressed they may be nervous to ask about scholarship opportunities
  • Parents won’t know how to ask these questions most of the time

If your college is far from the student-athlete’s home…

• Explain that the athletes will have friends (teammates) immediately when they step on campus, a group that they will always be bonded with
• The opportunity to go home through the year is rare anyway, even if you are within driving distance due to being so busy with practice and the season
• This is a chance to experience a different part of the country and new people as well as become independent from their parents

Keeping these tips in mind as you communicate with student-athletes can help them understand your perspective in recruiting and, more importantly, should get them excited about your program!

In recent years, with College Sports bringing in more and more money through TV deals and Bowl Games, and NCAA Tournaments the argument over whether college athletes should receive more compensation has heated to a steady burn.  Some believe that a full scholarship is more than enough, some believe that it is a staggeringly low reimbursement compared to what athletes bring the school.

Wednesday, Dana O’Neil of ESPN did a great special interview with Michigan State star QB Kirk Cousins on what Cousins thinks about the paid-to-play concept.  In summary, Cousins is also conflicted on the subject.  He understands that, in regards to money, his scholarship saves him tons of money compared to other students.

The article points out many factors of a student-athlete’s demanding agenda not included in a full ride.  Cousins himself points out that, because they are not able to take classes during the summer, college athletes’ scholarships do not kick in during summer training.  There are also numerous miscellaneous expenses such as car registration, bills, and more that are not covered by scholarships.  Some may believe that complaining about these small costs is irrelevant compared to the cost of an education, but one must remember that most athletes literally do not have time for a job at all throughout the year.

There are strong arguments for both sides, it is a difficult debate.  What do you think?

Coach T- Can I sign a NLI before I am certified eligible by the NCAA Clearinghouse?

Yes.  In fact, it is very common for a prospect to sign a NLI during the course of his or her senior year. This agreement is subject to the student athlete qualifying for admission to the school and the NCAA requirement for financial aid. If you are classified by the NCAA Clearinghouse as a qualifier, the NLI is considered valid. If you are classified as a non-qualifier your NLI is rendered null and void.

Remember, signing a National Letter of Intent does not guarantee you playing time or a spot on the team. When you sign the National Letter of Intent you agree to attend the institution with which you signed for one academic year in exchange for the financial aid they have awarded you.

If you are in the Network, want to become a part of the network, athlete or parent, LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and join the Athletic Recruiting Network on Facebook!

Test your recruiting knowledge.  When it comes to a student-athlete’s future, families can never be too educated about the recruiting process and every single detail.  Some of this information is vital to even basic success in the recruiting process.  To have some of your questions answered and learn more, call a recruiting expert today at 866-579-6272

In early June, NCSA Athletic Recruiting started the Kenny Chesney Boys of Fall Contest.  Entry to the contest was simple…contestants simply had to answer the question, “How did sports change your life?”  We received over 350 entries from athletes, parents, high school coaches, college coaches, and general sport lovers.  It has been an amazing pleasure to read how all the different sports have enhanced, improved, and even sometimes saved so many lives.  Before we announce the winners and their extraordinary responses, the NCSA team wanted to say thank you to all of those that entered the contest, it is truly uplifting to see the effects that sports can have on the lives of so many people.

Congratulations to the five Boys of Fall Contest Winners!  They will each be receiving an autographed copy of the Kenny Chesney Boys of Fall Documentary DVD.

1)Jessica Guerra, 2016

Since my father introduced me to his love of running. Cross Country and Track & field have been a part of my life since I was in elementary.  I’m able to create strong bonds with an amazing group of people each season. Running allows me to train both physically and mentally. During a race I’ve learned to give all that I can and never hold back. No two races are ever the same and I know that this is what I’ve trained for. It also helps me in life and school to work towards my goals. Working hard if I want to improve or be able to do well in school. I know having a strong work ethic is essential and never giving anything less during a practice. By eating more wholesome I’m able to perform and have more energy. In the end, I know I can look back and say I have no regrets about joining Cross Country and Track & field. When my father passed away from cancer, running allowed me to feel a special connection to something he loved doing. I still have a lot to learn from running and hope to run at the college level.

2) Josh Grider, 2010

My participation in the sports has prepared me for life after graduation by instilling in me a sense of pride and leadership. The coaches provided structure for my otherwise hectic lifestyle of school, work, and football. Practice helped me get my mind off of everything that is going on in this world; it was a way for me to let out my anger. Sports have also taught me how to overcome adversity. I had two knee surgeries in 9th grade and the doctors said not to play football ever again. My dreams of playing college football seemed crushed. I decided to play again, but was put on the 9th grade team as a sophomore and was made fun of for this. I played JV as a junior, but I made a highlight film from the few plays that I did play varsity and sent it in to NCSA after they recruited me from a Nike combine. My senior year, the only year as a varsity starter, NCSA helped me get recruited by Cornell University. I started my freshman year at Cornell and am excited about the upcoming season. These occurrences in sports drastically changed my life.

3) Danielle McCluster, 2014

The way sports changed my life are by the way of opened my eyes today. The education for me was tricky because I have some learning disability. That was hard for me, but playing soccer helped me get out of feeling bad. Also, having the learning disability helped I love soccer more, because I feel like a normal person. I have been playing soccer for 12 years. I play for the love of the game, not for any other reason. If I don’t play soccer I feel like my life just stopped and almost shatter. I practice as hard as I can, never give up even if its practice. I have justed recently injured my shoulder, that was not good. Doctor say’s I pulled my muscles and tendons. Sometimes my coach gets mad at me because I practice a little too hard. In games I give 100% of effort, I do not care if I am tired after the game because that’s how you should feel. I always had the love of the game. I do not care for the show boating in games. Club soccer was new to my parents, but they liked it. My Dad never understood soccer, but over time of him watching me, he loves going to the games. I started playing club soccer in 2006, when I was only 10 that’s when really playing started. Ever since that, I have been in love with playing soccer. In 2009, I was playing U14 AAA-A and we got first place in the league. When I found that out, I was so happy for the team and me. After that, I thought even more about soccer. In addition, school was still important to me, because I have a goal to go to college with a soccer scholarship. I want to be a professional soccer player if not; I would love to coach soccer. Coaching soccer is even fun too. I coached soccer in 2008 U6 boys in Ayso, and that was a little bit tricky, but good. No matter what I do even when I hang with friends I think about soccer and could I get hurt. My friend and I would jog to stay in shape and that helped a lot in soccer. I got the hang of playing goalie and that was amazing. I had a coach that would help me practice for goalie. I really never had training for goalie until third year of playing goalie. My coach that I was talent on the field as a mid and in goal. He says if I stick to my goal of a soccer scholarship he see’s me getting it. I still play soccer and never plan on stop playing. It’s mostly my whole life it was always with me.

4) Houston Hughes, 2014

Sports have changed my life in many ways. One way is a development of brotherhood, through football I have developed friendships that will stand the test of time. Also sports have given me a lot of confidence and self pride. By going out on the practice field and getting slammed again, and again by the starters I have been able to tell myself “If you can take this, you can take anything.” Also sports have given me drive to want something more. With my senior season coming Up I have been busting my chops in order to start at WR, so my Dad can come back from war and watch me play my senior night. At the beginning of my junior season I was just another jersey, and I probably had a total of 50 or less seconds playing time, so I have been going my hardest in the weight room in order to change this. I love football more than anything in the world, and I can not imagine not having it in my life, there is not a day that goes by that football doesn’t cross my mind in one way or another, you could say football’s my life.

5) Tricia Brooke, parent

Football has changed my life as this is the sport my middle sons plays and loves. Thus being said I have learned a lot about football and truly love football and football season (which I think is way too short if you ask me). Every time I hear this song I start to cry as this next season will be my son’s senior year at High School. I hope that is one of the lucky ones that gets to continue his football career through college and further if the good lord lets it happen. So please let me be the luck one to win this as I would give it to my son as a gift for all of the wonderful years he has given me the pleasure of watching him grow as a young man and a great football player.

CHANGING LIVES!

Coach T- Where can I find a school’s financial aid policy?

That’s a great question! Financial aid policies often vary depending on the school. Most schools will list their scholarships on the website under “Financial Aid”. Be sure to thoroughly check for merit-based scholarships you may qualify for. Ask the coach about types of financial aid you qualify for as well. Check for academic scholarships and their requirements. Many colleges have endowments or “pots” of money they can dip into for students that qualify. For example, some colleges have scholarships for “journalism majors from Wisconsin”, or for a student who has a “3.75 GPA and 1100 SAT and wants to major in physical therapy”. There are many different avenues out there, more than you could ever imagine. Many times raising your ACT or SAT score could earn you more scholarship money!

If you are in the Network, want to become a part of the network, athlete or parent, LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and join the Athletic Recruiting Network on Facebook!

JULY RECRUITING TIPS

Football: End of June and the beginning of July is the best time during the summer to reach out to coaches, as coaches’ head out for vacation in July and in August they are getting ready for pre-season.

Fall Sports:  Recruits should reach out to coaches during July, as fall sports will be getting ready for their seasons in August.

Upcoming Seniors (2012 grads) need to pay attention to application deadlines, get a head start on application essays and determine if they need to re-take the SAT or ACT this fall.

Upcoming Juniors (2013 Grads) need to determine if they will take the SAT/ACT this fall. If so, remind them to take advantage of the mock exams inside their RMS from Revolution Prep.

JULY RECRUITING REMINDERS

National Letter of Intent – The Signing Period ends on August 1st. This is the last 31 days for a student-athlete in the following sports to secure an athletic scholarship to a DI or DII program: Field Hockey, Soccer, Track & Field, Cross Country, Swimming, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Wrestling, Ice Hockey, and Water Polo.

Visits – Remind student-athletes to take time to visit college campuses over the summer months. Plan to visit colleges around summer tournaments, games and family vacations. Always reach out to the coach prior to the visit. Do not just show up on campus and hope the coach is available.

*Top tier recruits need to take unofficial visits during the summer and throughout their junior year in order to secure an early commitment.

Camps – All student-athletes should attend a few camps, combines and/or showcases throughout the summer months in order to get evaluations of their skill set, stay conditioned, compile additional video and get exposure. Reminder: Don’t plan on getting discovered, prepare to get evaluated!

If you are in the Network, want to become a part of the network, athlete or parent, LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and join the Athletic Recruiting Network on Facebook!

NCSA, the staff, and especially my Coach, Amanda Rawson, have all done their jobs flawlessly. Whenever my status as a student-athlete changes they call me, email me, and make sure to get in touch with me so that they can continue guiding me towards success. I’ve never seen such a well-composed, well-organized company in my life until I started working with NCSA. Big Kudos to you NCSA. Thanks!

-       Chase Turner

NCSA is a must for the serious college athlete. Their expertise in the placing of NCAA athletes is a great resource in the placement of your future college student -athlete. The knowledge you receive from the process is hands- down worth the investment. Do yourself and your child a favor and take advantage of this service as one of your tools and educate yourself early.

-       Russell Clayton

It is has been a great experience, I have had the opportunity to communicate with colleges from some of the best schools in the country. NCSA has helped me identify those schools and generate interest in me as a football player and student. I don’t know why any potential college athlete would not utilize the tools and expertise of NCSA.

-          Alex Daversa-Russo

NCSA has given me the exposure I need in the states for living overseas. I have actually recommended this program to multiple friends and they have signed up for it. I think if you are serious about sports and what you want to do, NCSA is the way to go.

-          Alexandra Sotiropoulos

I think the service provided was very good. I had many opportunities arise and talked with schools, I never would have considered prior to using NCSA. I would be playing ball somewhere if I did not have an injury. I think that if I could have stayed healthy that this would have been one of the best investments I could have made. I was unfortunate that I tore my ACL, LCL, and perennial nerve. The ACL, LCL injury was fairly easy to fix but the nerve has left me partially disabled with no control of my foot. If not for the injury I believe this would have helped my decision tremendously just due to the vast opportunities that I received.

-          Zachary Hodgins

More than helpful. There isn’t a word that I can show how much I appreciate every one of you guys. I go to a small school right outside of a town that is a lot bigger so getting colleges exposed to me would be very hard, if it wasn’t for you guys. I love NCSA and I love you guys.

-          Brian Jones

If you are in the Network, want to become a part of the network, athlete or parent, LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and join the Athletic Recruiting Network on Facebook!