NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Read coaches corner feature with Winthrop U women’s golf coach Jodi Wendt:

1.How would you describe yourself as a coach?

My philosophy as a coach is to do what is best for each individual on the team whether it is on the course or in the classroom. Getting a degree is most important. When it comes to golf, I emphasize practicing like you play. I also focus a lot on the short game. When it comes to deciding who goes to the events, I believe in choosing the athlete that works the hardest knowing that hard work will pay off in the long run.

2.What is unique about the experience at Winthrop University?

By choosing Winthrop University an athlete will get an accredited degree from a very well known school! Also, we have both an on campus indoor facility and an outdoor facility and we have 8 golf courses we can play.

3.What do recruits need to know about you?

I will be honest. And I will give you 100 percent if you will do the same for me!

4.What do you look for in recruits?

Good students, hard workers, and then athletic accomplishments

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

Recruits need to send out a very detailed resume with scores, academic and athletic accomplishments in it. Also, send a swing video and a list of upcoming tournaments they are playing in.

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

I like for them to ask about our school, what a week is like in the life of a golfer here at Winthrop, my goals for team, my expectations of them, and how we practice.

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

Resumes that do not include scores (only how they finished at an event). And a resume that does not include academic information.

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

We are most successful at creating well rounded student athletes

9.Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are a good school with a lot to offer in academics and athletics. All of our academic programs are accredited.

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

Email me with a resume at wendtj@winthrop.edu

Read what Furman  Women’s Golf coach has to say for our feature in Coaches Corner:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Passionate, determined, caring. As a coach my goal is to help provide my student athletes with the tools to be successful on and off the golf course. I want to feel confident that when my players graduate they have and will continue to challenged themselves to be the best they can be as a person, student, and athlete.

2. What is unique about the experience at Furman University?

Furman offers a student athlete an opportunity to excel in a competitive environment in the classroom and on the golf course. Its a beautiful campus with all the athletic facilities right on campus including our golf course and private practice facility. We have a rich history in women’s golf and rank 3rd among all universities for having the most players graduate and play on the LPGA.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That as a former LPGA player and Furman grad I understand the ups and downs of golf and what it takes to be successful at every level. I understand the importance of a great education as well as pushing yourself to excel on the golf course. Learning to balance life on and off the golf course I believe is a key to success.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Someone who seeks a challenge and can rise to the occasion. I look for potential as a student and a golfer. Im more interested in what you will do when you come to college then what you did in junior golf. Education is very important to me and I like to recruit student athletes that want a great education and are driven on the golf course. A strong character, a will to win and be the best they can be, all while being respectful of her coaches and teammates.

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

To start early and the recruit herself needs to be contacting schools and staying in contact with updated schedules and results. Those that take the time to stay in touch stay at the front of the files and it shows they can be proactive. Do your research and know the school and coach that you are interested in and why you are interested.

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

What is your coaching style? How does qualifying work? Questions about our tradition at Furman. Where do I stand on your recruiting list? Why should I consider Furman? What does Furman have to offer that is special?

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

Excuses for bad play, we all have bad days, no need to explain just take responsibility. Or parents doing all the talking and nothing from the recruit. Disrespect toward their parent(s).

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

Graduating successful student athletes in 4 years. They will learn a variety of useful tools at Furman on and off the golf course and no matter what path they travel after graduating they will be prepared!

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If you are looking for a great education at a small private school with a rich history in women’s golf you have found it in Furman. We have won 13 Southern Conference titles and made 18 straight NCAA regional apperances. We have graduated 16 players that have gone on to play on the LPGA tour (3rd of any school in the country), and we also have many successful women in the business world such as Cindy Davis the president of Nike Golf. Furman has a beautiful campus with our own golf course where we can play 365 days of the year. And at Furman you get the best of both worlds, a small school with a highly competitive academic institution and a very successful golf program.

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

Best thing to do is for the recruit to send an email or letter with a resume and swing video personally addressed to me telling me why Furman is on their list and requesting information.

Coaches Corner got some insight from Women’s Golf Coach Brad Bedortha about his team at Northern Arizona University – read on:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would say that I am very open and honest with my players. I expect them to work hard and put in the time and effort to be successful student-athletes.

2. What is unique about the experience at Northern Arizona University?

We are at 7,000 feet elevation, in a small mountain town. We also get to practice in Sedona all spring semester, which is beautiful.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

As I mentioned before, I am very honest with them. I am very organized and try to run a very good program. I feel that I am here to help them out.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Obviously I am looking for a good player, someone that is good in the classroom and also isn’t afraid to work hard.

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

Be very honest about their abilities and have a realistic idea of what schools they can compete at. Also, they need to be the one involved in the recruiting process, not their parents.

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

First off, I believe too many recruits do not do their research on the schools that they are looking at. Make sure you know the details of the program go to the schools website and gather as much information and details about the school, the team and the coach. Then when you email, or talk to the coach, you are prepared to ask some good questions. Therefore, when you do ask some questions you are prepared. I think all coaches like to talk with a PSA that is informed and can talk about your program.

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

When the first question involves scholarships, way too many of them ask about scholarships way to early in the process.

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

Creating well rounded student athletes, our school is very big on academics and our players graduate.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Because we have a great school, in a great environment, we have had some success as a program, we play and practice at some amazing golf courses and we are trying to get our program to the next level.

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

The easiest way is via email.

1.How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am a very competitive coach with a high desire to compete, I am very personal meaning I’m a life coach along with a golf coach.

2. What is unique about the experience at Samford?

We have a high academic standard and we have personal relationships with our player, we care what happens to our players, Our school has a small school atmosphere.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That we work hard but also Play hard, we spend a lot of time getting better and believe in doing the correct thing in getting better

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Competitive, athletic and a desire to get to the next level.

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

Send me a realistic resume and a schedule in which come watch them play

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

Do I have the ability to play from the beginning, what’s my goals for the teams

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

Parents talking for the players, no manners

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

Academics, and preparing players for life after college

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

Email

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner offers some advice from Coach Smith about her Women’s Golf program at Birmingham-Southern College – read on:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself as a coach that is dedicated to our program and players achieving the highest level of success possible, both academically and on the course.

2. What is unique about the experience at Birmingham-Southern College?

Birmingham-Southern College is a beautiful College campus. You can visit us virtually at www.bsc.edu. Check out our Interim program on the website, where students study abroad during the month of January! Also our golf facilities are second to none. Our home course and practice facility is The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley. www.rtjgolf.com . We just added an indoor About Golf Simulator for rain days. It has 3 camera’s for filming swings and you can play over 100 of the top courses in the world. You can see it at www.bsc.edu

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am very energetic, organized and determined to make our program one of the best in Division III.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Recruits that are the right fit for our program as a person of character, a good student and good golfer.

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

Recruits need to find the right school for them. A school they think they fit in academically first, socially and as a golfer.

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

I like the hear questions about our College, our Program and what is expected of them. However, I try to give them as much information about our College and program t and it usually helps with the process.

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

Hearing character concerns from the high school or swing coaches or other people close to them.

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

We have won 10 events out of 28 in my 3 years as the coach. We are trying to build our program into one of the top program in Division III. We also have maintained above a 3.0 GPA each year and have had an NGCA All-American Scholar each year. We feel like we are a successful program academically, on the course and also successful in preparing our athletes for the future.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A recruit should consider our program if they are interested in going to a great school first. They also would get to be a part of a very successful golf program and in an environment in which they will be prepared to be successful for the rest of their lives.

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

They can reach me at csmith@bsc.edu. They also can fill out a prospective-athlete questionnaire on our golf website. www.bsc.edu

Check out what Coach Mixon has to say about the Women’s golf program at William Carey College in the NCSA College Coaches Corner below:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I have been influenced by many different styles of coaching over the years. I love the openness that comes with being a “player’s coach” yet I love the discipline that comes from “disciplinarian style” coaching. I like to be a hybrid of the two. Fun to work with, very decisive and motivating, and strict when the time arises.

2. What is unique about the experience at William Carey University?

The uniqueness of William Carey University is the “family” feel on campus. We all attend Chapel on Monday mornings for 30 minutes. Our faculty is in touch with our students. This is a very positive place to be for traditional students as well as non-traditional.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am a very positive coach and I’ve got your back.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Positive people! Good players of course but good people as well. My motto is “I know your game is great, I want YOU to be great! This means on and off the course.

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

Gather is much information as possible. Take the decision very seriously. For most recruits this is the biggest decision of their lives up to this point. Listen to your options then follow your heart!

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

How big are the classes? Will I be able to play? How is the cafeteria food? Do I really have to go to Chapel…….yes. Where do you practice?

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

Make eye contact when we talk! It is very important! Shows confidence!

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

Since we are BRAND NEW, Organization! Also hiring the right man for the job, me! Just kidding!

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Great Academics, Forward-Thinking University, Great Faculty, Immediate playing time, GREAT Coach(haha!) Great Value for Higher Education and warm climate! We play year ’round!

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

Contact me at jmixon@wmcarey.edu, cell 251-623-9733, face book search williamcareywomensgolf and add us! We can’t wait to talk with you!

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

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.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Being a retired Navy Intelligence Officer, feel like I set high standards for our golf teams. We want great students and great athletes. We want to be as successful in the classroom as we are on the golf course. I believe in setting goals for each player and work with them and their teammates to achieve these goals.

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

We have approximately 13000 students on a beautiful campus in just West of Atlanta. We have the small town environment but are near enough to drive to see great professional teams from Atlanta Braves to Hawks, Falcons, and of course our Professional Hockey team too. We have a brand new football/athletic complex consisting of our new stadium, baseball, softball, soccer and golf driving range with a huge office facility and a great weight room.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that we are a State school and I personally like to recruit students from Georgia but sometimes will go outside of the state for those special recruits. However when a recruit sends me a prospective athlete form, if they don’t take the time to complete the entire form as requested, I have a feeling that they are trying to hide something or don’t have the experience that we need in a college recruit. Also when a student lists a GPA of below 3.0 in high school, they must really be that special athletic to get a golf scholarship. The task of playing golf in college, both fall and spring semesters, takes a toll on the best student and makes it very tough for the below average student to remain eligible for play.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

My first question to a recruit is what is your GPA. I want someone who has already taken the SAT/ACT with a better than average score. I want someone who is active in their school and their church. I want a recruit who plays in tournaments other than just their high school season. There are many summer programs for high school golfers to play in quality tournaments. I look for a recruit who knows what they want out of a college degree. Shows that they have done their research and that they realize what is needed to be successful. I also desire that player who is not just wanting to play college golf as a stepping stone for the PGA or LPGA. Get the college degree first and then move to the next step.

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

Get registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and used your actual name, no nicknames.

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

I like to hear questions about “Workouts”, Practice schedule, how to qualify to travel for events, can I get tutors or help with studies, can I have my own swing coach, can I be in a fraternity or sorority (high discouraged due to the time needed to meet golf practice schedule and volunteer hours for fraternity or sorority).

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

Parents doing the interviews and not giving the student/athlete the opportunity to talk during the interview. I spend 20 to 30 hours per week with their child, I want to hear what they want to say.

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

We are a new program and have move up in National ranking on Golfstat by over 20 places in the two years I have been the coach here at UWG. I think the competition we have during our practice sessions has made us a better team and the community support that we receive from our local golf courses allow us the opportunity to practice at as many as three different courses.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Our University has ranked very high as one of the best Universities in the South and we are still a very affordable university, especially for students who have attended Georgia High Schools. We have a great Business College (Richards College), our College of Education turns out 300-400 teachers per year, we have one of the newest facilities in our brand new Nursing school. We also have a new Campus Center (better than most Golds gyms), new football stadium/Athletic Complex and a brand new Gymnasium. Our Greek Village just opened this year, we have two new dorms, our Z-6 dining facility is a great place to get any type of food you could desire. Our transportation department runs continuous bus routes around campus to cut down on having to drive around on campus.

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

Go to www.uwggolf.com, click men or women, golf, prospective athlete forms and that will give me contact info on the recruit. Recruits also must know of the NCAA rules and regulations on recruiting dates and times that we can contact recruits.

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