NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

 1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I feel I am a very competitive coach a little old school demanding from my players a respect for the game. Our players get better and that is because we put a heavy emphasis on teaching and develoment.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? We are a top national program and our goal is to compete for the National Championship.  The combination of our annual ranking as the best or one of the best Academic Programs in the nation and the level of Lacrosse we play gives our players the basis to be great.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I have been coaching College Lacrosse for over 20 years and have a background of tremendous coaching experiences.  Having coached at Hampden Sydney College with Ray Rostan, Princeton University with Bill Tierney and Penn State University with Glenn Thiel.  My players will see both sides of me and that is one that expects good team play and hustle and one that is understanding and able to guide them as a developing young man.

4. What do you look for in recruits? I look for commitment and character on a personal level.  Then speed, skill and strength on a athletic level.  Lacrosse IQ has to be there or we are going no where.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Recruits need to take the bull by the horn and not sit and wait for that phone call it may never come.  Coaches also want to see them doing the work and the communication not Mom and Dad.  Lastly take a reality check what level is really best for me, Division I is not the only opportunity there is a lot of great lacrosse at all levels.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? What demands am I going to encounter?  Where can I get help if I need it academically and what kind of advisement program do you have?

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Bad character turns me off, lack of enthusiam for being there on a visit.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? We are successful in the development of our players.  We do not have guys failing out and our players can move on to the next level and step right in and play significant roles.  A lot of that success is because we develop our players Lacrosse IQ and the proof of that is in the fact many of my players are now coaching lacrosse.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? They should consider us because we can support them with a top flight academic program and a Lacrosse Program that will challenge them and is fighting to be the best.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Recruits can contact me through e-mail or by checking out our web-site at Anne Arundel Community College Athletics.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Easy to talk to, dedicated, trusting, hard working, outgoing.

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

Smaller team sizes and lots of individual attention.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am coaching because I love it and want their experience at college to be the best possible.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Athletes that are willing and want to improve their skills and talents and be part of a competitive team.

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

Contact and meet with the coach.

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

Any questions are good – I think to know what they want in a program so I can see if my program is the best fit for them.

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

Not paying attention during the face to face meeting.

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

Playing as a team – and getting along on and off the field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are a talented Division III program that is still looking to improve every year – a freshman can still make an impact on our team.

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

Email is easiest:

hutchisonc@easternct.edu or check out our website www.easternct.edu/athletics/

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am a positive/TEAM oriented coach. My goal is to get the best out of each player and therefore make us the best team we can be. I believe at the college level you need everyone on the team to understand their “roles” and fulfill them to the best of their ability. Everyone has an important role, whether they are a starter, first sub in, or a player practicing hard each and everyday. I am here for my team and want my team to feel special about the opportunity to be part of our program at Castleton. I expect and teach RESPECT in every facet of what we do and I am fair and honest with every recruit and player!

2. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know our team is NCAA Division III competitive and we strive to win our conference and represent Castleton in the NCAA tournament or ECAC tournament at the end of our season. We will work together to accomplish those goals and grow as a team each year. Each year, everyone trys out and needs to “make” the team and we are here to put the best team on the field each season! We work TOGETHER and each member of our team is valued!

3. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for lacrosse skills and athleticism, but more so for “good people”. Young people who appreciate opportunities, are humble and confident, want to be coached and get better, enthusiasm, and want to represent themselves and our program in a positive way!

4. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Castleton Women’s Lacrosse has developed a history of growth and success and we take pride in that growth. At Castleton you become part of a family and have a lot support in your academic dreams, as well as your athletic dreams. Our facilities and campus have seen great recent upgrades and our administrative support for athletics is wonderful.

5. If interested in our program…

Please go online at www.castleton.edu for information about Castleton State College, our majors, admissions, athletics, etc. Please contact Head Coach: Tammy Landon directly if interested in playing lacrosse at Castleton at tammy.landon@castleton.edu!

Recently, I’ve had a number of conversations with 2008 HS grads who didn’t receive any help in the recruiting process.  These are student-athletes playing various sports at D1, D2, D3, and the Juco level.   These conversations were also with student-athletes who never got the chance to play beyond high school.   One thing was common to all I spoke with:  They didn’t receive any help in the recruiting process.  All expressed a wish to do the process over.  Of course, they’ll never have that chance.

I’ve also spoken with over 6,000 families about recruiting and I understand what their hopes, dreams, and desires are.   To put them in a few categories would be unfair.  Every situation is unique to that family.  So each definition of success is unique.  However, there are some common themes that emerge – in no particular order.  First, a large number of families define recruiting success as getting scholarship money to play a sport in college.  For those who have read these pages and all of our education materials, you realize that scholarships are more likely to be “partial” not “full” scholarships.  Second, recruiting success is attending a college where the student-athlete gets to play.  Over 80% of the student athletes I speak with would like to play during their freshman year in college.  Most student-athletes have never sat the bench in their lives.  Third, parents want to ensure that their children graduate.  Most realize that a child’s success in the classroom will correlate with their success on the playing field.  Those parents want the college coach to care as much for their child as they do.  Fourth, student-athletes want to play at a college where they can study what they want.  Most parents don’t realize that this isn’t available at all colleges.  Some are shocked to find out that some college coaches dictate the degrees their student-athletes can pursue.  Finally, adults realize better than their children that the college decision will impact their child for the rest of their lives.  That’s at least 60 years in this day and age.  Getting that decision right is crucial!

So knowing all of this, why do parents insist on entering the recruiting process without competent help?  Why do they think that the “fan in the stands” who had their 2^nd cousin, once removed get recruited knows anything about college recruiting?  Why do parents think that someone who was recruited 20 years ago, know about recruiting today?  Why would a student-athlete rely on the high school coach in this process?  Most HS coaches don’t have the time or resources to help a child find “Recruiting Success”.  They don’t spend enough time getting to know the family to find out what that definition of success is.  Why do parents spend thousands of dollars on activities that will not help their child get recruited?  I’ve heard of families sending their kids to Australia, Hawaii, Europe, and other exotic destinations thinking this will help their child’s recruiting resume.  This is a foolish waste of resources if you have limited funds to devote to recruiting success. 

What is recruiting success?  It’s what you define it to be.  But a family needs to clearly write down those expectations so they can achieve success.  If you need expert help to achieve recruiting success, click here.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself more as a teacher than a coach.  I believe that there needs to be an emphasis on fundamentals.  I think it is important to develop each player on a daily basis and I hope each day my players feel they have learned something or have improved from the day before.

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

CNU is in a great location!  It is near beaches, cities, you name it.  The area provides great internship opportunities for the students as well.  CNU is also in an amazing transition period.  The school is growing and amazing new academic and residential facilities are being built in order to offer the student body the best.  Here at CNU we believe “Students first” and our President strives to make sure the student body has everything necessary to be successful here at CNU.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that I love lacrosse and I hope to instill my passion for the sport into all my players.  I am also willing to work with players who may not have the best fundamentals, but are willing to learn and to work to get better.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for girls who are committed to success and excellence both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field.  It is important to to have student-athletes who will work hard in school so they can leave CNU with a degree they are proud of.  I also look for girls who are passionate about lacrosse and are willing to give 110% every day to push themselves to become better as well as their teammates.  I look for girls who are willing to do the extra to make themselves the best they can be and to make our team the best it can be.

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

Visit the campus and try to set up an overnight visit with the team.  It is very important for recruits to feel like they fit in with the team and they could picture themselves on campus.  I think it’s important that you pick a school to play at because you love the school first, it has your major and you like the lacrosse team is the added bonus.

6. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A recruit should consider our program because just like the school we’re in a really great transition and we’re ready to turn the corner and take this program to the next level.  We want girls who want to be a part of a new tradition of CNU Lacrosse.

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

The best way for a recruit to contact me is via email.  It is the easiest way to get a hold of me since I can always check it anywhere.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I’m the type of coach that likes to push my players to the best of their ability. Every practice I give them feedback to make them better for the next game. I teach them to learn from their mistakes and build off of it. I like for my players to take risks and challenges in games because it makes them a better player. think outside the box in every field situation. I’m also a very approachable coach and a listening ear for all my players both on and off the field. I’m a strong believer that players need their coaches to teach them the game of lacrosse but also need direction on everyday life situations.  As a coach guidance of these young student-athletes is important because you’re not just preparing them for a game but you’re preparing them for real life after 4 years

2. What do recruits need to know about you?

We are a growing program that is part of one of the toughest conferences in the nation. We look for student athletes who are dedicated to their academics and dedicated to lacrosse. We look for dedication, motivation and commitment.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for strong athletes who are willing to see the game in a different light and better their skills. I look for young ladies that are ready to face a challenge. I especially like recruits that play basketball because they are the best defenders. We like our players to have good communication and just ready for the next level of play.

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

I like when recruits ask about our academics as well as our program. I like to hear about what the overall experience at Hood is and what the student-athletes do on the weekends. I also like when they ask about where the program is going and how they can fit in with the program and the school as a whole.

5. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A recruit should consider Hood College because it gives a young student-athlete the chance to earn a great college degree as well as making a legacy for our lacrosse program.  Freshmen get the opportunity to play and show their talent right away. They don’t have to wait for later years in their career to play like at some other schools. Its like they will be a big fish in a little pond.

6. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
The best way to reach me is email evans@hood.edu or my cell phone 860-508-1782.

1) How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I love the game of lacrosse and am very passionate about the Cabrini student-athletes. We like to work hard and have fun; I believe you can do both and be successful. We have a history of successful lacrosse teams and look to welcome new talent to our teams every year.

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

The unique thing about being a student athlete at Cabrini College is the students, faculty & staff. I think we attract a wonderful group of students here and the experience is complemented with amazing professors. The classroom size is just right; you will never feel like a number and will almost always have access to your professors. The Athletic Staff is just as eager to help see you succeed both on and off the field.

3) What do you look for in recruits?

I look for young ladies who are interested in doing well both on and off the field. Are eager to work as a team to reach our goals.  Who want to gain knowledge that will not only help them as students, but also develop their potential to succeed in life after graduation.  Our alumni are also a very invested in our current teams and are always willing to lend their support.

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

Feel free to contact me anytime, by any means. We are always interested in new talent and welcome recruits on campus as much as possible.

Coach Taylor, How Can I be sure that coaches really use NCSA?

Great question.  To tell you the truth I was very skeptical the first time I walked into NCSA.  I had spent over 30 years recruiting student-athletes and assumed that I knew the best and only way to recruit.  When I first walked in the door I was amazed at just how behind the times I had fallen.  Take a quick look at why coaches REALLY use NCSA.

Now take a quick look at the reaction we get from college coaches after they use our Recruit-Match System  (Note: All of these comments have come this week).

Thanks for all your help for the 2010 class we are on some good players. We have already begun work on 2011 and continue to use your website exclusively.

The ability to see video and transcripts is key. We can make a quick decision on whether we will take the recruiting of that athlete to the next level instantly.

Thanks again for your service it is a tremendous help to us in identifying potential prospects for State.

We like the format you use in sending information to us on recruits. You make a good impression and the info on each person is well presented.

We like the way that you accurately rate the player’s level. Very good and very helpful.

I think you do a fantastic job of getting the information we need to make a judgment of whether or not we want to recruit a young man to State College. Keep up the good work!!

After watching and reading why coaches really use NCSA I hope you don’t make the same mistake I made for years;  Maximize your Recruiting Potential with NCSA.

Send your recruiting questions to askcoachtaylor@ncsasports.org

If you would like to speak with a NCSA Recruiting Coordinator about your personal recruiting situation, call 866-579-6272.

Coach Taylor – What does it take to play my sport at each division level?

We get this question a lot at NCSA.  There is a lot that goes into an evaluation by a college coach.  NCSA has spent the last 10 years evaluating players for college coaches and has a tremendous amount of data stored up.  We used this data to develop our Exclusive Recruiting Guidelines to help give recruits an idea of what schools they should realistically be targeting.  They are guidelines, not hard fast rules, but they can give recruits an idea of where they fit.

Baseball Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Basketball Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Basketball Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Cross Country Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Cross Country Recruiting Guidelines

Field Hockey Recruiting Guidelines

Football Recruiting Guidelines

Water Polo Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Golf Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Golf Recruiting Guidelines

Ice Hockey Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Lacrosse Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Lacrosse Recruiting Guidelines

Soccer Recruiting Guidelines

Softball Recruiting Guidelines

Swimming Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Tennis Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Tennis Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Track and Field Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Track and Field Recruiting Guidelines

Men’s Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines

Women’s Volleyball Recruiting Guidelines

Wrestling Recruiting Guidelines

Send your recruiting questions to askcoachtaylor@ncsasports.org

If you would like to speak with a NCSA Recruiting Coordinator about your personal recruiting situation, call 866-579-6272.

NCSA is proud to announce the commitment of Jacob Podolnick to theAir Force Academy.  Jacob is a 2010 graduate from Flanders, New Jersey where he attends Mt. Olive High School. He was recently featured in the  Daily Record “ Mt. Olive’s Podolnick taking game to Air Force ”  Jacob is an outstanding kid that will serve our country well.  NCSA wishes him the best in his future endeavors.