NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Dear Coach T,

I was  injured last week, should I tell the college coaches that are recruiting me?

Dear Coach Taylor,

My high school team is not very good should I transfer high schools to play on a better team? I’m afraid college coaches won’t recruit me because my team is bad.

Robert Ferguson is the Head men’s & women’s tennis coach at Huntington University.  He was recently named 2010 MCC Coach of the Year.  Robert recently answered a few questions about how he recruits, located below.

1) What do you look for when evaluating a potential recruit?

Obviously talent and skill along with good academic results form the basis of our initial evaluation. After that, I look at the player’s personality and how they will mesh with our current players. A good work ethic and a desire to improve are a few more of the variables that round out our evaluations of a recruit. More often than not, it takes far more than being a good athlete for me to offer a recruit a spot on our team. I look at the “whole package”.

2) How do you initially reach out to a recruit?

Generally, a first contact by me or a member of my coaching staff is made through an introductory type e-mail. We inform the recruit that they appear to be someone we would like more information on and would like to follow up with a phone call.

3) Discuss your 1st call strategy for a recruit?

During our initial phone conversation I ask general questions about what the recruit is looking for in terms of a college and a tennis program to find out if we’re both on the same page. Surprisingly, I ask very few tennis related questions because I generally research a player’s tennis background before I commit to a phone call. The call is usually short and I make sure to tell the recruit what the next step is in our recruiting process and arrange to schedule another call, e-mail or visit.

4) How often do you communicate with your recruits?

That depends on where we both are in terms of the recruiting process. A top recruit that seems interested in our program will usually hear from me or one of my assistants once a week. A recruit that seems to be shopping around for offers may hear from us every two weeks and a recruit that we would like to have but shows no sign of interest, maybe once a month.

5) How do you “Close” a recruit when you want them to commit?

Our recruiting style is very relaxed and one on one. After we lay out what the school and tennis program has to offer them and we feel they are a good fit with our team, we ask for a formal commitment from them. We don’t pressure a recruit to commit, but we do make them aware that no matter how much we would like for them to become a player in our program, there is a small window of opportunity for them to make a decision.

6) What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting?

I would suggest the coach should be aware of admissions requirements and to work closely with the financial aid office on preparing an offer package to a recruit. Always be honest when talking to a prospect about playing time and where they currently fit in the line-up. In other words, never offer more than you can deliver.

Morgan Sparks is currently an Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Dominican University.  Before coming to Dominican, she was an Assistant Coach at Eastern Illinois University.   Sparks joined the EIU Women’s Basketball coaching staff for the 2006-2007 season. On the court, Sparks was responsible for the guard play, helping develop a backcourt that started two freshmen guards that combined to average over 26 points per game.

We recently caught up with Coach Sparks and had an opportunity about what she looks for in recruits.  Her answers are provided below.

1. What do you look for when evaluating potential recruits?

• Skill level
• Academics
• Interest
• Position
• Stats
• High School
• Money Situation

2. How do you initially reach out to a recruit?

Depends on their interest level.  Normally, an email will go out to everyone on our potential recruits list.  From there we will narrow it down to our top recruits which will get handwritten notes and phone calls.

3. Discuss your 1st call strategy for a recruit:

Primarily to gauge interest.  Push for an unofficial visit to familiarize the recruit with our program.  I also try to get to know the kid to make them feel comfortable in the conversation.

4. How often do you communicate with your recruits?

Email: At least every two weeks

Notes: Two times a month

Phone Calls: Once a month but picks up as year continues

5. How do you a ‘close’ a recruit when you want them to commit?

Push for an official visit.  hard follow ups with notes, emails , and phone calls.

6. What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting?

It is all about relationship building.  Kids go where they feel the most comfortable and with coaches who they like.  Won/Loss record is not as important as environment and likability.

NCSA recently caught up with MidAmerica Nazarene University Head Baseball Coach, Ryan Thompson to learn more about his program:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am driven by my values

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

We are a small Christian school located in a big city.  You get the best of both worlds by living in a small, tight knit community while surrounded by the Kansas City which has a population of over 3 million people.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I will be honest with you during the recruiting process.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

We look for guys that fit our baseball team and our University.  Positionally, we look for versatile players that can run well.  On the mound, we are looking for guys that can throw multiple pitches for a strike.

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

Be proactive.

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

How can I help the program be successful?

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

Kids that just think about baseball.  Picking a college is a big decision, they need to consider everything about a school.

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

Player development and creating a team first environment.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We provide a well rounded athletic and academic experience.

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

Fill our recruit form at our website and email our Recruiting Coordinator Rob Ramseyer at prramseyer@mnu.edu.

Gwen Burton heads into her eighth season as an assistant coach on the Chicago State women’s basketball staff.

Burton serves as the team’s recruiting coordinator in addition to working with the team’s guards, scouting of opponents and overseeing student team managers. During her tenure at CSU, Burton has coached several players to capture all-conference accolades, including four All-Great West Conference honorees last season.

Gwen visited our NCSA offices in Chicago and we had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about recruiting techniques she has found to be effective.

1.    What do you look for when evaluating potential recruits?

I look for three things in a recruit.  The first thing I look for is their athleticism.  The second thing is their attitude (how they interact with coach and team).  The third thing is their basketball knowledge (i.e. how they observe/make decisions on a fast break).

2.    How do you initially reach out to a recruit?

My first level of contact to a recruit is by sending a questionnaire.  I will follow this up with a phone call to their coach to get some feedback/additional information on the potential student-athlete.  Thirdly, I will call the student athlete after evaluating their skill level.  Finally, I will invite them on an (un)official visit.

3.    Discuss your 1^st call strategy for a recruit:

Establish a rapport off the front.  Get to know their interest and hobbies.  I will then delve into academics, asking specifically for GPA, SAT/ACT/PSAT scores, unofficial transcripts and NCAA Eligibility Center registration ID.

4.    How often do you communicate with your recruits?

Once a week by phone, twice a week through email.  I also send a letter once a month to follow up on phone conversations.

5.    How do you “close” a recruit when you want them to commit?

Invite the SA up for an unofficial visit, then bring them back for an official visit.  During the visit they will tour the university, facilities, and speak with admissions and our academic counselors.

6.    What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting?

Establish a rapport with high school head/assistant coaches and travel team coaches.  Take a personal interest in the recruit; don’t just view it as another phone call or email.

See what head men’s basketball coach Mike Lightfoot from Bethel College in Indiana has to say about recruiting in our coaches corner:

What do you look for when evaluating potential recruits? The first thing I look for in a potential recruit is his grades. I can go watch as many games of him, but it doesn’t matter how good a recruit may be if they don’t have the grades and are ineligible in college. To me, if you don’t have the same mentality in the classroom as you do on the court then I’m not particularly interested in bringing him to our institution. I also see how the recruit reacts to his teammates, his coaches and his parents. I ask myself, “Is he coachable? Is he willing to get better? Is he a leader? Will he represent our school with integrity?” These are keys in bringing in the right recruit into our program.

How do you initially reach out to a recruit? We like to go out and watch them play. Normally it’s a very informal greeting between summer basketball games or open gyms. I introduce myself, tell them what our program is about and then let them make the decision on what is the best fit.

Discuss your 1st call strategy for a recruit: It’s about relationships. First calls are always tough so I make them very light-hearted. I want to build that relationship with the recruit and get to know him better.

How often do you communicate with your recruits? I’m not one for hounding recruits. They’re just kids and I try to let them experience their high school careers before it’s gone. I normally check in with them every now and then, but I do feel there is such a thing as “over-recruiting.”

How do you close a recruit when you want them to commit? I don’t force it. I let the recruit take the time he needs with his family to make the right choice that’s best for him. This is a huge decision in anyone’s life. Getting the opportunity to work with young men at a place like Bethel is a real privilege. To see a recruit choose Bethel and then watch him mature and develop gives me great satisfaction and when you realize that these kids are finding their mission and ministry in life– that’s what makes coaching and recruiting special!”

What tips would you give coaches just getting started with recruiting? Be patient. Do what you do best and don’t sell something that you’re not. Be straight forward and willing to answer all their questions honestly.

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.

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.