NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

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

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

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

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

Have you seen the new NCSA video site?  In an effort to further promote our student-athletes we have launched the NCSA College Recruiting Videos Site.  http://www.ncsasports.org/college-recruiting-videos
To celebrate its launch we are giving away an iPad to the video with the most Facebook “Likes.”  How can you win?  It’s simple, just search for and send out your video to your family and friends.  Ask them to hit the “Like” button.

• You can email it
• You can Post it on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace
• You can tell your friends to look you up

You can spread your video in any way you think up!  The contest will run through July 26th at 12 p.m.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As legendary US soccer coach, Bob Gansler, would say, “I’m a teacher in short pants.” I strive to teach my players the technique and tactics but also to respect the game and play with passion. I am extremely competitive and through my coaching bring that competitive mentality out of each player.

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

Since the early 1970s, the Alverno College faculty have been developing and implementing ability-based undergraduate education, redefining education in terms of abilities needed for effectiveness in the worlds of work, family, and civic community. The distinctive feature of an ability-based approach is that we make explicit the expectation that students should be able to do something with what they know. This academic philosophy fits perfectly with athletics and taking what you practice into games and then evaluating those performances.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

Work ethic on and off the field. Any special traits like winning head balls, 1v1 attacking, vision in midfield, etc.

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

Be proactive in researching schools and contacting coaches.

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

We never quit. No matter if it’s a tough game or an easy one, the players compete until the final whistle.

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

Shoot me an email or give me a call anytime. You can also attend one of my soccer camps which gives us both a chance to work together and get know each other. My contact information is on our website at http://athletics.alverno.edu/.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I feel that the most important job I have is to help our players – help them improve, help them succeed, help them grow and learn in life. I hope that reflects in my coaching. Our players know that we are here for them. We have high expectations; but we are also ready to help them meet and exceed those. I think most of our players would describe us as Players’ Coaches.

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

OC is a place that truly includes it’s students in a family. I’ve seen very few schools that have as many people on campus with a willingness to help each of our students to the degree of OC. Students looking for an academically challenging but caring university will be very happy at Oklahoma Christian.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that we try to run our program at the highest level possible. We expect the same from them. They also need to know that academics, family, and their faith are important to our success.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

We look for well-rounded, versatile soccer players. We play a possession oriented system that requires players to think on their own. We don’t shout instructions to our players constantly; nor do we turn them into robots. We allow and encourage them the make good choices on the field. So, we are looking for soccer-intelligence as well.

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

If I can only tell recruits one thing about the process, I would say what recruits hear from us now: Make sure you choose a school that you can attend for four years, even if you couldn’t play soccer. If you find that school – you’ve made a great choice.

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

I like to hear questions from recruits that show me they have done some homework about us – what are our recruiting priorities for that year? How many players do we look to bring in? etc. When the first questions is ‘How much money do you have available?’ the main factor of her decision is pretty clear.

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

Parent-Agents. Every year, we will have at least one player that will never initiate a phone call or email, but mom/dad will do so on a regular basis. We need to see that the player is invested enough to participate in the process. I’m very proud of my children – nothing wrong with that. However, the players need to do this work.

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

I feel we are most successful at doing what college soccer should be doing: helping soccer players get a college education. Everyone of our seniors this year graduated in 4 years. OC provides a first-rate education in many areas. If our players get that education and are able to play on a nationally competitive soccer team along the way – we’ve done what we should do.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Recruits should consider OC if they are looking for a school that is strong academically and very competitive on the field. They should consider OC if they want to be a part of something special that will truly stay with them for a lifetime. The effect of the OC Family is truly second to none.

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

Recruits interested should call or email to express their interest in OC. Make sure to include player profile or resume, a way to see them play, and a way to get in touch with them.

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. Reach out to the coach prior to visit, do not just show up on campus and hope the coach is available.

If a student-athlete is a top tier recruit, the unofficial visit during the summer may be the vital key in securing their scholarship offer and spot in the team. Majority of DI and DII program intend on having the recruiting done as early as possible. This also includes top level DIII and NAIA programs.

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!

JULY RECRUITING CALENDARS

Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball:

• July 1-5 Quiet Period

• July 6-15 Evaluation Period

• July 16-21 Dead Period

• July 22-31 Evaluation Period

Football: Quiet Period.

Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Men’s Lacrosse,

Women’s Lacrosse, Cross Country/Track and Field: Contact Period

PHONE CALLS:

Juniors, 2011 Grads (Division I):

1. Men’s Basketball, Men’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per month.

2. Women’s Basketball: DI – 3x in July (max one per week).

3. Women’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per week starting July 7th.

4. All Other Sports EXCEPT Football: DI – 1x per week starting July 1st.

Juniors, 2011 Grads (Division II):

1. All Sports: 1x per week.

Sophomores, 2012 Grads (Division I):

1. Men’s Basketball: DI – 1x per month (includes letters/emails).

2. Men’s Ice Hockey: DI – 1x per month (includes letters/emails).

3. Women’s Ice Hockey: DI can call Internationals 1x from July 7-31.

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 August to get ready for pre-season.

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

!!!ALERT: DI coaches are always recruiting and looking at athletes, however, at this point in the recruiting process there is not always a spot available or money tied to that spot. Seniors this late need to look at walk-on spots, junior colleges and understand that they may need to tryout.

NCSA recently had a chance to catch up with Head Coach Patrick Gilliam from Trinity International University. Here are some words of advice he has for future recruits:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am a coach who is highly competitive and passionate about the game of soccer.  However, with that being said, I am even more excited about the opportunity coaching at the collegiate level presents me to be a teacher and mentor during 4-5 of the most formative years of a young person’s life.  I see soccer and competitive athletics as a tremendous ‘laboratory’ for teaching young people valuable life lessons that will go with them far beyond their playing careers…into their lives as employees, wives/husbands, mothers/fathers.

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

I think that in the TIU Men’s & Women’s Soccer Programs, we strive to create a ‘family-like’ atmosphere/environment where the players will not only play great soccer and against top competition, but also develop life-long relationships/friendships.  I also would say that what makes the Trojan Soccer Programs unique is the dedicated focus upon a “whole-life” experience.  As a coach, I am looking to not only develop our players on the field, but off the field in their academic, social, and spiritual lives as well.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I think it would be important for them to know that I care about them…but not just as a soccer player.  My care/concern for them goes far above and beyond what they can or will accomplish on a soccer field.  My goal and desire would be to offer them a holistic experience that is life-changing and has an unspeakable impact upon their life.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I am looking for recruits who are hard-working, dedicated, and extremely teachable.  To go further…and I think this is one of the reasons we’ve been blessed to have such a healthy/positive team environment…I am looking for recruits who, simply put, are looking for a program like ours.  I am very intentional about letting recruits clearly know and understand what life will be like here at Trinity—both on and off the field.  I am clear about our goals, our philosophy, and our core values.  I am not necessarily looking for a recruit who has completely ‘arrived’ in these areas…but certainly one who wants to be in an environment/’team culture’ such as the one we are seeking to develop here at TIU.  That meshing of goals and vision help in creating a synergy within the soccer program that lend to a positive overall experience for the student-athlete.

5. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
As I was saying earlier…particularly in question # 4…I know that I get very excited when a recruit asks questions pertaining to our overall team mission, philosophy, core values, and vision for the future.  It tells me, clearly, that this young man/woman is looking for SO MUCH MORE from their intercollegiate athletic experience than just four years of practices and games…that they are diligently seeking a HOLISTIC and life-changing experience; something we are desiring and hoping to offer every young man and woman who comes through our institution/soccer program.

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

I think that we have been very successful in teaching players that while they are to strive for/be the best they can be within the athletic realm of their lives [as soccer players], there is…at the end of the day…a great purpose and goal for not only their 4-5 years of college, but also beyond their time here at Trinity.  I think we have had great success on the field for many years now…but even greater success at preparing/equipping young men and women for life after college.

7. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I would think that within TIU Soccer, we offer a young person the opportunity to play quality/high-level soccer in a competitive/driven environment…but also, at the same time, leave their college days with a multitude of life lessons/applications that go far above and beyond simply wins, losses, and statistics.  Again, the word that comes to mind for me is ‘holistic’ and I am confident in saying that I think any player who participates in either Trojan Soccer Program will leave here with a wealth of life-lessons that will serve them far beyond the days of their athletic career.

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

The best thing that a young man/woman can do is to contact me via phone [847-317-7094] or email [pgilliam@tiu.edu].  I also would encourage them to go to either of our soccer webpages at www.tiutrojans.com and complete an online/email recruiting profile.  Doing this not only provides me with your background and contact information, but also passes on those same key pieces of information to the Trinity Admissions Office; allowing them, as well, to remain in contact with you.

NCSA had the opportunity to recently interview Coach Steven Kimble from the College of Saint Benedict. Here are some words of advice he has for future collegiate athletes:

Coach Steven Kimble

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
Competitive, successful, and full of personality.
2. What is unique about the experience at your school?
Women come first at our school. Our female athletes have their own facilities and do not share with the men. We always get prime practice times. We have trainers that are incredibly experienced in dealing with female collegiate athletes. Our full time strength and conditioning staff work exclusively with women. We’re an all women’s college who coordinate with an all men’s college. They have their stuff and we have ours. It’s the best of both worlds.
3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I want to coach athletes and good people; not prima donnas or complainers. If you were a bench player in high school, and you think the reason for that is the head coach, please look elsewhere.

4. What do you look for in recruits?
Work rate, strength, speed, skill, vision, and confidence.
5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Visit campuses of the colleges that you are interested in.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I like to hear them ask questions about the college itself. It tells me that they are not just choosing a school based on a sport.
7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?
When their parents contact me instead of them personally.
8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Consistency. Our program hasn’t had a losing season in women’s soccer in over 20 years.
9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
We’re always a winning program, we have an aggressive attacking style of play, and we have a heck of a lot of fun.
10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Look us up on csbblazers.com. Email me or complete our recruit form.

NCSA recently had the chance to catch up with Viterbo University’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Scott Pirnstill; here are his answers to our questions:

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

Two things are very unique about our school. First, academics come before soccer. Our program is very flexible and we work around the student’s academic program, yet we are still a very competitive soccer team. Second, La Crosse, WI is a fantastic college town with many things to do. It is nestled in the bluffs of the Mississippi River and there are many outdoor activities from downhill skiing in the winter, to water skiing in the summer.

2. What do you look for in recruits?

I look first to see if the recruit is an all-around fit to the school. I always ask a recruit, “If you didn’t play soccer would you still come here?” I then assess their talent and let them know where they would fit into our program.

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

One turn off I have is when the parents take care of everything in the recruiting process. I want to talk to the recruit, not the parent. The parent is not coming to the school, the recruit is. It can be a red flag that the recruit will struggle when they are out on their own and their parents are not there to take care of them.

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

Our program is most successful at building women with the life skills that they will need to be successful in a career when they graduate. We use soccer as the platform to teach them about contemplation, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, and service.

5. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We offer fine academics and a competitive soccer program. We also have a fantastic location and a strong tradition of excellence.

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

Please email me at srpirnstill@viterbo.edu<mailto:srpirnstill@viterbo.edu>

NCSA recently had a chance to catch up with Coach Blake Reynold from Midland Lutheran College. Below he offers some great advice for future collegiate soccer players:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself as a player-centered coach who believes that a coach is there for the players, not the other way around.  My personality is laid back, but also very motivated to succeed.  In this type of environment, my players thrive as they are given the tools they need to succeed, but also the freedom to express themselves and have an imprint on the program.

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

As a small school, life is not 24/7/365 soccer.  Now don’t confuse this for a lack of competitive attitude and less training; it’s more about the understanding that to be a true college student, you need experiences academically, athletically and socially. You are given time in each area to succeed.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

As a younger coach, my ideas and training methods are of a fresh perspective.  Training is not mundane and nose to the grind every day.  We mix things up, keeping the players on their toes, which in turn, keeps them motivated.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

A commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.

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

Do your research.  Don’t visit a school without knowing information about it – would you show up to a job interview with no knowledge of the company?  The second piece of advice, is to embrace maturity.  Even with schools you are not interested in, have the guts to email or call that person back and let them know.  Ignoring a college coach who has taken the time to watch you play, and write you a letter is very immature.

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

I like a recruit to show an interest in the program and the school in all aspects.  From specifics to what training is like, to what is campus life like…

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

One who is unprepared and has not given any real thought to their future.

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

Providing an environment for student-athletes to compete and win in a high level of soccer, while still allowing them enough time to be college students.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A recruit should consider this program if they are open to receiving a personalized education, if they realize that their dream of attending a North Carolina isn’t realistic anymore, and they want to find a successful program where they can have success both as an individual and as a team.

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

Best way is to email me at breynolds@mlc.edu.

NCSA recently had the pleasure of catching up with Mount Mercy College’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Raven Blackwell. Here is a little information about her team and what she looks for in recruits:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

In general, I pride myself on being personable. I want players to be comfortable in approaching me with any concerns they may have on or off the playing field. I want our players to have the best resources possible to grow as students, athletes, and, most importantly, individuals.

On the field, I am a supporter of mastering the technical skills needed for success and understanding the creativity within the game. Also, I look to not only teach the “how” of the game, but also the “why.” There is always a purpose in how we play and every player knows that because they learn the game.

Ultimately, our coaching staff will push every player to be the best and instill a sense of responsibility and pride throughout their playing career.

Your success is our success. Your failure is our failure. We are in everything together!

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

At Mount Mercy, our players have the opportunity to receive an excellent education and a chance to play college soccer at a competitive level. However, players will also have the opportunity to be involved in activities other than soccer, make lifelong friends, and have a memorable college experience.

3. What do you look for in recruits?

Our coaching staff looks for players with a good foundation and understanding of the game. We also look for players who have a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to the team mentality.
4. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Where do you see me fitting into your program?

If I want to see playing time, what do I have to do?
5. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

As a coaching staff, we are turned off when recruits do not respond to phone calls, texts, and/or emails. No matter your interest level, give us a response.

If you are interested, let us know. If you aren’t, let us know too.
6. What do you think your program is the most successful at?

I think our program is most successful at having the ability to balance academics, athletics, and any other activities like clubs, organizations, and jobs.

This offers the opportunity for every player to have a well rounded college experience.
7. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Our program (and college) will give individuals lifelong tools to be successful on and off the field – guaranteed.
8. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?

Players may reach out to us any way they would like. We appreciate any and all contact from potential players.