NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

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.

We are always focused on answering your recruiting questions.  Its our firm belief that spreading recruiting education is a necessity to ensure that qualified student-athletes maximize their scholarship potential.  The following is the best of  “Ask Coach Randy Taylor” series.  Coach Taylor has been named the nation’s top recruiting coordinator by ESPN.com and high school football recruiting analyst, Tom Lemming. He most recently served as the Director of Football Operations for the University of Minnesota.

You can always send your recruiting questions to askcoachtaylor@ncsasports.org

You can also get your questions answered directly by contacting an NCSA Recruiting Coordinator at 866-579-6272.

Unofficial and Official Visits

How do I set up unofficial visits?

How many official visits can I take?

What is the difference between official and unofficial visits?



Do DIII schools offer official visits?

What should I wear on a campus visit?

Do I have to know a coach to take an unofficial visit?

How should we contact coaches about visits?

How can I schedule college visits during spring break?

Are official visits for ALL sports?

Scholarships/Financial

What types of financial aid packages are available for DII and DIII?

When should I expect a written scholarship offer?

Do DIII schools offer athletic scholarships?

Can you get paid to play?

How do I secure financial aid?

Do Ivy League schools offer athletic scholarships?

What to do with a verbal scholarship offer?

Are there any tax implications with athletic scholarships?

Are we on pace with financial aid?

How do college coaches divide scholarships?

When should we express financial need to a coach?

If I get hurt will I lose my scholarship?

Should we expect a full ride?

Academics

Is there a different application process for athletes?

Can I get recruited even if I am home schooled?

What GPA do I need to play in college?

When is it too late to take the ACT/SAT?

Recruiting

Should my son/daughter call the coaches?

What role does the eligibility center play in the recruiting process?

When is the best time to call a college coach?

What division level can I play at?

How important are stats in recruiting?

How do you get on a coach’s recruiting list?

I get nervous talking to college coaches.  What can I do?

Do summer camps help with exposure?

Do college coaches come and watch high school games?

When should I ask a coach where I stand?

Should parents write letters to college coaches?

Where can I find recruiting questionnaires for college coaches?

Should I fill out all those questionnaires?

What happens during a coaching change in recruiting?

Should my son/daughter have heard from college coaches?

Rules and Regulations

The contact rules are confusing! Can you clarify?Can a coach rescind a signed national letter of intent?

What are the restrictions about emails from college coaches?

What about text messaging?

Can college coaches talk to 7th and 8th graders?

When can a college coach call?

How binding is a verbal commitment?

When is the earliest you can make a verbal commitment?

NCSA

How can my son get “pre-evaluated”?

What about my question?

What is “verified” information?



Do coaches really use NCSA?

What is recruit-match technology?

Videos

What do college coaches look for in a highlight video? Just ask Tom Lemming…

Where do I send my highlight video?

Do I need to edit my highlight video?

How do I get my video to college coaches?

When should I use full game footage?

Coaches

What about the politics?

What questions will a coach ask ME?

How do I find out where I stand?

Should I simply use a coach’s email address from the website?

How can I tell if the coach is seriously interested?

How can I find the right contact info for college coaches?

What should I include in my first letter to a college coach?

How should I respond to college coaches?

Why haven’t I heard back from college coaches?

Question to ask a college coach?

High School

Why would a high school coach hold back letters?

What can I expect from my high school coach?

Should we consider transferring high schools?

How do I decide which club team to play for?

I attend a small high school, will this hurt me during the recruiting process?

Do I have to start on my high school team to get recruited?

My high school team is terrible! What should I do?

Should I start on JV or ride the bench on Varsity?

Can I still play in college if I don’t play in high school?

What should I do with my newspaper clippings?

How can I show leadership in games?

What should I do if my coach is holding my recruiting letters?

Should student-athletes request letter of recommendation?

Miscellaneous

The one tool to answer ALL of your recruiting questions!

When should I commit?

What is the NAIA?

What happens if I change my mind about my commitment?

How important is a third party in the recruiting process?

Why haven’t I heard from my dream school?

What is a National Letter of Intent?

Should I tell a college coach about a past injury?

How do I register for the eligibility center?

What happens if I do not perform well at a camp or combine?

How can I register on rivals.com?

When do I have to decide on my position?

How do we market two-sport athletes to coaches?

What do I need to know about football camps and combines?

Can you explain the transfer rules? Part 1, Can you explain the transfer rules? Part 2

I don’t like my school options.  What should I do?

Even he is looking for an offer?

When are DI, DII and DIII rosters finalized?

What are the benefits of DIII and NAIA Universities?

NCSA caught up with Wayne State College’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Molly Grisham. Here is what she has to say about Wayne State and what you should be doing as a recruit:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

A teacher who loves the game of soccer.

2. What do recruits need to know about you?

That we set the bar high for our student-athletes on the field, in the classroom and in the community and we laugh a lot!

3. What do you look for in recruits?

We look for great soccer players, great students, great people and great teammates.

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

That there isn’t one perfect school; you just have to find the school that is the best fit for YOU. Be proactive in the process and visit a variety of schools so you can get an idea of what is best for you.

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

Any question that shows they are taking the process seriously and genuinely interested in finding the school that is the best fit for them.

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

When the parents do all the communicating. I need to develop a relationship with the potential student-athlete and while the parents should be involved in the process it should be in a supporting role not as the parent-manager.

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

Graduating our student-athletes and sending them out to successful careers in the field of their choice.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Academically we have a lot to offer, our community is very safe and since I am just starting my second year, we are still in a rebuilding phase which means we are looking for student-athletes who can come into our program and make an immediate impact.

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

Email at mogrish1@wsc.edu or over the phone at 402.375.7506. You can learn more about our program at www.wscwildcats.com or www.wsc.edu

NCSA caught up with caoch Cato at IUPUI.  Mo Cato enters his fourth season as IUPUI’s top assistant and was promoted to full-time status for the 2008 campaign. The Jaguars have reached the conference’s postseason tournament in each of his first three seasons and played in The Summit League championship game in 2007.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I’m a fair but tough and disciplined coach.  I believe that development and enjoyment of the game are residual effects of hard work.  I work hard at becoming the best coach that I can be and I expect our players to work equally as hard at perfecting their game.  I try to give our players direction on what specific areas to work on to develop their game.  How much effort they put into becoming a better player is up to them.  Working hard without direction is wasted energy.  A good work ethic channeled in the right direction will always produce positive results .

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school?
We have a diverse student population which allows for a unique learning environment.  We are also less the ½ mile from downtown Indianapolis so students are always within reach of some of the best restaurants, shopping, entertainments and sporting events in the state and the country.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
I’ll always put the best interest of the student athlete first.  Also, I place a high value on the academic standing of our players.  You must impress me by giving the same quality effort in the classroom as you do on the field. Players should also know that I’m very focused and driven.  During the 2 hours of a game or training session, I’m all business.  However, at any other time you’ll see a more relaxed and benevolent side of me.

4. What do you look for in recruits?
That’s simple – work ethic.  Of course, the combination of high academics standards and high soccer kills would also make for a pretty good recruit as well.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Do the research on the school , the coaching staff and the soccer program to make sure it’s going to be a good fit.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I like to hear questions about the academic standards of the university and our soccer program.  Players should also be prepared to ask questions about how the coaching staff sees them fitting into the team and/or system.  Finally, you should ask about the stability of the coaching staff and the soccer program especially over the next 4-5 years.

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete?
Players who are just shopping around and willing to go anywhere or to the highest bidder.  If your first question is about how you can get a full scholarship then you’re probably not the right fit for us.  You must be able to show that you’re interested in our university and soccer program specifically.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
We do a very good job of recruiting local and in-state players.  We also believe strongly in academic performance and community involvement.  We’ve done a very good job at both.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
We have over 200 degree programs to choose from.  Our soccer program has participated in the conference tournament the last 5 years.  Students will receive either an IU or Purdue degree.  We are an urban campus right next to downtown Indianapolis.  We have an experienced coaching staff.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Complete the online questionnaire and then follow up with a personal email.  It’s important that each player do a self analysis of their abilities before contacting me so that their expectations are realistic about playing at the Division 1 level.

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

One that tries to get the very best from his student athletes in every aspect of their life.

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

It is an atmosphere that revolves around personal attention. The size of the school

and our city allows our kids to get to know their teachers and many people in the community.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am demanding in every aspect of the student athlete experience but it is for their own good. We want our kids to develop into fine young adults that are prepared for the journeys that life brings upon graduating.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Discipline, maturity, athleticism, and determination.

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

cess?

Show their desire to be at our school.

do you really like to hear from recruits?

Any that revolve around finding out more about Thomas University and our soccer program.

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

A desire to only find out about scholarship money. We want kids who want to be at TU because it matches their needs for the next four years, not because we offered the best scholarship.

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

Representing the University well. We develop outstanding young men and women that represent this university to the best of their abilities in everything they do.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If they want to develop over the next four years to become the best student, person and soccer player that they can possibly become, this is a good place for them. We do it all in a family environment. My teams are a part of my family. So we first and foremost want good people.

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

rzambrano@thomasu.edu

NCSA’s College Caoches Corner recently caught up with Coach Kohlenstein from Colorado School of Mines Men’s Soccer program.  Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am a pragmatic coach who works hard to have our system fit our players.  My strongest desire for our team is to help our players become better at futbol and at life.   We try and build a program based on student-athletes that are willing to work hard to achieve new success for them as individuals and the team as a whole.  When I first started coaching I was considered a players coach, thirty years later I am probably considered old school even though I have mellowed a great deal.  I still have a passion to get better everyday and a strong belief in the human spirit.

2. What’s unique about the experience at your school? For the past 5 years I have been the head coach of both teams (men and women) at Mines which has led to a great deal more work but also a very interesting melding of the programs and the players support of each other.  The school itself is in a beautiful spot that lends itself to a very healthy lifestyle that fits our coaches and our teams.  On the academic side all of our students are studying something in a math or science field.  It is a much respected institution and therefore our students are very sought after as graduates.  The student-athletes at Mines are very much students that have the additional education bonus of playing on the soccer team.

3. What do recruits need to know about you? I believe in working hard myself and expect the same from my athletes.  I believe in being fit, getting better everyday and attacking everyday to enjoy that day fully.

4. What do you look for in recruits? I look for technical ability in combination with athletic prowess.  I like players that have a willingness to work hard and want to get better.  Finally have a passion for the sport and to succeed.   These are not in order as recruits tend to have different grades in each area but can make up for a weakness by being strong in another area and recruits always leave room for us to have some work to do together.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Do the work yourself, not Mom, not Dad and not someone else.  The recruit is the one going to play for 4 years.

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? What do we expect from players?  Type of practice schedule?  What system?  What is the offseason like?  Do we have time to study?  What position or current player do you think I am like?

7. What turns you off when you’re recruiting a student athlete? Mom and Dad doing all the work and all the Talking.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Making players better as people and players in that order if they stick it out and do what is ask of them.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? We provide a great education on and off the field.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Do a little research about the school and program then email, come to a match, call us and or come to our camp.  Visit our campus you will not want to leave.

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received interviewed Coach Paul Vasquez about his soccer program at New England College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated. I want to make sure that my players are successful on the field and off.

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

Our school does a great job working with individuals. You are a person and not a number. The college community wants each student to be successful and is willing to help them.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that I will be invested in them as long as they are invested in themselves and making the effort to be the best they can.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for players that are willing to work hard, push themselves and their teammates, and is committed to being the best person, player and teammate they can be.

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

I feel they need to be honest throughout the process. I am as honest and upfront as I can be during the process and I just want the same in return.

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

What are your team goals? Where is the program headed? What do your players do after graduation?

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

Having high quality student athletes

8. Why should a recruit consider your program?

They will have the opportunity to receive an education play soccer at a high level and be part of something that is building

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

They can email me at pvazquez@nec.edu ,call 603.428.2263, or mail Paul Vazquez 98 Bridge Street Henniker NH 03242