NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

NCSA coaches corner got to hear from Lyndon State college assistant softball coach  Bill Johnson about recruiting – read his excerpts below:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I’m a passionate, outgoing coach whose only desire is to see our players succeed on the field, in the class room and in life. I enjoy watching our players grow into mature, responsible, hard working individuals who are willing to do what is necessary to compete and be successful.

2. What is unique about the experience at Lyndon State College? Lyndon is the quintessential small-college experience. Classes are no bigger than 20 people and as an athlete, nearly everyone on campus knows who you are. I believe our motto says it best: “Lyndon: Serious Study, Serious Fun.”

3. What do recruits need to know about you? That I am here to serve them – academically & athletically. Their success is our success.
4. What do you look for in recruits? First and foremost, I try to gauge their attitude and aptitude towards academics. As a Division III institution where student-athletes are investing in their education, it is paramount that they take their studies seriously. From a talent standpoint, I like players who are athletic, knowledgeable and know the value of being competitive. Emotionally, wee need for players who live for the “big moment”, are a joy to have as a teammate and exhibit leadership qualities.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? Weigh their options. Not every school is a perfect fit because they have a competitive softball program. When considering a college, a recruit should base their decision on a variety of things. Do they have my major? Am I consistent with the type of student who goes there? What doors will my degree open for me upon graduation and, of course, can I step in and play immediately?

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? How do your players balance academics & athletics? Do you have an academic monitoring program? If I come here, what will my role be?

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete? Those who procrastinate in responding to calls, e-mails and letters. More simply put, those who are unwilling to tell you they are not interested.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? Losing with grace. In the 2010 season, we lost 21 games, many by the mercy rule. Despite the dismal season – which has resulted in an outstanding recruit year thus far – our players played with dignity and won our conference’s Sportsmanship Award.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program? We recruit to fit our immediate needs. Therefore, if we are recruit you, we are looking to give someone a chance to step in player be they a high school senior or junior college transfer. Also, if you are looking to get a hands-on education in a small college atmosphere, Lyndon is the place for them.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? They can contact me anytime at (802) 626-6341 or via e-mail at william.johnson@lyndonstate.edu.

Read about State College of Florida/Manatee CC from Softball Assistant Coach Dave Machen who shared some thought with our Coaches Corner:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Our coaching staff is all about teaching how to succeed at the college level. We have 3 highly experienced coaches who share a common methodology. Our goals are to provide the highest level of play available at our level, while insuring the best educational opportunities for advancements to higher levels.

2. What is unique about the experience at State College of Florida/Manatee CC?

The full involvement of faculty and athletics. It is not unusual to see the President, multiple vice presidents and teachers at all home games and some of the travel games. Also, there is a close bond between the baseball and softball teams.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Our coaches are very intense and demand a level of effort equivelant to what we put into the program. We have fun, and enjoy the whole experience, but expect 100% effort.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Good Grades, good athletic abilities, basic mechanics mastered and a winning attitude.

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

Understand what they are looking for and what they need in their college experience.

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

How do you balance my school with my athletics? Where can I go if I complete all of my requirements for you? What opportunities does your program present to me?

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

Anything about what someone else may be offering or who else has been talking to them.

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

Providing a fun and competitive environment to help pave our athletes way on to bigger and better opportunities.

Read about softball program at Indian River State College from Coach Dale Atkinson:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Easy to play for and tough when I need to be.

2. What is unique about the experience at Indian River State College?

Tradition

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I’m very competitive, hate to lose and expect them to give their best effort in everything they do.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Athletes that can play multiple positions, good students and great attitudes.

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

Don’t let the coaches do all the contacting. I like to feel the athlete needs to make sure the coach knows they too want be in our school.

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

Parents doing all the talking and athletes not being proactive during the recruiting process.

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

Developing winning people.

8. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Great school, location, high academics and historically has been one of the top two year programs in the country.

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

Email

Here is an opportunity to read more about Talladega College through the eyes of Mallory York – softball coach:

* What is unique about the experience at Talladega College?

We are the oldest HBCU college/university in Alabama.

*  What do recruits need to know about you?

I am a new up and coming collegiate coach. I was a pitcher in college and played first base. I could be said as doing things old and new school when it comes to coaching. I like to have fun, but get the job done.

* What do you look for in recruits?

I look for athletes that play more than one position. I also look for athletes with strong GPA’s and someone who is a leader.

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

Have transcripts for coaches to see. It is much easier when you know if the student athlete you are recruiting is academically eligible.

* Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are a new and upcoming program that is building a name for ourselves. 2009-2010 was our first year for a softball program in the history of Talladega College. Our student/teacher ratio is 12/1, and our school was founded in 1867. We are also a 4-Year Private College.

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

By email myork@talladega.edu or my office phone 256-761-6219. Our website is www.talladega.edu .

University of Oregon head Coach Mike White shares some insights on recruiting with NCSA coaches corner in the following post:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I do not like to fall into a “category” as a coach. I think that the game is dynamic and that the coach and players must be ready to change their game plan from out to out, inning to inning, game to game and year to year. I have always said that the team that adjusts last loses. I am a listener and I always listen to my players and assistant coaches to what they have to say.

2. What is unique about the experience at the University of Oregon?

Eugene is the Ducks and the Ducks are Eugene. They are one and the same – it is a true college town and they live for the Ducks here in Eugene and Oregon for that matter. College sports is front and center of our media and wherever athletes go in town they are recognized and respected for their contributions towards putting Oregon on the national scene academically and athletically.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am a player’s coach. Having played the game at the highest level I know the pressures and situations that the athletes find themselves in frequently. In fact our entire coaching staff is well qualified to lead the team from experience, to prepare them for competition at the highest level. I also understand that each athlete is independent from her teammates and in that sense they may have to be coached differently and that they will all have individual styles. It is our goal at Oregon to take their style and mold it to the team without changing that which makes her an individual. I also value family very highly and it is always family first, school second and softball third.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Athletic presence – do they stand out from the crowd? Do they want to be in pressure situations? Do they “know” the game? Do they have good grades and do they make good decisions in life? Do they have a burning desire to win?

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

Build your wish list and start contacting schools in the 8th grade so they are ready to visit schools in their freshman year through camps and unofficial visits. If you want a top tier school you may have to make that decision as a sophomore so be prepared.

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

What does it take to be a Duck? I want to be a Duck?  How can the University of Oregon through its academic and athletic programs prepare me for life after college?

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

Poor attitude, poor effort and lack of respect for themselves, the sport, their parents and others in general.

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

Our coaches are very good at getting involved physically with drills and batting practice with the players. We are all very passionate about the game so we are not afraid to get into the “trenches” with the players and do everything we can to make them better players and people by the time they leave Oregon. It is also our mission to make the players “students” of the game, to not only work harder but also smarter.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I believe Oregon and the city of Eugene is very special. It is a great place to live, study and play softball. We are surrounded by rivers, mountains, the coastline, waterfalls and the city is just big enough. The University has tremendous academic and athletic programs that have state of the art facilities. Our softball program plays in the premier PAC 10 conference and we are working hard to become a top 10 team nationally. We have some tremendous recruits in the pipeline that we are so excited about becoming Ducks.

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

You have to stand out and get noticed. The best way initially is still through video and an introductory letter. Go online and fill out the “Want to be a Duck” questionnaire. Use your travel ball coach to make a high recommendation about you. Also get onto the best travel team that you can find, attend player evaluation camps such as the On Deck, Adidas or NFCA combines. Attend one of our camps so that we can get to know you better as a player and a person.

Read about Maine Maritime Academy College softball program and Coach Katrina Dagan:

Recruits should know I am a fair coach and always keep the student athletes best interest in mind. I love to coach and teach and develop relationships with my players that extend outside the gym or playing field. The great part about Maine Maritime is that it is a small school so you can get involved in many activities which I think is important to the overall college experience. I encourage my athletes to get involved and make a difference.

In potential student athletes I am looking for self-motivated people who have a passion for volleyball or softball but also can see the big picture and realize the importance of their education. Most of my athletes are very well rounded and take part in many other clubs, activities or other athletic teams on campus.

Our program has been very successful in coming together to create a great team and family environment. Everyone has a role and everyone buys into that role and does their part to help us succeed. Each player respects and appreciates one another and the individual talents that they bring to the team. Our chemistry has played a huge part in our success on the court. We have won three straight conference championships and advanced to the NCAA D3 Tournament for three years as well.

Anyone who is interested in business, engineering, or marine sciences should Maine Maritime Academy. We have an excellent job placement rate with competitive salaries. We are a small school with a 12:1 student to teacher ratio which is an ideal learning situation. We are located on the beautiful coast of Maine.

If a recruit is interested they can call or email me directly. 207-326-2484 Katrina.dagan@mma.edu

See what Edward Miller, Jr from Contra Costa College has to say to Coaches Corner about recruiting:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Tough by fair.

2. What is unique about the experience at Contra Costa College?

I took over a program that had not won a single game in the last past six years, however, this past season we won 19.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am structured and fundamentally focused on academics and softball.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Fundamentally sound, hard working, good students in the class room, and ready to win.

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

Think academic first, and look at the coaches background.

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

If I work hard will I play, can I do anything extra for the team.

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

I am this, and I am that. What can you do for me.

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

Working hard in the classroom, and on the field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Strong academic program, and a hard work softball program.

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

Call me directly @ 510-882-1389

Read what  Melanie Gregor, softball coach at Holy Names University shares with our NCSA coaches corner about recruiting:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am a combination of demanding and laid-back…..I expect our athletes to be self-starters and committed to being the best students and athletes they can be. I can’t always pester my players about what needs to be done academically or athletically, so I expect them to be driven to be the best on their own, as well as from motivation from peers and teammates.

2. What do you look for in recruits?

Players who have researched the schools they want to attend, who are driven, focused, skilled and willing to play for a starting spot.

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

Be informed and persistent. Sometimes quality players slip through the cracks because they don’t know what they want, where they want to go, and are just generally indecisive about going to college.

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

What are the academic expectations at HNU? What resources does HNU have for students? How can I contribute to HNU’s team?

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

Student-athletes that have not matched themselves to what Holy Names has to offer beyond our softball program.

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

Interested athletes can complete a Web Recruiting form from our website, www.hnuhawks.com , link to Softball

Gain some insight on the softball program at State College of Florida/Manatee by reading the article below from Coach  Machen:

*  How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Our coaching staff is all about teaching how to succeed at the college level. We have 3 highly experienced coaches who share a common methodology. Our goals are to provide the highest level of play available at our level, while insuring the best educational opportunities for advancements to higher levels.

* What is unique about the experience at State College of Florida/Manatee CC?

The full involvement of faculty and athletics. It is not unusual to see the President, multiple vice presidents and teachers at all home games and some of the travel games. Also, there is a close bond between the baseball and softball teams.

* What do recruits need to know about you?

Our coaches are very intense and demand a level of effort equivelant to what we put into the program. We have fun, and enjoy the whole experience, but expect 100% effort.

*  What do you look for in recruits?

Good Grades, good athletic abilities, basic mechanics mastered and a winning attitude.

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

Understand what they are looking for and what they need in their college experience.

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

How do you balance my school with my athletics? Where can I go if I complete all of my requirements for you? What opportunities does your program present to me?

* What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

Anything about what someone else may be offering or who else has been talking to them.

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

Providing a fun and competitive environment to help pave our athletes way on to bigger and better opportunities.

NCSA Coaches Corner recently caught up with softball coach Nathan Ohta from Corban University – read his comments:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach I would describe myself as driven, passionate, and focused. I love the game of softball and have a strong desire to help each of my athletes be the best they can be, both individually, and as a team.

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

Corban University is a distinctly Christian school with a low student to faculty ratio where students receive a high quality education from a Biblical perspective.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Our athletes work extremely hard in our program. Strength training, speed and agility work and skill development are a major part of what we do. I expect each of my athletes to give maximum effort as a part of everything we do, from the classroom, to the weightroom, to the field.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I am looking for talented Christian athletes that have the work ethic we demand in our program. When I watch recruits, I evaluate their talent level, but also look beyond that to attitude and work ethic when determining if they will be a good fit for our program or not.

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

The biggest thing a recruit can do to get their name on my radar screen is complete their application to our school. This tells me that they are genuinely interested, and that I ineed to make sure I know who they are and see them play.

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

I like to hear any question that shows a recruit has spent some time looking into our school, and isn’t wasting my time when they aren’t truly interested. A question about how a specific game or play in our season went, a question about a specific major or member of our faculty, anything that’s shows they’ve done their homoework on our school and softball program.

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

Two things that tend to turn me off during the recruiting process are when I get letters or emails addressed to other coaches or universities…i.e. form letters, and when athletes don’t return my emails or calls.

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

While our defense is very solid, and our pitching has been very good, what distinguishes us from many other programs is our hitting and the mechanics we employ. We have seen our offensive numbers skyrocket in the last three years largely due to a change in our approach to teaching hitting, both mechanically as well as teaching the mental art of hitting.

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

The best way to contact me is either by email or phone. my contact information can be found on our web page www.gowarriorsgo.com<http://www.gowarriorsgo.com>