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.
Read about Ave Maria University softball from head coach Tim Speakman as he offers some information to our coaches corner:
1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?
I see myself more as a Mentor than a Coach. I am here for greater reasons than coaching softball. I am here to mentor these young ladies at one of the most crucial stages of their lives. They are here to get an education and to improve their skills as young adults in order to be a productive and positive influence in our society. Softball is only a small piece of the puzzle but they can learn important life skills while being a part of a collegiate sport that requires discipline, hard work, and commitment.
2.What is unique about the experience at your school?
Ave Maria University is a vibrant liberal arts university located in beautiful Southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Catholic Church and is committed to providing one of the be finest classical liberal arts curricula available.
3.What do recruits need to know about you?
I am here to help them to continue to grow as young adults and to provide them with experiences that will hopefully help them later in life. I will also be monitoring their educational progress to make sure that they are staying on track to reach their ultimate goal, and that is a great education.
4.What do you look for in recruits?
I look for young ladies that represent themselves and their families with a “positive image”. When you play a collegiate sport you are representing not only yourself, your family, but also an entire university, therefore I recruit student athletes with “high character”. I also look for student athletes that are not an academic risk. I want them to stay here at our university for 4 years and get their degree and that takes a great deal of self discipline and commitment to be able to juggle their academics and a collegiate sport.
5.What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Be honest with yourself and the coaches that are recruiting you. Research the university in every way possible before you make a commitment to make sure that it provides your needs for the education that you desire and the atmosphere for which you will be exposed to.
6.What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
What can your university provide me for the education that I desire? This tells me that their education is important to them. Where do you see me fitting into your softball program? This gives them an idea as to where they will fit in to the program and if this is where they want to be for the next 4 years.
7.What turns you off when you are recruiting a student-athlete?
Long e-mails with a life background!!!! Keep e-mails short and to the point and include important information such as ACT/SAT , GPA, and game schedules. Coaches want to see grades, scores, and ability by personal evaluation.
8.What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Providing one of the best liberal arts educations in the world and being able to play collegiate softball in one of the most competitive states (Florida) for women’s fast pitch softball .
9.Why should a recruit consider your program?
We will provide them with one of the best educations they could possibly receive in one of the most beautiful areas in the United States. On the softball side of things we are committed to building a program that will compete for conference as well as national championships.
10.If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Send me a brief e-mail with important information such as: ACT/SAT scores, desired path for their future education, and how and when I would be able to evaluate them as an athlete.
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.
NCSA recently asked Coach Stupek from Shasta College – a few recruiting questions, and here’s what he wrote:
1. How would you describe yourself as a coach? I am tough and fair and mostly fun…….we have a great time here and love doing what we do.
2. What is unique about the experience at Shasta College? Northern California, beautiful Lakes/Rivers and warm weather and a veteran coaching staff (2 coaches over 20 yrs here and 2 more that played baseball here in the 1960’s!!)
3. What do recruits need to know about you? Cal-JC’s are non-scholarship by nature but we do offer Financial aid and work study and it is very affordable to come here.
4. What do you look for in recruits? Positive attitudes-good work ethic that is reflected by their grades and coaches recommendations.
5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process? It’s a process, filled with paperwork and potholes. One “No” answer is just an opportunity to find a better fit. Be diligent, ask questions, be positive!
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits? Grades-classes-moving on questions. I look positively at a player who looks at the big picture……wants to move on and do better, BIG THINKERS!
7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete? Negative talk about former players/coaches/schools….let the buyer beware that you are probably next in line.
8. What do you think your program is the most successful at? We have been very successful (1,000 games-700 wins) but we have more many on to quality institutions after their time here is done. We are continually in the top 10 in State Team GPA (83 schools) and have won the top award 3 times!
9. Why should a recruit consider your program? Winning on the field-veteran leadership-beautiful location-big picture mentality-plus we have a lot of fun doing it
10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you? Sonny Stupek sstupek@shastacollege.edu 530-209-6358 cell1
NCSA coaches corner got to hear from Lyndon State college assistant softball coach Bill Johnson about recruiting – read his excerpts below:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
