NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

Charlie Adams brings 23 years of experience covering the recruiting of high school athletes who reached their dream of playing college sports. Adams was an award winning sportscaster at television stations and is one of NCSA’s Recruiting Experts.

I was driving near Indianapolis this week and heard former Indiana University Basketball Coach Dan Dakich hosting his daily talk show on 1070 the Fan. A caller called in a little ‘bent out of shape’ that IU Basketball Coach Tom Crean had recently received two commitments from players that had yet to play a second of High School basketball. Two highly rated 9th graders had made their decision to attend IU. The caller just could not understand how they could be doing that at such a young age. Dakich, who was an assistant coach at IU for years and knows recruiting inside and out, wasn’t surprised. He said back when he was evaluating talent he could often tell if a 7th grader could play at a major D1 level like Indiana and the Big Ten. In recruiting, basketball is especially accelerated and seasoned evaluators like Tom Crean can project early if a kid can play. Back in the 1980′s, Bob Knight went down to Bedford, IN to watch a legendary 8th grader named Damon Bailey play a game. In the book, “A Season on the Brink” Knight made a comment to the author John Feinstein that “Bailey is better than any guard we have right now. I don’t mean potentially better, I mean better today.” Bailey ended up going to Indiana and was a very good player at that level.

It’s not that way for every basketball player that eventually plays D1, but it is for the special ones. Trey Lyles is one of the two players to commit to IU. He stands 6’9″ as a 9th grader. The other one is James Blackmon, Jr. His Dad was a very good player back in the day at Kentucky. Tom Crean and his staff have no doubt those two project to be winning Big Ten players. As Dakich said on his radio show, the IU coaches know what they are doing because they are seasoned evaluators. They have been watching those kids in the July evaluation events.

Less than 1% of the High School athletes will get this kind of “fawning over.” The rest have to be proactive in recruiting, and understand the process starts early whether you are a 6’9″ ninth grader or not. A 5’9″ 9th grade basketball player that is not even on the varsity team needs to understand how important it is to make his baskets in the classroom so that he can have more options in recruiting when he is a junior or senior. That kid may never get a D1 offer, but if he and his family get educated in recruiting and he works his tail off, by the time he is a junior and senior he will have more options in recruiting.

Charlie Adams

cadams@ncsasports.org

Charlie Adams brings 23 years of experience covering the recruiting of high school athletes who reached their dream of playing college sports. Adams was an award winning sportscaster at television stations and is one of NCSA’s Recruiting Experts.

I had a long conversation with a mother and father whose daughter, a soccer player, had just found the right fit for college.

She was found by the college coach when he was looking at another recruit’s video. The other recruit was not clearly identified on the video, and the college coach noticed their daughter making plays on it. This is why you cannot make college coaches play detective in trying to figure out where you are on video, or some other kid will get a scholarship off your tape. I have found the NCSA guidance in this area critical. An arrow pointing at the recruit at the start of a play is very important. One of the points of College Recruiting Simplified is to make a “winning Highlight/Skills video.” The key word there is ‘winning.’ Families often have no idea how much more successful they will be in recruiting if they had a better understanding of how to work the video process. I continue to be amazed at how many families don’t even have a plan for it, and don’t have video of their kid – even as 12th graders sometimes!

The mother, father and daughter made several unofficial visits during her High School days. The young lady evaluated out to be a NAIA or D3 player, so they met with several coaches. One young head coach got all wound up during their meeting and talked about how they would have a “D1 mentality” at the D3 school. He was a little too gung-ho. They appreciated his fever and enthusiasm, but wanted to find someone a little calmer. They continued the process, made more visits, and found a school with a veteran coach who still had the fire for coaching. It wasn’t the reason they picked the school. Their major reason was the school would allow her to grown in her faith, athletics and academics, but they felt this particular coach had the calm, steady approach and decades of experience to better fit her. Now, the next kid might eat up that other coach’s wound-up approach. It’s all part of getting out there and finding the right fit. I spoke at the Mizuno Mid East Regional Volleyball Qualifiers in Indianapolis earlier this year. I talked with one mother whose daughter had already been on three unofficial visits in the Fall of her junior year, and was close to firming up the right fit. It was because she was “out there.”

For an Evaluation of your College Recruiting potential

Charlie Adams

NCSA Senior Speaker

cadams@ncsasports.org

College Coach’s Corner: Worcester State College’s Baseball Coach, Dirk Baker

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I was born to coach. I’ve been coaching in college every year since 1993, and was lucky enough to earn an Ed.M. and Ed.D. in PE. Nothing is better than practice. I love to see young freshmen come in, and leave mature adults and better baseball players 4 years later. I also do Legion and the Mass. Bay State Games to stay busy over the summer. To coach in college is a major rush esp. with fall ball, winter recruiting, winter pre-season, Fla., 40+ games, NCAAs, then summer ball.

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

We’ve been to the NCAAs 4 times since 2002. We’ve broken basically every school record ever set here, and baseball has been played here since WWII. We’re excited to open our new campus field in 2011. With our Dome bubble practice facility, low tuition, and MLB draft picks (2006, 2008) a lot of talented kids are looking here which has been ranked among the Princeton Review’s Top Northeast colleges.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I eat, sleep, drink, and breathe baseball. Practice is my time, and games are for the players. Catchers call their own games, and base stealers have the green light. We tweak guys to make everyone better. Baseball is also FUN, and you’re here to get a great education, play on a great team, and win a championship along the way.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Can the kid handle himself 1st class on-and-off the field. That means going to every class, sitting in the 1-2 rows, seeking a tutor if needed, and striving for excellence. We recruit dirt dogs who are willing to play another position (pitchers also hit here), and always put the team before themselves.

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

Showcase themselves as much as possible (don’t expect coaches to be banging on your door) and enjoy playing the game vs. just doing it to get a scholarship.

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

How did you hear about me? Where do you project me in 1-2-3 years? How can I play in a collegiate wooden bat league? Can I do a fall overnight? What type of academic scholarships are available? Am I the recruit to get Worcester State to the College World Series?

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

Not allowing the parents to be a part of the recruiting process; disrespecting their parents, high school coach, or teammates; going to college just for baseball and not appreciating the value of an education; putting social life over academics/baseball.

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

We make players into better people and ballplayers. College isn’t for everyone, and playing college baseball takes a lot of sacrifice, hard work, and execution. We play more games than any sport. Our kids will be successful in their field of study. They will love their playing experience, and be a part of our program forever.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Winning, academics, team.

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

Email or phone: 508-929-8852 / dbaker1@worcester.edu

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Fishback about his women’s tennis program at William Smith College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I see myself primarily as a teacher ,whose responsibility is to get as much out of my “students” as possible.  I also would like to think that, while I take what I do very seriously, I do not take myself too seriously.  I am going to demand a lot from our players, in terms of effort, dedication, and their time, but we’re going to have a lot of fun, too.

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

William Smith College is part of a “coordinate” system with Hobart College (officially Hobart & William Smith Colleges), which means that, while our students share one campus and one faculty with the Hobart students, all of the decisions that affect them are made by their own – William Smith College has its own athletic department (and a coach who doesn’t coach the men’s team as well!), its own dean of students, and its own student government.
3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I’m a father first, a husband second, and a tennis coach third.  Coaching is what I do; it’s what I love to do; but it’s not who I am.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Assuming a recruit fits our academic profile, we’re always looking for outstanding tennis skills, but overall athleticism and competitiveness aren’t far behind.  We want kids who go stir crazy when they haven’t picked up a racquet in a couple of days.

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

Everyone should visit her favorite schools while classes are in session.  Every campus has a different personality, and that comes from its student body.  A summer visit to a quiet campus won’t tell you enough.  Spend some time on campus while the students are there; sit in on some classes, and meet some students who aren’t tennis players.  Then, you’ll know if a place is right for you.

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

How will you make me better?

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

If a parent does most of the communicating/talking, it sends out warning signals.

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

Everyone who comes here gets better.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If you want a terrific education and the opportunity to maximize your tennis potential, and you want to pursue both in a gorgeous setting, then you have to come visit.

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

I can be reached at Fishback@hws.edu

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Koger about her women’s tennis program at Haverford College. Here is what she had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

A laid back student of the game that loves competitive tennis

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

We have a broad base of talent on our program with student-athletes from everywhere in the world; Our Honor Code makes Haverford special

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I love to teach, I love to help my players compete and I love to see my players realize their best on and off the court.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Accomplishments on and off the court; leadership; a history of dedication and commitment; and good common sense approach to life

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

Stay in contact with me to make sure all the required information for a successful admission candidate is on file with the college
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

Describe the tennis program; how many hours do the team members train; is there availability of courts all year around; a history of fitness and training; and I love to compete.

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

No apparent commitment to fitness; never played formal matches; negative talk about other players, coaches and schools

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

Helping all my players reach their potential and personal goals on and off of the tennis court

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

A student-athlete at Haverford will realize success athletically, academically and have lots of fun accomplishing their goals.

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

A recruit can reach me through our team website www.haverford.edu/athletics/tennisw. Also, through the website, my mailing address, telephone numbers, and e-mail can be found along with links to other parts of the college.  A Student-Athlete Questionnaire can be found in our home page as well.

NCSA’s College Coach’s Corner recently received feedback from Coach Gaddis about his women’s tennis program at Sage College. Here is what he had to say:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I’m a coach that likes to keep things in their proper place. At Sage we work hard and we play hard. My current players are well aware of the rich tradition of high academic performers we’ve had here at Sage and they know that in the classroom they’re to put their best effort in to get that A! If they run into trouble they know they can come see me for help (I also head up the tutoring program at Sage). Nothing changes when we hit the court; Sage tennis players know that in practice and at matches its 100% effort 100% of the time. Our motto is the same as legendary NFL running back Herschel Walker “If you train hard, you’ll not only be hard, you’ll be hard to beat.”

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

The best part of Sage is that students have 2 campuses to choose from. The campuses are only about 15 minutes apart but have vastly different course and degree offerings. If you can’t find a major at one campus I’m sure you can find it at the other!

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I’m accessible. Unlike many DIII tennis coaches I work full-time at the college. If my players run in to some issue they don’t have to text me or wait until practice to speak with me; they just drop by my office and we work it out together.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I want coachable student-athletes who are fighters out there on the court! Win, lose or draw I will never be upset with any tennis player who gives their all while playing for me.

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

Learn! Go on as many campus visits as you can, meet coaches, talk with players, sit in on classes, envision yourself on campus in the fall- make sure school you select is a good fit.
6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?

I like when recruits are really interested in their future. I like when young people talk about their dreams and aspirations both long term career goals and short term student-athlete goals and then ask how Sage can help get them there.

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

Poor communication skills. Make sure you return that phone call or email!

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

Improving your game. You will not be the same tennis player when you leave Sage. You and I will work together to build on the strong points of your game and fill any holes you may have. You’re going to learn to be more consistent AND more aggressive. You will try things you’ve never done as a tennis player before. And with the workouts we do I promise you’ll be in amazing shape too!

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Because you’ll like it! From Day 1, we’re going to push you to be the best tennis player you can be. But we’re also going to have cookouts, team outings and service activities in which you’ll get to know your teammates on a personal level.  I’ve never had a student-athlete transfer because they didn’t like Sage. Sage Athletics as a whole has high retention rates and that is because at Sage, student-athletes have done a great job forming bonds that last long after they graduate from Sage.

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

The best way to reach me is by email- gaddic@sage.edu. Also feel free to fill out our recruit form online at www.sagegators.com.

Coach Burdette from Kenyon College found time for NCSA to let recruits know a little more about their baseball program and recruiting. Here is what he had to say:

 1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself as a player’s coach because I have walked a mile in their shoes. I went to a selective academic Division III institution, much like Kenyon, and competed at a high level on the baseball field. I understand the trials and tribulations they are going to go through on a day to day basis and throughout the four years.

2. What is unique about the experience at your school?
I truly believe that Kenyon is unique in the fact that it is a national campus, very selective academically and has been a tremendous baseball program. Not many places are able to offer all of that in one package.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?
Recruits need to know that I will ask them to be first-class in the classroom, on the field and in the community. In that same fashion, the baseball program will be run in a first class manner – from the way we run practice, to the schedule, equipment, uniforms and attitude we bring to the park every day.

4. What do you look for in recruits?
Recruiting at Kenyon encompasses the three major pieces that I’m sure all colleges have: academics, finances and ability to play baseball. However, my focus has to begin with the academic side because of the selectivity, and then it’s about how passionate and talented the student-athlete is playing the game.

5. What is the one thing every recruit needs to do with the recruiting process?
Market yourself. I can’t possibly see or know about all the talented student-athletes that are out there but I will track down any lead that comes my way. (Call, Email, Video, On-Line Questionnaire).

6. What sort of questions do you really like to hear from recruits?
I like recruits that are fearless – guys that are not worried about depth charts or the rigors of the academics. So questions that pertain to how successful they can be and not worried about how difficult the challenge might be.

7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?
One turn-off is when a student-athlete remarks how he doesn’t like his coach or that his coach doesn’t know what he’s doing. Another big one is when the student-athlete is disrespectful to his parents.

8. What do you think your program is the most successful at?
Our program is about 100% graduation rates, scoring runs and winning big games. We have had some tremendous victories over some big-time programs and we want to continue our ascent to elite status.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?
A recruit should consider Kenyon because we care about the entire student-athlete. It’s not all about wins and losses, although we want to win all the games, but more about developing a great player, great student and great person.

10. If a recruit is interested in your program, how should they reach out to you?
Contact me via e-mail (burdettem@kenyon.edu), phone (740-427-5810 – office), mail (Baseball Office, Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022) and fill out our on-line questionnaire (http://www.kenyon.edu/). Also send video if you have it and a summer showcase/game schedule.

We appreciate Coach Burdette’s time and effort in putting this information together. Feel free to reach out to him to learn more about his program by using the information above.

We recently caught up with the Head Coach of the co-defending champs of the New England Collegiate Conference, Mike Leonard. During this busy spring season he was generous enough to let us know more about the Blazer traditions and his coaching style:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As I coach I pride myself in being hard working, positive, energetic, consistent, and organized.  Our practices are always high energy and we utilize our time by following an organized and specific practice plan daily.  I expect a lot out of myself as a coach and therefore expect a lot out of my players.  The baseball players here at Elms are constantly being challenged as individuals and as a team which I believe bring out the best in them.

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

Elms College is a small school which creates an outstanding environment for learning and athletics.  In a word I would describe as Elms as a “family”.  There is never a shortage of support for students dealing with academic, personal, or athletic issues and is a large reason for the success of our student athletes.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits need to know that when they come to Elms, they will get a full commitment from me to help them improve.  I always tell my players and future players that if they have the work ethic and the desire to improve I will do everything possible to help them achieve their goals.  Whether it’s in the weight room, in the batting cage, on the mound, in the field, or in the classroom, I am always willing to help them get better.  If players come to Elms with the work ethic and the desire to become a better baseball player, they will leave Elms a better baseball player.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I look for work ethic and commitment in recruits.  I like recruits who shown dedication to their previous teams and have been willing do anything to help the team win.  I also look for recruits who have shown the ability to lead on and off the field.

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

Recruits need to know that if they are serious about a school, they should let the coach know that.  Nothing is more frustrating than communicating with a player and not getting responses or getting generic responses.  Recruits who do their homework on a school to know if it fits what they are looking for in a college and who can communicate that to the coach are always great to deal with.

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

I always like to have recruits ask me how our practices are run, what our schedule is like, and how we have done in the past.  In addition, it’s always important for recruits to ask about the academic commitments of the school to see if it is the right fit for their academic needs.

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

Arrogance and dishonestly are my biggest turn offs from recruits.  Even if a recruit has ability above our level of play, and they are not interested, I would rather them be an adult and say thank you for the call but I am not interested rather than pretend to be interested.  There is nothing wrong with telling a coach that the school is not what you are looking for, but be sure to at least listen to what the coach has to say and look over the schools website, you may be surprised at what a school you have never heard of has to offer.

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

I am in my first year as the head coach here, but I want to make it a priority that our program has success making our baseball players better people.  I believe in the division III philosophy of using athletics as way to enhance a student’s educational experience.  I want our players to have great baseball careers that will lead them to a college degree and help them be a productive part of society after college.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Recruits should consider Elms if they are serious about the game of baseball and are looking for an environment where they can achieve their academic, social, and athletic goals with the help of great faculty and staff.

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

Recruits can contact me through mail, email or by phone.  Emails and letters are perfectly ok, but a phone call shows an elevated level of interest and will definitely be received with higher priority than a letter or email.

You can learn more about Elms College as well as reach out to Coach Leonard by going directly to their website below:

http://athletics.elms.edu/sports/bsb/index

Over 99% of all college student athletes go pro in something other than their sport.  So what will your profession be?  After having phone conversations with over 5,000 student-athletes, I’ve found that less than 10% have a real clear picture of what career field to pursue.  I’ve also learned that the vast majority of college students will change their major at least once while in college.  All of this is NORMAL.  So when I hear parents tell me that they’re going to wait until their kid decides what they want to do before looking at colleges, I cringe.  Waiting on researching colleges for any reason limits a child’s opportunities.

Part of deciding on career fields will be finding out what career opportunities are available in those majors.  Thanks to my colleague, Byron, here’s a link to help you research this topic.  Read the PayScale College Salary Report to gain insights on what you (your child) should major in.  Also, don’t forget that NCSA is with our student athletes until they graduate from college.  The life skills a child learns by navigating the recruiting process are transferable to the job search.

Let’s look at the following facts:

1)       The average cost of a college education is over $140,000

2)       There are over 20,000 high schools with athletic programs

3)       Only 5% or high school athletes will play in college

4)       The internet has made it so college coaches can look at kids from all over the world

How competitive is it to secure a college roster spot with some funding attached to it?  In the last 10 years, the competitiveness has increased exponentially because of the above 4 facts and these points.   When you examine how competitive it is, when do you think you should be competing for a college roster spot?  Senior year, junior year, sophomore year, freshman year, or younger?   If you said younger, that’s the correct answer.  If you’re a sophomore, junior or senior, it isn’t too late, but I bet you wished you had begun earlier, right? 

If you understand what you need to do to compete, then you’ll understand why college recruiting begins as early as 7^th and 8^th grade.  And if you don’t know anyone who are doing these things, that doesn’t mean there aren’t thousands of your peers around the country who are.  They are ahead in the recruiting race right now.  So here’s what you need to do to compete:

There are 3 legs that lead to a college scholarship, 1) academics, 2) athletics, and 3) college recruiting.  You can work real hard on those first 2 legs and that means nothing if a college coach doesn’t know about you.  When you delay working every day on college recruiting you are making a HUGE mistake that thousands of your peers are not.  Every day you wait to do something about college recruiting you lose ground to the kids who are doing something.

College coaches tell us that if they’ve known a kid since 7^th or 8^th grade and they find out about a similar student-athlete when that one is a sophomore or junior, he’ll offer the scholarship to the kid he has known the longest. 

Remember college recruiting is putting you in a position to earn a spot in a $140,000 job.  If you’re not making the effort to be recruited, what you do academically and athletically doesn’t matter.  You won’t get that job.  And waiting only hurts your chances.

The beauty of NCSA is we’ll take care of all of the heavy lifting on your recruiting effort.  That way you can focus on your work in the classroom and improving your athletic skills.  You’ll also get on the radar of college coaches so your hard work on those first 2 legs are being followed by those coaches. 

 If you want to play college sports and you’ve already played a season in high school, you’re beginning the recruiting process late.  If you need to catch up to your peers or don’t want to be left behind go here to be competitive.