NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Carleton College’s Baseball Coach, Aaron Rushing:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I am relaxed, more a teacher than a yeller, and I have very high expectations of our players.  I push them hard and try to get them to see where they can push themselves even more.  We focus on the fundamentals, throwing strikes and playing good defense.  I expect our players to be exceptional baseball players and highly committed, but I expect our players to take advantage of all the opportunities available at Carleton.

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

I would argue that we provide the best combination of baseball, academics, and student life in the country.  We are competitive in one of the top conferences in Division III.  We are a top 10 liberal arts college.  Our players are able to experience “college” and all that Carleton has to offer.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Most importantly, I care about the players.  I want them to succeed on and off the field.  We have a team GPA over 3.3, and our guys do amazing stuff off the field.  I am going to support your non-baseball interests more than just about any other coach.  One of our guys did a health care service project in Africa last summer, another won a Fulbright, and most study abroad during the fall or summer at least once in their career.  Close to 10% of our players are pre-med.  We have several two-sport athletes as well.  I’m not going to try to run your life off the field.  I expect great commitment and effort when we’re together, but I want you to pursue your other interests as well.  We have just one rule: do the right thing.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

I want the player who wants to win a championship without sacrificing academics.  I place a priority on competitiveness, athleticism and a great arm.  Our guys need to be able to throw, run and hit, and be committed to getting the absolute best education they can get.  Our ideal guy is a Division I player who is not willing to sacrifice academics to play at that level.

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

Have a transcript and video ready for coaches.  Also, be proactive in the search so that you get a good idea of what you are looking for.

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

Questions about what the college athlete experience will be like.  I want guys who want to spend more time with the players than with me.  The players are the ones who can tell you about being a student-athlete.  As a coach, I have a feel for where they will fit on the baseball field, but they’ve got to be a fit with their teammates and the school.

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

Guys who have not done any research on their own and have no idea what they are looking for.  I need guys who are self-starters.  Carleton is one of the most challenging colleges in the country and our guys have to be able to balance academics and athletics.  If the academic part of the college search is not a priority, they will not be a good fit.

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

Giving our players a great college experience. Our guys compete and have fun.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Unique opportunity to play for a competitive program while getting the best college education in the world.

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

Email me and fill out our online questionnaire:

http://www.frontrush.com/Templates/FRGeneral/Carleton/MBaseball/SubmissionForm/carletonmbaseball.html

I will also want a skills video and a copy of their transcript.

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Loras’ Baseball Coach, Daniel Wellik:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Personable, demanding, and understanding.  As a younger coach it is easy for me to relate to players, as not too long ago I was in their shoes.  I expect alot out of my athletes and in turn hope they expect alot out of me.  We are all together for common goals so we hold each other accountable.  I feel that I expect alot but am fair in doing so.  I also understand that sometimes things don’t go as planned and being able to adapt is one of my strengths.

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

First and foremost, Loras College is a wonderful place with great people.  The people are what makes Loras, you will not find a friendlier atmosphere where young people turn themselves into responsible adults.  It is a great place to learn and grow at.  A few things other things to note would be that we are a smaller school (enrollment 1800) and that we are a laptop computer campus in which every student receives a computer and where technology is used in the classroom on a daily basis.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

We are here to help you become who you want to be.  As cheesy as the NCAA television commercials are about student-athletes going pro in other things than sports, it is true.  There are so many things outside of baseball that we try to help our athletes with.  From internships, to studying abroad, to learning important things about life in general.  We try to teach our kids how to be most importantly good people who will be good husbands, fathers, and members of their community.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability is the first thing that most coaches look for and so do we, we want kids that can help us win.  Second, we look at the person academically usually over a 3.0 gpa and 20 act.  There are also other things like character, internal drive, and we want kids that want to be at Loras not kids that want to be somewhere else.

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

Be honest with themselves and with coaches.  Always keep the lines of communication open and let coaches know if you are or are not interested.  Coaches would rather hear no than not hear anything at all.  Also, look at what the school is offering you and ask yourself if that is what you want.  We have had kids who have picked other schools when they don’t have their majors.

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

I like to hear questions about goals we have for our program and the future.  I also like questions about what we see in them as players.  It gives them a good idea about how much we are interested.

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

When they don’t respond.  If I contact a young man and they don’t respond in a reasonable amount of time, it frustrates me becasue I don’t know if they are not interested or are.

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

I feel like we are successful in instructing and teaching the game of baseball the right way.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

The opportunity to play with outstanding teammates, be coached by outstanding coaches, and receive a degree that will set them up for success for the rest of their life.

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

Email me at daniel.wellik@loras.edu or they can go to our baseball webpage at www.duhawks.com and fill out a prospective athlete questionnaire.

College Coach’s Corner: MacMurray College’s Baseball Coach, Fred Curtis

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Believer in the importance of executing and doing the “little things” well.

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

Classes ONLY 4 days aweek!

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That they will be treated fairly and given equal opportunity to play! All playing time is based on performance.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Quality student-athletes! Sound baseball skills. Good character, team players, ability to get along with others, coachable, positive attitude, mental toughness, goal-oriented, passion to play and compete.

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

Make application to the school and get FASA info. to the school!

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

Any questions the recruit would like to ask that they feel is important for them to know weather it be about me or anything related to our program.

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

Failure to inform me about their REAL interest in our school within a reasonable amount of time. Failure to answer phone calls or to return messages.

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

Showing special interest and concern for the overall success of our players both in the classroom and on the baseball field.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Great opportunity to get a quality education and a great opportunity to play and compete in college baseball. Be exposed to a college campus with many friendly and caring people who will do what the can to help you be successful.

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

Please call me at 217-479-7153 or e-mail me at fred.curtis@mac.edu

College Coach’s Corner: Marietta College’s Baseball Coach, Brian Brewer

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

“Old School” with a twist.  Big on discipline, playing the game the right way, but ultra competitive.  My door is always open and we feel we are one big happy family but we do believe in tough love.

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

Big college baseball environment in a small school atmosphere.  “Big fish small pond.” Our alumni and community support is outstanding.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am not the easiest guy in the world to play for, nor is this the easiest program to play in. We will demand your best every time out (i.e. weight room, practice session, classroom, social settings, games, etc…..)  We, as a staff, our demanding.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Good kids from good families who can play the game. You must have the ability to get it    done academically and athletically at this level.  We like young men who are super competitive and play hard on the field but perfect gentleman off.

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

Application for admission and financial aid forms

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

Do you think I can play for you?

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

I hear you over recruit and how many other guys are you bringing in at my position?

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

Helping young men grow into mature and productive citizens.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

If getting a great education and playing for National Championships is important to you check it out, if not we wish you the best.

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

Call me at the office (740)376-4517 or email brewerb@marietta.edu

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Shenandoah University’s Baseball Coach, Kevin Anderson:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Cooperative

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

You will have an opportunity to get a quality education and play first class baseball on the D3 level.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I respect and teach the game.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

CIAA C-Character, I-Intelligence, A-Athleticism, A-Attitude

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

Find the school that fits their needs academically first and baseball second.  Research the school from every facet.

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

I like guys who want an opportunity and not a guarantee.  Don’t tell me, show me.
7. What turns you off when you are recruiting a student athlete?

An SA that is disrespectful to their parents and current coach.

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

Recruiting good people.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We have taken a program from 12 players,  a 2.18 GPA, back to back 11 win seasons to 54 players and a JV program, 3.0 GPA where we graduate our players rather than run out of eligibility, back to back 38-10 seasons, back to back NCAA South Region champs and the only school to compete in the D3 CWS in 09 and 10’.

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

Contact me via email @ kanders2@su.edu

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from North Park University’s Baseball Coach, Luke Johnson:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I think my player’s description would be the most accurate.  I think if you asked them, they’d say that my expectations for them are high in every avenue, and that I work very hard to help them reach them on a daily basis.  That goes for my coaches to.  I’m a players coach if those players are hardnosed and love to work!

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

There are very few college baseball programs in legitimate world class cities.  We offer a scholarship level experience on a great campus, in a great city, Chicago.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

We are one of a handful of programs nationally, on any level, that have seen five straight years of positive growth, in terms of wins and losses, NCAA regional ranking,  MLB draft representation, and player development.  Every way you can quantify positive momentum for half of a decade…we’re in a very small group, and have room to grow!

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability, work ethic, and accountability, all equally important.  We play in a conference that has multiple teams ranked in the top 25 every year.  In order to continue to grow, we need players that have options above and beyond division III, but feel like we are a good fit.

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

Do due diligence.  Sift through the like information and look for the distinctives, and align yourself with people and programs that have a demonstrated track record of valuing what you value yourself.

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

Any question that shows long range thinking.  This shows investment in the choice and maturity that is hard to teach, as well as family values like commitment that reflect some of our own program values.

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

Lack of attentiveness on a visit….that’s about it.

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

Developing players over time, as well as evaluating what type of guy will fit in with what we do.  We try to fit the right peg into the right hole and do a very good job with that.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We offer you everything a Division I program will offer from an instruction standpoint, with that caliber of total facility, with an academic environment that is more intimate and conducive to student success.

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

Call or email, either is fine.

College Coach’s Corner: Lesley University’s Baseball Coach, Mike Rocco

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

An energetic, player’s coach. I want to be able to have open lines of communications with my players so we are all on the same page with everything that goes on in our program.

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

You have the ability to go to a great school located just outside of Boston that still has the campus feel. You have more opportunities because of our location to make great connections when you enter the work force. From baseball standpoint, you have the chance to come in and be a part of the foundation of our program as we move forward.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I am a young head coach that has played at a high level in both college and during the summer.  I am committed to helping them succeed by putting them in the right positions and helping them achieve all their goals both in the class room and on the baseball field.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Someone who is willing to take on challenges, someone who is smart and enthusiastic about what they do. Energy is a key theme with what we do in our program.

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

Enjoy it, it is a great time in your life so make sure to see and learn about as many schools as possible to help make your decision because every school you look at will have things that you like and that will fit what you want to do.

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

Asking about the school and how coming to Lesley as opposed to other schools will better prepare them for what lies ahead in life.

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

Lack of interest in academics, one day your baseball career will be over so as a student athlete you have to make sure that you are doing as well as you can in the class room to help prepare you for that day.

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

I think we will be successful at doing the fundamentals very well. By doing the little things correctly and paying attention to detail, that will without question put our program in the best position to succeed.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

Along with everything that the school has to offer from an academic standpoint, the opportunity to come in and play meaningful time as a freshman and as well as the chance to help build a program from the foundation up.

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

By email at baseball@lesley.edu. Please send me your information and a summer/high school schedule so I or someone from my staff can come and see you play.

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

We recently caught up with Coach Bret Colbert from Saint Vincent College Football to discuss what he looks for in a recruit.  This is what he had to say…

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Laid back – not an in your face type of coach. I try to keep the game fun, but know when to put the game face on and go to work.

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

The obvious perk is being the Training Camp site of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Many NFL writers (including Peter King of Sports Illustrated) point to St. Vincent College as the best Training Camp site in the NFL.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

Coach Bret Colbert

I have 2 main goals in recruiting: First is to make our team better, on and off the field. When you recruit better players and better people ever year, you’re only going to get better. Secondly, I want to help my recruits find their right fit. If SVC isn’t for you, I will help you find the right college… as long as I don’t have to play against you.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Dedication and integrity. Every coach wants their recruits to be big, strong, fast, and smart. But, if a player is not dedicated and not honest to himself and his teammates, you’re not going to get very far with each other.

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

Follow up. Whether you have an interest in a school or not, the least you can do is let that coach know. If you’re interested in a school, let that coach know. If you ignore emails and don’t return phone calls, coaches believe you to be uninterested and wasting his time. Let him know that you are interested and why. Conversely, if you are not interested in a school that has been contacting you, let that coach know as well. That saves the hassle of him having to call you and you having to silence his calls and delete his voicemails. Just be honest: “Coach I am not interested in ________ because ______.”

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

Questions about the school, the education, alumni…etc in addition to football questions. Get to know the school and the people as well as the football program. While I cannot ignore football will be a big part of your life while in school, you also cannot ignore that there are 20-22 other hours in the day that you are not doing anything related to football.

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

“Coach, what are my chances of starting right away?” This is the single question that too many recruits concentrate too much on. Everyone wants to play, and everyone wants to start right away. Most freshmen are not ready to play—physically and mentally—in their first year, even at Division 3 programs. What are you willing to do to help the team win? If your main goal in choosing a college is to start sooner, what happens if you get beat out? Will you quit? Transfer? Pout? I would think that most people would prefer to be a role player on a playoff team than a star on a losing team.

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

Building something special. Being a new program (entering our 4^th season), we have not had a lot of success as far as wins. We have, however, learned what it takes to be successful at the NCAA D3 level. Our guys have seen the lowest of the lows and are determined to feel the highest of the highs. This program is destined to be great, and our players know that 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the road when SVC is in the playoffs every year, they will have been the ones that built the foundation.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

St. Vincent College offers a top-notch education with an opportunity to continue your football career. Our team Mission Statement states “THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM AT SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE WILL BE A PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS FOR THE STUDENT-ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM.  IN ADDITION TO LEARNING THE SKILLS OF PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE COLLEGE LEVEL, OUR PLAYERS WILL BE TAUGHT THE VALUES ASSOCIATED WITH BEING A GOOD CITIZEN, A GOOD STUDENT, AND A GOOD TEAMMATE.  THESE VALUES WILL ASSIST OUR PLAYERS IN THEIR LIVES AND CAREERS BEYOND THEIR UNDERGRADUATE YEARS AT THE COLLEGE.”

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

Email is always the easiest form of communication for me. I try to keep in touch with recruits throughout the year via email. Anyone interested in exploring St. Vincent College and Bearcat Football should go to our website and fill out our Online Recruiting Questionnaire. This enters them into our recruiting and Admission database, which will keep them up-to-date with news and information about the school and the football program.

College Coach’s Corner: Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Women’s Tennis Coach, Phil Birnbaum

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

Experienced and a good communicator

What is unique about the experience at your school?

That academics come first even though we practice and play hard

What do recruits need to know about you?

That I was a small college All-American and have over thirty years as a USPTA-Pro

What do you look for in recruits?

The desire to play until old age takes over

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

When you spend a lot of time recruiting one and there is no contact if not interested.

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

Improving players

Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are successful but without unnecessary pressure. We also take a family approach for our players to be happy and academically strong.

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

Email: Phil.birnbaum@stockton.edu