NCSA College Athletic Scholarships Blog

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

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

College Coach’s Corner: New Jersey City University’s Baseball Coach, Jonathan Thomas

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I would describe myself as a coach demands max efforts out of his players. A coach who expects the same out of myself as I do of my players. Intense, but caring to his players and staff. Whether its playing “little ball” or playing for the big inning I want my players knowing that I will always try and put them in the best possible position to succeed.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

The uniqueness of our school is that although its a commuter school its has its charm. Its where everybody knows everbody. From the professors to faculty members, they truly care about the success of the students.

What do recruits need to know about you?

Recruits should know that I am a coach who truly cares about them getting an education while they are here. As much as I want to win on the field. I want them to win in the classroom. So, when they leave here they can compete for jobs.

What do you look for in recruits?

I look for kids who really have a passion for the game. Students who take their school work just as serious as they do their baseball.

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

Just apply and take the SAT’s as many times as possible so you can get your scores higher.

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

A student who expects playing time instead of earning it. A kid who thinks that he should get all the attention because he is being recruited. A student who isnt focused on doing well in the classroom, he is just focused on baseball.

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

Developing player’s talents. Getting them better as baseball players and as Men.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

He should consider our program because we play in the most competitive Division III conference in the country. The mistake many kids do is that they would rathere go to a name brand  Division I school and sit for a couple yrs instead of coming to a Division III school and having a chance right away to compete for a spot. We have numerous Major programs to offer Criminal Justice and English being 2 of our strongest programs. Last but not least a recruit will get a coaching staff who will push them to make them better ball players and push them to their max potential.

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

Email jthomas3@njcu.edu

College Coach’s Corner – Elmhurst College Baseball Coach, Joel Southern:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I believe in doing things right, first and foremost, as the first step toward doing them well.  We emphasize an attention to detail in all aspects of our lives, on the baseball field, in the classroom, and in our personal lives.  Players in our program will be coached — focusing on mechanics but also situational aspects of the game of baseball.

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

We are a small school (about 2400 undergraduate students) with a very strong academic reputation located within 20 miles of downtown Chicago.  We definitely have a small-school feel with a private campus in a residential area, but with access to the Chicago metropolitan area.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

The reason I have chosen coaching as a profession is so that I can develop men who will be successful when they leave our program, that they will have developed the characteristics — strong work ethic, responsibility, accountability, etc. — that will make them successful no matter what they do in their lives.  We place a great emphasis on classroom performance in our program.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability is always the number one thing that we look for in recruits, but on top of that there needs to be a strong work ethic and passion for the game.  We get a very good feel for these things by watching prospects play, of course, but also during recruiting visits.

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

Recruits need to focus on the entire process — what is the proper fit for them athletically, yes, but also academically and socially.  So many high-school baseball players feel they have to go play in a Division I program without realizing the high level of baseball we play, particularly in our conference, as well as the overall academic and social experience they will have at Elmhurst.

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

There are no particular questions I like to hear from recruits, but I do like to hear questions — I want to see that when they come for a recruiting visit they have done some homework and have a feel for what they are looking for in a school.  Questions will indicate if they are “about the right things” — looking at the entire school, the entire experience — with baseball obviously being one of the main factors as well.

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

The main turn-off for me are when prospects are unable to meet the requirements they need to meet — when they can’t or don’t return their application, financial aid, and housing materials in a reasonable amount of time.  If you are unable to handle your private business, you will be unlikely to be a productive member of our organization.  I also am very turned off by prospects who do not treat their parents and those with whom they come in contact on their visit with respect.

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

I believe we’re most successful at developing young men who will be successful when they leave here.  From a baseball standpoint, we have a certain way that we do things, drills that we do, and we focus on detail every day.  Baseball is something we do every day; it is difficult for most people to focus on what they are dong every day.  We will make sure they do.  Players who have been in our program and worked hard and bought into our way of doing things have objectively gotten significantly better in their time here.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

In addition to the reasons stated in the above answer (#8), this is a school that was rated by U.S. News and World Report (in their 2009 issue) in the Top Tier (12th overall) of Midwest Colleges and Universities with master’s programs.  We provide a broad-based education with over 50 majors.  Our business/finance/management and education programs, among many others, are top-notch.  We have a beautiful campus and good facilities, and, as mentioned previously, you would be attending a college in a residential area but with access to the greater Chicagoland area.

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

E-mail would be preferred (southernj@elmhurst.edu), and I can also be reached at (630) 617-3143.  I would appreciate knowing that someone who contacts me had read this interview and is interested in what they read about the program.  Thank you.

College Coach’s Corner: Lancaster Bible College’s Tennis Coach, Zach Freeman

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

As a coach, I work really hard to get the best out of my players. If that means relaxing and letting them feel the situation out for themselves or that means me guiding them through it with instruction and direction, I like to try and let the student-athlete figure out each situation and provide some insight afterwards. I think my players would tell you that I wear my emotions on my sleeve and try to get them to do the same, but still stay within themselves.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

The experience at Lancaster Bible College is a truly special one. Classes are small and teachers provide great support. Our curriculum is very much centered around the bible and our students have many opportunities to showcase their love for God. Whether it is worship and performing arts, mission trips or athletics, the students at LBC can experience a bit of everything during their time here.

What do you look for in recruits?

What I look for in recruits is a willingness to work and to overcome challenges. Having just graduated college in 2008, I know the ups and downs of being a college student. Some days just are not good ones, but those student-athletes who rise above that and strive to be better are the ones LBC is looking for. Obviously, being a bible college has a bit to do with who we look for as well. At the same time, just because we are Lancaster Bible College does not mean we do not want to be the best. Student-athletes at LBC work hard day-in-and-day-out. I want recruits who want to work hard, find solutions and do it for the glory of God.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

Tennis is a fairly new sport at LBC. We are entering our third fall as a program and will be moving to the spring in 2011 when we join the North East Athletic Conference. We want tennis players (men and women) who want to be the foundation of our program. Players who understand there are growing pains, but who can look back when they graduate and say they accomplished something and took LBC tennis to the next level. We do not have the best talent in the world, but we work hard. For those student-athletes who are in high school and want to go to a college where they can make a difference, LBC is the place for you.

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

Anyone interested in LBC can contact me at zfreeman@lbc.edu or go to our website, www.lbcchargers.com and fill out a “Become a Charger” form. I look forward to hearing from our future LBC tennis foundation builders.

College Coach’s Corner’s next college includes information about SUNY – Geneseo’s women’s tennis team directly from Head Coach Jim Chen:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

My goal is to work with you, a recruit, until you are an elite tennis player and an integral part of the team.  That means daily competitive practices with an emphasis on racket head speed, consistency, and footwork.  You’ll work with friendly teammates like yourself, who have similar goals, and address questions like, “What do I want my family, friends, and opponents to admire about me and my teammates?”

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

SUNY Geneseo is ranked #1 in the country for value by Kiplinger Magazine (2008-09) for international and out-of-state students and #6 for in-state students.  Your academic success is the first priority at Geneseo.  You’ll be challenged to play your best tennis during your years here.  The tennis team is undefeated in the past four Fall seasons with a 36-0 record.  We are repeat State University of New York Athletic Conference Champions (2008 and 2009) and have been to the NCAA DIII national tournament, in 2009 and 2010.  We train for the NCAAs by adding several DI and DII teams to our Spring schedule and playing matches in Puerto Rico during spring break.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

I have trained at the Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida.  I have been an A-level squash player.  I hold a BA from Brandeis and a PhD in physics from Harvard and have taught at Penn and Geneseo for many years.  Players on the tennis team benefit from my experience in higher education when negotiating their way into and through college.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Ability to have fun, love of tennis and commitment, fight and willingness to stay out on the court longer than your opponent, tennis skills and mental focus, cherishing being on a team, being a student of the game.

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

Research your college choices, come for a visit, talk to current players, and choose the school that best fits your criteria.

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

What do I need to do to become a member of the team?  How can I be most helpful to the team and my teammates.

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

Not much.  Every question asked is worthy of an answer…you are seeking information about the College and tennis program and I’m here to provide the answers.

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

We have a 100% graduation rate.  We send our graduates to the most prestigious graduate and professional schools in the country.  We are successful on the tennis courts, both in singles and doubles.  During the 2009 SUNYAC Conference Championship, our players won 7 of the 9 flights.  With your help we would like to win all 9 flights.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

We have a strong and competitive tennis program.  We could use your help to bring us to the next level, during the Fall and Spring seasons and during our preparation for the NCAAs.  Geneseo offers you numerous, challenging academic areas of study to get you ready for your professional career.  Our retention rate is 92% from freshman to sophomore years, one of the highest in the country.  42% of our graduates go on directly to graduate or professional schools each year.  Our placement rate to medical schools is upward of 90%.  Our Business School was second only to Harvard during the Federal Reserve Bank’s National Competition.  Our women cross-country team was the national champion in 2008.

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

Visit www.geneseo.edu, athletics, and fill out the recruitment form.  Or call me at 585-704-2179 (cell).  Send me a video.

NCSA recently heard from Smith College’s Women’s Tennis Coach, Christine Davis:

How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I see myself as an experienced tennis teaching professional with many years of college coaching under my belt.  I have served on national NCAA committees and ITA committees (see bio on the www.smith.edu website) I have my USTA high performance certification and PTR-professional rating.   I have a sincere love for the game and a joy in sharing tennis knowledge with others.  I love to see players improve in any of the four areas of tennis (technique, tactics, mental, physical). I look for opportunities to share life lessons learned through tennis.  I enjoy helping athletes learn how to make good choices and to live with the consequences.

What is unique about the experience at your school?

Smith is an all women’s college with leadership opportunities everywhere.  Smith is known for its diversity pulling students from all over the world.  The small faculty-student ratio with all highly qualified professors and no teaching fellows, provides the student with the highest quality of education available.  Smith offers an open curriculum, houses instead of dorms and praxis (Smith pays!) for those with a passion to pursue a summer opportunity that may not pay.  Smith is known for the quality of education, a strong endowment and the networking of Smith alums nationwide after graduation.  Smith is liberal arts with strength in the sciences, arts, political science and economics.  The college recently started an engineering major for women and the new engineering complex is state of the art.

What do recruits need to know about you? Also, what do you look for in recruits?

I look for students who are able to balance their academics and athletics in order to stay on top of the rigorous academic program at Smith.

I look for a player’s heart for the game and the commitment and discipline to stick with the program.  I love to have a “diamond in the rough” who has not yet peaked and who is still excited about improving.  I look for recruits who show leadership qualities by being self-starters.  I look for recruits who take ownership by playing an active role in the recruiting process and do not sit back and wait to be contacted. I hope that each Smith recruit will do her homework and be prepared to articulate her interests, needs and concerns.  Above all else, I look for players who compete with integrity and who are good citizens.

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

The recruiting process is an art and not a science.   Recruits must remember to fill out the financial aid forms at the time she applies.  I encourage recruits to apply early if they can because it is still a slight advantage in getting admitted.   I would hope that the recruits will stay in touch and ask questions.

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

I like to first hear questions relative to  academics so that I know they are here for the right reasons.  I like to hear questions about the value of a women’s college.  I look for individuals who ask about the team and who understand what it takes to be a “team” player in an individual sport.

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

I do not like to hear “I do not want to go to an all women’s college”   before they have learned about Smith or visited the campus.

(There are a plethora of social opportunities at Smith.  The five college consortium with Univ of MA, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire and Smith offers the opportunity for students to take courses at any of the five institutions. The town of Northampton is anything but isolated and offers a bustling, safe community with many opportunities and is the envy of many college towns/cities).

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

We think that we are most successful recognizing potential in a student athlete and helping them to exploit that talent during their college career.  We pride ourselves in having a competitive team who works hard but also attempts to demonstrate a gracious demeanor on and off the court.

Why should a recruit consider your program?

We are blessed with excellent indoor and outdoor facilities and a cadre of volunteers who help to make our program special.  We also have graduate program where we train/teach students earning their master’s degree in college coaching while serving in the capacity of assistant coach.

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

Email or cell phone is the best since I am on the move alot  (cdavis@smith.edu, 614-893-4165).  They may also connect me through Smith Athletics (www.smith.edu/athletics) or www.smithcollegetennis.blogspot.com. We would love to hear from you!

NCSA recently received feedback for the College Coach’s Corner from Wheaton College’s Women’s Tennis Coach, Lynn Miller:

1. How would you describe yourself as a coach?

I know how to build players to reach their potential, even those who do not have good rankings but who are hungry to improve.  I am demanding but not crazy in my expectations of my players.  I love the learning process am a teacher with the hopes of you becoming a self-reliant player.

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

We were formerly a women’s college whose mission it was to become “co-educationally different” when we went co-ed in the late 1980s.

3. What do recruits need to know about you?

That I am an athlete (nationally ranked competitive skier and tennis player in the 55s and over) and love competition.  I expect players to work hard at both their academics and their tennis and expect my players to be civil to their opponents.

4. What do you look for in recruits?

Those who have potential for development, who are good natured and who are playing because they love to compete (and not to please their parents or someone else).

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

Not to listen to everything every coach tells you.  We are all trying to sell our school, so you need to sort through all of the information and attention you might be receiving and figure out what school really fits your needs and desires.

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

Asking about our program goals and what I am looking for to improve our program, and how they might fit in.

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

When all people care about is what we can do for them and what financial incentives there are for them.

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

Developing players who come in with no rankings or not the best, and then being competitive with, in many cases, nationally ranked players.

9. Why should a recruit consider your program?

I believe in balance in one’s life.  When you are out of season, you are out of season, and I am not always looking around to make sure you’re always working on your game.  When you’re in-season, I will do everything in my power to help you get better. This includes fitting in extra individual workouts, video sessions, whatever you need.  I also play within the rules and expect you to do the same, demonstrating good sportsmanship along the way.

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

E-mail me, come for a visit and continue to be communicative throughout the process. I don’t spend a lot of time making phone calls to recruits, but like to keep in touch via e-mail.