NCSA caught up with rising basketball star Jessica Pace to talk about her high school season and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Pace: As I find that they are interested in me I fill out all papers they ask me to and others that may put me in their radar even more. I send in game film immediately.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Pace: I'm being proactive! As I see the coaches that are looking at my profile on NCSA I go on their website and fill out a questionnaire and email them.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Pace: I had a coach from Liberty come to a game and talk to me before we went out to warm up. He was telling me exactly what he wanted to see and what exactly they were looking for. It just made me realize exactly what I need to be doing and how I needed to get the job done.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Pace: I try to just talk to them as if I already know them so that I can be as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Pace: Gardner Webb was recruiting me very strong; I was about a couple weeks away from my official visit. The coach called and let me know that one of their players got injured so they would no longer be able to recruit for my position. This was a huge let down but it just made me want to work harder and still strive to make it to a DI basketball program.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Pace: I'm not your average guard or your average small forward. I do a lot of things on the court. I can drive to the basket, score with the foul, shoot the jumper, rebound, play defense, and I also take on the leadership role. I know when to step back and let my other teammates go to work but when my team needs me I step up and take over.
NCSA: How is the season going and are you meeting your goals?
Pace: We are currently 24-1 so the season is going great. But will not be satisfied until we have a District, Regional, and State Championship under our belt! My goals for myself are being met. I am having an all around well played season but it has just started. It is far from over!
NCSA: What are your summer plans?
Pace: To get in the gym and work more on my game. Also to play AAU Ball if I don't have a scholarship already.
NCSA: Who is your biggest motivator?
Pace: My family. They motivate me to push hard because they've done so much for me I never want to fail or let them down.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Pace: It's been long and somewhat stressful. But NCSA has made a difference by sending schools my way and giving me the guidelines for recruitment!
