NCSA caught up with rising basketball star Kaitlin Donahoe to talk about her high school basketball career 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?
Donahoe: To show the coaches that I have an interest in their program I would definitely e-mail them first giving some athletic and academic background about myself. If I don't hear back from them right away then I would fill out their on-line recruiting questionnaire. Most likely you will hear something back from them within the next few days if you show overall interest in their school and program.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Donahoe: I am sending out game films and keeping records of conversations I have with each school. I think what is important is to respond quickly to coaches e-mails, phone calls, etc. so they know you are interested. I am being truthful with coaches and telling them exactly what I am looking for and if that school doesn't fit my criteria, then I'd rather find out now than later that their school isn't the right fit.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Donahoe: I actually have not since I am still in the middle of another sport season.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Donahoe: It can definitely be nerve racking, especially when they ask you a question that catches you off guard. But just be honest and realize you are trying to learn as much about them as they are about you - just be yourself.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Donahoe: There are so many good schools out there, both academically and athletically. The best thing for you to do is to NOT get set it on one single school. Keep your options open because then when you get rejected from schools (which everyone will) you will know that you are still being recruited by other schools. Over the summer I visited several schools and absolutely feel in love with Dartmouth. Before my visit I had e-mailed the coach but had heard nothing back. I continually e-mailed them in the middle of the summer but continued to hear nothing back. As my senior school year started I was upset because I had not heard a single word from Dartmouth. Finally, nearing the end of September they e-mailed me saying that they were not considering me for their 2009 recruiting class. At first I was upset but then I realized that I had so many other schools interested that the fact that one school was uninterested didn't even matter.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Donahoe: I am not a single sport athlete. I am a three sport athlete and I think that that translates well from one sport to another whether in strength or team concepts. I am not very big only being 5'6", but I am a very competitive and a tough person and I think that drive sets me apart from some of my competitors.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Donahoe: Well my senior basketball season has not started yet. I am nearing the end of my soccer season where I am captain and we are 18-1. So hopefully when basketball rolls around we can be just as successful. We went 20-3 last year losing in the state semi-finals, but we have only lost one senior from last season, so expectations are high.
NCSA: Who is your favorite college athlete?
Donahoe: I actually don't have a favorite college athlete right now. Mine always change from year to year, so I have yet to really find my favorite this year. I really just enjoy watching competitive college athletics in general.
