NCSA caught up with rising soccer star Katie Capel to talk about her high school 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?
Capel: The most important thing I have done so far is to make contact. I have used e-mail a lot and that seems to be the way coaches are keeping track of me. Also, calling coaches is a good idea, especially if they give you a cell phone number. Make sure you ask questions that are not answered on the school’s web site. That way they know you have done your homework and are really interested in their school.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Capel: I have time set aside each week to view my e-mails. I look at any mail I have received and try to respond with an e-mail. I have also narrowed my colleges down to about 20 or so. That way I can concentrate on those.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Capel: With the college coaches I have spoken to, I just try to be myself and be realistic.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Capel: I have not had too many disappointments yet. I am still a junior and most of the colleges I am interested in have not made all their 2010 commitment decisions yet.
NCSA: What are your goals for this season? How is the season going?
Capel: Our goals are lofty for our club team. We are under the direction of a world class coach and he has given us the goal of winning State in our division, then moving up to the top division next year and winning state. The season has been a little rocky. We have quite a few new players playing new positions and we are feeling out how we play as a team. We have placed third in the last two Division I tournaments and are ranked in the Low 300's nationally.
NCSA: Who is your favorite college athlete?
Capel: I would say Alena Thom. She plays for Wake Forest and is a forward like me. She was the assist leader the last two years. She also just got asked to try out for the professional women’s soccer league.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Capel: The recruiting process can be overwhelming. With help from NCSA, the online clinics, coach’s corner and now with the new hot-line, the whole process has been made much easier.
