NCSA caught up with rising soccer star and 2010 graduate Nichole Downing 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?
Downing: I show a college coach that I’m really interested by calling to set up the initial conversation first (since they can’t per NCAA rules). I also do follow-up phone calls to keep in touch. I send e-mails to keep them informed on my schedule and current tournaments. Ultimately making a trip for a visit shows how interested I am.
NCSA: What are you doing to take charge of your recruiting process?
Downing: I am trying to be pro-active in my recruiting process by researching the schools both athletically and academically to find out if the school would be a match for me. If a coach shows interest in me, I pursue it with a phone call and eventually an unofficial visit to the campus to meet with him and see what the campus has to offer.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Downing: Yes I have had coaches evaluate me in person. At first it is uncomfortable, but I got used to it! I try to implement the advice or criticism as best that I can. The hardest part is when I don’t really agree with the coach but I try to find a way to work on it or compromise so at least he knows I’m trying.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Downing: At first I was really nervous when talking or calling a college coach. The more I do it the more comfortable I have become. Ultimately, I’m going to have to communicate well with them if I expect to play for them.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Downing: Thus far I have not had any disappointments. And I hope I don’t! I think you need to keep an open mind and have lots of options. If I do have a disappointment, I think the best way to handle it is to deal with it and move on.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Downing: What makes me a little bit unique is that I am also a great student. The college ultimately has to fit both my academic and athletic needs. I am very driven both in the classroom and on the field. Also, in High School I have chosen to play Basketball, a sport I equally excel in. Playing Basketball gives me a little break from soccer but also helps me with my overall athleticism.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Downing: The goal for my club team is to always do our best. We are being coached as every game is a “Championship Game”. Coming off the field I want to have the feeling that I did the best I could do and anything less is not an option. The season is going well. We have had a few disappointments but have learned from them and we all continue to work really hard.
NCSA: What camps do you plan to attend over the summer?
Downing: I always attend the Goalkeeper Camp put on by Soccer Plus. It is held at UCSD for one week and it is strictly for goalkeepers. It’s a very intense week!
NCSA: Who is your favorite college athlete?
Downing: Val Henderson, UCLA Goalkeeper and Candice Wiggins, Stanford Basketball.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Downing: Overall my college recruiting has been good and has started early. Starting early, I think, will give me a great advantage because I will have been able to compare and see a lot of colleges that I am interested in. The more time I have to investigate my options the better decision I will make in the end.
