NCSA caught up with rising basketball star Meghan Boyle 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?
Boyle: To show a coach I am really interested in their program I may tell them that I am planning on going to one of their games, as I did with UMass Boston which was a lot of fun. I may also show them that I am interested in their school as a whole by taking the time to check and see if they have the major I am interested in, then send them something back asking them intelligent questions about their college which shows that I took the time to research there college.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Boyle: What I am doing to take charge of my recruiting process is responded to every email, phone call, or letter I get from a coach. I try to show them all that I can about myself and get as much information about the college as I can. I often look up information about the college before sending something back, so I can send them back something that shows I really am interested in their college.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet?
Boyle: Not that I know of, but I'm not sure if any coaches have come to see me play or not.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Boyle: I take a deep breath before dialing the phone and try my best to relax. I also know that I have got to be myself when talking to them, they want to get to know me, not the person I think they want me to be.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Boyle: Dealing with disappointment in the recruiting process isn't that difficult for me. I just tell myself that there are other opportunities out there for me, and when one door closes I just have to look ahead to the next open door. I can't remember the name of a college but I sent them a letter in the mail asking for some information about their psychology department and told them to feel free to check out the NCSA website. However, all I got back was a small postcard not saying much about their college. It wasn't fun, but I just told myself that there are other great colleges out there and to keep on looking.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Boyle: The reason that I am a unique athlete is because I will be the first person at a practice and the last one to leave. I stay late to work on everything I can to be the best I can. Also I am a unique athlete because basketball isn't just a sport to me, it’s much more. Basketball is my life and it's my passion; I can't imagine my life without basketball, I would be completely different, this sport is so very important to me.
NCSA: How is the season going and are you meeting your goals?
Boyle: My season is going great! My team and I have won fifteen games and have only lost four. We beat the most wins my coach has ever had as a varsity basketball coach which is really exciting. Our last game I scored 30 points which was so close to the school record, it is my personal best. Also I broke the record for the most rebounds in a single game, i got 24. This season I have met my goals for the most part, the only thing that I really wanted to do was average 20 points a game but I have only been averaging 17. I am truly hoping that I can get 1000 points before my high school career is over, and my coach thinks I have an outside chance, I really hope I do!
NCSA: What are your summer plans?
Boyle: Basketball of course! I am going to play basketball over the summer either for my school team or my AAU team, which ever one is playing at spec pond. I also plan to start working out more over the spring and summer.
NCSA: Who is your biggest motivator?
Boyle: My biggest motivator is definitely my father. He has molded me into not only the basketball player I am but into the person I am today. Without him I don't think I would have had as much confidence in myself to think I could play college basketball. He has helped me realize that my dream of playing college is could be a reality. He is there at all of my games that he can make and although sometimes I may think he's obnoxious, I know he is my biggest fan. I don't think I would be anywhere near the as athletic as I am today if it wasn't for my father. He keeps me motivated to keep practicing and trying new things so I can become the best I can. I don't know what I would do without him.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Boyle: The recruiting process has been absolutely wonderful so far. In all honesty I was a little skeptical at first about NCSA, but they have totally impressed me. Getting contacted by all of these coaches has been a shocker for me. I never thought so many coaches would be interested! It has really helped to boost my confidence and made me realize that my dream of playing college ball could easily become a reality.
