NCSA caught up with rising soccer star Matthew Calhoun to talk about his 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?
Calhoun: I send the college an email expressing my interest in the athletic program and my major. If they don't reply back for the many reasons they have, I give them another email asking them if a certain day and time would be alright to call their office to talk to them on the phone. If they don't reply by that time, I give them a call. If they don't pick up the phone, then I leave them a message.
NCSA: What are you doing to “take charge” of your recruiting process?
Calhoun: I read my emails everyday to see if anything new pops up. I also ask my recruiting coach specific questions regarding if he can send me information about certain schools and release my information again to colleges. I try to stay on top of the process to make sure I can get the best results for my skill level.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Calhoun: I review the questions I have to ask him before I call him. I also have pen and paper right by me to write down anything important he says. Also, when I do get nervous when talking to the coaches, I grab my sock, but I really don't know why.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Calhoun: I have been trying to get in touch with the head coach of Lewis University Men's soccer program (DII). I emailed him a couple of times, and he didn't respond. I called him and left a message, I went to his soccer camp and when I went there, the first thing he said to me was "Hi Matt", so he obviously knew who I was. I kept emailing him about my success and upcoming tournament appearances and got nothing back. It is a bit disappointing that he is not more responsive but it is okay because I am finding many different schools where I can compete.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Calhoun: Since I do have to compete for my job everyday on the soccer field with another competitive goalie that plays over me, every chance I get to prove the coaches wrong I can. So my goal this year is, when ever I play a minute on the field, I will give up a shut-out, play smart, and stay calm. My season is going good so far I have played 1.25 games so far.. I have 15+ shots on goal, 1 goal against, and 2 pk saves. Our overall record is 7-2.
NCSA: Who is your favorite college athlete?
Calhoun: It probably has to be our high school’s graduate who has been playing for Lewis University. He is an excellent player that brings many things for the team and has won many awards at the college level.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Calhoun: My recruiting process has been great so far. I went to three tournaments this year so far and I have had coaches watch ranging from the JC level to D1 schools like University of Wisconsin. With the help of the college showcase tournaments and NCSA sending out my profiles and letting coaches know that I am going to be there is an amazing dynamic duo to get noticed. I would like to thank NCSA for helping me thus far in the process and for choosing me as the athlete of the month of soccer. They can't do everything for you, but they do a lot! You have to put just as much effort into this or more to get a good result in the recruiting process.
