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.
NCSA is a great tool. It allows me the exposure I need to market myself all over the country. Also the recruiting coaches (Adrienne Treado) have always been there to coach me and keep me updated on college coaches that are interested in me. This whole process is a little overwhelming at 16 but with their guidance it has made it so much easier.
