During my time in college, I was a four-year student-athlete who played baseball. I played two seasons at Sauk Valley Community College and then transferred and played two more seasons at Chicago State University. At both colleges, I was an outfielder. Getting the opportunity to experience both the NJCAA (JUCO) and NCAA Division I level was very eye opening and a great learning experience, as well. During my time at Sauk Valley Community College, I was named All-Region IV Second Team and Arrowhead Academic All-Conference both years, and as a freshman was selected to the Arrowhead All-Conference Team. While at Chicago State University (CSU), I was twice named Academic All-WAC and also CSU Scholar Athlete. I actually went through the recruiting process twice (once when I was in high school and then one more time when I was at my JUCO). I started my process so late during high school that when I started talking to college coaches, they were either out of scholarships or already wrapping up recruiting from my class. I would suggest to every student-athlete going through the recruiting process to start as early as possible, and don’t limit your options.
When I’m not working at NCSA, I’m more than likely working with the event setup crew for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field or golfing. In addition, in my spare time, I enjoy spending a lot of time with my fiancée, family and friends. I hope to one day visit every single state in the United States (I’m currently sitting at 31 of the 50 states).
The most rewarding part of working at NCSA is getting the opportunity and chance to speak to families on a daily basis to help to educate and guide them in the recruiting process. I was given a voice, and NCSA has allowed me to make sure that student-athletes and their parents understand the rules and guidelines of the recruiting process. Not to mention, I can inform these student-athletes and parents on what they can proactively be doing to make sure that they stay on top of the recruiting process.