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Positive Educational Direction |
« Previous Article | March 2009 Table of Contents | Next Article » For High School AthletesMarch 2009
If your high school coach perceives that you have the talent to play at the college level, or if a college coach in any of the three Divisions contacts you, it is reasonable to assume your athleticism may be a factor in the college admissions process. Depending on your ability and the position you play, you may be of interest to some college coaches and not to others. Also, your individual interests and a college coach's interests may not overlap to your advantage as it is a coach's goal to build the best team possible. Whatever you do, it is important to be accurate and objective about the level of skill you possess in your sport(s) and to be realistic in your expectations. Spring of Junior Year: Talk to your high school coaches about the kinds of colleges you are considering. Discuss with them what is required to play on a Division I or Division III team in your sport(s) and if they are willing to contact college coaches on your behalf. If you are in a sport where colleges may request videos or film of your play, discuss with your coach what you might send. College coaches prefer game tapes to professional promotion. When you contact admissions offices at the colleges which interest you, be sure to inform them that you are a varsity athlete and mention the sport(s) you play. They will often pass this information on the appropriate coach(es). Write a letter to the coaches at the colleges you are considering. In addition to requesting more information about their program, let them know of your interest in applying to their college and of your desire to play for them. Set up a visit to meet with the coach. If a visit is impractical, start a dialogue by phone or e-mail. One of the first questions you should ask is whether he/she is indeed looking for a player in your position on their team. You should communicate regularly with the coach to reassure him or her of your interest. Be proactive. Be sure to fill out and return any recruiting forms sent to you by the college, coach or athletic department and return any calls from coaches. And -- this is critical -- ask what these coaches might want to see during the summer in order to assess your potential. Do you need to attend specific camps or showcases? Start making your plans now! John Greenwood Milton Gooding « Previous Article | March 2009 Table of Contents | Next Article » |
