Post by Dave Betcher on Mar 29, 2007 10:43:50 GMT -5
I want to thank Stan Lukas for sharing his thoughts below that we echoe continually in our program to all out athletesa dn their families ... it is a team effort, from player to family to program!
College Recruitment
Almost any travel softball player has the ability to play competitive softball at the college level. I have talked with coaches from Division I, II, III, and NAIA. Most private instructors will confirm this opinion. All would agree that if an athlete has the desire there is a college or university that they can play.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why an athlete gets little or no interest from college coaches. Perhaps the biggest reason is the athlete or player takes no ownership in the recruiting process. By that I mean many athletes wish or hope to be recruited, but many do nothing about creating the visibility to make their dreams a reality. There are many reasons why we choose travel ball….competition, meeting players and teammates from areas outside of our communities, the experience, and for many to refine their talents to play at the next level, college. There are some players who are simply so gifted, that colleges are quick to follow their careers and respond with a college offer. However, I know many great athletes that never get recruited. The reason, they wait for it to happen. Athletes need to be hungry for the opportunity and to work diligently to create visibility for themselves. If an athlete is FORTUNATE to have a high school coach that will contact a college coach on their behalf they are fortunate. My recommendation is “Don’t count on that happening.” Be proactive. Fortunately, if you play within a great organization, such as the Homer Hawks, there will be opportunities for you to be seen in your tournaments or exposure camps. Though this may be true, you still need to get active and the following is what I recommend and athletes should be starting this during their sophomore year.
· Be realistic. Look at schools that you are really interested in and have the ability to play. College ball should be fun, but it is a lot of work and is treated by head coaches as a business, especially universities that provide athletic scholarships.
· Do your homework-Understand the level that the college plays at, what their schedule is and conference. Most colleges in the same conference have similar academic standards. So you might consider looking at the other schools in that conference and contacting them as well.
· Every college has different needs. In other words look at rosters that will help in determining needs. Understand that most college coaches recruit athletes and then will determine position. I have seen great pitchers become third baseman because of their athletic ability.
· Begin with sending short e-mail messages. Create your identity. If you write messages with too much information or too long you will get lost. Your intent is to initially build interest.
· Don’t begin with your resume or a tape. That will be requested when there is a real interest and it is simply too expensive to send to all.
· Make sure that as soon as you get your schedules, high school, but especially summer, that you forward those to the colleges of choice.
· Make sure that your high school and summer coaches are aware of any interest or visits that might occur from the college coaches. This is very important so your coaches don’t receive unexpected communications.
· If being recruited by the NCAA and NAIA, know the difference in rules
· Understand the rules and restrictions of your high school and the IHSA.
· You should be making at least five contacts per week. This can be as simple as an e-mail.
· Don’t get discouraged. Many athletes do not decide until late in their senior year.
· College ball at all levels is an experience that you will always treasure. You will travel, meet other players from all over the country, but it is also a great deal of work. If you really love the game, you will never look back with regret.
Good Luck!
Go Hawks!!!
College Recruitment
Almost any travel softball player has the ability to play competitive softball at the college level. I have talked with coaches from Division I, II, III, and NAIA. Most private instructors will confirm this opinion. All would agree that if an athlete has the desire there is a college or university that they can play.
Unfortunately, there are many reasons why an athlete gets little or no interest from college coaches. Perhaps the biggest reason is the athlete or player takes no ownership in the recruiting process. By that I mean many athletes wish or hope to be recruited, but many do nothing about creating the visibility to make their dreams a reality. There are many reasons why we choose travel ball….competition, meeting players and teammates from areas outside of our communities, the experience, and for many to refine their talents to play at the next level, college. There are some players who are simply so gifted, that colleges are quick to follow their careers and respond with a college offer. However, I know many great athletes that never get recruited. The reason, they wait for it to happen. Athletes need to be hungry for the opportunity and to work diligently to create visibility for themselves. If an athlete is FORTUNATE to have a high school coach that will contact a college coach on their behalf they are fortunate. My recommendation is “Don’t count on that happening.” Be proactive. Fortunately, if you play within a great organization, such as the Homer Hawks, there will be opportunities for you to be seen in your tournaments or exposure camps. Though this may be true, you still need to get active and the following is what I recommend and athletes should be starting this during their sophomore year.
· Be realistic. Look at schools that you are really interested in and have the ability to play. College ball should be fun, but it is a lot of work and is treated by head coaches as a business, especially universities that provide athletic scholarships.
· Do your homework-Understand the level that the college plays at, what their schedule is and conference. Most colleges in the same conference have similar academic standards. So you might consider looking at the other schools in that conference and contacting them as well.
· Every college has different needs. In other words look at rosters that will help in determining needs. Understand that most college coaches recruit athletes and then will determine position. I have seen great pitchers become third baseman because of their athletic ability.
· Begin with sending short e-mail messages. Create your identity. If you write messages with too much information or too long you will get lost. Your intent is to initially build interest.
· Don’t begin with your resume or a tape. That will be requested when there is a real interest and it is simply too expensive to send to all.
· Make sure that as soon as you get your schedules, high school, but especially summer, that you forward those to the colleges of choice.
· Make sure that your high school and summer coaches are aware of any interest or visits that might occur from the college coaches. This is very important so your coaches don’t receive unexpected communications.
· If being recruited by the NCAA and NAIA, know the difference in rules
· Understand the rules and restrictions of your high school and the IHSA.
· You should be making at least five contacts per week. This can be as simple as an e-mail.
· Don’t get discouraged. Many athletes do not decide until late in their senior year.
· College ball at all levels is an experience that you will always treasure. You will travel, meet other players from all over the country, but it is also a great deal of work. If you really love the game, you will never look back with regret.
Good Luck!
Go Hawks!!!
