Athletic Scholarship Advice for HS & JuCo Athletes
A: There are scouts in many regions that are scouting local tournaments and players in the area. You are probably aware of the National Top 100 lists for many sports, run by websites and media members. If you happen to be named to such Top 100 ranks, understand that these lists are only a starting point for most coaches. It …
A: Coaches are going to have an idea of what position they will use you at. Depending on your base size, speed and general skills (ball handling, ball control, hands, burst, toughness, ability to play defense)—they have a pretty good idea of where they want you to line up at and what physical improvements you’re going to need to make …
A: Coaches need a REASON to come see you as a prospective student-athlete, it’s an investment and they are very selective about how they spend their time and budget. Coaches are investing travel time, flights, hotel stays, nights away from their family, practice time with their players – they need a reason to come see you. To have a reason, …
A: Sure, in fact you should ask if you have a scholarship offer and are considering committing to them. You should ask coaches what their specific plan is for your development. And remember – competition is not a bad thing, especially if you want to win games and play for a successful team. Winning teams have depth at most positions, …
A: One of the most common questions or worries that I hear is, “Help, I live in the middle of nowhere, nobody will ever find me” or “My team sucks, nobody will ever come to my school to scout me.” WRONG! This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there! Yes, coaches MUST have a reason to come scout your …
A: Great size is a trait that can help you get on the recruiting map, often even if coaches haven’t had the chance to evaluate your skills or see you play. But, what happens if you have the skill but not great size? Will getting recruited be tougher? Yes! Is it impossible? Not necessarily! If size is your weakness—work on …
A: While they can’t contact you until sometime around your junior year (it varies by sport), coaches are researching and compiling lists of top sophomores and freshmen, sometimes even younger. Coaches work off a list of players that they are recruiting, let’s call it their ‘Watch List.’ They are constantly adding and subtracting names from their personal list and …
A: For many of you, there is no ‘easy’ way. There will be a lot of unreturned emails and voicemails. Coaches may not be showing up to your games or calling you. They may be quickly rejecting you. At times it may feel impossible. For many of you, you will have to go FIND your opportunities. If coaches aren’t coming …
A: Here are seven keys to impressing coaches… 1. FUNDAMENTALS, FUNDAMENTALS, FUNDAMENTALS! Execute your responsibility! Be focused! Play to the whistle! Coaches are looking for players who can make every play thrown their way—not just that one ESPN-type highlight. MASTER the simple skills of your position. Get drills from your coaches. Watch the best pro players, what are the simple …
A: Realistically, for many players, money WILL be a major decision factor when selecting a future school. Colleges vary greatly with the costs of tuition, room and board, course-related books, fees, along with transportation and extra expenses you may have such as cell phone bills, clothing, entertainment. It all adds up—and scholarship money makes a difference for most student-athletes and …