College Athletic Preparation & Recruitment
The process for college preparation and recruitment of athletes is as follows:
- At the beginning of each year we hold a guidance meeting for athletes selected by varsity coaches to discuss the issues involved with possibly playing a sport at the college level. We discuss the NCAA Clearinghouse form, the importance of academics, the demands of college athletics compared to high school.
- Student athletes are invited to “Wayne Mazzoni” night. Wayne Mazzoni is a Division II Baseball coach who has authored books on the recruiting process and how to approach it as a parent/student. His presentation is thorough and informative for students and parents.
- Students are told that they may seek advice or council from guidance counselors, coaches and athletic director at any time during the year about college recruitment or college athletics.
Coaches responsibilities in the process are to:
- Identify athletes who have the athletic, physical, emotional and academic ability to play at the collegiate level.
- Inquire as to the aspirations of that student athlete in terms of athletic/academic interests.
- Make contacts to schools where athletes can realistically compete. Contacts can be made at the student/parent request or through coaches’ contact with a school compatible with a student athletes abilities.
Parent/Student responsibilities in the college recruitment proves for athletes.
- Be realistic—determine your competitive level through discussions with coaches.
- Attend “Wayne Mazzoni” college recruitment presentation.
- Narrow down a list of colleges. Learn which schools have sports programs that fit your interests and abilities.
- Build a resume which includes GPS, class rank, SAT, PSAT, sport statistics and awards, height, weight, position and other specific factors relevant to sport (i.e.: bench press, MPH for pitchers, etc).
- Write a letter of interest that you can send to the coach at schools that you are applying to.
- Include press clippings, photos or video, references from coaches.
- Follow-up to make sure materials are received.
- File NCAA Clearinghouse form with guidance counselor after your junior year grades appear on your transcript.
- Keep line of communication open with your coach.