| If you've always dreamed about competing in | | | | Be sure you learn the rules governing |
| college athletics, your dream may be within | | | | athletic recruiting. And, be certain you and |
| reach. But, you need more than athletic | | | | the college coaches with whom you come into |
| talent...you need to know how to "connect" | | | | contact adhere to them strictly. Go to your |
| with appropriate colleges. | | | | high school coach if you have questions or |
| | | | concerns. |
| First, do a reality check. If you are good | | | | |
| enough to play basketball in the Big East or | | | | Too learn as much as possible about the |
| football in the SEC, coaches from those | | | | colleges you are considering, be sure to be |
| leagues and others would be taking so much of | | | | in touch with admissions offices. They will |
| your time that you wouldn't have the 5 | | | | provide you with much more comprehensive |
| minutes you need to read this. Ask your coach | | | | publications and information than you are |
| and other knowledgeable people (not family or | | | | likely to get from coaches. Coaches, to |
| friends) which colleges might be interested | | | | nobody's surprise, are very focused on |
| in your athletic talents. Do some research of | | | | athletics, while good admissions counselors |
| your own. Then make a list of possibilities | | | | are likely to know far more about academics, |
| and take it to your counselor to see which | | | | campus life, student support services, etc. |
| colleges might be a good fit for you. And, | | | | |
| ask if he or she can add to the list. | | | | Don't worry to much about listed college |
| | | | costs. What it will actually cost you may be |
| Make sure you see and consider the whole | | | | far less. |
| picture, not just the colleges' athletic | | | | |
| programs. Are the academic programs solid? | | | | Don't panic if coaches don't immediately |
| Does the campus environment seem friendly? Do | | | | reply to an initial letter or email from you. |
| you like the location? And, the big question; | | | | Wait a month, and try again. Remember that |
| Is it a college you might choose even if you | | | | some coaches get a lot of mail, and that they |
| were not an athlete? | | | | are especially busy just before and in |
| | | | season. Some coaches may never get back to |
| Don't rule out colleges simply because you | | | | you...at least you'll know where you stand |
| have not heard much about them. Mount Union, | | | | with them, right? |
| Kentucky Wesleyan, and Kenyon are three | | | | |
| colleges you may not have heard of, but all | | | | And, be aware that even the coaches that do |
| have distinguished themselves in athletics. | | | | respond to you with letters, brochures and |
| There are dozens more like them in every | | | | emails may not have a serious interest in you |
| sport you can name. | | | | or may want to seriously recruit you only if |
| | | | the athletes in whom they are most interested |
| Remember that there is a lot of financial aid | | | | decide to go elsewhere. That being the case, |
| aside from athletic scholarships, and that | | | | continue to communicate with all coaches who |
| there are some great athletic programs at the | | | | appear to be interested in you until you have |
| NCAA II and III levels. | | | | and accept a firm offer from a college. It's |
| | | | the best way to protect yourself against |
| Never lose sight of the fact that the goal of | | | | disappointment. |
| leaving college with a good education should | | | | |
| come before your athletic aspirations. | | | | After you do commit to a college or |
| Unfortunately, there are coaches out there, | | | | university, be sure you contact and sincerely |
| at all levels, who are more interested in | | | | express your gratitude to the coaches who |
| winning games than educating | | | | have been communicating with you. It's the |
| student-athletes. If you suspect that you've | | | | right thing to do, and it might help a coach |
| encountered one, run, don't walk, in the | | | | remember you if you later decide to transfer |
| opposite direction. | | | | from the first college you attend. |
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