According to Anthony Woodford, Skyline’s College and Career Center counselor, and Dennis Brunzell, school counselor, here are some of the most common mistakes in your recruiting process/year.
Common mistakes
1. Not researching the schools you want to go to
Research all schools, looking for what you need such as certain classes, documents and other requirements. Not all colleges have the same requirements. Research their sports team and see what their players and coaches are like.
2. Unrealistic expectations
Talk to people who have been through the recruiting process and visualize what the goals. But don’t stop there. Don’t just think about your goals; plan what to you need to actually do to get your goals achieved.
3. Improper preparation
Take your time to figure out what documents, classes, and other materials you need to have for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) requirements. For example, some classes are not NCAA approved so they won’t count towards your NCAA transcript. Take the time to make sure you are on top of your school work.
You also need to make sure that you prepare as an athlete as well. Make sure you are doing stuff outside of what your coach tells you to do: extra lifts and workouts, extra training individually, etc.
4. Trying to play like someone you’re not
This means that you shouldn’t play like the player you think coaches will want; play the way you are the most comfortable. For example, if you are more of a passing player, don’t start trying to dribble everyone when scouts are watching. Also make an itinerary of things not to do and to do. And just be you.
5. Not registering with the NCAA
By registering with the NCAA, you can get more recruiting opportunities, get financial aid if needed, and help with your recruiting process. Student athletes should register with the NCAA because college coaches have certain rules with recruiting that depend upon if you are registered with them.
6. Not registering for college (ID) camps
ID camps are ways to show your skills in front of a lot of different college coaches. They are also an opportunity to show that you’re interested in that college.
What Skyline does to help student athletes
1. Workshops for your recruiting process
Skyline just started offering workshops; they are scheduled for 2/26, 3/11, 3/18, from 11:15-12:15 in room A210.
2. Skyline coaches are NCAA certified and vetted
This means that they are certified to coach at the collegiate level, so they bring good and intense practice to help you be ready for college.
3. Provides track records of students who have gone to colleges on sports scholarships.
This means you can see what other Skyline students have done to get to college with a sports scholarship.
4. We focus on the student part of being a student athlete
This means that the teachers, counselors, and administrators help you to focus on your school work first, before the athletic part. For example, Skyline administers grade checks and if you don’t pass the grade checks, you can’t play.
5. AAPS PE teacher Molly Lipton is the person to go to with any recruiting questions.
This means that you can go to her for help during your recruiting year with any recruiting questions. You can reach her by emailing her at l[email protected].
