Welcome Parents!

** The earlier an athlete starts, the better – SO GET GOING! **

Academics!

Grades are the number one priority! It’s impossible to overstate the importance of academics. Academic  success ensures competition eligibility for athletes and provides a positive first impression for college recruiters. Beginning with the FRESHMAN YEAR, students can get off on the right foot, stay disciplined and stay focused!  If the student-athlete gets off to a poor start, then they will have to FIX IT!  Do whatever you have to do to with your son or daughter and get those grades up.  Seek assistance from coaches, teachers and outside tutoring services.  Consider taking preliminary tests in preparation for ACT and SAT.  The higher the grades and test scores, the better the students chances!

Commitment!

Serious about success?? Now is the time to start proving it! While in high school, coaches need to see the determination to work hard both in and outside of the classroom.  Constantly look for opportunities to improve knowledge, skills, strength and speed. Look for opportunities to compete and train in organized programs outside of school.

Recruiting!

An athlete becomes a “prospect” the moment he or she is enrolled in the 9th grade.  YOU have to initiate the process! This starts by maximizing your Scouting Nation profile!  After that, you can consider complementary but more costly action such as utilizing professional, one-on-one recruiting services. In addition to Scouting Nation, you can conduct your own research and write additional letters to programs that may interest you and your student-athlete. If correspondence or questionnaires are received from collegiate programs, fill them out and return them promptly.  Enclose addition helpful data, reference your son or daughter's athletic profile at Scouting Nation and enclose a brief personal letter. Always be courteous and neat in your communications with any college program or coach.

Your List!

Begin to compile a list of programs that are attractive.  Be realistic about your goals, focusing on all levels of college programs, including junior colleges.  Remember, your goal is to get a scholarship for your son or daughter and compete! Update your list regularly as you learn more.

Look Around!

Some of your greatest resources are closest to you!  Talk with counselors, teachers, coaches and ask them for feedback! Make sure your direction is the right one and your plan is effective! Make sure you’re student-athlete is maximizing training opportunities and meeting core academic requirements.

Take Advantage!

Take advantage of every opportunity around you to “market” your work ethic, determination, skills and abilities! Scouting Nation is a perfect avenue for this! As mentioned previously, further your efforts by conducting your own letter writing campaign. Prepare letters of introduction. Be sure your letters are clear, proof-read and well written. If you are contacted by a college, follow all instructions and promptly follow up with personal achievement updates when appropriate. If traveling, take advantage of opportunities to visit various college campuses and the surrounding area.

 Camps!

Pursue outside competition and seek out the highest level of skill training you can obtain for your child. If possible, your student-athlete should attend a sports camp, clinic or showcase event in their sport. 

And again…Academics!

This part of preparing for the future cannot be over-emphasized! If your child has a weak area, take action and work hard to improve it. Should they score well on the SAT or ACT, consider taking the SAT II. Consider also, combining the best SAT subject category scores from multiple tests to create a best overall score. If applicable, update their status with the NCAA Eligibility Center or other programs for which you have provided information.  Take stock of your child's goals and form a written plan to achieve them! Be flexible and write down adaptations as they come. If your student-athlete is to become eligible for an NCAA Division I or II institution, go to  www.ncaa.org for eligibility and registration information. Know that hard work and focus WILL pay dividends, no matter where you are in the process.

STAY FOCUSED AND FINISH STRONG!!