Academic Advisor

A Window of Opportunity

In spite of the number of college athletes seen on television, not every high school student-athlete makes it to the next level. Regardless of your sport or gender, the recruiting process can be both daunting and confusing. Many are taken in by the “glitz and glamour” that comes with major college athletic programs. However it is wise to consider where you fit and which college athletic program fits you. By understanding your needs, the recruiting process becomes more than a question of “Where do I go?” but a question of “What’s best for me? Where will I thrive? Where will I develop?”

Below are a few points to consider when addressing these questions.

UNDERSTAND YOURSELF & YOUR NEEDS

• Identify Your Inner Circle. Normally when faced with a tough decision, an individual will gather with his or her most trusted confidants. Typically this inner circle will include relatives (parents, aunts or uncles), coaches and other adults with whom you have a strong relationship. You want to discuss options with someone who knows your character, strengths and development areas in order to make an educated decision.
• Big School versus Small School. It is assumed that class sizes will be smaller at small schools than at large schools. However, at larger schools, graduate assistants typically teach in place of professors. This is not always the case at small schools, where professors traditionally facilitate their own classes. Evaluate the campus culture and the accessibility of professors and lecturers. What environment compliments your learning style?
• Metro Area versus College Towns. What type of climate best fits your personality? While a college town will allow you to focus more on campus activities, a school in a metro area might present more opportunities for future career networking.
• Learning Issues. Many high school students have a learning disability. When examining schools during the recruiting process, you need to figure out what school has the support programs and services that are capable of addressing your specific needs.
• Home versus Out-of-State. While you may have thoughts of “getting away,” there is a lot to be said for eating home cooking.

UNDERSTANDING THE RECRUITING GAME

• The Recruit Pecking Order. One sobering fact of the recruiting process is that members of the college athletic staff have a tiered list of the most desirable high school recruits…unfortunately not everybody is on the top of this list. You would not be out of line if you asked any college athletic staff recruiting you exactly where you fit within the school’s recruiting plans.
• Staff Turnover. Another sobering fact is that not every member of the coaching staff stays employed at the college. It is not uncommon to grow attached to staff personnel that may be recruiting you. Again, it is not out of line to discuss staff turnovers during the recruiting process.
• Recruiting Style. Often multiple schools will compete against each other for the same high school student athlete. Are the competing college staffs focusing on you and what you potentially add to the program OR are they making unconstructive comments about other college athletic staffs. When college athletic staffs make disparaging comments about each other it is referred to as “negative recruiting.”

THE RECRUITING TRIP

• Enjoy Yourself! Not everyone will have the opportunity to experience what you are going through…so have some fun with it. Still, remember your manners and that you are representing your current school, and don’t have so much fun you miss the larger point of the recruiting trip.
• Observe and Learn. Do your best to get a feel of the atmosphere of campus. Be honest with yourself. Always search to figure out how you fit within the entire campus setting and culture.
• Measure Relationships. How do people interact and treat each other? Their behavior will be an indication of how they will treat you. Examine how the coaching staff regards each other as well as their colleagues on campus.
• Compare Notes. As you are going through this process, talk to other high school student-athletes you meet during the recruiting trips. Their comments may provide valuable insight.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of things to think about. Everyone’s journey through this process is a little different. College athletics provides a relatively small window for student-athletes to identify the program and environment that best fits him or her.

As you proceed with your summer workouts and begin your individual journey, strive to understand your unique needs as a person. But mostly, recognize the recruiting process is a time of evaluation — you’re evaluating a program and a program is evaluating you. Ask questions, observe and have fun!

The National Association of Academic Advisors for Athletics (N4A) is an educational service and professional organization dedicated to promoting academic advisement and counseling to athletics. William Gill is the past Chair of N4A’s Membership Committee. Gill is an academic advisor/lecturer with a B.A. in Leadership Studies from the University of Richmond and a M.A. in Counseling of College Student Development from Hampton University. Gill has worked with football programs and tutorial services.