Coach Mike-
National Scouting Director with CSA PrepStar
Professional collegiate sports scout working with qualified next level student-athletes to find the right college athletic and academic fit.
As of April 25, 2018 new recruting regulations were passed by the NCAA changing the timeline for official visits and verbal offers for D1 college and D1 prospects. In my opinion, the new regulations will offer athletes more time for colleges coaches to evaluate and assess prospects while relieving some of the pressure for prospects to commit early.
Take control of your recruiting by being well informed of the new recruiting rules. Photo by Grzegorz Walczak on Unsplash
Overall, though the new rules will likely bring about discontent to the recruiting methods some college coaches have become accustomed. Furthermore, the new regulations will most impact D1 schools. However, it is certain that D2, D3, NAIA and Junior colleges will experience some recruiting turbulence under the sweeping institutional regulations.
Since the regulations became effective immediately, the 2020 recruiting class and beyond are subject to the new legislation. Notably, a quick summary of changes begins pointing out that the new regulations impacts all D1 collegiate sports except football and basketball (which have sanctioned recruiting regulations indicative to the respective sport).
The most noticeable change mandates that no verbal commitments can be offered to a student-athlete before September 1st of her/his Junior year. Consequently, the new rules prohibit college coaches to talk recruiting with prospective student athletes. So, will this ruling actually end early offers?
Additionally, to coincided with the new rules the NCAA has permitted student athletes to take official visits as early as September 1st of their Junior year. Curiously, how will these visits become arranged if no recruiting communication is permitted?
Consequently, to what may seem to be egregious action the recruiting process, evaluation and exposure opportunities will remain rather routine. Surely, athletes that can get and stay on the radar of college coaches will have a obvious recruiting advantage. As a Prepstar athlete your advantage is that college coaches have unfettered access to both your information and recruiting mentor.
On May 31st join me for a free 30 minute webinar designed to help athletes and parents make more sense of the new recruiting rules. Register here to recieve your webinar password. Questions about the rule changes can be Dm’d to my Twitter before the webinar.
Finally, if you have questions please contact me. I am always glad to help.
College showcases, camps and combines are a great way to compete against some of the nation’s top high school talent. Additionally, the experience at these events can be very valuable in the development of a young athlete. So, just based on the sheer competitiveness of these types of events, I feel that it is a wise decision to attend camps, combines and showcases. as you can without breaking the bank!
Having said that, however, my experience has found that trying to rely solely on college showcases, camps and combines to get recruited not a very sound strategy by itself. Most college coaches that attend these type of events already have developed recruiting lists of athletes they plan to watch. Also, coaches need to be at the intended event. So, if college coaches wont’ be at the event, then its is impossible for them to see you compete, which means there is a pretty good chance you will go unnoticed by them. At least by the coach you wished to see you.
If college coaches wont’ be at the event then its is impossible for them to see you compete which means there is a pretty good chance you will go unnoticed by them. (Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
Instead, a winning recruiting strategy for using camps, combines and showcase is as follows. First, do some research to make sure college coaches form the schools you like will be attending the showcases, camps and combines that you also plan to compete at. Then, most importantly, athletes should make sure they are prepared for the event. Next, utilize good communication before the event. Finally, reach out to coaches directing them to your recruiting profile along with any video highlights you may have. (PrepStar athletes can do this in a few clicks- message me if you need to know how).
Have questions? Need help? Contact me to set up a time to talk (get free advise!) or use the comment section below.
Coach Mike oversees the recruiting of talented next-level athletes by helping families develop and implement a recruiting strategy for athletes to get exposure, evaluated and recruited. As former college athlete with over 20 years of experience as a coach, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Office: 805-622-STAR
Have you ever baked your phone? Yes, baked your phone. A while ago day I was drawn to a Twitter a post that while baking a cake someone dropped their phone into the pan then, unaware proceeded to bake the cake in the oven!
I’m sure whoever did this probably planned out the recipe for the cake, prepared all then ingredient, then proceeded to go about the task without any premonition of having their phone becoming part of the ingredients.
Now, its likely that none of us have made this blunder, but I’m sure at even the best of us and overlooked some important detail which then ended up becoming a very costly mistake.
For many athletes academics are one area that are easily overlooked during the excitement of the season. Because overlooking academics can be a very costly mistake it is best to proceed with caution. Neglecting to focus on academics can effect both recruiting and scholarships opportunities.
So, here’s a few tips to keep your recipe of recruiting on point.
1. Keep up to date with academic assignments.
2. Check your GPA often. Weekly if needed.
3. Plan ahead, work on assignments in advance.
Why do grades matter?
Having up to date grades as well as college prep test scores (ACT/SAT) moves along recruiting. Why? Because early qualifiers are easier to process!
Also, I suggest taking either the ACT or SAT as early as possible. This gives you time to take the test again if necessary. In addition to early qualification you may want to take these test more than once because higher test scores equate to more money in financial aid rewards!
The recipe for success that I suggest is taking the Pre-ACT or Pre-Sat Sophomore year to get a baseline score. Then, take the ACT or SAT your Junior year. And, if necessary, take the ACT or SAT again your Senior year to get the highest score possible.
It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of games and practice portions of recruiting, But don’t get burnt. Stay sharp, make sure to mix in academics in your recipe of success.
Be committed,
Coach Mike
Coach Mike oversees the recruiting of talented next-level athletes by helping families develop and implement a recruiting strategy for athletes to get exposure, evaluated and recruited. As former college athlete with over 20 years of experience as a coach, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Office: 805-622-STAR
Many parents and student athletes will be surprised to know that college tuition can be paid in very creative ways. In fact, with the national average of college tuition hovering around $34,000 per year for private colleges and $25,000 for state schools, there are a number of ways for families to relieve the burden of tuition expenses. So before going out to sign for a stack of loans take a look at 5 ways student-athletes can pay for college tuition.
Scholarships – financial aid awards that do not need to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded for academics and athletics.
Grants – needs based form of financial assistance that students do not repay. Grants are often awarded by information provided in the FASFA application. The Pell Grant is a good example.
Loans – Federal student loans allows students to borrow money that must be repaid with interest. Loans are determined as “needs-based” and fulfilled at subsidized or interest free while other loans are unsubsidized meaning they accrue interest. Parents of dependent student can also apply for federal loan called the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).
Campus work study– student employment is a way to earn income and gain work experience. Federal work study is determined by student information and needs determined from the FAFSAapplication.
Military education benefit- commonly referred to as the GI Bill, Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit of up to $45,000 eligible to active members after service members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members.
Be Committed,
Coach Mike
Coach Mike oversees the recruiting of talented next-level athletes by helping families develop and implement a recruiting strategy for athletes to get exposure, evaluated and recruited. With over 20 years of experience as a coach and, as former college athlete, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Office: 805-622-STAR
Now that February Signing Day is behind us we can look forward to the next Signing Day on April 11. Coaches can contact prospective athletes by all forms of communication; phone calls, texts, email, campus visits, letters etc. Typically, Juniors contacted during this time are considered top-choice prospects.
Communication like email, text and social media are great ways to let coaches know that you are interested
So, what do you do if you are contacted by a college coach? Here are a few tips to help you connect and remain on the radar. Also, remember I am here to help you so please contact me with any recruiting questions that you have.
Communication like email, text and social media are great ways to let coaches know that you are interested in becoming a part of their program. Surely, when you are contacted by a college coach, you want to make the most of the opportunity as well as give the college coach plenty of reasons to keep you on the their recruiting radar.
Reply promptly to contacts from college coaches by email, phone, online. Communication has to be two-way. So try your best to reply to emails, calls or messages within 48 hours.
Response communication should to demonstrate your interest in the academics and athletic programs. An email should include contact information, links to video, stats and any other information you feel necessary to help your recruiting.
Keep an informative, but short, email template handy for a quick reply to coaches. Include your name, grad year, position, GPA, test scores, video links, PrepStar profile link, travel team name and high school MaxPreps/Hudl link.
If you send coaches your info then it is important to update your recruiting profile regularly. Treat your PrepStar recruiting profile like your social media. Post current information frequently to your recruiting profile to keep it up to date. This information should include most recent stats, recent video, recent pictures, current ACT/SAT scores, current GPA. Also include any other pertinent information such accomplishments, honors or clubs that may show coach you are a great student, athlete and person.
Many coaches are not quick to reply and it may seem like a double standard but don’t make a coach wait for you reply. Especially, a coach from a college you really want to attend. Expect to wait. Expect to wait. It is common for communication to be slow during the contact period. However, the worst thing you can do is make coaches wait. Let them know if you are interested in their program and school.
Finally, stay focused on your goal, be patient and keep working hard. NEVER GIVE UP ON SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN’T GO A DAY WITHOUT THINKING ABOUT.
Shake-ups are common in every collegiate sport but how what are repercussions on recruits?
Recently, a news notification citing a significant change in SEC collegiate softball. My draw dropped as I read the headline that the head coach of the University of Missouri softball program was relieved of his duties. Certainly, to the amazement of the entire softball community, the decision was executed with less than two weeks before the season opener on February 8th.
Mizzou is known to recruit players early. In fact, many of their prospects are identified Freshman and Sophomore season. Truly, the effects of this decision will impact everyone involved in the program including coaches, players and recruits as well as their families.
As a natural reaction I Immediately passed this information along to the athletes under my care. I wanted them to get an idea of how unstable the recruiting process actually is. The lesson to be learned is to plan ahead, but adjust accordingly. Most importantly, nothing – no promise, no offer- is set in stone until NLI Signing Day.
Coaches fired. Programs overhauled. Players transfer. Like it or not, these are norms in much of college softball recruiting. Frankly, shake-up like these are not solely regulated to softball. They are common in every collegiate sport.
Arguably, breaking news like this also serves as a stark reminder of the uncertainty of the recruiting process. Over the years as National Director of Scouting & Recruiting at Prepstar I’ve helped hundreds of athletes navigate unexpected obstacles in the midst of their recruiting. If I can be of help feel free to give me a call, text or email.
Be committed,
Coach Mike
Coach Mike oversees the recruiting of talented next-level athletes by helping families develop and implement a recruiting strategy for athletes to get exposure, evaluated and recruited. With over 20 years of experience as a coach and, as former college athlete, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Office: 805-622-STAR
Recently, I have spoken with several athletes coaching them in preparation for college visits. Surely, invitations for college visits are a positive signal that you are being recruited. And its also a good thing that the coach wants to have you on campus to get to know you more. But, what kind of visit is it? Why is it so important.
Often I describe the recruiting process like a dating relationship. Think about all the things that happen before the first date. Back in my day, a lot of time was spent getting to know one another often talking on the phone or exchanging notes at school. Now Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and text has replaced that kind of bonding. Eventually, the time would come when the couple actually actually went on a first date.
First dates are alway interesting because of the great opportunity to make a first impression. And if things went well, there is a pretty good chance to have a second date.
Recruiting is a lot like a that. Recruits and coaches get to know one another with some initial communication, then if both like one another the time arrives to take the relationship to the next level.
Typically, college coaches reserve official visits to make offers, especially during senior year. Furthermore, the official visits often follows one or more unofficial visits. Clearly, those are signs of a budding relationship.
The best way to tell if the visit is official or unofficial is determined by who pays the bill. If the college pays the bill then there are some strong feelings. However, if the bill is split or the athlete is paying most rest assured that interest exists but how much is difficult to tell. Most importantly, on officialvisits the college pays for lodging, transportation and meals for the prospect and parents. Lastly, the officialvisit cannot exceed 48 hours from the time the athlete arrives on campus.
In comparison, transportation and lodging for unofficial visits are paid for by the prospect or prospect family. Some swag from the college is permissible, such up to three free game tickets and meals while on campus, but most of the check is taken care of by the recruit.
So why is it important to know the difference between an official and unofficial visit?
The reason you should to know is because the NCAA allots a certain number of official and unofficial visits for prospects. My job is to make sure the athletes I manage stay NCAA eligible.So, if you have too many officialvisits then you are in violation of NCAA recruiting guidelines! Which can jeopardize both the recruit as well as the college.
Now that the relationship has been defined, suitable prospects should put effort to make a good impression while in the presence of the coach. Lastly, no matter if its an unofficial or officialvisit its good form to let the coach know that you appreciate the free tickets, food, and the opportunity to see the campus. So, send a note, text, email, tweet or post. It just might lead to a second date!
February 7th is almost here. Soon, verbal commitments will be solidified once an athlete signs her/his National Letter of Intent. Did you know that over 45,000 prospective student-athletes sign NLIs to attend NCAA Division I or II institutions? Additionally, thousands of Division III student-athletes will make good on commitments in signing ceremonies even if not formally recognized by the NCAA.
When presented an NLI must be accompanied by an athletics aid agreement to explain scholarship award money. These terms are binding once the NLI is signed. A prospective student-athlete not receiving athletics aid does not have to sign an NLI but still have a signing ceremony. Regardless, all athletics aid agreements are must comply with NCAA rules.
Lastly, keep in mind what I shared previously about fulfilling the obligations of the NLI even if a coach leaves or gets fired. When a prospective student-athlete signs with an institution or the coach leaves, the NLI signee is still bound by the provisions of the NLI. Completing a playing season does not fulfill the NLI obligation. Instead it is required that the student-athlete complete the entire academic year at the signing institution must be completed.
Coach Mike oversees the recruiting of talented next-level athletes by helping families develop and implement a recruiting strategy for athletes to get seen, scouted and recruited. With over 20 years of experience as a coach and, as former college athlete, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Office: 805-622-STAR
Signing day is near and while the ink dries on NLI’s there will be many student-athletes with sorrows and shattered dreams. This time of year hundreds of overlooked student-athletes will wish they did something to be more proactive. Most will wish they hadn’t bought into the myth that “if you’re good enough, they’ll find you.”
Hoping and waiting for some college coach to come knocking on your door is not the way to get recruited. If this is your plan, then I’m afraid that your chances of signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day is pretty slim!
But you’re an an elite athlete determined to succeed! You’ve put in the hard work, extra reps, aches and pains…sweat…blood…tears. You are determined to get your full reward.
Here are three tips to improve your chances of playing at the next level.
1. Start early
The earlier you begin planning the recruiting process the better. In most sports D1 prospects athletes are identified by the end of their sophomore year! Recruiting boards of D2 and D3 schools also start to fill up early. This means athletes should start outlining your recruiting plan in 8th or 9th grade.
2. Be proactive
Don’t be afraid to take control of your recruiting process. Do your homework. Learn the recruiting timelines. Find out about contact dates and regulations. Keep good stats and up to date film. Proactive people make something happen by taking control.
3. Get help
College recruiting can be confusing so you’ll want someone to help you navigate the process. There are a number of different avenues to explore for advocacy, assistance, advice and exposure. Use coaches, and contacts as well as websites and recruiting organizations to help you get noticed.
The goal is to enjoy the recruiting process! Get in there and get going! If you’re not enjoying it then today is the time to start putting together a plan towards success!
Have questions? Need help? Contact me to set up a time to talk (get free advise!) or use the comment section below.
Be committed,
Coach Mike
Coach Mike oversees the the recruiting of talented next-level athletes to develop a recruiting strategy to get seen, scouted and recruited. With over 20 years of experience as a coach and, as former college athlete, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Coach Mike – Email: mwoosley@csaprepstar.com Phone: 805-622-STAR
Soon another recruiting class will be replaced by eager to impress underclassmen. Each with their own aspirations. This is why having a good solid recruiting strategy is the foundation to a controllable recruiting experience. In this week’s post my goal is to provide a helpful outline to use as a guide for overall recruiting process. Of course, there are exceptions just as there are exceptional athletes, as we see with Jr. High and Freshman verbal commits to Power 5 colleges.
Starting with the Freshman year of high school this guide will provide direction and checkpoints to help provide a fair bit of control as student athletes navigating the recruiting process towards the apex Senior year.
Freshman
NCAA recruiting guidelines stipulate that student-athletes become a college prospect the first day of freshmen year in high school. Start Planning now!
Prepare for the future as a student-athlete by making schoolwork and grades top priority — College coaches want to recruit “Student-Athletes” — not just athletes! Emphasis on “student”.
Talk to the school guidance counselor to plan the 16 core courses that must be completed with a passing grade to become an NCAA Academic qualifier — Know the list of your high school’s approved NCAA courses at www.eligibilitycenter.org by clicking “resources” at the top of the screen.
Begin keeping a record of scholastic and athletic achievements. This information will be vital when starting building an athletic recruiting profile.
Don’t make the mistake of attending camps, combines or showcases too early. Attending these camps too early can hurt more than help.
Focus on your offseason training and conditioning over the summer months .
Sophomores
Make sure academics are on track, so stay focused and disciplined in the classroom!
Begin researching colleges with realistic expectations of competition level and academic program. Keep your options open and make a list of schools from all across the country.
Put together a player recruiting profile. Plan on updating that profile every semester throughout your high school career.
Start creating a recruiting video with good video highlights. Having an expert look at your videos is helpful to putting the right film in front of college coaches.
Visit college websites from the created list and fill out their online recruiting questionnaire
Now is the time to start thinking about attending a camp, combines or showcases.
Make sure to practice and prepare before attending. Learn and practice the drills tested at the camp and be ready to perform at your very best!
Juniors
Continue to take courses that meet the high school graduation requirement and that meet NCAA initial-eligibility requirements.
Make sure that to be on track to complete 10 of the required 16 core courses by the end of junior year.
Junior season is very important for college recruiting so keep college coaches updated on your athletic progress.
Register to take the SAT and/or ACT test. When registering for the SAT/ACT, be sure to select the Eligibility Center as one of the recipients {Code: 9999}.
After September 1 prospects can recieve athletic information from college coaches.
At the end of your junior year, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and complete the amateurism certification questionnaire (www.eligibiltycenter.org). A fee waiver is available for students who qualify for a waiver fee. Your high school guidance counselor must request the fee waiver online through the Eligibility Center.
Create a junior season highlight video to send to college coaches along with an up-to-date player profile. Start sending that profile along with video highlights to college coaches that match your competitive level, geographical preferences and academic interests!
Attend at least one camp local or regional camp, combine, or showcase. Make sure to go fully prepared to be tested the necessary sports specific skills.
After July 1st most college coaches in most sports can call prospective student athletes.
Schedule at least three unofficial visits to college campuses over the summer. Be sure to choose colleges that have shown an interest in you or schools that fit your competitive level!
Senior
After September 1st of your senior year Division I college coaches may call prospective student-athletes once per week during contact and evaluation periods.
Stay in communication with as many college coaches as possible by email and phone. If your phone is ringing that is a good sign of being recruited!
Plan to retake the SAT/ACT test early first semester of senior year if necessary to obtain a higher score
Arrange five official visits. Prospective student athletes are allowed a total of five visits no matter what division.
Many Division II, III and NAIA offers will take place during the senior year so it’s important to stay in touch with as many coaches as possible with timely updates of player profile information and video highlights.
The Early Signing Period for sports other than Football is in November and runs for 7 days. Early signing period for Football is in December. Traditional Signing Period begins in February and ends August 1st. To learn the exact dates please visit: www.nationalletter.org.
Be committed,
Coach Mike
Coach Mike oversees the the recruiting of talented next-level athletes to develop a recruiting strategy to get seen, scouted and recruited. With over 20 years of experience as a coach and, as former college athlete, Mike now mentors families through the academic, athletic and financial aspects of college recruiting.
Elite Athletes Recruiting 