Originally posted by Unregistered
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I always tell players and their families that the coaching world is indeed small. People often don't realize that these coaches know each other from playing with/against each other as players themselves, through coaching license clinics, lots of meet ups at tournaments, and other networking opportunities.
As I said before, I no longer coach.I did so in southern California and in Portland. I once was a student athlete, raised five student athletes, and have worked with many families over the years. I have plenty of experience with recruiting and when it comes to helping players and their families understand the process, I am honest with them and recruiting staff, about the best fit for everyone involved.
When the other poster felt it necessary to slam what I do and deny that I could possibly know anything, I realized what a disservice this person is doing for anyone simply seeking information that they might not know how to get or have access to through their own coach or club. That poster seems focused on athletics and never considered that I am addressing qualities of the well-rounded student athlete. If your grades and test scores are sub-par, you might end up going to a two-year school. If a four-year program had eyes on you before, and you keep them in the loop while you attend a two-year program, you still have a chance to make it into a four-year program. If you sign a NLI but fall short in your grades and minimum test score for that particular school, you are TSOL.
I will also tell you that coaches from other areas of the country (e.g., the midwest and the southeast) are at western area showcases, looking for talent. They represent schools that have quotas to fill, and regional representation of students has significant value to them. I don't know all of those coaches personally, but they are approachable, and not bothered when they hear me talk to them about an Oregon team or player. I've had several of them tell me that it is difficult to get players interested in their schools with so many good schools out west, and players/parents not understanding what they can offer them. Again, in the background, they have pressure from their own schools to help with meet school quotas for Pacific Northwest or West coast students.
The player has to make the effort to be noticed, but more importantly, if they have not done their homework and preparation for showcasing and put the heaviest emphasis on their grades, chosen coursework, tested well, can write essays, and do volunteer work, then they will have a difficult time getting to play at a school of their choice. A recruiter can only do so much. Be prepared!
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