Cajun Soccer Club

Coaches Advice

Preparation
  • Start preparing as soon as your freshman year to academically meet admission & NCAA eligibility center requirements
  • Get organized.  Collect your academic & athletic information & compile together a profile to send to coaches.  Keep track of which schools you want to target, what you sent or emailed to each school, & document any phone conversation with coaches so you can remeber what was discussed.
  • Make a list of questions prior to an unofficial/official visit.  Don't be afraid to ask questions when speaking with coaching staff, athletic support staff, department counselars & admissions office.

 

Proactive
  • College coaches cannot see everyone!  You must identify yourself & be your own advocate.
  • It is YOUR responsibility to make sure your are seen.
  • Make initial contact with coaches on your list of schools
  • Continuously updates college coaches with your accomplishments ( academically and athletically).
  • Email coaches a week or two before a showcase event & provide them with your schedule of games, jerseys #, & uniform colors.
  • When communicating with coaches make sure you express your interest in the schools academic programs.
  • Keep in mind that you are going to be a student first.

 

Parent Involvement
  • Coaches like to communicate with the player rather than the parent.
  • Player should be the one contacting the coach, but the parents should be a part of the process when organizing unofficial & official visits.
  • It is important on a visit the player talks to the coach & not just the parent.
  • Parents should offer support & guidance to their child.
  • Parents need to be involved in the financial aid piece & scholarship discussion.
  • Final decision on college choice should involve the parent(s).

 

Realistic
  • Honest personal evaluation of your abilities on the field & in the classroom.
  • CSC coaches will provide honest & accurate feedback when you present them with your list of schools.
  • Don't take feedback personally.

Decision Making

During the recruiting process it is important that you contemplate the following:

Academically Financially Socially Athletically
Programs offered Can I afford without scholarship? Comfortable with the school & surroundings? Roster size/Conference
Admissions requirements Financial aid Place you feel you can grow as a person? Coaching/playing style
Private vs. Public Academic scholarships Distance from home How many players in your position?  When do they graduate?
Class sizes Athletic scholarships Big school?  Small school? What position does the coach see you playing?
Study Abroad Program? Are you willing to take out a loan?  How much? Big city, small city, rural college town? How soon will I get to play?  How important is it to play for a winning program?

 

Monique Hundley - Georgia State University

Briley Dronet - University of Mount Olive

Jade Theriot - Northwestern St. University

Brock Hollier - Delta St. University

Nathan Ratzlaff - Belhaven University