View - Loudoun Soccer
College Placement Presentation November 15, 2014 Dave Bucciero
Introduction Dave Bucciero – Director of College Placement, Loudoun Soccer – Head Coach of the Loudoun ‘96 and ‘02 Red Girls teams – Former Head Women’s Coach at American University (2007-2012) – Former Women’s Assistant Coach at Boston University, and Texas Tech University – Former Men’s Assistant Coach at Washington College – Region 1 Girls ODP Under-14 Assistant Coach
2
Meeting Agenda Selecting a College: Academics Come First The Importance of a Plan Timeline By Academic Year NCAA Rules and Regulations The College Coach: Correspondence/Letter/Emails/Phone Contact Team Brochure Club Coaches, Parents and Players – “What Are Your Roles?” Abby Downey Q&A
3
Selecting a College: Academics Come First Before you can consider where you want to go to college you need to first consider: Do I have the grades and necessary SAT/ACT scores? The better the student you are, the more options you will have to play college soccer Investigate if your grades and test scores will get you admitted to the colleges you are interested in—ask the college coach directly
4
Selecting a College: Academics Come First If you are still not sure, visit your school guidance counselor. Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options.
5
Questions to Ask Your School Counselor 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
What courses do I need to take to be ready for college? How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them? Which elective courses do you recommend? Which AP® courses should I consider taking? When is the PSAT/NMSQT® going to be given? How should I study for the SAT®, and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby? Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow? What kinds of grades do different colleges require? Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby? What colleges do other kids from our school go to? What are the requirements or standards for the honor society? Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list? If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal? 14. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them? 15. How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores and reputation?
6
Reality Check Your school counselor may be very accessible or may barely know your name. So, remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is you. It’s up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future. 7
The Importance of a Plan Additional points to consider in determining your college search: Location (urban or rural area) Size of school Cost Academic strength Team/Coaching Staff Opportunity to earn playing time
8
Differences Between Division I, II, and III Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 1 level have athletic scholarships. The maximum number of scholarships per school for men is 9.9 and for women is 14. Some schools are “fully funded.” Some are not. Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 2 level can offer athletic scholarships. The amount of scholarships depends on the school (max of 9 for men, 9.9 for women). Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 3 level do not have athletic scholarships. However, some of these schools do offer very good financial aid and/or academic aid packages. 9
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Freshman Year: Focus on improving as a player and getting the best grades possible by working hard to achieve athletic and academic goals Sophomore Year: Start to put together a pool of colleges (10-15) that you may be interested in. Reach out to those college coaches by email and let them know your tournament schedule for the year. Begin visiting colleges that interest you by the end of sophomore year.
10
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Start of Junior Year: Continue to visit colleges and try to get a sense of what programs are interested in you and are realistic options for playing soccer. Speak with your club coach, but more importantly, ask the college coaches directly. Continue to email colleges of interest tournament schedules and your player profile.
11
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Spring of Junior Year: Narrow your list of schools down to 3-5 realistic options. Try to set up a second visit to these schools and communicate this with the college coach. (Try to see the team play in the spring if you haven’t already. Get a second “feel” for the school and campus.) Spring of Junior Year/Senior Year: Look to commit to a college when you are ready and when a college coach asks for a verbal commitment. Remember the importance of keeping your grades up even after you commit so you are admissible to that college. Register through the NCAA Clearinghouse to be eligible to compete (www.eligibilitycenter.org). This is for Division 1 and 2 schools only. Prepare for your first college season by improving as a player on the field.
12
NCAA Division I Rules and Regulations Basic Rules for Contact Between Coaches and Players:
Coaches cannot text or email players until September 1 of their Junior Year. Players can begin emailing coaches anytime, however a college coach can only acknowledge their email and provide them with a player questionnaire and camp information (until September 1 of Junior Year). Starting September 1 of your junior year, the coach can make phone calls to players. Before this date, players can speak with college coaches by phone, but only if the player initiates the phone call. When a player comes on campus for a camp or clinic, the school cannot give players a tour of campus during the camp/clinic. (It can be the day before or after, but not during the camp/clinic).
13
NCAA Rules and Regulations Basic Rules for Contact Between Coaches and Players: During tournaments, college coaches cannot speak directly with a parent or player. However, during a player’s senior year, college coaches can speak with them when the tournament ends, at the conclusion of the last game. Unofficial visits are visits to colleges during which most of the expenses (travel, meals, etc.) are paid for by you and your parents. Unofficial visits can take place at any time, Freshmen-Senior year. Official visits are visits to colleges during which most of the expenses (meals, lodging, travel) are paid for by the College/University. Official Visits can only occur starting September of your Senior year.
14
Before and After Tournaments Four Weeks Out: Email updated resume and tournament information (players should do this, not parents) Two Weeks Out: Email game schedule with your jersey number, game times, etc. (Check all of this carefully as you want to make sure what you are sending out is correct!) Post Showcase: Email coaches to thank them for watching you play (if you know they were watching) and reiterate interest in those schools.
15
Sample Email to College Coach Coach X, I currently play for Loudoun Soccer ‘97 Red and am a junior at Stone Bridge High School, graduating in 2016. I am interested in _______ University because of your strong soccer program and the Physical Therapy program, as I am interested in this major. I currently have a 3.6 GPA and will be taking the SAT this spring. Enclosed is my player profile for your review. As you can see, I earned All-State Honors my sophomore year and am currently a member of the Virginia ODP State Team. I will be attending the following tournaments with my Loudoun ‘97 Red Team: CASL Raleigh Showcase (November 21-23, Raleigh, NC) Disney Soccer Showcase (December 30-January 3, Orlando, FL) Jefferson Cup (March 12-14, Richmond, VA) *My jersey number is 15 If you will be attending any of these tournaments, I would love for you to evaluate me for your program. As I mentioned above, I am very interested in ______ and would love to play for your program! I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Player X
16
Sample Player Profile Suzie Q 2016 Graduate Loudoun Soccer ‘97 Red #14 Defender/Outside Midfielder 2014 State Cup Runner-Up Upcoming Tournaments: CASL Raleigh Showcase, Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup
Academics GPA: 3.6 SAT: 1210 Contact Information Email: [email protected] Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Stone Bridge High School 2014: 1st Team All-District 2012-2014: 1st Team All-County Olympic Development Program 2014: Region 1 ODP Pool 2012-2014: Virginia State ODP Team Upcoming Tournaments: Virginia ODP Friendlies, Rider Tournament
17
The Team Brochure - Sample
18
Team Brochure - Player Profile
19
Club Coaches, Parents and Players What Are Your Roles? Keep perspective of the goal for the student athlete, and consider all factors as you look at different schools. If your dream is to play college soccer, there is a school for every player! However, you must be realistic– it might not be the school you imagined yourself at originally.
20
General Rules to Live by - Players 1. Be true to yourself. While you should listen carefully to the advice of others, avoid being overly swayed by peer pressure or the impressions of others. There are many great Division 3 Universities where you can earn a valuable degree and play for a fantastic program. 2. Begin the college search/process early, (Sophomore year) to allow plenty of time to gather information, and to start communicating with college coaches/letting them know what tournaments you will be playing in. 3. Visit the schools that you are interested in. There is no substitute for seeing the college and getting the feel for the “match” with your personality and your aspirations. 4. Reach out to a variety of colleges at the Division 1,2, and 3 levels. If you know for sure that you want to play soccer in college, you want to make sure that you have options. Investigate a pool of 8-10 colleges you are interested in at different levels and email those coaches expressing your interest. 5. Know that college coaches are evaluating and communicating with hundreds of players during the recruiting process. Don’t assume that you will be offered a spot on the team just because a college coach is communicating with you. Keep your options open until you know the school you want to attend/commit to. 6. Use ID Camps/College camps as part of the recruiting process. Camps are another way to be evaluated by college coaches and sometimes in a smaller environment. Camps can also help players get a feel for what the coaches/players are like and will be another opportunity to see the campus. 7. Make sure you have thought about and prepared questions for the College Head Coach when you visit and meet with him/her. How many players are your looking for in your recruiting class? Where do you see me playing? Is there an opportunity for athletic aid, academic aid, or financial aid? Is there academic support? Do you feel the team gets along? Do you want to stay here as the Head Coach? 8. Make sure you keep your grades up and complete college applications. Ask the college coach what you need to do and how you should submit the application. Make sure you will be admissible before you commit to a school!
21
General Rules to Live by - Parents Be respectful of your son or daughter’s ownership of the college admissions decision-making process. It is the student who will spend the years on the college campus, and therefore, the decision must ultimately be theirs. Students can gain decision-making skills, improve their self confidence, and develop perseverance that will help them throughout their lives. Remember, your role is to be supportive. Endeavor to be realistic regarding your child’s abilities and talents. While each student is special and has unique qualities and abilities, it is difficult for a parent to be entirely objective about one’s own child! Remember that college coaches are recruiting hundreds of players and there are many good players out there. Give your son or daughter the benefit of your wisdom and your experience, and tell the student “up front” if there will be restrictions (financial or otherwise) on his/her college options. Remember, the student wants and needs your help in the process but does not need to be overwhelmed with your impressions and ideas. Be available to help when help is solicited. Be supportive of your child’s aspirations, but encourage him/her to be realistic. Help him/her to select the “best” college choices, not necessarily the “top-name” or most prestigious institution. Prepare your child to be an independent being. Encourage time away from home when your child must be self-reliant. Help establish a checking account, and help your child learn to do his/her own laundry. Encourage your son or daughter to enjoy practices and the club team environment and take breaks from soccer! The college recruitment process is a very stressful time and can be overwhelming.
22
General Rules to Live by - Coaches Take the time to meet with the player and parents regarding the college process and where you feel the player can fit academically, if you feel qualified, and/or athletically Be honest with the families as to the level you feel the player can successfully compete collegiately Communicate via email, phone or personal contact, if you are contacted by a college coach or want to reach out to a coach, regarding the studentathlete and provide an honest assessment of the individual’s playing abilities and the character of the player and his/her family Maintain an open line of communication between the family and the college coach. Provide feedback to both the college coach and the family.
23
Abby Downey Freshman player at George Mason University Played for the Loudoun ‘95 Red team coached by Randy May Attended Tuscarora High School
24
Questions
Introduction Dave Bucciero – Director of College Placement, Loudoun Soccer – Head Coach of the Loudoun ‘96 and ‘02 Red Girls teams – Former Head Women’s Coach at American University (2007-2012) – Former Women’s Assistant Coach at Boston University, and Texas Tech University – Former Men’s Assistant Coach at Washington College – Region 1 Girls ODP Under-14 Assistant Coach
2
Meeting Agenda Selecting a College: Academics Come First The Importance of a Plan Timeline By Academic Year NCAA Rules and Regulations The College Coach: Correspondence/Letter/Emails/Phone Contact Team Brochure Club Coaches, Parents and Players – “What Are Your Roles?” Abby Downey Q&A
3
Selecting a College: Academics Come First Before you can consider where you want to go to college you need to first consider: Do I have the grades and necessary SAT/ACT scores? The better the student you are, the more options you will have to play college soccer Investigate if your grades and test scores will get you admitted to the colleges you are interested in—ask the college coach directly
4
Selecting a College: Academics Come First If you are still not sure, visit your school guidance counselor. Your school counselor is one of your best resources as you plan for college. Your counselor has information about admission tests, college preparation, and your education and career options.
5
Questions to Ask Your School Counselor 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
What courses do I need to take to be ready for college? How should I plan my schedule so I'll complete them? Which elective courses do you recommend? Which AP® courses should I consider taking? When is the PSAT/NMSQT® going to be given? How should I study for the SAT®, and is it given at this high school or do I need to go somewhere nearby? Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow? What kinds of grades do different colleges require? Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby? What colleges do other kids from our school go to? What are the requirements or standards for the honor society? Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to the colleges on my wish list? If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal? 14. Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them? 15. How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores and reputation?
6
Reality Check Your school counselor may be very accessible or may barely know your name. So, remember that the person who has the biggest stake in your academics is you. It’s up to you to stay on top of opportunities and deadlines so you can take control of your future. 7
The Importance of a Plan Additional points to consider in determining your college search: Location (urban or rural area) Size of school Cost Academic strength Team/Coaching Staff Opportunity to earn playing time
8
Differences Between Division I, II, and III Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 1 level have athletic scholarships. The maximum number of scholarships per school for men is 9.9 and for women is 14. Some schools are “fully funded.” Some are not. Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 2 level can offer athletic scholarships. The amount of scholarships depends on the school (max of 9 for men, 9.9 for women). Colleges and universities that compete at the Division 3 level do not have athletic scholarships. However, some of these schools do offer very good financial aid and/or academic aid packages. 9
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Freshman Year: Focus on improving as a player and getting the best grades possible by working hard to achieve athletic and academic goals Sophomore Year: Start to put together a pool of colleges (10-15) that you may be interested in. Reach out to those college coaches by email and let them know your tournament schedule for the year. Begin visiting colleges that interest you by the end of sophomore year.
10
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Start of Junior Year: Continue to visit colleges and try to get a sense of what programs are interested in you and are realistic options for playing soccer. Speak with your club coach, but more importantly, ask the college coaches directly. Continue to email colleges of interest tournament schedules and your player profile.
11
Player Timeline: Breakdown by Academic Year Spring of Junior Year: Narrow your list of schools down to 3-5 realistic options. Try to set up a second visit to these schools and communicate this with the college coach. (Try to see the team play in the spring if you haven’t already. Get a second “feel” for the school and campus.) Spring of Junior Year/Senior Year: Look to commit to a college when you are ready and when a college coach asks for a verbal commitment. Remember the importance of keeping your grades up even after you commit so you are admissible to that college. Register through the NCAA Clearinghouse to be eligible to compete (www.eligibilitycenter.org). This is for Division 1 and 2 schools only. Prepare for your first college season by improving as a player on the field.
12
NCAA Division I Rules and Regulations Basic Rules for Contact Between Coaches and Players:
Coaches cannot text or email players until September 1 of their Junior Year. Players can begin emailing coaches anytime, however a college coach can only acknowledge their email and provide them with a player questionnaire and camp information (until September 1 of Junior Year). Starting September 1 of your junior year, the coach can make phone calls to players. Before this date, players can speak with college coaches by phone, but only if the player initiates the phone call. When a player comes on campus for a camp or clinic, the school cannot give players a tour of campus during the camp/clinic. (It can be the day before or after, but not during the camp/clinic).
13
NCAA Rules and Regulations Basic Rules for Contact Between Coaches and Players: During tournaments, college coaches cannot speak directly with a parent or player. However, during a player’s senior year, college coaches can speak with them when the tournament ends, at the conclusion of the last game. Unofficial visits are visits to colleges during which most of the expenses (travel, meals, etc.) are paid for by you and your parents. Unofficial visits can take place at any time, Freshmen-Senior year. Official visits are visits to colleges during which most of the expenses (meals, lodging, travel) are paid for by the College/University. Official Visits can only occur starting September of your Senior year.
14
Before and After Tournaments Four Weeks Out: Email updated resume and tournament information (players should do this, not parents) Two Weeks Out: Email game schedule with your jersey number, game times, etc. (Check all of this carefully as you want to make sure what you are sending out is correct!) Post Showcase: Email coaches to thank them for watching you play (if you know they were watching) and reiterate interest in those schools.
15
Sample Email to College Coach Coach X, I currently play for Loudoun Soccer ‘97 Red and am a junior at Stone Bridge High School, graduating in 2016. I am interested in _______ University because of your strong soccer program and the Physical Therapy program, as I am interested in this major. I currently have a 3.6 GPA and will be taking the SAT this spring. Enclosed is my player profile for your review. As you can see, I earned All-State Honors my sophomore year and am currently a member of the Virginia ODP State Team. I will be attending the following tournaments with my Loudoun ‘97 Red Team: CASL Raleigh Showcase (November 21-23, Raleigh, NC) Disney Soccer Showcase (December 30-January 3, Orlando, FL) Jefferson Cup (March 12-14, Richmond, VA) *My jersey number is 15 If you will be attending any of these tournaments, I would love for you to evaluate me for your program. As I mentioned above, I am very interested in ______ and would love to play for your program! I hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Player X
16
Sample Player Profile Suzie Q 2016 Graduate Loudoun Soccer ‘97 Red #14 Defender/Outside Midfielder 2014 State Cup Runner-Up Upcoming Tournaments: CASL Raleigh Showcase, Disney Showcase, Jefferson Cup
Academics GPA: 3.6 SAT: 1210 Contact Information Email: [email protected] Phone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Stone Bridge High School 2014: 1st Team All-District 2012-2014: 1st Team All-County Olympic Development Program 2014: Region 1 ODP Pool 2012-2014: Virginia State ODP Team Upcoming Tournaments: Virginia ODP Friendlies, Rider Tournament
17
The Team Brochure - Sample
18
Team Brochure - Player Profile
19
Club Coaches, Parents and Players What Are Your Roles? Keep perspective of the goal for the student athlete, and consider all factors as you look at different schools. If your dream is to play college soccer, there is a school for every player! However, you must be realistic– it might not be the school you imagined yourself at originally.
20
General Rules to Live by - Players 1. Be true to yourself. While you should listen carefully to the advice of others, avoid being overly swayed by peer pressure or the impressions of others. There are many great Division 3 Universities where you can earn a valuable degree and play for a fantastic program. 2. Begin the college search/process early, (Sophomore year) to allow plenty of time to gather information, and to start communicating with college coaches/letting them know what tournaments you will be playing in. 3. Visit the schools that you are interested in. There is no substitute for seeing the college and getting the feel for the “match” with your personality and your aspirations. 4. Reach out to a variety of colleges at the Division 1,2, and 3 levels. If you know for sure that you want to play soccer in college, you want to make sure that you have options. Investigate a pool of 8-10 colleges you are interested in at different levels and email those coaches expressing your interest. 5. Know that college coaches are evaluating and communicating with hundreds of players during the recruiting process. Don’t assume that you will be offered a spot on the team just because a college coach is communicating with you. Keep your options open until you know the school you want to attend/commit to. 6. Use ID Camps/College camps as part of the recruiting process. Camps are another way to be evaluated by college coaches and sometimes in a smaller environment. Camps can also help players get a feel for what the coaches/players are like and will be another opportunity to see the campus. 7. Make sure you have thought about and prepared questions for the College Head Coach when you visit and meet with him/her. How many players are your looking for in your recruiting class? Where do you see me playing? Is there an opportunity for athletic aid, academic aid, or financial aid? Is there academic support? Do you feel the team gets along? Do you want to stay here as the Head Coach? 8. Make sure you keep your grades up and complete college applications. Ask the college coach what you need to do and how you should submit the application. Make sure you will be admissible before you commit to a school!
21
General Rules to Live by - Parents Be respectful of your son or daughter’s ownership of the college admissions decision-making process. It is the student who will spend the years on the college campus, and therefore, the decision must ultimately be theirs. Students can gain decision-making skills, improve their self confidence, and develop perseverance that will help them throughout their lives. Remember, your role is to be supportive. Endeavor to be realistic regarding your child’s abilities and talents. While each student is special and has unique qualities and abilities, it is difficult for a parent to be entirely objective about one’s own child! Remember that college coaches are recruiting hundreds of players and there are many good players out there. Give your son or daughter the benefit of your wisdom and your experience, and tell the student “up front” if there will be restrictions (financial or otherwise) on his/her college options. Remember, the student wants and needs your help in the process but does not need to be overwhelmed with your impressions and ideas. Be available to help when help is solicited. Be supportive of your child’s aspirations, but encourage him/her to be realistic. Help him/her to select the “best” college choices, not necessarily the “top-name” or most prestigious institution. Prepare your child to be an independent being. Encourage time away from home when your child must be self-reliant. Help establish a checking account, and help your child learn to do his/her own laundry. Encourage your son or daughter to enjoy practices and the club team environment and take breaks from soccer! The college recruitment process is a very stressful time and can be overwhelming.
22
General Rules to Live by - Coaches Take the time to meet with the player and parents regarding the college process and where you feel the player can fit academically, if you feel qualified, and/or athletically Be honest with the families as to the level you feel the player can successfully compete collegiately Communicate via email, phone or personal contact, if you are contacted by a college coach or want to reach out to a coach, regarding the studentathlete and provide an honest assessment of the individual’s playing abilities and the character of the player and his/her family Maintain an open line of communication between the family and the college coach. Provide feedback to both the college coach and the family.
23
Abby Downey Freshman player at George Mason University Played for the Loudoun ‘95 Red team coached by Randy May Attended Tuscarora High School
24
Questions
