It’s not just what you do on the field that matters.
By Bob Jahelka
While training and skill building is vital to success on the field, there are things you can be doing, right now, off the field that will pay off big time down the road.
Advice to young (Elementary & Middle School) studletes:
Explore, Connect and Contribute
When I talk to younger athletes, I’m always amazed at how open they are to learning. Curiosity, when put into action, can become one of the building blocks of confidence and success. As early as elementary school, young studletes can get a head start by:
- making new friends
- trying new things
- getting involved in the community
- training
The more they expand their world, the more they grow as individuals and as athletes.
Advice to High School studletes:
Study, Serve and Train
Once you enter high school, it’s time to start building a dynamite resume. Even if you impress college recruiters on the field, they still want to see an impressive academic resume.
To Build a Quality Academic Profile:
- Study and keep on top of schoolwork
- Find classes that interest you and crush it in those classes
- Give back through community service opportunities
- Train. Learn what you can improve. Find a routine and stick to it!
Be a proactive participant in the recruiting process.
Utilize an online recruiting platform to build a quality online recruiting profile. FLG Lacrosse uses the company Lacrosse recruits to build an online recruiting profile, research schools, and connect with coaches.
Take the following important steps during high school to build an impressive online recruiting profile:
Freshman Year
- Focus on HS academics! Get off to a great start!
- Start to think about what you want in a school (location, size, academic programs, cost, social life)
- Start researching the different types of schools online or in your local library
- Start to ramp up your training regiment for the sport you want to play at the varsity level or in college, train and stay healthy & strong
- Ensure you are on track for NCAA Academic Requirements
- Start collecting game tape to use for your highlight video
Sophomore Year
- Compile a list of 20 to 30 target schools
- Completely fill out your online recruiting profile/resume. This should include a profile picture, contact information, scheduling information Complete an athletic questionnaire on target school websites
- Contact college coaches through your online recruiting program and attach you Recruiting Player Profile
- Prepare for or even take the SAT and/or ACT
- Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
- Know the NCAA Rules and Regulations
Junior Year
- Set-up a webinar or meeting with you Club coaches to discuss recruiting
- Take or retake the SAT and/or ACT
- Decide which schools you’ll visit and reach out to those coaches
- Notify coaches of your Fall Club Schedule, Spring High School schedule and Summer tournament or individual recruiting schedule. Make sure they have your highlight film.
- Attend Showcases and Camps the summer after Junior year
- Send transcript and SAT scores to NCAA end of Junior year
Senior Year
- Set-up a meeting with your guidance counselor in the fall
- If you haven’t already verbally committed to a school, narrow your school list to those you’ll apply to. Understand early admission deadlines and options.
- Send updated transcript to college coaches
- Ask tough questions of each coach
- Notify those schools you’re no longer interested in attending
Remember, you are choosing the school.
Get inspired! See other studletes who are on the path to success. Click here and follow FLG on Instagram. Remember, success is a path you follow step by step.
