Competing after Governor’s

How we support students in collegiate athletic recruiting

Your child has been successful on the field, rink, track, court, or course at Governor’s and is now thinking about if and where they might compete in college. Is a large NCAA Division I university or a small NCAA Division III college or something in between the right fit for their athletic and academic aspirations? There are many considerations and also many people who can help your family. In this blog, I offer suggestions of some helpful resources as your child looks at their athletic career after their independent school experience.

College Counseling Office:

The college counseling office at Governor’s collaborates closely with head coaches in a dedicated partnership aimed at helping students find the ideal college that aligns with their academic and athletic goals. Ensuring NCAA academic eligibility is a priority, and each student engages in one-on-one sessions with their college counselor to explore suitable academic and athletic options.
 

Governor’s Head Coaches:

Head coaches at Governor’s play a crucial role in the recruiting process by actively reaching out to college coaches on behalf of students. Additionally, they work individually with students to help identify the appropriate level of collegiate sports and their potential role on a collegiate team, and provide valuable insights into the intricacies of the recruiting journey.
 

Club Coaches:

Head coaches at Governor’s and club coaches closely collaborate to find the best fit school for each student. This teamwork ensures that the student's abilities and aspirations are well-understood, leading to more informed decisions in the recruiting process.
 

Collegiate Coaches:

Students are encouraged to take the initiative in reaching out to college coaches early on. They are advised to share comprehensive information, including academic details, athletic schedules, and relevant personal information such as email addresses. Video is also helpful to send to coaches. There are different timelines for D1, D2, and D3 schools and even different timelines for each sport. All information can be accessed on the NCAA website. This proactive approach enhances visibility and establishes a foundation for effective communication.
 

Showcases and Camps:

Governor’s recognizes the importance of participating in showcases and camps. With numerous events occurring regularly—in the summer and during the school year, on weekends and on weekdays—families are encouraged to consider both the financial and academic costs associated with each showcase. Often events conflict with a student’s responsibilities at the Academy in and out of the classroom. Personalized discussions help students make informed decisions about the showcases that most closely align with their goals and priorities.

In summary, there are many considerations—as well as many knowledgeable people to help—when thinking about your child’s path to collegiate athletics. Most recruiting processes are not linear. Early and realistic communication about your child’s collegiate athletic and academic goals with all stakeholders is key. Be patient and try not to compare each child’s process to another one. 

Author: Claudia Asano Barcomb, Director of Afternoon Programs & Athletics