NCSA Blog

Adrienne Treado, NCSA Senior Head Recruiting Coach

It is a common misconception that Division III colleges do not award scholarships. They simply do not offer athletic scholarships. Some parents are weary about pursuing private out-of-state Division III institutions because of the sticker price. Do not think that just because a college costs $40,000 or more per year that you can not afford to attend.

The cost of college all comes down to your ultimate out of pocket cost, which is not necessarily the tuition price inside the college catalogue. Although Division III institutions do not offer athletic scholarships, there are definite avenues to receive financial assistance.The first step is to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at http://www.fafsa.org/. The biggest mistake a lot of families make is not filling the FAFSA out because they think their family income is too high. This could not be further from the truth. Every family, regardless of income, has an EFC (estimated family contribution) number and the LOWER your EFC, the more aid you will receive.

Even if you may not receive a significant amount of financial aid, you should still complete the FAFSA because it can act as an insurance policy for your son/daughter’s education. If there is a change or loss of income or an emergency in your family; you will not be eligible for college funds if you do not complete the FAFSA on an annual basis. The first date you may submit the FAFSA is January 1 of senior year. Submit the FAFSAS on this date or as soon after as possible!

University financial aid budgets are limited and are awarded on a first come first serve basis, so the earlier you submit your FAFSA, the better your chances of receiving aid. Each college/university has a specific deadline and at a certain point, the money does run out. Colleges have “pots,” so to speak, of money they can dip into for students that qualify (especially athletes). These “pots” are not listed in brochures, and therefore a lot of families do not realize they exist. For example, some colleges have pots that the financial aid staff can dip into for students who are “journalism majors from Wisconsin,” or for students who have a “3.75 GPA and 1100 SAT and want to major in physical therapy.” Ask the coaching staff and admissions office what avenues are available to build an obtainable financial package.

Here are some key points to discuss and ask what, if any of these you can apply for:

• Academic based scholarships - Are you eligible based on your GPA and test scores.
• Title IV Funds - These are federal funds such as loans, work study.
• Grants - These are state, federal or university based funds that a student is not required to pay back. It is amazing the money that comes out of the woodworks when student-athletes are pro-active!If you have more questions about financial aid and getting recruited, click here.

by Chris Krause, NCSA Founder and President 

Whenever a new college coach takes over a program, it is certain to have an effect on the players on the team.  It can also provide valuable lessons for recruits who are wondering which program to sign with, and which coach to play for at the next level.

Case in point: New football coach Rich Rodriguez at the University of Michigan.

He has a different style and demeanor than previous coach Lloyd Carr did, and some players aren’t adjusting to the new coach.  A returning starting lineman for the Wolverines, Justin Boren, announced that he was leaving the team because of philosophical differences with the new head coach, according to this report in Sports Illustrated:

“The 6-foot-3, 310-pound Boren would have been one of two returning starters on the offensive line next season and the Wolverines’ most experienced lineman. The junior-to-be started every game last season, either at center or left guard.

Boren left the team Monday. On Wednesday he released a statement saying in part: “Michigan football was a family, built on mutual respect and support for each other from (former) Coach (Lloyd) Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together.

“I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. ” … That I am unable to perform under these circumstances at the level I expect of myself, and my teammates and Michigan fans deserve, is why I have made the decision to leave.”

Boren told reporters after Michigan’s first spring practice 10 days ago that adapting to new coach Rich Rodriguez’s no-huddle spread offense was physically challenging. He mentioned the difficulty the offensive linemen had constantly running to the line of scrimmage.”

Of course, this doesn’t just happen at one school, or to one new coach.  It happens all the time around the country, year after year,  in sports other than football.

It brings up some important lessons for recruits, especially those that are already pre-qualified and part of the NCSA prospect database that coaches search daily to find recruits to scout:

• Choose the school, not just the coach.  If the coach who is recruiting you leaves the program, you need to be at a place that you will enjoy for the academic benefits as well as the athletic benefits.  Are you looking at the whole picture when it comes to making a smart choice?
• Don’t just focus on one program.  If you are a part of the NCSA prospect database that college coaches search regularly, you may be faced with getting contacts from a lot of different coaches and programs.  Resist the temptation to zero in on just one, while neglecting the others.  Keep your options open as you near your college choice.
• Ask tough questions.  Don’t just listen to a coach’s “sales pitch”.  You need to interview them, and listen carefully to their answers.  Find out what their career plans are, how long they have been at the school, and if you get a sense that they are settled in to the community for the long haul, or if this program is a stepping-stone to bigger and better things in the coach’s mind.

I have some more thoughts on the process and dealing with college coaches that you can watch via video.  Take a few minutes and check it out…click here.

If you are a NCSA student-athlete, and have more questions about what you should be for in a coach or a program that is recruiting you, e-mail or call your recruiting coach right away.  They are here to help you.

Stories like this prove that competing on scholarship at a large D1 school is a challenge.  Do your homework as much as possible during the recruiting process, and get to know the coaches that are recruiting you.

by Andrea Emmons, NCSA

If you are approaching the end of your high school career, it is important to consider financial aid and how it affects your college decision. If you seek additional funding to support your college education, the financial aid office is where you will find it!  Very few athletes are fully-funded by an athletic scholarship, so it is vital to understand the financial aid basics. Those who properly take advantage of financial aid can maximize their financial package.

Most financial aid award letters arrive shortly after a student has been accepted to a college/university. The award letter will most likely be a combination of several types of financial aid.  The most important detail to recognize is need-based vs. non need-based aid.

Need-based aid includes grants, loans and work study.  A grant is a gift given because of financial need that does not need to be repaid. By completing the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA), you are automatically considered for grants from the federal government, state and often the college/university itself.  Student loans allow students to borrow money at low interest rates to help pay for their education.  Work study jobs may also be a good option, but can be time consuming from an athletic standpoint.

To receive an estimate of what you might be eligible for in regards to need-based aid, use the financial aid calculator available at finaid.org before you file the FAFSA.  If the number you are expected to pay for college is less than the college you are looking at, you have need!  Almost every institution has its own financial aid website with detailed information as well.  Do your research and learn what each college/university offers.  Grants are by far the best form of aid because they do not need to be paid back.  Focus on institutions that give grants over student loans if financial aid is an issue.

Non need-based aid includes athletic scholarship, merit awards and outside scholarships.  There is constant buzz about athletic scholarships, but many people do not realize that merit awards can be just as lucrative, or more so.  Merit-based funds are awarded based on academic achievement, community service, school involvement, religious affiliations, ethnic or racial heritage, artistic talents, desired major and special interests.  These awards do not need to be repaid and are generally pretty easy to maintain through college.

Many Division III colleges/universities have large endowments dedicated to merit-based aid.  Most freshmen are automatically considered for some of these awards upon acceptance. Many institutions also offer additional scholarships that students may apply or interview for.  Always investigate scholarships and grants that pertain to your situation or background.

Every year millions of dollars are put into outside scholarships as well.  Sources include local foundations, community agencies, corporations, clubs, civic, social and fraternal organizations, parents’ employers and other groups.  Ask your high school guidance counselor about some possible scholarships that apply to you.  Think about your special talents or abilities and put them to good use!

Keep in mind that an expensive, out of state, private institution could end up costing the same amount of money as an in-state public university if the financial aid process is negotiated properly.  It is important to remember that you CAN afford a good education. Do not assume you are not eligible for financial aid because your family has a certain income level. Many factors besides income are used to determine your total financial aid package.  Educate yourself about the process and understand where your financial aid options lie.

by Lisa Meyers, NCSA Recruiting Coach Director

At some point during every high school athlete’s career he or she will need to initiate dialogue with their coach. Whether an athlete is concerned about playing time, coaching style or wants to ask some basic questions, it is important to address the high school/club coach in a mature and respectful manner.

Many high school students make the mistake of hiding behind their parents. High school and club coaches prefer to be approached directly by one of their players rather than a parent, even if the parent has good intentions. College coaches have the same mentality so communication at the high school level is actually practice for the recruiting process. When a student-athlete communicates directly with his or her coach it ensures that the message is not lost in translation and it also shows the coach that the young man or women is serious and passionate about their hockey career.

Never approach a coach immediately after a game. Whether their team won or lost, coaches and players will have high emotions following a competition and it is always wise to wait twenty four hours before initiating a serious conversation. The coach deserves time to cool down, relax or clear their head, and sometimes players will have a different perspective after removing themselves from an intense situation.

Listen. Any conversation with a coach is an opportunity for a player to learn something about his or herself, their team and sport. Let the coach talk and hear what he or she says. Even if one disagrees, they should try to remain calm and speak rationally.

Most coaches want to help their players, although they may not always be able to provide the exact answers the athletes seek. Remember that even the most intimidating of coaches are involved for their love of the game and their desire to help young hockey players improve. Reasonable, intelligent questions should not go unasked for fear of angering a high school or club coach.

by Lisa Meyers, NCSA Recruiting Coach Director 

My senior year of high school was the most stressful time of my life.

I was a 17-year-old kid, and all I knew was that I wanted to play hockey in college. Hockey was my passion and my life revolved around this sport. I HAD to play college hockey. Not only did I want to play hockey in college, I wanted to play for a Division 1 program. I also wanted to attend school on the East Coast, particularly a top academic institution. I suppose you could say I had pretty lofty goals, but regardless of how impossible my ambitions seemed, these were my dreams and I was determined to achieve them. Now where did I begin?

Knowing what you want to accomplish, and knowing how to do it are two entirely different concepts. I knew I wanted to play hockey in college, but I wasn’t sure how to attract coaches’ attention, or which schools might be good fits for me. I was fortunate, however, because women’s hockey at that time was a relatively small sport, and I had a short list of schools to choose from. These factors made it possible for me to send a resume to every woman’s college hockey program and attend a few showcases and well-known tournaments. My skills and grit got me noticed, and the next thing I knew, my mailbox was filled and the phone was constantly ringing. Still, I was completely overwhelmed.

Coaches at some of the most elite colleges and hockey programs in the nation were telling me I would be accepted to their schools. High school guidance counselors told me that “all coach’s lie”, and I should stop communicating with them. I could go on and on but the point is, I needed some guidance! I needed someone to tell me what to say to coaches on the phone, what to look for on my visits, how many schools to apply to. For me, this mentor did not exist and my head spun.

I am very lucky. My recruiting story has a happy ending. I was accepted at, and ultimately chose to attend, Yale University. I had a fabulous life and hockey career at Yale, and if I could turn back the clock I would make the same decision.  (Yes, that’s me in the picture!)

But this story is not about me. My time in the spotlight has long since past.

Now it is your turn, and it is my job to make sure you have the mentor that I yearned for. The college recruiting process should be exciting and informative. I am eager to help guide you every step of the way. Where you attend college is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Don’t leave it to luck.

by Lisa Meyers, NCSA Recruiting Coach Director

You strip the puck from the opposing defenseman and pick up speed…all eyes are on you as you cross the blue line and close in on the goalie. You are all alone. Your heart races as you drag the puck across your body…you shoot…CLANK!

The puck ricochets off the post and is cleared by the other team.

How do you react? Every hockey player has experienced a moment like this, but not all hockey players respond the same way. Your reaction to adverse situations on the ice allows spectators to judge your character, personality and temperament. The way you carry yourself on the ice and bench can win favor, or frustration, from college scouts.  College coaches evaluate size, talent and physical strength, but they also watch for intangibles.  When they contact us here at NCSA to discuss one of our pre-qualified athletic prospects, they want to know as much about their temperment and personality as they do about their statistics and honors. College coaches are responsible for creating the best hockey team, and great teams are made up of more than just talented players. Most college coaches place tremendous value in characteristics beyond speed, stick handling and agility. College coaches seek new players who will be a positive influence on campus and in the locker room, and get along well with the rest of the team.

College coaches want to recruit hard workers, not “prima donnas”.  When a college coach travels to watch you play, he or she hopes you will be the one to hold your head high, even when the puck does not bounce your way. College coaches hope you will tap your goalie on the pads when he or she makes a great save, or more importantly, when the puck slips by. College coaches want to see you listen to your coach, and interact with your teammates. College coaches do not want to see you slam your stick, pout, or argue with the referee.  You never know which play a college coach will remember, so make sure you always play with composure, pride and passion.  Having that “ice cool” personality on the ice might be what gets you a shot at that college sports scholarship.