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Negotiation. It's the one word that financial aid administrators (FAAs) hate to hear. Some of them won't even acknowledge that negotiating an aid package is an option. The truth is that if you truly feel you deserve more than you're getting, and can justify your reasoning, you should seriously consider asking for more assistance.

You should never approach an FAA with an attitude that you deserve more than you're getting. Always be friendly and reasonable, and explain your reasoning honestly. If you're a straight-"A" student or a talented athlete, you will, of course, have a better chance of winning the argument. But even an average student can negotiate a better deal in the right situations. Here is an example of a good versus a bad approach:

Bad Approach: "We have too much credit card debt to afford our bills and a college education! Can't you take our financial problems into consideration?" [Financial aid administrators rarely consider bad debt a reason to grant you more funds, except in some cases where unusual hardships are involved.]

Inform your FAA of any changes in your family's circumstances as soon as they occur. Don't wait until it's time to fill out the next year's FAFSA or FAF.

Good Approach: "I've calculated what we truly need to pay for all our college expenses, and the package you have offered does not seem to take all these factors into consideration. Can we realistically address these issues and see if the package can be adjusted?"

Try negotiating with the financial aid administrator at your selected school. Do not approach them aggressively, but rather with reasonable, well thought-out arguments. Make certain to back up your arguments with as much hard evidence as possible.

The FAA is not the only person you can talk to, however. Colleges and universities typically have award committees that determine aid packages. To circumvent the financial aid office, contact the school's admissions office and request the name and address of the chairperson who heads the financial aid committee. Also, find out what day the committee is scheduled to meet next. Then send a letter of appeal to the chairperson before the meeting.

When negotiating or appealing your aid package, it is best to have an adult rather than a college student. If possible, such negotiations should also be done in person. In this way, you are there to counter any arguments the FAA might offer, and it also shows you are able to go the extra mile to get what you want.

Now that the State Cup is over and the National Cup is coming to a close, soccer players around the country should start to think about summer plans. Summer means a little time off from organized soccer, but it does not mean that we put the ball down all together. The majority of athletes will have been receiving camp brochures for the last few months. It is strongly recommended that all high school-level athletes consider a soccer camp, which can be very beneficial as long as you are aware of a few key points.

Most camps are used to help raise funds for the organization, whether that be a private company, club team or college team. Coaches and clubs bring in a lot of income through this method. Beware of overpriced camps as they do not necessarily indicate the best training or coaching. Another common misconception is that you will be “discovered” at a camp. Coaches do not normally scout for players at camps. However, if you are attending a college camp, it is best to notify the college coach of your intension to attend the camp and your interest in attending that school for your college career.

After considering the two biggest misconceptions of college camps, you can move on to the factors that really matter. High level training is an obvious benefit to a college run camp. There are few other opportunities for a high school athlete to work with a college level coach. You will run new drills, learn new techniques and get some needed repetition with each skill. Hopefully, you will take away an honest evaluation of your abilities as well because many camps give you a written evaluation form. The college coach will help you see your game from a different perspective – in addition to your high school or club coach. Lastly, camps keep you in shape during the off-season.

There are essentially two ways you may receive camp information. One, you are someone the coach is recruiting. Two (and much more likely), you are in some type of database or list and the coach has absolutely no idea who you are or your talent level. So, based on that information, you will either attend a camp for training purposes or evaluation purposes to assist with your recruiting.

Before you attend a camp for training purposes always do some research on the coaching staff. How much experience do they have? How successful have these coaches been? Do they have a reputation for producing great soccer players? Consider how they actually run the camp as well. Are you with girls or boys your age and ability level? Do they run at a fast pace? Are you getting personal attention? You may want to talk to someone who has attended the camp before signing up.

Alternatively, many college coaches use camps as an opportunity to evaluate your soccer abilities in person. For this reason, you could also choose to go to camp at a college or university where the coach is recruiting you. Find out where you are on the recruiting list and how interested are they in you. Is it a realistic fit? You are not likely the only recruit they are inviting to the camp. Be sure that you KNOW this coach is interested before investing your time and money to go.

Parents and athletes: take the next few months and begin your research. Make an informed and well-thought out decision before you decide on a college camp. Consider the misconceptions, benefits, and reasons for attending your camp of choice. Good luck!

By spring of junior year soccer players should have a good idea about what division of soccer they may play in college. A player’s potential can be gauged from letters, emails, phone calls and current coach relations. While some student-athletes may feel comfortable and satisfied with the recruiting process, many players with Division I aspirations are unsure of where they stand.

In April all Division I coaches will attempt to finalize their 2009 recruiting classes. These coaches identified their top recruits years ago, and their prospects have already visited the college, met with the current team and are considering, or have already accepted, offers. At this point Division I coaches may look for one or two more players to finish their roster, but for the most part they have committed a majority of their scholarship money for 2009. However, since some roster spots are available, emails are still being sent to 2009 grads. Coaches will keep their tier II recruits around until they are positive that they have secured all of their top recruits. Keep in mind that there are many tier II recruits still in contact with coaches, but are considered “tier II” because they have not received an offer yet. If you coaches tell you, “Let’s keep in touch,” or “Update me on how your season is going,” it is time to figure out what the coach really thinks.

If a coach has seen you play and evaluated you, they should be able to answer all of these questions. “Where am I on your list of 2009 recruits?” is the most important question to ask to get clarity on how the coach perceives you.

Do not be discouraged if you are not being recruited by a Division I program. Instead, focus on colleges/universities that are interested in you, contacting you frequently, and where you will make the most impact as a freshman. Most importantly, make sure you are upfront and ask questions so you know exactly where you stand in the recruiting proves, and so you don’t get lost in a gray area of recruiting.

College coaches want to see prospective student-athletes play, in person, period. The first way to peak a coach’s interest, however, is by video. The proper highlight video accompanied with a letter or profile will create more interest in a student-athlete than a coach just happening to see a game on his or her own. The following are general guidelines for how to create a quality highlight video.

Include your name, high school graduation year, high school attended, club team name, jersey number, and position played. This section should take no longer than 30 seconds.

Film from a high perspective (at least several feet from the ground)
Imagine the field separated into thirds (offensive, middle, defensive). When the ball is in the offensive or defensive third of the field film the entire 18-yard box and beyond. When the ball is in the middle of the field, film the entire middle third. Show enough of the field so that we are able to see the player’s vision, runs with and without the ball, use of space, combinations with teammates, etc.
When editing clips of different games, please show the development of the play as well as the end result.
Tape games against your best competition (Club Games, ODP Games, or competitive High School Teams).

For Field Players – Show from ground level the following skills: technical skills (juggling – foot, thigh, head; dribbling – perform an activity that demonstrates change of speed and direction); running ability (40 yard dash, 20 yard ladder).

For Goalkeepers – Video from the ground level (views from behind the goal can also be helpful). The session should cover the following aspects: shot handling – low, medium, and high shots – driven; footwork and mobility – getting from post to post; crosses from the end line – catching and boxing; dealing with long services from the middle of the field – timing and quickness off line; diving ability – low, medium, and high balls; ability to cover shots – underneath, crossbar.

Below is one of NCSA’s sample videos. NCSA edited this students’ highlights and enhanced the video using an orange spot shadow to signify the student athlete:

As the high school season winds down and the club tournament season starts to get into gear, some student-athletes may be reconsidering their current club team. It is a trend that begins when student-athletes get into sophomore or junior year in high school and have to decide if they want to continue to strive to play soccer in college or if they just want to play soccer for recreation. Both boys and girls alike start to think, “Should I be on a more competitive club team?”

At the Youngers level there is a least one team, if not two, for each age group in any club in the state. As athletes move up into the Olders, the number of teams often diminishes and a worst-case scenario leaves several serious players on each disbanded team scrambling for a new club team. In another scenario, Olders teams may decide to stay together but not to play in competitive tournaments, again leaving the college soccer-bound players wondering if they should change teams.

In a perfect world a high school student-athlete looking to play soccer in college should be on a competitive club team, traveling and playing in high profile tournaments. If it is not possible to be on one of these teams the next best thing to do is find out what other teams in the area are looking for players or have roster spots to fill. Team managers usually have this information. If you have a choice, a team that will play a competitive tournament schedule is the best selection.

If finding a club team that can offer a permanent roster spot is not an option, another choice is to guest-play. Sometimes teams need guest-players for tournaments because a player on the 18-man roster cannot attend that tournament for one reason or another. If a team cannot put you on the roster but offers a practice-player position, take them up on it. You are still practicing with the team, thus building and maintaining your skill level, but you would also be first in line if they needed a guest-player at the next tournament, thus providing exposure.

The club situation always becomes tough as players get older and trying to balance school with soccer is never an easy thing. The added pressure of getting recruited and playing in college only makes matters more complicated, but for those high school student-athletes who can continue to play at the highest club level possible as well as balance academics, the reward is definitely worth it.

At some point during every high school soccer player’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 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 student-athlete is serious and passionate about their athletic 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 soccer coaches are involved for their love of the game and their desire to help young soccer players improve. Reasonable, intelligent questions should not go unasked for fear of angering a high school or club coach.

Most soccer players dream of the day when a college coach presents them with a scholarship offer. They take official and unofficial visits, meet with potential teammates, attend tournaments, camps, and showcases and meet with college coaches with one goal in mind – an offer. When the excitement wears down, they are often faced with a serious question – what happens now? Athletes now have to prepare for what to do when their dreams become a reality. Receiving an offer from a college coach is the first hurdle, but recruited student-athletes must understand how to respond once an offer is extended.

It can be very tough to make a final decision, especially when you are considering more than one college or university. If you are a senior, college coaches are beginning to wrap up their recruiting classes and when offers are extended, they will be accompanied by deadlines. If you are not ready to commit on the spot, inquiring about your coach’s deadline is the first step. You need to know what kind of time you have to make a decision.

Next, make sure you understand the financial details and implications. If the coach offered you a scholarship, be sure you and your family are comfortable with the amount. If not, communicate your concerns to the coach. If no money was discussed, you can consider yourself a “recruited walk on” and it is critical to ask if you will definitely have a roster spot.

Your campus visit should be one of the keys in your decision making process. Now is a perfect time to review all aspects of your visit. Your future teammates will be your friends and family for the next four to five years, if not the rest of your life. Think about your experience and ask yourself if you felt truly comfortable with them and the coaches, if they were friendly and if you liked the coaches’ approach to the sport. Most importantly, think about where and how you will fit on the team.

After all this homework and reflection, if you feel comfortable that this institution is your top choice, then you should seriously consider committing. However, if you are unsure, know your timeline and visit as many colleges/universities as you can. Talk with as many different coaches as possible (always telling them you have an offer) during that time period as well.

Although this can be a long and timely process, you should feel excited about narrowing down your college search and being so close to wrapping things up. It is important for every student-athlete to take the time to consider all aspects before making a final decision. Your experiences as a collegiate athlete and being part of a team will have a great impact throughout college and even after your days on the field.

Your Future In College Athletics: The importance of
maintaining open communication lines with college coaches

All college coaches are allowed to send written recruiting materials, including hand written letters and personal emails, beginning September 1st of a student-athlete’s Junior year. Division I coaches are permitted to call student-athletes once a week beginning July 1 after Junior year, and Division II coaches may call beginning June 15 after Junior year. This means that if you have completed your Junior year of high school, college coaches are currently allowed to call you directly.

Did you know that regardless of how old you are, all student-athletes can call college coaches any time? There are no NCAA restrictions on student-athletes contacting college coaches by phone. If a college coach gives you their phone number, do not waste any time and take advantage of the coach’s invitation by initiating dialogue.

Before you call the coach, visit the college or university’s website to learn some facts about the team. Does the institution offer your desired major? What are the graduation rates? What was the team’s record last year? How many seniors will be graduating?

Make a list of all the colleges/universities you have been in contact with and rank them in order starting with your favorite school (based on what you know at this point) down to your least favorite school. Start by calling the coach at your least favorite school. You will probably be nervous when you talk to this coach however, by talking to a coach at your least favorite college/university, you will gain confidence for when you contact the coaches who are higher on your priority list.

Most likely, if you are calling a coach, you will get his or her voicemail. Practice leaving a message beforehand. You can even call yourself and leave a practice voicemail on your cell phone. If you do get a hold of a coach, make sure you take notes on the conversation. Also, keep a list of your top five questions to ask and make sure that these questions can not be answered by looking on the Web site. One of the purposes of a phone conversation is to learn more about that college/university and their soccer program, and to get answers to questions that you really want to know. You should also prepare to answer questions from a coach. Some sample questions they may ask you are: “How was your soccer season?”, “What other colleges are you looking at?” and “What do you consider to be your strengths/weaknesses?”

It does not matter if you are a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior; if you want to play college soccer it is time to start calling coaches! Do not be nervous; coaches like student-athletes who take initiative and are proactive in the recruiting process. Good luck!

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 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.

As a Soccer Recruiting Coach at the National Collegiate Scouting Association, I speak with high school student-athletes on a daily basis about everything from increasing ACT/SAT scores to scheduling unofficial visits. One of the most common questions from upperclassmen is, “Is it too late for me to get recruited to play in college?” The answer to this question varies upon each student-athlete’s expectations and goals but it’s never too late to get started.

If your ultimate goal is to play at the Division I level, it is important to acknowledge that Division I programs can be broken down into two tiers. Top tier Division I programs are on the fast track for recruiting. These colleges/universities perennially finish in the top 25 in the nation such as University of North Carolina, University of California - Santa Clara and University of Portland. These soccer programs begin recruiting student-athletes who are as young as freshman in high school. By the time these student-athletes reach their junior year, they are in constant contact with the coaches and in many cases have already taken unofficial visits. Tier I, Division I programs receive verbal commitments from their incoming recruiting class by the summer before their senior year.

The rest of Division I programs are on a timetable that is a little slower and longer. The majority of all Division I colleges/universities will fill their recruiting class needs by early fall of that class’s senior year. This means that if you are a Division I soccer player, you have already visited that campus, sat down with the coach and know where you stand on their recruiting list by your first day of class senior year.

The early commitment trend is becoming increasingly prevalent at the Division I level. This only increases the amount of time and research that must be put into recruiting on the student-athlete’s end.

Division II colleges/universities are typically the next to finish up their recruiting classes. Some Division II colleges/universities will have prospects verbally commit during the summer, but most will finish during the fall and into the winter of their senior class.

Division III, NAIA and Junior Colleges recruiting typically continues into the winter and spring of a student-athlete’s senior year of high school. If you are not on track with this timeline, do not panic, these are general guidelines and every college/university has a different situation.

The recruiting process can be difficult to navigate for those student-athletes who do not understand the rules, timelines and guidelines. Knowing what to do and when to do it are the keys to a successful recruiting experience. There are several dates throughout a student-athlete’s high school career that are critical to the recruiting process.

Underclassman
As an underclassman (freshman/sophomore), students are allowed to receive limited types of correspondence from college coaches. Division I and II coaches may only send questionnaires, camp brochures and general admissions materials. Division III and NAIA coaches may send more personal letters and emails, however many Division III and NAIA coaches abide by the Division I rules. Despite the limitations placed upon college coaches, this does not mean that student-athletes should be inactive as underclassmen.

Recruits can personally make contact with a college coach by calling or emailing them. Students should let coaches know that they are interested in their soccer program, even when they are not allowed to respond. Student-athletes can also provide coaches with their tournament schedules. Prospective college athletes should try to get as much exposure as possible by notifying as many coaches as possible where they will be playing in high school. Coaches are able to watch underclassman play and evaluate them, even if they are not allowed to make personal contact.

Upperclassman
September 1 of a student-athlete’s junior year of high school marks the first date that they may receive specific recruiting materials, including personal emails and letters. NCSA encourages student-athletes to reply to every letter and questionnaire as this is a great way to initiate dialogue with prospective college coaches. At this point, coaches can respond to high school athletes, so this is the chance to ask questions about the college/university and soccer program.

Starting June 15 of a recruit’s junior year of high school, Division II coaches may call them personally one time per week. Division I college coaches may also start to call once per week after July 1 of the same year. Once again, Division III and NAIA coaches do not have specific regulations for phone calls, but many tend to follow Division I guidelines.

Official visits are typically offered to top recruits only, and recruits can start to take official visits on the first day of classes their senior year of high school. All student-athletes can only take a total of five official visits to Division I and II colleges/universities, but they may take an unlimited number of unofficial visits at any time. This means that at any time during an athlete’s high school career (freshman through senior year) they may visit a college or university at their expense an unlimited number of times.

Knowing the recruiting timeline is half of the battle in the recruiting game. By using proactive communication via email, phone and in person, recruits will know which college coach is truly interested in their potential and which college/university is a fit. Whether an athlete is a freshman or a senior, it is never too late to look towards a college career.

Finding the Best College For Your College Experience:
• Why responding to all college coaches is important

Most prospective student-athletes will receive some contact from colleges/universities, in the form of general admissions information, questionnaires, and/or emails from college coaches. If you are receiving similar information, you may have mixed feelings about the colleges/universities you are hearing from. Many student-athletes make the mistake of disregarding correspondence from colleges and coaches they are not initially interested in. In reality, no college contact should be neglected! The following is a list of reasons why you should respond to EVERYONE:

If you are receiving general admissions information, especially if you are an underclassman – respond anyway! A lot of coaches put underclassmen’s names on admissions lists to see if they will respond.
If you do not respond to a coach, or return their questionnaire, they will stop recruiting you.
Your opinion may change. Once you research a college and talk to a coach, you are bound to learn something new. You never know which college or program might be the perfect fit for you.
The more coaches you communicate with, the more familiar you will become with the types of questions college coaches ask. This practice will prepare you for email exchanges and conversation with coaches at your favorite colleges/universities.
By investigating many different types of colleges, you will have a better idea of your likes and dislikes in a college/university.
College coaches change jobs! You might ignore a coach because you are not interested their program, only to have them get hired at one of your top choices.
College coaches are friends with one another, and they do not appreciate it when a student-athlete ignores a contact. You never want to give anyone something bad to say about you!
It is just common courtesy. If a coach takes the time to send you some information, you owe them a response.
Responding to a college coach will demonstrate that you are mature and responsible. For example, most of the information asked on the questionnaire is to test your responsibility and ability to follow directions, and to see if you are interested in the college/university.

Remember, it will only take a little bit of your time, and will definitely be worth it if you are keeping in touch with every college/university that you hear from. Who knows – it may even be the one you decide upon!

The summer months are traditionally a good time to blow off a little steam, but for college bound student-athletes these months are a prime opportunity to tour college campuses and schedule unofficial visits.

It is often difficult to schedule unofficial visits during the school year when student-athletes are burdened with academics, soccer schedules, and other sports/activities. During the summer there is typically more down time which makes it easier to visit college campuses. Any visit which is not paid for by the college or university is considered an unofficial visit. Familiarize yourself with this terminology and incorporate it into your dialogue with college coaches.

Do not limit your visits to one type of college or university. Exposure to various types of campuses (big, small, urban, rural, Division I, II, III and NAIA, for example) will prepare you for when you ultimately have to narrow down your list of preferences.

In addition to touring the campus and buying a t-shirt, always contact the soccer coach well in advance to arrange a meeting. Inform the coach that you are planning an unofficial visit to his/her school and that you are wondering if he/she will be available to meet with you. College coaches are usually very accommodating and are eager to speak with interested student-athletes and their parents. If a coach has yet to see you play in person, try to provide him/her with some video prior to your visit. During an unofficial visit, a student-athlete and his/her parent(s) will typically sit down and talk with the coach and tour the athletic facilities. If a coach has seen the athlete compete, he/she may offer feedback regarding their level of interest. Prepare some questions to ask the coach before your visit. Keep in mind that the coach wants to hear from you, the athlete, not just your parents!

By initiating contact with the soccer coach in advance, you allow yourself to maximize your time spent on campus. When you get home, be sure follow up by sending the coach a personalized thank you note. It is now your responsibility to continue correspondence with the coach in order to maintain a relationship for the duration of your high school career.

Q & A With Former Michigan State University Center Midfielder Adrienne Treado
"My Recruiting Experience and What I Would Change"

No matter what your level of play or year in school, you can never start too early or get too much help in the recruiting process. The most effective student athletes who play in college adhere to some of the following tips:

Former Michigan State University Center Midfielder, Adrienne Treado, is familiar with the complexities of the college recruiting process. Treado helps high school soccer players across the country get noticed by college coaches.

Treado played soccer for MSU from 2001-2004. Treado is now a Recruiting Coach with the National Collegiate Scouting Association and works primarily with soccer student-athletes

NCSA: First of all, describe to us what kind of a player you were in high school – at what levels did you play?

Treado: I was on my state (Michigan) ODP team and at Regional Camp (Region II) I was usually in my State Pool. I started on my high school’s varsity team since my first game as a freshman and was on the Michigan State Dream Team as a senior. My club team was five-time state champions and I was State Cup MVP my senior year.

Treado: I would accept nothing less than a top Division I program – Big Ten preferably.

NCSA: So, it sounds like you were a pretty strong player, and had a lot of contact from your top schools of interest. Did you have to do a lot in the recruitment process?

Treado: Well, I didn’t think so. I sent out a profile to about five Big Ten schools only once. I then ignored the contacts I was getting from smaller schools. I thought that the schools would come to me. I thought that since I was good enough they would find me.

Treado: No. I had minimal contact from the DI programs that I was interested in. The serious contact interest I received was from just a handful of lower level DI coaches, Division II and Division III programs.

Treado: Michigan State was the only school that offered me money – about 30% of my tuition. I had no clue how to keep up relationships with other coaches so I could build leverage for myself and receive more offers.

NCSA: Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have changed in your recruitment process?

Treado: I wish someone was there to help me realize that I wasn’t a top prospect. I needed to be told how to market myself – sending out information to five schools only one time didn’t cut it. I had no clue how to talk with or maximize coach’s interest. I didn’t know the first thing about what questions to ask or how to build leverage. I didn’t know that I could call coaches at any time, or that I needed to get started as early as my 8th grade year. Basically I knew nothing about recruiting and the offers and interest I received reflected that.

NCSA: What advice would you give to a student-athlete who is going through the recruiting process right now?

Treado: The number one thing is to be educated and proactive. Know the rules, but especially know the realities so you aren’t in the same situation as I was with really only one option. Be practical and realize that if you aren’t receiving steady contact from the beginning of high school on, you aren’t a top prospect and you need to work at getting exposure.

ABOUT NCSA
NCSA, the Official Scouting Organization and Provider of Recruiting Education for Cal South, is the premier source for matching high school scholar – athletes with colleges and universities across the country. NCSA is the "Eyes & Ears" of more than 35,000 college coaches, who rely on NCSA's experienced scouting team and instant response capabilities to provide them with quality prospective recruits. NCSA prides itself in educating high school student-athletes and their families about the college recruiting process. Please visit www.ncsasports.org for more information about NCSA.