How to Navigate College Sports Recruitment on the Main Line

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Is college sports the next step for your high school athlete? Tom Kovic of Victory Collegiate Consulting weighs in on the recruiting process.

Thousands of high school students in our area dedicate large chunks of their week to sports. For some, it could provide real leverage in the college admissions process. That’s where Tom Kovic comes in. The former athletic coach at the University of Pennsylvania helps families across the country through his Victory Collegiate Consulting, based in Chadds Ford. Here he offers some sage advice for those negotiating the athletic recruiting process.

WHAT IS THE LAST GAME?

Ask yourself two questions: “Do I want to use my strength as an athlete to get an athletic scholarship?” or “Do I want to accelerate my athletic ability to get into an academically selective institution?”

Be realistic about your chances.

“A little more than 25% of college athletes qualify for athletic scholarships, and the competition is fierce,” says Kovic. “College coaches use simple strategies when recruiting opportunities, and scholarship athletes are usually blue-chip athletes with an immediate impact.

Where to Begin.

Kovic recommends meeting as a family to identify college descriptors (academic strength, athletic level, geographic location, size of undergraduate population) that will help create an initial college list. “Students should research a small but equal number of Division I, II and III colleges and their athletic programs, athlete profiles, conference championships and team success,” he says.

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NCAA RECRUITMENT RULES NOTICE.

A visit to the NCAA website is a great place to start. “High school athletic directors and sports club administrators are also great resources for a smaller version of the rules that are easy to understand,” Kovic says.

PRAYER OF THE HOLY FOREST WAR.

It is important that prospects, families and high school counselors clearly understand the coach’s role in this process and make every effort to develop a sincere and strong working relationship with the coach. throughout college research. “College coaches have clear restrictions on when and where to contact prospects and families. But prospects and families can call or email a coach early in the recruiting process,” Kovic said. “The first letter of introduction with a profile is a good way to start, but it is very important to follow competition results and academic updates regularly.”

The fort is worth the quest to recruit.

It may sound scary, but consider the long-term benefits. “Student athletes with strong academic credentials and the ability to make a strong impact on an athletic program can bring a strong and competitive edge to the college admissions game,” Kovic says.