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Developing a Coaching Portfolio

By Bill Vasko

About Bill Vasko:

Bill Vasko is the head softball coach at Wheeling Jesuit University, an NCAA Division II institution in Wheeling, West Virginia. He has also coached football and baseball at the college level. To learn more about Wheeling Jesuit and the softball program, visit www.wju.edu. Bill is also the founder of Maxx Training, a personal training business that focuses on the development of sport skills. You can learn more about Maxx Training and Bill’s training programs at www.maxxtraining.com. Bill is also the creator of CoachBook, a social networking site for coaches and sport performance professionals. You can become a member of CoachBook by visiting www.coachbook.ning.com. To contact Bill Vasko, you can email him at billvasko@maxxtraining.com.

One recommendation that I frequently make to coaches looking for a job is to make sure that they have their coaching portfolio prepared. Many coaches aren't sure what a portfolio consists of, let alone have one prepared! The coaching portfolio is a tool that provides a potential employer insight into you as a coach and a person. It can answer a lot of questions for a potential employer before an interview even takes place. It can also be the difference between getting the interview or having your resume placed at the bottom of the stack.

So what does a coaching portfolio involve? In this series of articles, I am going to give examples of things that can be included in your portfolio. The portfolio should be a direct reflection of you and your philosophies on building a quality athletic program. Even if you are applying for an assistant coaching position, your portfolio should provide a look at how you would build your own program if you were the head coach.

Finally, one tip I always recommend--if you are really interested in a job, and it is within driving distance, hand deliver your resume and portfolio to the person in charge of the search process. This provides the opportunity to meet in person, make a good first impression, and ask questions.

Though the coaching portfolio should provide background on you and your philosophies, it should also contain information that shows the potential employer how you fit into their program or institution. What does that mean for you? It means you can elevate your chances of being hired if you tailor your portfolio to show that you are familiar with the school, the program, the history, the traditions, the players, the community, the current philosophies. It doesn't mean that you make up stuff just to gain favor in the eyes of the search committee--it means that you do your homework to show that you have a sincere interest in the institution and the coaching opportunity.

So, to start things off, I am going to provide a copy of the table of contents of my latest coaching portfolio. This will give you an idea of things you should be preparing for your portfolio. With each subsequent section, I will give examples of those documents that are included in my portfolio.

Finally, please bear in mind that my current portfolio was used to help me attain my current position--head softball coach at a division 2 college institution. I have a variety of coaching expereince that also includes college football and baseball. For my complete bio, please check out my CoachBook profile page!

PORTFOLIO CONTENTS

PERSONAL
· Career Highlights
· Coaching Highlights
· Coaching Philosophy
· Code of Ethics for the College Coach

PROGRAM GENERALS
· Program Goals
· Season Goals
· How Will We Get There?
· Team Code of Conduct
· Fall Calendar
· NCAA Traditional/Non-traditional Guidelines
· Game Keys to a Successful Team
· Proper Nutrition for Athletes

RECRUITING PROCEDURES

FUNDRAISING

PRACTICE FUNDAMENTALS
· Situational Checklist
· Defensive Skills Checklist
· Individual Skills Checklist
· Practice Plan Templates

OFFENSE
· Philosophy
· Key Components
· Rotational Outline
· Illustrations
· Drills
· Offensive Signs

DEFENSE
· 1st and 3rd Defenses
· Bunt Defenses
· Cuts and Relays
· Outfield Fundamentals
· Outfield Drills
· Infield Fundamentals
· Catcher Fundamentals
· Catcher Drills

PITCHING
· Philosophy
· Fundamentals and drills

STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
· Dynamic Warm-Up
· Sample Testing Results
· Program Explanation
· Fall Program
· Winter & Summer Program

As you can see by looking at the table of contents, it is tailored for a softball position. However, the items in BOLD are the key ingredients of a portfolio for ANY sport! You could use this exact template for football--instead of "Pitching," substitute "Special Teams!" As I continue with this article, I will go into more detail about the documents that are included within each section of the portfolio.

The first document in the portfolio is the career highlights document. This is basically a summary of my resume. I just include my education, where I've worked, and job title. I do not include any of my duties. Usually I would send a copy of my resume as I found out about the opening. Then as I researched the position and decided it was something I was extremely interested in, I would put together the portfolio. Or I would put it together when I found out I was going to get an interview. I'll add here that I always added a portfolio cover sheet which would have the name of the school and a logo of their mascot. So since they already had my resume, I just wanted to summarize or highlight my experience so they could see it at a glance. Here is an example:

WILLIAM VASKO

EDUCATION:

· Muskingum College Master of Arts in Secondary Education/Educational Leadership, May 2002.

· Denison University Completed Postgraduate program for teacher certification in Physical Education and Health, grades 7-12.

· The Ohio State University Earned Bachelor of Science in Education, 1994.
Major: Health, Physical Education, & Recreation. Specialization: Coaching and Sports Administration.

· Cambridge High School Participated in Varsity Football and Baseball.

COACHING & ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCE:

· Buckeye Trail High School Athletic Director (6 years) Softball Coach (4 years)

· Warriors 18U Summer Softball Team Coach (3 seasons)

· MAXX Training www.maxxtraining.com Owner and operator (2 years)

· Muskingum College Assistant Baseball Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coordinator (4 years)

· Cambridge Junior High School Assistant Basketball Coach, 7th grade girls (2 seasons)

· Denison University Assistant Football Coach (1 season)

· Otterbein College Assistant Football Coach (1 season)

· Utica American Legion Assistant Baseball Coach (1 season)

· Kenyon College Assistant Baseball Coach, Head JV Baseball Coach, Assistant Football Coach, Exercise Facilities Supervisor, Summer Facilities Supervisor, Strength and Conditioning Coordinator (3 years)

· Ohio Wesleyan University Assistant Football Coach (1 year)

· Upper Arlington High School Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Strength Coach (1 year)

· Ohio State University Undergraduate Assistant Football Coach (2 years)

The next document is the "coaching highlights." The document gives you the opportunity to brag a little bit. In this document, I include any type of special achievements of the team or individuals that you coached. One thing that I always try to emphasize is how the program has improved while you were coaching there. Here is an example of my coaching highlights:

Coaching Highlights

Bill Vasko

Kenyon College Baseball 1998

· Established school record for wins in a season (17)

Muskingum College Baseball 2001

· Established school record for wins in a season (28)

Buckeye Trail Softball 2005

· 13-13 overall record
· First non-losing season since 1997
· First sectional tourney championship since 1985
· Qualified for OVAC tournament.
· Pioneer Valley Conference (PVC) 4th place finish

Buckeye Trail Softball 2006

· 12-12 overall record
· Pioneer Valley Conference (PVC) 3rd place finish
· Sectional tourney runner-up

Buckeye Trail Softball 2007

· 17-10 overall team record
· First winning team record since 1997
· Only sixth winning record in 29 years of Buckeye Trail softball
· Second most wins in school history (18, 1983)
· #1 seed in sectional tournament
· Sectional tourney championship
· Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) tournament semi-finalists
· Pioneer Valley Conference (PVC) 2nd place finish

Buckeye Trail Softball 2008

· 15-9 overall team record
· Consecutive winning seasons for the first time since 1982-83
· Only seventh winning record in 29 years of Buckeye Trail softball
· Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) tournament runner-ups
· Pioneer Valley Conference (PVC) champions
· 57 wins during 4 years ties the record for most wins by a senior class (1983)

Someone asked me the following question in regards to the Coaching Highlights page:

Just curious...would it be better to start with your most current info (i.e.2008) and work backwards on your Coaching Highlights page instead of starting with 1998. It may not matter???

Here is my response:

I originally had it set up that way. But here's why I started with the oldest highlights first: if you look at my softball highlights at Buckeye Trail, I listed all four of my years there. I took over a really bad program. So in the highlights, I wanted to be able to show the progression of improvement in each year. It didn't make sense for me to list the most recent highlights first in that case because then, as they read down the list, the highlights would not be as impressive. Now, if you have been in a program for a long period of time and you've had a long stretch of good highlights, then yes, I would list the most recent highlights first. Hope that makes sense!

The next document is the Coaching Philosophy. I don't really like what I have put together, but it is something I wrote way back in college, and I've just never been able to put together anything that sounded better..........

Coaching Philosophy

While attending college as an undergraduate, people often asked what I was studying. When I replied that I was studying Physical Education, they often replied, "Oh, so you want to be a teacher?" But when I told them that I wanted to be a coach, they usually responded with a puzzled look. People usually don't go to school just to become a coach. In fact, I thought the same thing myself at one time.

When I was a little kid, I had dreams and aspirations of playing football for Ohio State and then in the NFL. I told all of my friends that someday I would be a "star." But I finally realized in high school that those dreams would never come true. Since my life had always revolved around athletics, I decided that I would become an educator and a coach.

Over the past fourteen years, I have served as a coach and educator at a variety of institutions. I have found the experiences to be both enjoyable and very rewarding. I thoroughly enjoy the competitive and strategic aspects of coaching; however, the bonds that are created and the young lives that you become involved with are the aspects that provide the greatest rewards in coaching. Being a coach, you can help shape and influence the lives and futures of so many young people. Not only are you a coach, but also a teacher, counselor, guide, disciplinarian, and most important of all, a companion in life.

The role of a coach in a young athlete’s life is an important one, and should not be taken lightly. The coach should provide a proper example of how one should conduct themselves in our society. I do not believe, however, that it is the coach’s responsibility to be the only, or even primary, role model for an athlete. A coach is an ideal person for setting a good example through his or her actions; however an athlete’s behavior, beliefs, and attitudes should not be solely dependent upon their coach. There are many people who must play an influential role in an athlete’s life, and often times there is too much emphasis placed upon the coach as being the primary role model.

In accordance with the role that the coach plays, a fine line is often walked when attempting to maintain an appropriate coach-athlete relationship. Athlete’s often place confidence in their coaches by revealing significant items in their personal lives. It is important, that while an athlete should be able to confide in their coach in these matters, that the coach maintains a professional relationship with the athlete.

Many people believe that athletics is one of the few areas in today's society that can develop a person's character in a positive manner. Character is a broad term and participation in athletics can develop many aspects of a particular person's character. Some of these include, for example, discipline, respect, teamwork, cooperation, loyalty, faith, and trust. I feel that this is where the real satisfaction in coaching comes from--knowing that you have, to the best of your ability, helped prepare a young person for life after their athletic career. During the present, the X's and the O's may seem so important. But looking back, it is the young people that you worked with that you will cherish the most.

Although coaching is an important part of my life, there are three other priorities that take precedence: spiritual faith, family, and friends. I value these three items over everything else in my life, and feel that they can provide a solid foundation in a person's life. I believe that after a person can honestly give of themselves to these priorities, only then will they begin to reap the true benefits of life. Following these three items in importance are my career and taking care of myself. These two items directly involve myself and can be dealt with only after the aforementioned three priorities are properly taken care of.

Although my goals have changed over time, I have always stayed true to my priorities. As long as faith, family, and friends continue to be the focal point of my life, I will be able to attain all goals that I set for myself. Granted, goals change with time, but focusing on the things that are important in one’s life allows the opportunities for turning dreams into realities.

This next document is a Coaches Code of Ethics. It was a paper that I was required to write for an assignment in one of my graduate classes. The instructor told us that this document do not need to be referenced. So it is a combination of my own work, and the work of others. But since I never referenced it, the only person that I can give credit to is Grant Teaff. I know that I used a lot of his information from the AFCA's code of ethics for coaches. In my portfolio, I state that I developed the document for a class and that it is not entirely my own work, but that it is a creed that I strive to live by in the coaching profession. Since I did not create the document in its entirety, I am not going to post it here. Many coaches include a mission statement instead of a code of ethics. I believe it is important to include some type of document that demonstrates what you stand for-- some type of "standards" or "values" that you deem important in your program--what you expect from yourself, your staff, and your players. If you would like to see my document, please email me.

The next section is season goals and program goals. Not only have I listed goals for each, but I also have included a section on what we will do to accomplish those goals. I feel that it is very important that when you're talking about goals--whether it's personal goals, or goals for each player on the team--you also have to have a plan of action. It's great to set goals, but what steps will you take to make sure that those goals are achieved??? Though all of the goals and steps listed were created for softball, they can be easily adapted to football or any other sport. Also, these were created for college level programs, but again, can be adapted for a HS position.

PROGRAM GOALS

· Academic success – 100% graduation rate, improve academic performance (team GPA).

· Promote mental, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth of the student-athlete.

· Increase team involvement in community and university-related affairs and events.

· Keep athletes healthy and injury free.

· Emphasis on strength & conditioning program.

· Emphasis on overall player improvement and development.

· Increase winning percentage every year.

· Qualify for and win conference tournament.

· Improvements in fundraising efforts for program and Florida trip.

· Maintain and improve playing field and softball facilities.

· Improvement in recruiting success:

o Increase quality student-athlete pool.
o Recruit academically and athletically talented students on a state and nationwide basis.
o Retain top student-athletes from year to year.

· HAVE FUN!!

SEASON GOALS

· Winning record.

· Win all home games.

· Qualify for and win the conference tournament.

· Finish in conference top 3 in team hitting, pitching, and defense.

· Have the opportunity to win every game in the 7th inning.

· Gain respect from every opponent.

· Be the best conditioned team.

· Improve athlete self-confidence—believe we can win every game.

· Reach our full potential as individuals and as a team.

· Have fun!!

HOW WILL WE GET THERE?

Keys to success:

· Extra effort on and off the field by all involved with the program.

· Strong recruiting effort by all involved in the program.

· 100% class attendance.

· Represent the individual, the team, the program, and the university in a professional and classy manner, both on and off the field.

· Increase softball knowledge.

· Prepare for opponents through detailed scouting reports.

· Get involved in university and community affairs.

· Softball during softball time.

· Commitment and strong effort in the weight room.

· Take care of yourself: eat healthy, rest, treatments, study.

· Ask yourself every day, “What have I learned and what have I done to improve myself and the team.”

· Set personal and team goals, and have a plan to ensure that those goals become realities.

The next document in the portfolio is the Code of Conduct/Team Policies. I do not include consequences in the code of conduct for 2 reasons:

1-Every situation is unique and should be handled on an individual basis. It is a good idea, however, to be prepared with a general outline of your procedures for any violation because this will most likely come up in an interview.

2-At the college level, you will find that there are usually institutional guidelines and athletic dept. guidelines in place for due process/appeals. You'll even find this at a lot of high schools.

TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT

Philosophy

*Please note that these policies do not preclude or replace the policies set forth by the NCAA, the athletic department, or the institution. Since it is impossible to cover every point in a statement of team policy, you are expected to conduct yourself at all times in a manner that will reflect positively upon yourself, your family, your teammates, the program, and the institution.

This code of conduct pertains to every student-athlete involved in ANY softball related activity. It is a privilege, not a right, for students to participate in intercollegiate athletics. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to uphold the dignity and honor of the softball program when representing their institution at all times. Every member of the team should exhibit the qualities of good citizenship at all time. Each student-athlete represents the institution as well as themselves and any reflection on their individual conduct is also a reflection on their teammates and coaches.

Every athlete is a student first. Therefore, each member of the team must maintain their academic standing in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

Every team member should exhibit the qualities of sportsmanship, proper behavior, and healthy living. Concentrate on the task at hand, whether it be training, practice, or competition. Play fair, play your best, and play for the fun of the game! Play to win, but within the rules of competition. Be loyal and respectful of your teammates, your school, the coaching staff, and oneself. Be respectful to officials and accept their judgments. Be modest in victory and courteous in defeat. Practice and promote good sportsmanship by one’s actions on and off the field.

GENERAL POLICIES

· Team members must adhere to institution and athletic department policies, federal and state laws, and local ordinances.

· No team member shall illegally possess, use, sell, distribute, or have under their control illegal substances of any kind.

· There will be no use of alcohol or tobacco products while representing the program.

· Team members will adhere to all NCAA regulations.

· Use proper language at all times.

· Follow the time schedule established for the team. Do not be late. Your participation in all team functions, including meetings, practices, conditioning sessions, and games is expected unless previously excused by a varsity coach.

· If you have a problem, talk to a captain, an assistant coach, or the head coach. We are here to help.

· Stealing will not be tolerated.

· Do right and avoid wrong. Act like a responsible adult at all times.

· No hazing or acts of initiation of any kind!!

TEAM FUNCTIONS

· No jewelry is permitted at practices or games.

· Be on time. If you have a problem, please notify the head coach immediately. Do not tell someone else to cover for you. Take care of any training room issues BEFORE practices and workouts—do not use this as an excuse for being late. If you do not have time to visit the training room between classes and practice/workouts, please advise the coaching staff ahead of time!

· Be prepared to go outside at all times. Also, be prepared with running shoes at all times.

· Look neat and wear proper practice or game attire.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

· You must carry the proper number of credit hours to remain eligible.

· Class attendance is expected! Contact your instructor in advance if there is a problem.

· If you are having difficulties with a class, see your instructor, advisor, or your head coach as soon as possible.

· If you are going to miss a quiz or test because of a game, let your instructor know in advance so that it can be rescheduled. Do not wait until the last minute.

· Practice is not an excuse to miss any class or class-related activities. You can make up your missed practice time on your own—see the head coach.

· Be attentive, respectful, and participate in all of your classes. Your classroom behavior represents our program at all times!!

· Be prepared to share your semester grades with your head coach.

· If you are required to attend study table, be prompt and prepared with work. If you are going to miss study table, you must contact the coach in charge in advance. No excuses!

The next document that I include in the portfolio is a sample calendar. What this demonstrates is that I have given some thought to the structure of my program as far as practices, meetings, S&C, etc. This is a very important note--when creating the calendar do your research!! Set up the calendar based upon that particular school's academic calendar. Include important dates like first day of classes, parent's weekend, fall break, etc. Also, know what the guidelines are for # of practices or S&C sessions permitted in accordance with NCAA regulations or state high school association regulations. Here is a link to a sample calendar:

Portfolio Calendar

The next section in the Table of Contents is "NCAA Traditional/Non-traditional Guidelines." This section is elevant if you are interviewing for a college position. What I do in this section is print out some of the NCAA guidelines and policies pertinent to the division and sport that I am interviewing for. What this does is show that I am knowledgeable in the NCAA policies. It is important, however, that you review these policies and are familiar with them--it's a good bet that you will be asked questions in the interview pertaining to NCAA policies and your familiarity with them. Focus on things such as guidelines for amount of practice time during the regular season and the off-season, recruiting, and eligibility. You can go to www.ncaa.org and download a .pdf file for the complete NCCA manual for each division.

The next document in the portfolio is "Game Keys to a Successful Team." This started off as a document that I created for my athletes. I tried to narrow down all of the things that were important in winning games and losing games. It is important that you have developed some things that you feel are important--keys that form the foundation of your program and the way you want your team to perform. These keys are the things that you will continually emphasis to your players in everything that you do.

I kept the list of keys to winning games short and simple--if you do these things, you will typically win. I went into a little more detail on all of the little things that can add up and lead to losses--alone they will not lead to defeat, but a combination of them make it difficult to win. In our program, we really focus on the POSITIVES and ELIMINATE the negatives!!!

The example that I created below is for softball, however, this can be developed for any sport. For example, here are some keys to football (these are just examples--list is not comprehensive):

Football Keys to Winning:

Protect the Ball
Win the Turnover battle
Convert 3rd downs
Get points in the red zone
Field position

Football Keys to Losing

Offense
Dropped passes
Sacks
Missed blocking assignments
Not getting positive yardage on 1st down
Not capitalizing on opponent turnovers

Defense
Missed tackles
Blown coverages
Lack of pressure on QB
Giving offense short yardage situations on 3rd down

Kicking Game
Failed PAT's
Poor net gain when receiving
Allowing too much net gain when kicking
Not maintaining lanes on coverage

General
Penalties

KEYS TO WINNING SOFTBALL GAMES

Eliminate fielding errors
Eliminate walks by the pitcher
Eliminate strikeouts by the batter
Good at-bats with runners in scoring position

KEYS TO LOSING SOFTBALL GAMES

Pitching

● Walks
● Wild pitches
● Not getting the leadoff runner out

Defense

● Misplayed grounders
● Misplayed fly balls
● Poor throws
● Dropped throws
● Passed balls by catcher
● Improper cut-offs and relays

Baserunning

● Not sliding
● Poor lead-offs and jumps on steals
● Not advancing to the next base

Hitting

● Strikeouts
● Failed bunts
● Leaving RISP
(Runners In Scoring Position)
● Leadoff hitter in each inning not getting on base

Others

● Missing signs

The next section is very important for those interviewing for a college-level job. This section is your philosophy on recruiting and how you are going to recruit the right type of student-athlete into your program. This section can also be modified for a high school position--not necessarily recruiting, but increasing #'s in your program and player retention.

For the coach interviewing at the college level, your recruiting philosophy must mirror the philosophy of the institution that you are interviewing at. If the school is a strong academic institution, what will your game plan be? If it is a private school with expensive tuition, which kids will you target? What area of the state/country do you want to focus on? What type of skills and abilities are important in the athletes you are recruiting? What about attitude, work ethic? Address all of these things. Also be sure that your recruiting philosophy is in line with the NCAA policies for the particular division that you are interviewing at.

RECRUITING PROCEDURES

In order to compete on a yearly basis, we must recruit outstanding student-athletes. Our admissions standards are high and in order to fund applicants with a top financial aid package, we must recruit the top level student. There is strong competition for the top prospects, so it is important to contact a large number of candidates in order to increase our chances of yielding a solid recruiting class.

RECRUITING WILL BE OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY

The key to yielding top prospects will be the implementation of an organized system that will allow us to uncover as many prospects as possible. Our goal should be to never play against a player in the conference who we were actively recruiting. Another goal is to recruit 8-10 quality Division III athletes each year.

The fact that the school representative who will be recruiting these student-athletes is an intelligent, articulate, honest, and enthusiastic person will leave a strong impression on the recruit and their parents. The recruiter must understand and be able to convey the advantages of an education at our institution. They must also be able to sell the softball experience as an integral part of the educational process.

WHERE DO WE RECRUIT?

The state of Ohio has approximately 700 high schools that participate in varsity softball. It is a state where softball is very important and very competitive. Our recruiting will begin in Ohio and expand from there. Due to our high academic standards, financial aid limitations, and the proliferation of competitive softball in other states, we must actively recruit the entire country.

WHO DO WE RECRUIT?

By late fall of each year, we will have mass-mailed to every high school in Ohio. As a starting point, we want to recruit quality, Division III caliber athletes who meet the university’s minimum requirements for SAT and ACT scores, GPA, and class rank. We want to recruit athletes who feel that softball is very important and are committed to working hard to improve the program. Above all, we want to recruit students who are winners in all aspects of their lives! It is crucial that both education and softball are important aspects in the prospect’s decision-making process.

COACH CONTACT

Once potential prospects have been identified through the mass mailings or student initiated means, the recruiter should contact the high school and travel ball coaches to gather more information about the prospect’s playing ability.

CORRESPONDANCE

Develop a contact system as permitted by NCAA regulations. Phone calls, hand-written letters, and personal emails. Stay in touch with top prospects on a weekly basis. Verify all academic information. Encourage prospects to take the ACT/SAT early and often. Also encourage them to apply to the school and fill out all necessary financial aid forms. Explain application and financial aid procedures.
FILM EVALUATIONS

Encourage prospects to send in a film highlighting all aspects of their game. Fill out an evaluation of the film.

CAMPUS VISIT

· Be highly organized and prepared with information about the prospect.
· Match prospect with the “right” member of our squad.
· Know what things are important to the recruit and emphasize those things.
· Set up admissions and financial aid appointment, campus tour, and meal.
· Give the prospect and their parent’s a lot of attention. Make them seem important, even if they aren’t a top prospect.
· Prep coaching staff and squad members with info regarding the prospect.
· Prepare an itinerary and informational packet for the prospect.
· Be sure to contact the prospect soon after the visit to see what they thought about the experience.

SCHOOL/HOME VISITS

Be prepared, organized, on time, and check directions.
Dress appropriately (make an impression).
Prepare informational packets for prospects. Include applications and financial aid forms.
Sell the school and the program. Give highlights of each.
Be yourself.
Explain application and financial aid procedures.
Represent our program in a first class manner. Be honest and straightforward.
Follow up the visit with phone calls to potential recruits.

IN-SEASON RECRUITING

It is very important that we stay in contact with recruits during the season. Be sure to ask them how their season is going. Try to obtain news reports on their seasons. Invite recruits to attend on of our home games if possible. Also, we should try to attend games of any local top recruits to not only evaluate their talent, but to also promote our program.

SUMMER RECRUITING

In order to get an early start on upcoming seniors, we should go to as many travel ball tournaments and summer league games as possible. Again, this will be important in evaluating potential prospects and promoting our program.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Encourage prospects to apply for admission as early as possible. Be sure that all parts are completed in full. Also make sure that test scores are forwarded to the school. Remind prospects of all deadline dates.

FINANCIAL AID

Be sure that prospects complete all necessary school forms and federal forms. Remind prospects of all deadline dates. Encourage prospects to apply for all scholarships that our institution offers. Have the parents become involved with the financial aid procedure. Speak with them if you call and the prospect is unavailable. Do not count on the prospect alone to complete all necessary documentation for financial aid and application to the school.