Setting Yourself Apart at the Showcase

So you are at the event along with 500 other players and you need to set yourself apart from the competition.  How do you do that?

1.  Most important:  Have good grades (SAT/ACT/GPA):  I can not stress this enough.  The kids with the good grades get the most offers/scholastic aid.  If a coach likes what he sees, he will look at his book and see what your grades are.  If he can not get you into his school he will not recruit you.  At this point you are worthless to him regardless of how great your athletic ability is.  They don't care if you qualified for the NCAA Eligibility Center.  You need a 20 ACT or a 1000 MV SAT to set yourself apart.  The fact of the matter is that you need a 1100 (M/V) to get into 10-12 of the schools that participate every year.

2.  Show some initiative:  Apply to some of the schools before the event.  Send emails to the coaches before the event introducing yourself.  Have a 1 page resume available.  Know where these schools are located.  Have your FAFSA filled out already.  Show them that you are a responsible student athlete.

3.  Hustle:  Hustle to stations.  Move with a purpose.  Look like you care.  Do not hang out with your friends and goof off.  Have a business like mentality.

4.  No Parents:  Don't have mommy call and ask about your college plans.  There will be a time when coaches need to talk to parents.  Today is not that day.  Show them that you are a big boy and want to take care of business.  You need to fill out your college applications.  You need to fill out your scholarship paperwork.  You need to email the coaches and discuss opportunities on their team.

5.  Be ready to be move out of Texas:  If you are willing to move out of Texas you need to explain your willingness to the coaches.  Valley City State (North Dakota) takes 5-10 every year and most pay less then $1000 a year to go to college.  Presentation College same thing.  Wisconsin Lutheran took 4 in their first year at the event.