Advising prospective student-athletes sometimes requires our additional support. We know they encounter different timelines and unique procedures that are unlike most of our international students who apply to American universities. This panel of speakers will provide straightforward information to about how to best advise and support prospective student athletes through the recruitment process. We will build our comments around your questions which can be submitted during registration for this webinar.

1. OACAC WEBINAR WEDNESDAY
Student-Athletic Recruitment Process
December 2 2015

2. Webinar Panelists
• NACAC Student Athlete Advisory Committee
• JT Thomas, Counselor & Coach, Berkeley California jt.thomas11@yahoo.com
• Cory Miller, Counselor, Branksome Hall, Canada (formerly in Brazil, Turkey,
Singapore) cmiller@branksome.on.ca
• University
• Susan Whipple, Assistant Director, Office of International Education,
Marquette University, Wisconsin (USA) susan.whipple@marquette.edu
• International Counselor
• Rosa Moreno-Zutautas, Guidance Counselor, Ridley College, Canada
(formerly in Venezuela) rmoreno.counselor@gmail.com

3. Student-Athletes Men's Basketball
Women's
Basketball
Football Baseball
Men's Ice
Hockey
Men's Soccer
High School Student
Athletes
540,207 439,550 1,109,278 472,644 36,475 391,839
High School Senior
Student Athletes
154,345 125,586 316,937 135,041 10,421 111,954
NCAA Student
Athletes
17,008 15,423 66,313 30,365 3,945 21,770
NCAA Freshman
Roster Positions
4,859 4,407 18,947 8,676 1,127 6,220
NCAA Senior Student
Athletes
3,780 3,427 14,736 6,748 877 4,838
NCAA Student
Athletes Drafted
44 32 250 600 33 76
Percent High School to
NCAA
3.1% 3.5% 6.0% 6.4% 10.8% 5.6%
Percent NCAA to
Professional
1.2% 0.9% 1.7% 8.9% 3.8% 1.6%
Percent High School to
Professional
0.03% 0.03% 0.08% 0.44% 0.32% 0.07%
Estimated Probability of Competing in Athletics
Beyond the High School Interscholastic Level
12/3/2015

4. Athletic Scholarship Reality Check
• In 2003-04, NCAA institutions gave athletic scholarships
amounting to 2% of the 6.4 million high school/youth athletes.
• Average NCAA scholarship not including football & basketball
is $8,707.00/year.
• Average baseball or track & field scholarship is $2000.00/year.
• Scholarships must be renewed each year. They are not
guaranteed year to year.
• Tuition, room & board for NCAA institutions cost between
$20,000-$50,000 per year.
(The New York Times, March 10, 2008)
12/3/2015

5. Division I
Most expensive, competitive, and time consuming division of the NCAA:
•350 institutions with big athletic department budgets (PAC 12, ACC, Big 10 )
•Sizable, world-class athletic facilities
•Receive the most media attention
•Attract the top athletes
•Increased scholarship money available but none for Ivy’s (ex. DI Football is allowed a
maximum of 85 fulls)
•Toughest eligibility requirements: graduate high school with 16 core courses and test
score/GPA determined on a sliding scale. 2016 = “2.3 or Take a Knee.”
• Examples: Stanford, Notre Dame, Virginia, Marquette, Santa Clara, UC Davis, Pacific.
12/3/2015

6. Does the athlete match up?
DI UCLA Men’s Water Polo
No. Name Ht. Wt. Position Year
15 Grant Zider 6-4 215 Center/RS SO
13 James Palmer 6-5 205 Attacker/RS SO
2 Ted Peck 6-6 230 Center SR
3 Chris Pulido 6-6 190 Defender SO
6 Brad Greiner 6-6 195 Ctr Defender SO
16 Tim Cherry 6-6 220 Ctr Defender FR
14 Logan Powell 6-4 194 Attacker/RS SO

7. Stanford D1 Women’s Volleyball
Height matters!
• No. Name Height Position Yr
• 1 Lydia Bai 6-2 Outside Hitter FR
• 2 Carly Wopat 6-2 Middle Blocker FR
• 7 Jessica Walker 6-1 Middle Blocker SO
• 10 Alix Klineman 6-4 Outside Hitter SR
• 11 Charlotte Brown 6-5 Middle Blocker FR
• 12 Stephanie Browne 6-4 Middle Blocker JR
• 21 Hayley Spelman 6-6 Outside Hitter SO

8. Division II
Intermediate level as an alternative to the highly competitive DI and the non-
scholarship DIII:
• 312 full or provisional members
• Smaller public schools and many private colleges that often draw more locally
and play closer to home.
• More limited scholarship opportunities and more partial scholarships that vary
from school to school (ex. DII football is allowed 36 scholarships).
• Student athletes usual finance their education with a combination of athletic &
educational scholarships plus private funds.
• Eligibility requirements: graduate high school with 16 core courses, earn a
minimum 2.0 GPA, and a combined 820 SAT or sum 68 ACT.
• Examples: UC San Diego, Colorado Springs, Lynn, Rollins, Pace, Simon Fraser
12/3/2015

9. Division III
Largest of the three divisions with 444 member institutions that range
in size from 500-10,000 students:
•Colleges & schools choosing not to offer athletic scholarships. No
redshirting athletes.
•Small class sizes, regional season play, and the opportunity to play
more than one sport in college.
•Each campus determines their own eligibility requirements.
• Examples: Tufts, Middlebury, Williams, Amherst (NESCAC is
competitive DIII league)
•Colorado College DIII school – DI Wsoc & MHockey
12/3/2015

10. NAIA
• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics seeks to fully integrate life,
academics, sport and fitness into the higher education environment.
• 300 colleges & universities in the US & Canada (College of Bahamas)
• More relaxed rules, especially related to transferring
• Athletic scholarships
• Eligibility Center
• 23 National Championships in 13 sports
• 50,000 student athletes
• Eligibility requirements. Meet two of the three: 18 ACT/860 SAT, 2.0 GPA, or
graduate in the top half of class
• Examples: UC Merced, Embry-Riddle, Lawrence Tech, SCAD, UBC
• Options: community college, club, intramurals, PG
12/3/2015

11. “Traditional” International Student
• “Players” involved:
• Student
• Parents
• Secondary/High School
• University
• Admissions
• Int’l Student Services Office
• Independent Counselor

12. International Student-Athlete

13. International Student-Athlete
• “Players” involved:
• Student
• Parents
• Secondary/High School
• University
• Admissions Office
• Athletics
• NCAA/NAIA Compliance Coordinator
• International Student Services Office
• Taxation Issues
• Summer start (full-time available?)
• Annual Holiday in SEVIS?
• Independent Counselor/Athletic Agent
• Coaches
• School
• University
• Independent
• Athletic Boosters
• NCAA/NAIA
• Academic Eligibility – Division I & II (NCAA)
• 16 Core Courses
• Amateurism Clearinghouse (NCAA)
• NAIA Eligibility
• Two separate and distinct processes
• Admissible to university/not cleared by
NCAA/NAIA
• Athletic qualifier/not admissible to
university

14. Amateurism Rules
• Can the student-athlete play for a professional team in her country? NO
• Can the student-athlete accept apparel or equipment from the amateur team he
belongs to if they represent that club in competition? YES
• Can the student-athlete attend try-outs or practices for a professional team? NO,
not allowed to play with professionals.
• Is it permissible to accept prize money while competing at club level? YES, as long
as prize money does not exceed actual expenses for event.
• Can the student-athlete hire a consultant or agent to help navigate the recruitment
process? YES, as long as that individual is not paid by university.

15. Defining “Agent”
NCAA
• Representative engaged by student-
athlete to find contracts /endorsements
for financial gain for student-athlete
• Something to be avoided
• Usually happens while in university
University/High School
• Representative engaged by family/student (to
guide them through the admissions process)
• Objective: “best fit” for student
• The “norm” in some cultures/countries;
Becoming more frequent for student-athletes
• Agent’s familiarity with actual
rules/procedures NOT guaranteed
(NCAA/NAIA/university)…working in best
interest of student?

16. Sample Introductory Letter to University Coach
• Dear Coach (put the coaches name)________:
• My name is _____ and I will graduate in (2016). I am currently a junior at Branksome Hall in Toronto Canada. I currently play
for the _______ club (you can add more info here to highlight your team). I have played high school volleyball for four years,
starting as a setter for the last three. I am 5’9” and weigh 145 pounds. I have attended the provincial finals for the past two
years and national this year. I was also selected for the National All Star Team this year. As well as continuing my education, I
would like to play volleyball at the (DI, DII, DII, NAIA) collegiate level.
• Your program especially interests me. I have followed your team’s season on your website, but sadly have never attended a
game. School specifics here. (I’m interested in your ‘college’ because of... stuff…make this specific but not too long. Put in
something specific about the school or program, a friend that speaks highly of it, or simply congratulate them on a good season
or recent win).
• I am an IB diploma candidate. My grades average around 4-5 on a 7 point scale. My initial SAT composite score was 1850. I
intend to retake it in October. I am interested in pursuing a four-year degree in biology. I also hope to continue playing
volleyball on the college level. While I understand that NCAA rules do not allow you to contact me by phone until July 1 before
my senior year (this is for DI & DII schools, not DIIIs) or by mail on September 1st of my junior year, I am attaching a resume of
my personal, athletic, and academic information. This link will take you to a short video of me in action _______ (optional).
• My coach’s name is Mary Jones. Her contact information is (email and phone). She has indicated to me that she would
welcome your calls. E-mail is the most reliable way to reach her.
• I have included a skills tape and a game tape. My jersey number is #1 in the light-colored uniforms. Also included is a schedule
of our 2015-16 volleyball season. Please let me know if there is additional information that my coach or I can provide.
• I am interested in, and looking forward to, learning more about ‘school’ and the ‘mascot’ (soccer/softball/LAX). Thank you
for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
• Sincerely,

17. International Student Athletes
Must Market Themselves!
• Keep your grades up so you have more options.
• Create a resume/profile with brief athletic, academic & personal information
• Create a cover email letter
• Register for the NCAA/NAIA Eligibility Center (by junior year)
• Get to know the NCAA/NAIA websites and understand the recruiting rules
specific to your sport and division.
• Talk to high school coaches/club coaches, trainers to determine best athletic fit.
• Search NCAA “Who We Are” to determine which colleges have which sport and
division.
• Create a big list and MAKE CONTACT!! Email resume/cover letter!!
12/3/2015

18. NCAA 16 Core Courses – D1
• 16 by Graduation, 10 by end of grade 11 (7 of which must be English, Math
or Natural/Physical Science)
• -4 years/credits English
• -3 years/credits math
• -2 years/credits physical science (one credit/year must include a lab)
• Additional credits/years:
• -1 year/credit of English, math or natural/physical science
• -2 years/credits social science
• -4 years additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or
religion/philosophy)
• Courses that do NOT count: Art, Music, Film, Technology, Physical Education

19. What new school counselors should do ...
• Find out about the high school`s athletic history. Which specific sports? Divisions? Tendency
for group sports or individual sports?
• Make sure you fully navigate the NCAA High School Portal:
https://web3.ncaa.org/hsportal/exec/links?linksSubmit=ShowActiveLinks
• Find out who has been the expert at this school. Tap into all existing resources.
• Meet the local coaches. What is their story?
• How do kids get recruited? Listen to what has been effective and the not so good. How
proactive have students been in this process?
• Find out if your school submits national curriculum or IB or American High School diploma
to NCAA. Is there an expectation for you to update courses? Determine your role.
• Will you need to get involved with the NCAA High School Portal? What has been done? Do
you think there is a need to get a code for the school. Sometimes a workshop to check out
Course titles for courses can save a lot of time down the road.
• “Make efforts to develop and communicate your counseling style with student athletes.
Most miscommunications can be prevented by making sure students, parents and school
authorities know what each are responsible for for: Boosting VS hand holding”

20. Leading Practices: High School Perspective
• Start early!
 Gauge level of participation (national/international?) If not, discuss long-term
rather than short-term goals and alternatives such as NCJAA and club teams
Make students aware of NCAA core course requirements (split file evaluations
may consider gr9 courses taken at your school or previous one)
Fill out questionnaires & be ready to talk to coaches informally in gr10/11 (uni
coaches can now officially reach out to prospective student-athletes after
September 1st of gr11)
Strengthen academic transcript in time for academic “pre-read” (July/August after
gr11), coaches may make unofficial verbal offers in summer before gr12
Encourage students to prepare an early gr11 testing calendar so that solid
SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS test scores are ready (must have official scores in hand in
order to receive official invitation to visit in September gr12)

21. What should happen early in high school?
9th Grade
• GPA sliding chart … new 2017 rules!
• What does coach think about this student´s
true potential?
• Outline all the options: NCAA/NAIA/NCJAA.
• Are there any red flags on athletic resume the
student is developing? Are they being offered
money for playing?
• Identify summer camps and competition
goals
• Outline courses a student-athlete CANNOT
SKIP NOR MISS!
10th Grade
• Caution in course selection.
• Reminder: GPA sliding chart
• Discover those majors that given a student´s own
skills and time management skills might collide
with competitive athletics.
• If this student was not at your school last year, pay
attention to transcripts for Split File review.
• Start the college list early …so that students can
start filing in College Athletic Questionnaires and
reaching out to Head Coaches and Assistant
coaches.
• Meet with each athlete and check out recruiting
calendars at the universities on their very first
college list.
•

22. What should happen later in high school?
• 11th Grade
• Decision time…which conference level is student aiming at? Help
develop realistic expectations.
• Is athletic money needed to study or can student make the team yet
not get athletic scholarship?
• Determine how counselor is expected to become involved. Eg.
translating for local coach? Checking athletic rosters and anticipating
possibilities? Copied in student communications to college coaches?
If so, to what extent?
• Familiarize students with creating NCAA account: point out there is
space to comment on important educational information.
• Discuss potential official visits: Are you expected to help students
make up course work missed and prepare for visit? Anticipate the
effects of the 72 hour rule.
• No one mentions the TOEFL test…should you? This might be a good
time to have students sit for this test.
• Is it in the best interest of a student to apply Early Decision in the
light of a “verbal commitment?”
•
•
• 12th Grade
• TRANSLATE: What does
the student/athlete
understand VS what is the
college coach really
saying?
• The difference between a
LIKELY letter and a Letter
of INTENT…and the other
emails that go around.
• TIME FOR YOUR
SUPPORT: Final decisions.
Best offer.

23. Words of Wisdom
• COUNSELOR FOLLOW UP: That prep talk on the Plan B…or Z…
• not what I expected…not the coach I thought he/she would be…
• handling employment, internships, rules, payroll and taxes…make the
right questions upfront
• who is responsible for health emergencies? What mechanism is in
place? Criteria
• discuss it means to be academically at risk…identify individual signals.
• socializing out side of athletics: becoming involved, meeting other people
learning to ask for help…before it’s too late…academically, socially,
language/cultural challenges…

24. Advice for Student-Athletes
DON’T!
Believe everything you hear about scholarships.
Verbally commit without a read from the admissions office.
Put all of your eggs in one basket.
DO!
Keep grades up!
Cast a big net and stay in contact with many coaches.
Have strong back ups.
Meet deadlines for transcripts/test scores/transcript release form.
Go to your counselor for advice about academic/social fit.
Start earlier & work harder at the process than non-athletes.
Use the NCAA website, “Who We Are”.
Buy the book - The Academic Athlete by Dickson/Laughrea. http://www.dcipress.com
12/3/2015

25. Top 10
College Coaches Pet Peeves
1. Parents send emails instead of athlete.
2. Parents call instead of athlete.
3. Parents call and ask us to call them back when it’s against the NCAA recruiting rules.
4. Use of recruiting services (some sports).
5. “Game playing” in the process.
6. Sending hours of video or testimonial.
7. Trying to engage us in conversation at tournaments when it’s illegal.
8. Not taking “no” for an honest answer.
9. Sending information on their high school sports only.
10. The myth that everyone gets a full ride or a scholarship.
(Information polled from CAL assistant coaches in all sports)
12/3/2015

26. Top 5
Admissions Counselor Pet Peeves
1. Students and parents don’t always understand that the coaches are
not the Admissions Committee.
2. Coaches don’t always understand that they are not the Admissions
committee.
3. Parents call/email instead of student.
4. A sports agent or other third party relays information or documents
instead of the student and his/her counselor.
5. A student believes that one post-graduate year can erase four years’
performance on the high school transcript.

27. There are no dumb questions!
• What can the counselor do to help?
• Where/when/how should we send transcripts?
• How long should students’ videos be?
• What are blue and white chips?
• What’s the difference between a “likely” vs letter “of intent”?
• What does NLI mean?
• What’s a red shirt?
• How much can a PG year help?

28. Resources for Additional Information
• NCAA Mailing Address for International Academic Records:
NCAA Eligibility Center
International Certification Processing
1802 Alonzo Watford Sr. Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202
• NCAA Eligibility Center (school counselors and students):
http://web3.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp
• High School Telephone Line: 877/622-2321
• Students Phone: 877-262-1492 (toll free in the US)
• Email: ec-international@ncaa.org
• NCAA Publications: https://www.ncaapublications.com/
• NCAA International Standards (free download): https://www.ncaapublications.com/p-
4359-international-standards-2014-2015-guide-to-international-academic-standards-for-
athletics-eligibility-updated-july-2014.aspx
• NAIA: http://www.playnaia.org/d/international/NAIA_GuideforInternationalStudents.pdf

29. Resources for Additional Information
• FAQ’s and Information for International Student-Athletes:
• http://www.ncaa.org/sites/default/files/DIII%20Summary%20of%20NCAA%20Re
gulations%202014-15_0.pdf
• NCAA International Student-Athletes:
• http://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future/international-student-athletes
• 2015-16 NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete (free PDF download):
• http://www.ncaapublications.com/p-4354-2015-16-ncaa-guide-for-the-college-
bound-student-athlete-sold-as-a-package-of-
25.aspx?CategoryID=0&SectionID=0&ManufacturerID=0&DistributorID=0&GenreI
D=0&VectorID=0&
• http://www.ncaa.org/amateurism