High School ADs and the College Recruiting Process MIAAA Conference – Traverse City, MI Monday, March 20, 2017

Introduction Ira Childress Athletic Director at Okemos High School Past administrator at NCAA National Office Former college student-athlete

Embrace the Recruiting Process Helping student-athletes is part of your job College athletics are a reality for some When you understand the process, you can embrace it and enjoy it

Celebrate & Track College-Bound Student-Athletes Signing day celebrations & alumni display

Recruiting Process at a Glance Student-athlete demonstrates desire or potential Student-athlete and college coach communicate Offer is extended or not extended Decision is made

Getting from Point A to Point B What is the high school athletic director’s role during the college athletic recruiting process?

1. Educate your coaches & yourself about the process Use credible resources to learn about eligibility www.EligibilityCenter.org www.PlayNAIA.org NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student- Athlete Talk to former student-athletes and parents/guardians about their recruiting experience

2. Managing Expectations “There are a lot of student-athletes with NAIA talent waiting on a Division I scholarship.” Help student-athletes and parents/guardians get a realistic evaluation of talent through your coaches and other credible sources There’s a place for most student-athletes at the college level – even if it may not be their first choice

3. Establish roles & get organized Establish a mutual commitment from student- athletes and parents/guardians Who is responsible for what during the recruiting process? Define the coach’s role, AD’s role, parent/guardian’s role, and student-athlete’s role Identify other key influencers in recruiting (i.e., AAU or club team coach, other family members)

4. Facilitate the recruiting process Be an advocate for the student-athlete Identify key opportunities for exposure & visibility Build & foster relationships with college coaches Communicate clearly & often (see example)

Hello, Coach –   Please see the profile below on one of our outstanding basketball student-athletes here at Okemos High School. Each year, we have a number of student-athletes who take their talents to the collegiate ranks. This young man certainly continues that tradition and would be a high caliber addition to your program. Thanks, Ira Ira Childress, Athletic Director Okemos High School (555) 555-5555  ------------------------------------- John Smith, 2017 Shooting Guard – Okemos, MI John Smith is one of Mid-Michigan’s top 2017 basketball student-athletes. Playing in the highly competitive Capital Area Activities Conference (CAAC) Blue Division, Smith had a strong junior season and helped lead the Okemos Chiefs to the MHSAA District Finals.  On the court, Smith is a deadly three-point shooter with deep range. He also has a high basketball IQ and a knack for rebounding the ball. He’s also a very strong student with a 3.45 GPA and a 26 ACT score. Highlight Video: www.youtube.com/edjXs120dD John Smith, 2015 Shooting Guard High School: Okemos High School – Okemos, MI Height: 6’4” GPA: 3.45 ACT: 26 Avg Points Per Game: 13.6 Avg Rebounds Per Game: 8 AAU Team: Okemos Elite (Okemos, MI) Student-Athlete Contact Information: Name: John Smith Address: 1200 Okemos Road, Okemos, MI 48864 Cell Phone #: 555-555-5555 Parent(s) Cell Phone #: 555-555-5555 (Jason & Jordan Smith) Parent(s) Email: thesmithfamily@yahoo.com Coach’s Contact Information: Name: Jeff Wonch, Head Coach School: Okemos High School Coach's Cell Phone #: 555-555-5555 Coach's Email: okemoshoops@okemosschools.net

Important to Remember… “An AD’s role is not to get a student-athlete a scholarship. An AD’s role is to give a student-athlete an opportunity.”

Questions?