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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

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

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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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)

11. 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)  
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:
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 #:
Parent(s) Cell Phone #: (Jason & Jordan Smith)
Parent(s)
Coach’s Contact Information:
Name: Jeff Wonch, Head Coach
School: Okemos High School
Coach's Cell Phone #:
Coach's

12. 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.”

13. Questions?