So what is the exact definition of a walk-on athlete and how does this differ from an athlete who receives a scholarship? An athlete who is a “walk-on” is one who has been offered a spot on the roster, but will not be given scholarship money. Unfortunately walk-on spots are sometimes perceived as a step down, but in reality they can be very prestigious and a stepping stone to earning a scholarship in the future. As a coach I always viewed it as an opportunity for an athlete. Once the team members report to practice, it is an equal playing…
Creating an Outstanding Highlight Video How to create an outstanding highlight video Keep it short: 5 minutes or less First impressions are important: Show your best footage possible Post your video with your resume: See my website for examples www.jhicksconsulting.com Know what coaches are looking for: Coaches want to see you in competition. Some practice footage is also good. If you only show your vault into a pit with no landing surface, they are going to assume you do not have this vault and have never competed it. It is also best to show your skills without a spot, especially…
With the direction college gymnastics recruiting is going, unofficial visits are becoming a house hold name. No longer is the norm of waiting until you are a senior to have your visits paid for, and then making your final decision. Gymnast are making verbal commitments long before they become seniors, thus the importance of making the most of your unofficial visits. Call: Be assertive and make phone calls to coaches of colleges in your area and schools that are a good match for you athletically and academically. Connect: Make a plan and ask if you can set…
Character is defined as: The way someone thinks, feels or behaves. I was at Level 9 Westerns last year and noticed something interesting. I was standing next to a college coach of a top 12 team. We were watching the meet together, focused on the younger age groups. This coach standing next to me had a tablet out and was jotting down names of girls he saw that were being positive, encouraging teammates and respectful to their coaches. He was not focused on performance, but on character.
When we think of recruiting we often think of the athlete, but what is it like for the college coach? They are also going through the recruiting process, just in a little different way.
Many of my clients have asked me what they should do when they are injured and did not get to complete or start their season. Of course, injuries are never part of your plan, but you must remember injuries are a part of sports. College coaches deal with injuries all the time and you should not let this deter you from continuing your college search.
I meet with club gymnasts and parents every week. After getting to know their backgrounds, skill level and goals, I ask them a question. “Can you define a scholarship?” What I have found is that most parents and gymnast have a basic idea of what a scholarship contains, but they do not know the details.
I was talking with one of my clients about her decision to go to a Division III gymnastics team and this is what made her decision easy.
One of the most challenging parts of the recruiting process for the parent is letting your child or teen lead recruiting. The parent often fears their daughter will not be strong enough or advocate well enough to be recruited to college. I completely understand! Lets face it: they have never done anything like this before.
Season is over and now on to summer! What should you be doing to make the most of your time and become the most marketable college gymnastics recruit?
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I have had several parents tell me that there is an unspoken pressure in their club gyms when it comes to recruiting. Some parents are very open about their daughters being recruited and others keep things quiet. At best, it can be a very awkward time for everyone because the pressure is on to get their daughters recruited.
It is very important to pick the right colleges to target in the recruiting process, as well as be sure to know when to send out your information.
I was talking with one of my clients about her decision to go to a Division III gymnastics team and this is what made her decision easy.
What are some of the characteristics that make up "The Ideal College Gymnastics Recruits"? Here are five:
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