The average cost of a 4 year college experience has increased dramatically during the past 10 years and financial aid is becoming a hot topic in the college search for athletes. Competition for athletic scholarships is fierce and for some student-athletes and families (particularly nearly all male gymnasts and all walkons/Division III/Ivy League athletes), they also need to look at need-based financial assistance or alternative forms of grants and scholarships to help pay the freight. This article takes a simple approach in identifying key components of financial aid.

The NCAA Manual is the “go to” resource for prospects and families as they begin to build their education base in the college search. Between the Division 1, 2 and 3 manuals there is well over 1,500 pages of helpful information! The aim of this article is to direct you toward these resources, help you simplify your search and wrap your arms around recruiting terms, rules and procedures you will encounter as you navigate your personal college quest. First, let’s search for a copy of the manual! Go to www.ncaa.org. Click the “resources” tab. Under “Resources,” Click either the Division…

We are entering into our final weekend of competition, and the Race to the Regionals is heating up!  Teams are chasing one of 36 spots available in post-season competition.

As most parents know the high school years can be challenging, add to that the college recruiting process.  I know first hand as we went through it with our daughter.  Many times it is awkward for girls at this age to feel confident in putting themselves "out there" to be judged by anyone, let alone college coaches.  The temptation for the parent is to take the lead and actually write the emails and make the contacts. Whatever you do ........do not do this! It is however appropriate to encourage your daughter and help her set goals to getting recruited.  Sitting…

We're already down to the last few weeks of the season, and teams are jockeying for one of 36 spots at the Regional meet.  However, there are several meets left before the end of the season, so we're still likely to see a significant shake-up in the standings.  Here's a few observations from the action in February...