The regular season is nearly done, and it seems like we just got started!  With teams now finalizing their lineups, peaking their training and fine-tuning their routines, here are some observations as we hit the final stretch of the 2011 season.  In these last few weeks, a lot can happen that will impact a team's postseason chances...
The college search for athletes is an enduring process with a definite starting and ending point and just like a well run race, the successful student-athlete will remain focused until she breaks the tape. Below are some simple tips to consider when heading down the home stretch in the college recruiting process that will assist families in remaining diligent in "closing out" a very important life decision. Whether a prospect is looking for an athletic scholarship or support in admissions, it is important to remain committed to the relationship you have cultivated with the coaches. By the time you reach…
A few weeks ago, we asked our site members and guests to submit questions about recruiting.  He's graciously provided answers to all of your questions, which run the gamut from the very general to the very specific.  Read on for more information.  Please note that publication of this Q&A is not an endorsement of any recruiting service.  Always verify with the NCAA or your school's compliance officer for any specific questions regarding recruiting rules, the latest timelines, or other issues.
I recently had 3 athletes I am advising receive verbal athletic scholarship offers from 3 different college coaches. Obviously the families were thrilled with the opportunity for their children to be recognized and awarded well before the senior year in high school. As an advisor, I am asked many questions about the college quest and lately the area of verbal commitments seems to top the list. I would like to share my personal thoughts on what has become a popular recruiting strategy that is used by prospects and college coaches alike.
Student-athletes bring a unique quality to the table when it comes to college admissions. They offer a special talent that can improve the institution’s visibility and raise the level of popularity among future attendees. College officials understand this and in many cases, offer strong support to student-athletes both in admissions and with financial aid. The college recruiting process can be a daunting effort if it is not well planned and executed with organization and enthusiasm from start to finish. Below is a simple snapshot of terms and athletic recruiting rules and procedures you will run into as you navigate the…
Fans and athletes alike can benefit from checking out the new videos and scripts released online by the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ) and the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches - Women (NACGC-W).  "Armchair" judges can test their knowledge of the code, and everyone can benefit by learning more about how routines can be evaluated.
For the past several seasons, we've made an attempt to rank the incoming recruiting classes for teams from across the nation. Some teams, in particular the perennial  superpowers, seem to appear in the rankings each season. But as for the others, you've probably noticed new teams appear as the tides of recruiting ebb and flow. With recruiting occuring earlier and earlier, predicting the progress of future recruits is becoming more and more difficult. Unexpected injuries, changes in training pattern and other personal events sometimes impact an athlete's ability to come in and contribute right away. So which school has scored…
We've brought back the strength of schedule analysis for 2011.  Each year, we've calculated the relative strength of the schedule (relative schedule difficulty) for the Top 10 Teams, as determined by the Preseason Coaches' Poll.  Read on to find out who has the toughest schedule. 
Happy New Year! With the season just around the corner, we'd like to add a few wishes on what we are hoping to see this season:
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