SEMO tops the list of teams in the 2009 Scholastic All America rankings, according to a release from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches, Women. They repeat at winners of the National Academic Team Championships, with a remarkable 14 athletes achieving perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

As prospects navigate the college athletics recruiting process, the level of their “command of confidence” will not only assist them in developing a positive and effective approach to recruiting, it will be “picked up” by the college coaches and assist the prospect in standing above the rest of the pack. Self confidence doesn’t just “appear"; it is a skill that is developed naturally and with experience and can offer student-athletes an effective tool that can be skillfully used in navigating the college recruiting process.

I was a 2 sport athlete in high school and I was pretty good. Not that I was the blue chip kid all the coaches were drooling after, but I was a New York State Champion Gymnast and State runner up in Track and Field. I really did not know much of anything regarding skillful tactics in getting on the radar screen of the college coaches and quite honestly, did not begin the recruiting process until well into my senior year of high school. I’m thankful that both the Track and Field and Gymnastics coaches at Temple were paying attention…

It seems as earlier and earlier the recruiting season begins, the later and later we write this article. In fact, there seems to be four different recruiting seasons for each class: the junior year; summer/fall heading into senior year; the spring of senior year; and finally, early graduation for a January start! Next year, we fear we will be adding a fifth category; the sophomore year.

Earning the right to be a college athlete doesn’t happen over night. It takes time, dedication, training, talent, research and planning. Here are the top ten things you need to know to get started on your quest to earning a top gymnastics college scholarship