For those of you who wanted changes to the NCAA code, you'll have to wait another year. As fully expected, the NCAA has left in place the same code for 2014-2015 as was used in 2013-2014. There are a few possible changes, however, due to enforcement education efforts and small modifications to the USA Gymnastics rules on execution.
(Note: Editorials and opinion pieces will now be categoried separately) This past season, I've typed the phrase (when recapping a women's meet), "the highest score since 2004", too many times to count. Team after team recorded new all-time high scores, or achieved their highest mark since 2004. Why is the year 2004 significant? Well, it was the season before the last time the coaches and judges collaborated to recalibrate the scoring system. In 2004, the 12th ranked team had a Regional Qualifying Score (RQS) of 196.99. The following season, the 12th ranked team finished the season with a 195.715. This…
As the fall workouts continue, teams are hard an work to prepare for the coming season. Key veterans are looking to advance from where they left off last spring, while newcomers look to break into the rotations for the coming season. This past summer, we said good-bye to some top athletes at teams across the national. Athletes like UGA's Kat Ding, Bama's Geralen Stack-Eaton, OU's Megan Ferguson and UCLA's Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs have been stars in their respective programs for the past four years. Although it is still early in the preseason, here's a quick summary of the status of Top…
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.
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...
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.
It is the start of a new experience! You have worked hard and have been committed to your academics and gymnastics. You have put in a ton of hours to achieve your dream of competing for a college gymnastics team. You journey as a college athlete now begins.
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…
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…
FINDING YOUR VOICE: The most powerful tool in creating a strong collegiate gymnastics team! One of the greatest gifts a gymnast can receive while attending college is her “voice”. The "voice" is defined as an instrument or medium of expression; wish, choice or opinion openly or formally expressed.
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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…
10 Misconceptions To Avoid In The Recruiting Process Here are ten common misconceptions to avoid during the recruiting process: “I only want to compete for a Top 10 gymnastics team in college”: Your focus should be on finding the right fit both academically and athletically even if it is not one of the Top 10 gymnastics teams. “My club coach is going to get me a scholarship”: Many club coaches are very helpful in making connections, but do not rely on this. “If I am a walk-on I will be treated differently”: This is a great question to ask the…
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…
Every serious gymnast who wants to compete in college can! It is just about finding the right Division and program that fits her as an athlete. So the question still remains, are you Division 1, Division 2 or Division 3? In this article I will be focusing on the athletic side of making a college decision. I have outlined several different things you can do to help you define which Division will best fit your skills and abilities. 1. Talk with your coach: Have an honest conversation and get feedback from the people that know your skills and work ethic…
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