What what! We’re back with another feature on our awesome NCSA Athletic Recruiting team members. This time around, we grabbed Kristi Artenian, a scout who is frequently recognized by her team and around the office for her hard work and dedication to educating families help athletes succeed in college. You might notice a certain dancing theme developing in these interviews… All we can say is that we’re not complaining. Not one bit.

And remember. If you’ve got dance moves worthy of an NCSA talent show, you can always check out our career page for openings.

Let’s start things a little differently. What’s your sign?

I’m an Aquarius. I was born February 10, in Fairfax, Virginia.

I don’t actually know anything about astrology. How does being an Aquarius impact your family like?

I’m not too sure, actually. [laughs] All of my immediate family is in Northern Virginia. I have 1 sister who’s adopted, but I’ve acquired multiple other brothers and sisters throughout the years, as my mom has laways hosted exchange students. Currently we have welcomed Wendy and Wenja, exchange students from Vietnam and China, into our ever-growing family. Life at home has always been interesting.

Oh, wow. Did you go abroad for college?

No. I started my college career at Radford University in Virginia and finished it at American Public University.

Who are some of your favorite athletes?

Victor Cruz, Rajon Rondo (I named my dog Raja after him), Odell Beckham Jr., and Ali Krieger. (I went to high school with Ali, who now plays for the USWNT).

What about you: what’s your proudest athletic achievement?

I was the first junior lacrosse player to be awarded Player of the Year. I finished my season with 50+ goals and 42 assists.

Think fast. Last meal on earth. Go.

Snow crab legs.

What are some little-known facts about you?

People think I’m from Florida. I’m not actually from Florida; I just lived there for a few years. I don’t enjoy the cold and I’m extremely competitive. …Both of these might be obvious.

How did you get started at NCSA Athletic Recruiting?

I originally used NCSA as a student-athlete. This was back in the day when NCSA Athletic Recruiting scouts attended lacrosse games. Someone come to my game and sat down with my Mom and me, and I enrolled. I had multiple offers just from going through NCSA, and knew it was a great program. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I wasn’t able to pursue my athletic career, but continued to stay involved in the sport.

After completing college and working in healthcare recruiting, I knew that I wanted to get back into the sports world and that NCSA was a company that I believed in and wanted to be a part of. After many interviews with Adam and Mike, I was finally offered the job. And the rest is history.

We’re history buffs. What’s your first memory of NCSA Athletic Recruiting?

The NCSA talent show was a pretty awesome memory. My team, The Mighty Liberos, were told by our fearless leader, Adam Diorio, that it was required we participate in the talent show. We definitely didn’t want to let Adam down, so we began to brainstorm. Somehow we came up with a dance routine to this popular YouTube video, “Yes Dance” (look it up. It’s great.) and, I have to say, it was pretty hilarious. Andrew O’Rourke made a great Kiki. I think we got Adam’s approval, and I’m happy he made it one of our requirements. It was a great time and is just one of the many awesome experiences I’ve had here at NCSA.

I don’t think Kristi knew we still had this…but we do. And it’s…just. Yes.

The post One Lacrosse Player Who Helps Athletes Succeed In College appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is our final segment about the tips for softball recruiting from our video session with the women of The Packaged Deal. You can see Jen and Katie Schroeder discuss how they learned the value of hard work from their father in Part 1, and Morgan Stuart talk about how confidence is the most important skill a softball player can bring to her team in Part 2.

This week Amanda Scarborough, a Texas A&M alumna whose incredible writing and advice we’ve often highlighted in this blog, discusses how to roll with even the biggest punches with determination.

On overcoming adversity

“The next day, we wake up, and it’s a new day. And we get to choose how we’re going to go out and take it on.” Tweet this!

Check out Amanda’s inspiring video below:

“We were going to make it and play in the national championship game, and I was going to be a part of it, and I just had to move past it — and I did.”

Gah. That line gets me every time.

We hope you’ve enjoyed Jen, Katie, Morgan and Amanda’s wisdom as much as we have. All four are on twitter and would love to hear from you @ThePackagedDeal. And remember: if you ever have questions about your own recruiting journey, we’re here to help.

The post Determination: Tips for Softball Recruiting When Facing Adversity appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is part of our series highlighting employees at NCSA Athletic Recruiting. You can see other members of our team talk about how they give back to their fellow lacrosse players or their chess grandmastership. Masterhood? I don’t know. I just made that word up right now.

If you’re interested in joining the team, check out our career page for some of our great openings.

This week, I threw a pen at Britt Pascale, our director of training and development, while she was making copies, and got her to talk to me about a career for college softball champions just like her. OK, so she really came over to tell me to knock it off. But still. We talked.

You’re pretty popular around the office. Has that always been the case?

I was my high school class president.

Fancy pants! Is that leadership something you brought to college softball at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln?

I was the captain of my college softball team – GO BIG RED!

What kind of mark has softball left on you?

Well, I’ve had 3 shoulder surgeries.

Britt with fellow NCSA Athletic Recruiting team members at the 2014 PGF National Championships U14 & U16

Switching gears. I’ve seen some amazing baby pictures around the office they told me I should ask you about?

I have a godson named PJ and a beautiful niece named Payton!

Do you have a lot of siblings?

I have 2 sisters – I’m the middle child.

Since your college softball days, how are you able to stay in fighting shape?

Crossfit is a big part of my life. I enjoy doing crossfit competitions.

What are your proudest athletic achievements?

I’ve won a high school state championship as a coach and a player, and I’ve won conference title as a DI college coach.

Last question. What’s something we wouldn’t know immediately about you just by looking at you?

Two things. My dad owns the pizza restaurants, Aurelio’s. And I used to have a pretty awesome haircut —

The post Britt Pascale Describes A Career For College Softball Champions appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

(Flickr – David Wall)

Wanting to play a sport in college is simple: there’s your natural talent at the sport, the skills you’ve gained over the year, and the opportunity to play at the next level and get a great education.

But I couldn’t really call it simple to try to figure out the rules and guidelines to get to college as an athlete in the NCAA, NAIA or NJCAA, whether you’re a student-athlete, a parent, or a high school coach or counselor.

If you haven’t already seen it, the NCAA has done an amazing job to organize its information online to help you transition to college. (And if you’re a counselor, to understand the full process with print-outs, videos and tutorials.)

Why the guidelines to get to college are so important

I was just talking to one of our national scouts today about the way I–we here at NCSA Athletic Recruiting–sometimes slip into talking about “athletic scholarships” in general, instead of scholarships to go to school, no matter what division (or NCAA, NAIA or otherwise) you choose. It slips off the tongue easier. But a DIII baseball player who receives $0 for playing baseball could still get a major percentage of his tuition and fees paid for based on academic merit and need.

I know that distinction because I read portions of the NCAA guidelines every day (and because it’s so simply described in Athletes Wanted). It comes from reviewing every day, practicing fundamentals: much the same way as a lacrosse player knows set pieces from behind the x, or a 4×100 sprinter has her hand off down. I don’t have to tell you about the benefits of practicing every day.

I’m just trying to say that the NCAA website makes it so easy to learn and review the college decision process. The more you understand the process, the better you’ll be able to complete it smartly, and without worrying whether you’re doing the right thing or not. Whether you’re saying the right thing to coaches, or whether your volleyball skills video shows everything it needs to. It’s a great place to start. And if you still have more questions about your personal journey to college, we’re here to help.

The post Finding Guidelines To Get To College For Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

The following is a post by Chris Krause, founder and CEO of NCSA Athletic Recruiting, who regularly contributes to this blog.

We just wrapped up a gigantic month at NCSA. In February, we serviced the most student-athletes in a month in the history of the company.

To say I’m proud of the work our team has put into growing our Athleadership network would be a huge understatement. And while I’m blown away by the number of student-athletes and families we welcomed to our NCSA family in February – whose recruiting journey we now have the privilege of being a part of – there was a particular 15 percent last month that gave me more pride in our people, reassurance in our mission, and gratitude for the ability to give back then ever before.

Athleadership: Our mission is to empower athletes and their peers through the life lessons of sports.

That 15% represents the amount of Athleadership Grant recipients and NSLP-qualifying families we welcomed into our network in February.

The Athleadership Grant program helps financially assist deserving student-athletes find the right school to play their sport through the sponsorship of the NFL Players Association. We offer a variety of options for student-athletes and families with demonstrated need; we’ve never turned anyone away from NCSA Athletic Recruiting.

For me, this is proof that as an NCSA team, we’re living our core values and working in overdrive towards our commitment to them.

I recently had the honor of talking to the Lake Forest College football team and dedicated a big portion of my message to the core values we are committed to and believe in at NCSA.

NCSA Athletic Recruiting Gives Back

One core value in particular – the give back – stands out among the rest, because it’s the foundation and belief I started NCSA on: that no student athlete will ever be turned away from our services for financial reasons. That 15% of families we helped in February is huge for many reasons, but above all else, it tells me that we are fulfilling our commitment to the give back and living our mission of Athleadership by doing everything in our power to make sure no student-athlete falls through the cracks.

There is a lot of excitement and reward that comes along with being a part of the NCSA team, and it comes from within, and starts at home.

To have such strong roadmaps in place for student-athletes that need our services and qualify for help in getting them is what I consider to be my greatest accomplishment as our founder. To learn more about our Athleadership Grant and NSLP qualifications, please contact our office at any time. We’re here for anyone ready to take their recruiting seriously and to get empowered to use sports to change their life.

The post Programs For Students In Need: NCSA Athletic Recruiting Gives Back appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is part of our spotlight series on employees at NCSA Athletic Recruiting. Previously, we’ve learned about amazing hairstyles and sweet St. Patrick’s Day dance moves.

If you’re interested in a job in sports and in contributing to the team, check out the opportunities we have available.

Today, we catch up with Chris Wallace, one of our scout managers, who coordinates all of the national scouts to provide free education and recruiting assistance to student-athletes and their families every day.

Icebreaker: What’s your favorite color?

Red. I liked fire trucks as a kid.

What’s your background in sports, Chris?

I grew up playing ice hockey in Barrington, IL.

But you weren’t a one-sport athlete, were you?

No. I once took batting practice at Wrigley Field under the direction of Gary Matthews Sr. and met Sammy Sosa. And I used to work at Arlington Race Track and aspire to own a racehorse one day.

Any other famous sports encounters?

I once chaperoned the first ever DH in MLB History and former Yankee, Ron Blomberg, and I bumped into Blackhawks winger, Brian Bickell, at Walgreens during last year’s playoffs.

Fancy!

Not as fancy as other people in my family. My dad helped Walter Payton move out of his apartment after he got his rookie contract, and my cousin, Jonna Walsh, is an actress and is married to American Idol Winner, Lee DeWyze.

Do you do any extracurriculars outside of work?

I volunteer with the Young Leaders Society, which is part of The United Way.

What’s your ideal vacation spot? Do you even have time to take vacations?

Well, I grew up going to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with family and friends.

The post Our Scout Manager Describes His Job In Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

As far as festivals go, there are few cooler than SXSW in Austin, TX. Among music, film, business, sports, education, and hundreds of other hot topics, there is literally something for everyone at the annual 10-day event.

Digital athletic recruiting is a hot topic.

Although held in Austin, the SXSW festival hit especially close to home here in Chicago. Because athletic recruiting was a featured topic, our own president and COO, Lisa Strasman (a Yale hockey alumna), was asked to come down and participate on the College Football Recruiting & Technology panel hosted by Rivals.com.

Alongside representatives from Hudl, Orangebloods.com, and panel host Rivals.com – all businesses specializing in maximizing recruit exposure and experience through technology – Lisa shared her insights with the packed crowd on the drastic impact the internet has had on the evolution of recruiting in the past 5-10 years alone.

Online video content has had a huge impact on athletic recruiting

A recruiting trend we were a part of from its inception was the advent of online video content for coaches to quickly see film on a prospect. Posting and sending video online as opposed to physically mailing highlights has single-handedly changed the game of recruiting, and is a topic Lisa was able to offer valuable insight on being a 10-year veteran in the field at NCSA.

Lisa also spoke about NCSA’s innovation in matching college coaches with student-athletes who are uniquely qualified for their programs. NCSA’s proprietary matching algorithm takes the guess work out of measuring one’s fit with a particular college or university.

“NCSA has always been the leader in matching college coaches and high school student-athletes, and in the last two years our matching technology has reached a new level of sophistication,” Lisa told the crowd. “Today student-athletes can see how they match with every college program based on a variety of factors including academics, athletics, preferences, and specific program needs.”

We were so proud to have Lisa represent NCSA on such a prestigious panel of experts in the field of recruiting and technology, and it’s clear she gained an equal amount of knowledge and experience share from her time in Austin.

“It was an honor to participate in the College Football Recruiting & Technology panel at SXSW. College recruiting has come a long way from the days of lists, magazines, and fax machines. NCSA is proud to remain at the forefront of recruiting technology.”

USE ONLINE VIDEOS IN RECRUITING

The post Digital Athletic Recruiting Has Changed the World: Lisa Strasman at SXSW appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

Photo Credit: Robert Pavich

Lacrosse players, rejoice: We’ve recently become the official partners of Inside Lacrosse, the premier media outlet for the sport.

For those of you who aren’t lacrosse players but thought the image looked cool (I thought so, too — we love Robert Pavich’s work), think of Inside Lacrosse as the ESPN of lacrosse. They’re that cool.

This is really exciting.

NCSA Athletic Recruiting will be the official recruiting partner of Inside Lacrosse, which means we’ll have experts at IL events (like the prestigious IL Invititational, IL Regional Invitational and, this year, the first-ever ILWomen Invitational), and recruiting advice online at IL.com, as well as a new department in the pages of Inside Lacrosse Magazine: Behind the Net.

“NCSA brings tremendous familiarity and experience with the college athletics recruiting process,” Terry Foy, the publisher of Inside Lacrosse, says. “Together, we can provide families with the tools they need to navigate an exciting, stressful time in a player’s life.”

Even better is that Stephen Berger, who played for Washington College–where he set the record for most points in a season–before going into Major League Lacrosse for 11 seasons, will be an ambassador for us. So if you make it to an IL event, you’ll not just get to learn about recruiting advice specific for lacrosse players. You’ll get to talk with one of MLL’s top players.

“NCSA Athletic Recruiting and Inside Lacrosse work in complementary spheres,” Izell Reese, our executive vice president, says. “Really, we’ll be helping lacrosse players and their families simplify the recruiting process so they can focus on their schoolwork and their game.”

We put up an official press release, if you like that kind of thing.

Can’t stop thinking about playing lacrosse in college? Get started today with a free recruiting profile.

The post We’re Helping Lacrosse Players with an Inside Lacrosse Partnership appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

lacrosse player works around defender and wondering what students say about ncsa athletic recruiting

We get really excited to hear from all of our athletes. Seriously: I know recruiting coaches who give out their numbers to student-athletes, because sometimes it’s easier to shoot a quick text than call into a coach for advice on your official visit or what you can bring to the tennis court during your next match.

We get even more excited when we hear about how happy we can make student-athletes and their parents, like in these posts we were tagged in this week in different social media. Check out some of what students say about NCSA Athletic Recruiting:

so blessed and thankful to be apart of the @ncsa team! thank you for everything!!

— Kaycee Olson (@kaycee_j) April 1, 2015

We’re here to help.

Like when families find guidance through the recruiting process by talking to one of our scouts or coaches:

Great coaching session with @ncsa and @NCSAJason yesterday to talk about @damon_edwards‘ recruiting plans. It was a huge help! Thanks! — Melvin Edwards (@edwards21228) April 3, 2015

My Recruitment Is Starting To Blow Up Thanks To @ncsa !!! & Balling Out @RivalsCamp Combine!!

— Zach Young #⃣2⃣2⃣ (@_Only1Young) April 2, 2015

Because the goal is to play in college.

“Thank you NCSA for all your guidance and support! I am so pleased with the NCSA services and recruitment assistance that they have provided to our son. It was amazing to see all the interest and opportunites that were available for John. In the end, he was accepted to his first choice Virginia Weselyan College where he is committed to play lacrosse. A special thanks to Coach Jesse Churchward for all his support and advice!” –Lisa Hasenfus Colwell

I am so happy to announce that my Drew has accepted his offer to play golf @CentralCollege Thanks @ncsa & @golfcoachgreen #proudpapa — DaBigChorizo (@RedRaiderInCO) April 1, 2015

@ncsa just wanted to thank you guys for everything you’ve done to help me play Football at the next level!

— R.A. Sta-Ana (@RCabatu60) April 1, 2015

Shoutout to @ncsa for helping me through the recruiting process! #NCSAcommit #ChadronStateCollege #GoEagles pic.twitter.com/CNfqaFV554 — Ryan Detert (@RyanDetert44) April 1, 2015

And to have a great time doing it.

“I strongly recommend using NCSA Athletic Recruiting. It can be one tool of many that you can use to help your child scholarship efforts. It help me get my son several offers from universities and smaller colleges with great programs. Once you learn how to connect with programs, coaches, and meet requirements your chances are greatly increased. My son is currently at Southern Oregon University and played last year on the football team that won the National NAIA division title at Daytona Florida. He was a good player but average, but given the exposure from NCSA gave him the opportunity to go the school and make the team. He only received a small contribute from that school but once he got there we figured it out with ROTC, small school loan and now his school will be payed for. It was hard work, but your child can go to college even though they might be a an average athlete. Sports can my average football player a college degree. Thanks NCSA.” –Mario Alfaro

This week’s Instagram of the week goes to @whatamaya with her #athleader definition. Check it out –> “ I aspire to be a future college lacrosse athlete. I think making every practice counts because the more you practice, the better you get and I want to be the best I can. My thoughts on playing college lacrosse motivates me to work harder and harder everyday in the classroom and the field. There’s not a day that goes by where I’m not thinking about my future.” – @whatamaya @mayamaclax #lax #lacrosse #motivation #sports #athlete #hardwork #lifestyle #NCSAsports Please continue to tag or DM me your action photos with your definition of what being an athleader means to you. Free #NCSATee4Me

A photo posted by NCSA Athletic Recruiting (@ncsa_sports) on Mar 31, 2015 at 8:15am PDT

And if you want to know what all this talk is about, the first step is to build a free profile.

The post What Students Say About NCSA Athletic Recruiting appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is part of our spotlight series on our employees, which has included our scout manager’s dream of owning a racehorse and a recruiting coach talking about her family’s business making delicious, delicious pizza.

Our leaders also regularly contribute to our blog, like the time Chris talked about our philosophy of giving back or when Lisa described how proud she was to see her son’s first huddle. If you’re interested in a job in sports and in contributing to the team, check out the opportunities we have available.

This week, we catch up with Chris Prokop, our client engagement manager.

Have you always lived in Chicago?

Born: I’m a Chicagoland native – born in Hinsdale, IL, grew up in the southwest suburbs, and have lived in the city for the past 3 years.

What was your family life like, growing up?

My parents still live in the burbs. I have 2 younger brothers, Wes and Connor. Wes works as an engineer and Connor is an RN at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

What’s your background in sports?

I was a multi-sport athlete at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, IL.

What do you consider your greatest athletic achievement?

Picking up tennis and cross country my freshman year of high school and lettering all 4 years in both.

Who inspires you? Do you have a favorite athlete?

Michael Jordan. His work ethic was second to none and it’s a big part of why he’s the greatest to play the game – sorry Lebron…

MJ shares his birthday with someone awesome I know. *cough cough*

Speaking of knowing people: you’ve been at NCSA Athletic Recruiting for a while, haven’t you?

I heard about NCSA through a family member my senior year of college at Northern Illinois University, and I’ve held 6 positions at the company since my first day in 2010. I started as a recruiting coach intern, then as a PR/marketing intern.

I’ve since worked as customer loyalty coordinator, recruiting coach, ops marketing coordinator, and now as client engagement manager, overseeing our Ops Marketing Team. That’s a fancy way to say that I help our recruiting coaches check in with our clients and make sure they’re on their way to finding the right opportunity to play their sport in college.

Sounds like a lot of great experiences. What’s the first thing you can remember of working here?

The first thing I can recall in vivid detail is this time when everyone was away at a National Scout Meeting. I held down the fort with other recruiting coach interns. At least we didn’t burn the place down, right? That was followed by an “I’m on a boat” after-party out on Lake Michigan.

Woah, stressful. You must have felt near the end of your rope. Which leads to my last question: what would be your last meal on earth?

I’d shoot for a little bit of everything. Steak and potatoes for course 1, then chili and cinnamon rolls for course 2. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, chili and cinnamon rolls is a real thing.

The post Why We Help Athletes: Our Loyalty Manager Describes His Job in Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

Sometimes we hear questions like: “Does NCSA really work?”

Yes. Yes we do. Just last month, over 300,000 student-athlete profiles got viewed by college coaches. That’s a little side plug for those of you who don’t have a profile yet.

But then we also hear questions like: “Don’t you guys only help football players?”

Which couldn’t be further from the truth. Our founder and CEO, Chris Krause, played football — as have (and do!) a number of our teammates — but we help student-athletes, their families and college coaches in 29 different sports.

You might have seen the post we recently made to celebrate our partnership with the premier lacrosse media outlet, Inside Lacrosse.

For this week’s social media round up, we collected shout outs from some different sports to show the depth and complexity our scouts and recruiting coaches bring to their jobs every day.

We do help football players.

@ncsa very excited for the opportunity you have given me to build my future, confidence, and the goals I have set for myself.

— DB (@DylanBurnheter) April 8, 2015

Miss it. Next up is the MVP camp this Sunday 4/12/15 #mvpcamp #mytime2win

A photo posted by Amir (@student_athlete26) on Apr 5, 2015 at 8:36pm PDT

But we also help wrestlers.

And swimmers.

And runners (and throwers, and jumpers).

i swear @ncsa is getting me on the map out there for track… So many college are coaches interested in me because of them im blessed

— ivan lorenzo suazo (@kiss_my__fast) April 8, 2015

And golfers.

Officially playing golf at the University of New England. Thanks for all your help along the way. #RingThatBell @ncsa @NCSA_CoachBL

— Garrett Krisko (@GKEsquire) April 8, 2015

And men’s and women’s basketball players.

It's Official. I've committed to take my talents to Riverland CC in Minnesota to play for the Blue Devils. #BlueDevils #Riverlandcommit #NCSAcommit

A photo posted by Greg Boyd Jr (@g_tothe_b) on Apr 6, 2015 at 2:02pm PDT

#NCSAcommit @ncsa pic.twitter.com/IirHy75ZHZ

— Maruchan (@TaffG400) April 4, 2015

  And many, many more besides.

We’d love to help you, too.

Whether you’re a tennis player or a softball catcher, a hockey goalie or a water polo jockey, there’s a place in the NCSA family for you. Find a school where you can play your sport. We’re here to help.

The post Does NCSA Really Work For Football Players? Yes. And Then Some. appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This weekend, team members of NCSA Athletic Recruiting flew out to California to participate in the So Cal Ragnar Relay, a team distance race that wound from Huntington Beach all the way to San Diego.

They didn’t appreciate my warning to look out for rattlesnakes as they ran through the darkness.

But although they had to suffer through my sass in addition to their lack of sleep and aching leg muscles, the group still shared lessons about teamwork and perseverance that are true for running through the woods at night–whether it’s literal, or trying to navigate the confusing world of recruiting. Here are ways to play your sport in college, based on their experience.

Find a team

It’s a wild world, whether you’re dealing with rattlesnakes or not. (I’m never going to stop freaking out that they almost got eaten. Rattlesnakes eat people, right? I don’t actually know.)

Seriously, though. You’re never alone: parents, coaches, teammates, guidance counselors, your friends at NCSA Athletic Recruiting. We’re all here to help you live the dream: playing your sport in college.

Break large tasks into manageable chunks

Each runner in the Ragnar Relay was responsible for three legs of the journey, and some of them ran more than twenty miles. That–let’s just remember–is only a few miles shy of a marathon. At night. With rattlesnakes.

With anything else, it’s about breaking large tasks down into smaller ones. Getting from where you are to donning that jersey for the first time might seem insurmountable, but it won’t when you break it down into manageable pieces: contacting a certain number of coaches every day, uploading a video to your profile, making that extra bit of effort on the field and in the classroom.

It’s not going to be easy, but it’s going to be worth it.

Go back up to step one if you forgot what I said about finding a team already. With a group of allies at your side, you can make it.

Have fun

I love this picture of Rachel Hernandez, our product manager, because even as she faced the daunting challenge of the relay, she had time to give us a beaming smile. That’s what it’s all about: working hard, making headway every day toward that distant dream, helping your teammates get to their goals, too, but never forgetting to lift your eyes from the ground to enjoy the view.

Don’t get bitten by rattlesnakes. Get help from national scouts to play your sport in college. The first step is building a profile.

The post Ways To Play Your Sport In College: 4 Lessons From The Ragnar Relay appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is part of our spotlight series on our employees, which has included our loyalty manager’s journey to the right position at NCSA Athletic Recruiting and our scout manager’s dream of owning a racehorse.

Our leaders also regularly contribute to our blog, like the time Chris talked about our philosophy of giving back or when Lisa described how proud she was to see her son’s first huddle. If you’re interested in a career in sports and in contributing to the team, check out the opportunities we have available.

This week, we catch up with Curt Sweeney, our vice president of football scouting.

First of all, I just came back from a vacation in Hawaii, and I’m still not nearly as tan as you are.

I was born and raised in beautiful Peoria, AZ, just north of Phoenix.

Well obviously you now call the Windy City your home. Has the rest of your family always been based out of Arizona?

My parents are from New York, and that is where a lot of my extended family still lives. My parents were the smart ones and were sick of shoveling snow so they headed out to Arizona with my oldest brother. I am the youngest of three boys; we are all less than 15 months apart (insane for a mom). One brother is now in Texas as a doctor, and the other in Arizona raising my beautiful little 7 year-old niece.

Your parents have to be proud of you three! How did you get started in the world of sports?

I was a three-sport athlete in high school with basketball, track, and football. I was very fortunate to be a three-year All-State wide receiver and led the state of AZ in receiving yards my senior year.

So although you were a three-sport athlete, football stole your heart at the end of the day?

Yes, football and Arizona! I went to the beautiful Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. GO LUMBERJACKS!

And no, it is not the 115-degree AZ – our school is 7,000 ft elevation up north where it snows pretty heavy in the winter. No wind thoug., Chicago winters are much worse! I played as a true freshman for all 4 years at NAU and graduated college with a Marketing Degree at 21-years-old and went on to pursue a Masters Degree in Sports Management.

It’s great to see you came into this career in sports. I know you’re a huge sports fan (obviously). Who’s your favorite player out there right now?

I know a lot of my Chicago teammates will be upset with this, but I am a HUGE Lebron James fan! Ever since I watched him play in high school at St. Vincent-St. Mary I was in awe. He is the only athlete of his kind we have seen to-date. Would make a heck of a wide receiver or tight end on the football field!

Lebron has done some insane work on the court. Speaking of athletic achievements, you’ve had a ton, yourself. What’s you’re most memorable to-date?

Winning the NCSA Turkey Bowl back-to-back years….nothing compares!

Well anyone at NCSA knows that is a serious – and coveted – accomplishment. You must have been playing football since you could walk with a ball.

Actually, a little known fact about me is that I didn’t start playing football until high school, I was big into club soccer. Traveled all over the southwest and won a couple state championships. I probably did not play football because I entered HS at 5’4″.

Happy to see you grew into some football pads. Okay, athletics aside, let’s really get to know Curt Sweeney. Last meal on Earth – go:

Gibson’s steak and mashed potatoes, and I would have a side of Mexican food. Not the Chicago Mexican food, you have to get closer to the border for some real Mexican food!

There are few things better on the planet than Gibson’s here in Chicago. Being from Arizona, when did you get to Chicago and start with NCSA — and discover Gibson’s?

I started here four years ago as a scout, then moved into the head scout role for three years. It was a fun time and my golf game got real good. I now have the opportunity to work with an awesome bunch of guys as the VP of the football team.

Four years and counting – we’re so lucky to have you, Curt! What’s your favorite memory of becoming part of the NCSA family?

The second weekend I worked at NCSA my West Coast Scout Team had just won a Cinco de Mayo party. This is where I started to understand the concept of “work hard, play hard.” Haven’t looked back since!

If you’re interested in a career in athletics, check out the opportunities we have to join the team.

The post How This Football Player Turned Passion Into A Career In Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This year, 36 NCSA Athletic Recruiting alumni in the NFL draft will join other top football recruits in the hope to take their game to the highest level.

That’s pretty awesome. 36 football players!

It’s funny to think that just four years ago these were football players just like you, learning how to talk to college coaches, what coaches’ levels of interest in them might mean, how to get a college football scholarship.

While we help student-athletes find amazing playing opportunities at all levels of the NCAA, NAIA and junior college, we are also proud–and kind of in awe–to see our #NCSAAlumni move from being NCSA Commits to their professional dreams.

Best of luck to all of them in the NFL Draft!

Side note: It’s been forty years since the end of the Vietnam War, on a completely different draft note. Read yourself some Tim O’Brien and then come back here.

No, really. Read a book. Coach Chmiel told us all to.

Of course, not everyone will be drafted.

Just like not everyone can get a Division I college football scholarship. It’s disappointing, but it is a fact of finding the right place to play our sport in college.

What’s amazing about the opportunity to play sports in college is that no matter what you go pro in, what you learn as an athlete will give you invaluable experiences as a professional.

How to manage your time.

I’m not the first to inform you that college athletes have to balance their time. Here’s an insider secret for you: in the professional world, the demands on your time are just as present. How you handle stress, priotize and get all of your work done in college will be perfect skills to highlight in interviews, internships and your future career.

How to work as a teammate.

No one goes it alone. The ways you worked as a team player in college will easily translate to working in teams to accomplish the goals your company has. (Maybe it could help you with the goals our company has–to help the next generation of college athletes. Check out career openings we have.) Seriously every single phone interview you will ever sit for will include the question: Do you prefer to work on a team?

You’ll have a pretty unique answer.

How to be a leader.

If you ever pick up a newspaper or — let me phrase that more precisely — if you ever skim headlines when you’re waiting for your drink at Starbucks, or follow media outlets on Twitter, you know that there’s a lot of tumult in the workplace. It might not seem like the best time to get out of college and strike out on your own as a professional.

But you know what? You’re a pro.

Your time as a college athlete has taught you how to work for a common goal, strategize, priotize, and do all sorts of other words that end in -ize. Energize.

Like the bunny.

So whether you’re in Draft Town, Chicago, or watching at home, or still dreaming about playing in college — you’ve got the makings of a pro. Now go out and prove it.

The post How These 36 NFL Hopefuls Benefited From A College Football Scholarship appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This is part of our spotlight series on team members at NCSA Athletic Recruiting. Previously, we’ve talked to Division I football players who have continued to make a career out of their sport and how there’s a place for everyone on our team.

If you like the sound of that, we’re always looking for new teammates. Check out our careers page for openings.

This week, we catch up with Meghan Powell, a softball alumna and scout at NCSA Athletic Recruiting.

Megan, in the last few years you’ve been in Chicago, you always know where to catch the best music. Have you always had a pulse on the city scene?

I guess I sort of have! I grew up in Trenton, MI – which is definitely not a big city – but it’s only about 20 minutes from Detroit, so I’ve always been a city girl, if proximity counts.

Did you grow up in Trenton solo, or do you any siblings?

I have one brother, Shane, who is 23 years old. I was actually the first female Powell in FIVE generations.

That’s a pretty awesome family claim to fame. How’d you live up to the hype in high school?

I did alright. I was a four-year varsity softball player, voted homecoming queen, and total class clown. I went on to play softball at Cornerstone University where I majored in Marketing and had a minor in Theater.

I think all your NCSA teammates would agree: those three accolades are totally spot-on to this day. Topping the list seems to be softball. What’s your greatest memory from playing the game?

Senior year, during one of our last games against my school’s biggest rival from right down the road, it was the bottom of the 7th inning down by one run, two outs, and we had a girl on second base. The other team walked our power hitter to get me up to bat. After strike two, I heard the opposing coach tell the outfielders to move in, and then on that last pitch, BOOM! I hit a rocket way over their heads against the fence in center field, both girls in front of me got across home plate and we won the game.

I actually just got goose bumps. Such an awesome story. I know you went on to play softball in college – is there an athlete, then or now, you look up to?

Melissa “Skeeter” Gentile. She’s currently the head softball coach at Eastern Michigan. She was an All-American at the University of Michigan and was the school’s single season home-run record holder. She was my hitting coach growing up.

Sports has played a big part in your life, so much so that you work in sports here at NCSA every day. How did you get started here?

My college coach told me about NCSA. I wanted the job so bad I drove all the way from Michigan to Chicago to hand deliver my resume. I remember walking in and handing it to Natalie Smith and then just waiting until there was someone that could talk to me about the potential job. I have now been a scout for two years! It has been great being a part of a team again and I have loved watching the company grow. I’m excited to find out what the future holds for me at NCSA.

You’re such a special teammate and rock star scout. What are some other things we should know about you?

Travel is a huge passion of mine. I have been to five different continents and studied abroad for a semester in China while in college. (Notice the Great Wall in my picture.) I was also recently accepted to the Second City Conservatory – which is a really famous improv and theatre school here in Chicago. It will keep me involved in another huge passion of mine!

The post This Scout Drove For Hours To Work In Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

Thousands of student-athletes will don a cap and gown this graduation season and head out into the real world come summer. Leaving your college or university with not only a diploma (YAY!) but years of collegiate athletics on your resume is a truly remarkable feat.

The excitement and joy of hard work paying off and walking across that stage on graduation day is a feeling second-to-none. The time for celebration, however, can often get clouded with fear and anxiety over what lies ahead. Moving out of the four-year bubble you’ve grown accustomed to, and onto a career, most likely a different city then many of your friends, and a new life can be downright scary.

But we’ve got your back.

As an office of over 300 former student-athletes, and a network of thousands of current student-athletes, we’ve got the whole “athlete to awesome professional” thing down pat. Check out our list of Dos and Don’ts while you get a job as a former college athlete and take the world by storm.

DO list college athletics on your resume.

This is a major factor setting you apart from anyone else going after the same position. Employers want to hire athletes.

Additionally, your dedication to the same team, and the lessons you’ve learned from it for the last four or five years, are just as important for your professional development as what you might have received from holding a job for four years.

DON’T list irrelevant work experience.

Clouding your resume with every single job you’ve worked can land you in the “pass” pile.

Managers and recruiters will understand that your professional career is just beginning. Be honest, pick the top two most impressive past work experiences and move along.

DO create (or update!) your LinkedIn profile.

Make sure to include your graduation and degree, your collegiate athletics and accolades, relevant work or intern experience, interests, and any unique qualifications for your desired career path.

DON’T use an unprofessional photo on LinkedIn.

This site is a networking dream. You just need to be careful about how you present yourself. Blurry photos, group shots, or your face cropped from a bar scene are a big “don’t”.

On the topic of social media, DO clean it up.

I’ve written before about how important it is for you to keep your social media profile as presentable as you want your coaches, friends, employers and grandparents to see you.

Clean up any and all social media profiles you may have: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Vine. Even Snapchat. I don’t want to harangue you on this.

Just be careful. Anything questionable or that could potentially be received poorly will hurt your job search.

DON’T post on social media about your job hunt.

Don’t write about where you’re interviewing, good, bad or neutral. Again: potential employers will be watching your profiles. If one company sees you favoring or trash-talking another company, your name will get pulled stat.

DO ask questions at an interview.

Be prepared! I like this list from The Muse. Just like you asked college coaches questions about their school during your recruiting process, make sure an organization feels like the right fit for you, instead of leaping at the first job opportunity you receive.

DON’T show up to an interview late or inappropriately dressed.

Make these two possible infractions non-factors in the process. Bonus: you’ll feel much more confident and relaxed if you’re on-time and looking good.

The post How To Get A Job As A Former College Athlete appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This post is part of our spotlight series on NCSA Athletic Recruiting team members. Today, I caught up with Tim Johnson, a scouting captain who played soccer at Illinois Wesleyan. If you’re interested in talking to scouts like Tim about how you can play your sport in college, the best way to get started is with a recruiting profile.

I notice you support many Chicago sports teams – did you grow up here?

Yes, I was born and raised in Lake Forest, Illinois with my older brother, Matt and younger sister, Sara-Ann. Yes, I hold the dreaded title of “middle child”! We attended Mundelein High School where I played soccer and was on the wrestling team.

Did you pursue wrestling or soccer in college?

I am a proud Titan of Illinois Wesleyan University where I was a student-athlete on the men’s soccer team.

You must have some pretty memorable experiences as a home-state player at IWU?

My favorite memory was my junior year at our homecoming game. We had a lot of people at the game, including alumni that I knew well, and I scored the go ahead goal for our team. I ran over to the sideline to celebrate with my friends and our fans and the embrace was awesome.

(I did have some beer poured on me but it was well worth it.)

Being a Chicagoan with a soccer career taking you throughout Illinois, your favorite pro players have to be from the city, too, right?

I can’t help but love an athlete born and raised in Chicago. My favorite is Derrick Rose. I would say Jay Cutler (although he’s not from Chicago), because I love the Bears, but I think his response would be, “Don’t Care!”

Mr. Personality, that Cutler guy! Speaking of, I was just reading he was spotted downtown at RPM Italian for dinner last week – what is your favorite meal?

Steak. Nothing beats a perfectly cooked steak, preferably on the grill. Add a side of grilled veggies and a potato salad, and I am happy, happy camper.

And now I’m hungry! Any other facts we should know about you?

I hope this does not jinx it, but despite the fact that I have played soccer my whole life, wrestled through high school and have snowboarded consistently since age ten, I have never broke a bone. I have also never seen ‘Remember the Titans’. The shocked response I’ve been getting for years when people hear this fact makes me feel obligated to never watch it.

That does seem like a serious sports classic you’re missing out on. I can’t believe after two and a half years at NCSA, no one here has convinced you to watch it! Movies aside, what is your earliest memory of being part of our team here?

My earliest memory was in scout training. We had our NCAA regulation training with Amanda Perak and she was rattling off a ton of information – she is incredible with the dates, rules, numbers of the NCAA divisions – and I just kept thinking to myself, “How the heck does she remember all of this specific information without any notes…?”

We’re always looking for new talent to join our team. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families, check out our opportunities.

The post A Scout Describes His Career in Sports at NCSA appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This post is part of our spotlight series on NCSA Athletic Recruiting team members and NCSA career opportunities. Today, I caught up with Rachel Marks, a financial aid coordinator at NCSA Athletic Recruiting.

I see a lot of maize and blue worked into your wardrobe. Where did you grow up?

I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, but lived and grew up for the majority of my life in Dexter, Michigan, which is just outside of Ann Arbor. I graduated from Dexter High School in 2009, where I did club gymnastics and dabbled in Track and Water Polo.

A fellow Midwesterner! U of M fan or not, Ann Arbor is an amazing place to be – did you stick around after high school?

I attended Washtenaw Community College, where I got my ADN (Associates Degree in Nursing) and recently graduated in December from the University of Michigan with my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).

I’m sure having a medical professional on-hand brings your department a lot of comfort. A department, I should mention, you’re such an important part of (and I don’t just mean when it comes to the NCSA Talent Show…) Have you always been a leader?

Well, I am the oldest of three girls – my poor dad. My middle sister, Olivia, studies nutrition in Salt Lake City, Utah at Westminster and my youngster sister, Zoe, is mentally challenged, but recently graduated high school this past May.

That is awesome. The Marks girls are hard to keep up with! Now that’s you’re done with school, how do you stay busy outside of work?

I play beach volleyball, but seem to spend more time in the sand than on my feet somehow. If you are on my team, you know what I am taking about, and you are welcome for the entertainment. I also used to be a Level 10 gymnast and recently started coaching a gymnastics class at my Crossfit gym.

Beach volleyball and gymnastics sounds like a solid combo – and workout. Do you look up to any volleyball players or gymnasts – or just an athlete in particular?

I did have a favorite athlete – his name was Lance Armstrong – until these doping allegations surfaced and he was proven guilty.

That guy was one serious disappointment. Let’s get back to talking about something happy – like eating. What would be your last meal on Earth?

My last meal on earth would be my own personal breakfast buffet. Some eggs, hash browns, maybe a pancake or two, a slice of toast, and a ton of bacon.

Any day with a breakfast like that, sounds like a good day. And I know you’ve had some good days here at NCSA. How did you get your start on the NCSA team?

I started working at NCSA part time, as a Recruiting Coach Assistant in June of 2013. Since 2014 I’ve worked full time as a Financial Aid Coordinator.

And is there any memory that sticks out as a good day at NCSA?

One of my first and sweetest memories was receiving a birthday card from the 3rd floor culture club, after only working at NCSA for a month. Now happy to say I am part of this awesome group of people.

We’re always looking for new talent to join our team. If you’re passionate about making a difference in the lives of student-athletes and their families, check out our opportunities.

The post How NCSA Fits Into Career Opportunities appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

This post is the latest in our highlight series of NCSA Athletic Recruiting employees. Today I caught up with Ellen Brown, head women’s soccer recruiting coach. (To the right, above.)

We’re always looking for new members to join our team. If you’re interested in a career in sports, check out our employment opportunities.

First things first, Ellen – where were you born and raised?

I was born in New York state, but grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. I am the middle of three sisters.

Three girls – that can be a handful. Was soccer something you used to kind of separate from the pack?

Soccer has always been a huge part of my life. I played soccer in high school and became the starting varsity goalie halfway through my freshman year. We won state that year, which was really exciting as a freshman. I also played club soccer throughout that time and won many state tournaments and competed in regionals. I played on the Kentucky ODP team, which was a great experience.

Fun fact – I was also on the swim team in high school and played classical piano for over a decade until I just didn’t have the time with my soccer commitments.

Needless to say, you were an active student-athlete. What was the recruiting process like for you?

Coming out of high school, I had several options, including two Division I programs, but ended up choosing to go to Grove City College in Pennsylvania. It’s a Division III institution, and I loved the academics and atmosphere. I played soccer there – I was All-Conference both years, Freshman of the Year, and helped team win their first conference championship. I was also on the swim team and played club lacrosse one season.

Well…WOW! Did you play all three sports your whole college career? When did you sleep?

No, unfortunately I tore my ACL (a story I only tell after a few beers), and I took a semester off. I then walked on to the soccer team at University of Kentucky. The head coach had trained me as a high school goalkeeper, and my club team had played against them in spring games where I did well. I played my last two years there, where we were ranked in the Top 20. We lost in the SEC tournament my senior year to the eventual national champions, University of Florida – with freshman Abby Wambach on their roster.

Sharing the field with Abby Wambach – that has to be pretty cool. Is she one of your favorite athletes?

I grew up as the daughter of musicians, so we didn’t watch a lot of sports. Women’s soccer wasn’t big, even after the US won the first Women’s World Cup in 1991. Actually, several of the team members spoke to us at ODP region camp about their experience that summer. Of that, I only remember the silly celebrations they mentioned like running around banging soda cans on their heads, etc. All that is to say, I’ve never had any athlete that I really idolize. I love Messi and Ronaldinho, but my favorite athlete is probably my husband, Cory, who is a Cat 3 cyclist.

That’s awesome – you guys are a seriously athletic couple. What would you chalk up as your greatest athletic achievement?

I have probably achieved more as a coach than as a player. I’d say making the NCAA tourney as an assistant with Ole Miss was an awesome experience.

So you were a college coach before coming to NCSA. Have you always pursued a career in sports? How did you start on our team?

I used NCSA as a coach before working here, and got an email about an opening at NCSA. I remember leaving my job and taking the train to my interview. I was so impressed with the operation and thought Jeff Schlitt would be an awesome person to work for – and he is! I’ve now been the Head Recruiting Coach for women’s soccer since 2013, and we recently added a second woman in this position, too.

Well we’re so lucky to have you on team. Final question I have to ask everyone – last meal on Earth, what would it be?

I’ve had two meals that I will never forget – the kind you don’t even want to finish so there’s evidence that food this good actually did exist. One was from a chef I was dating at the time, and the other was on my honeymoon in Jamaica. I’d go back to Jamaica for my last meal.

And if you’re a high school soccer player looking for an opportunity to learn from Ellen’s wisdom and the helpful advice of all of our other scouts and recruiting coaches, we’re here to help. The best way to start is with a recruiting profile.

The post Ellen Brown Describes Her Career in Sports appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.

Monday night was one for the history books: Team USA softball gold medalist and NCSA recruiting expert Jessica Mendoza became the first woman to ever call an MLB game for ESPN.

Just last year, Mendoza became the first female broadcaster in the booth for ESPN in the College World Series. To say she’s done a lot for women – and the world of sports – would be a major understatement.

We are so proud to call Jess a teammate at NCSA. (She regularly teaches softball recruits and their families about the college softball process in webinars, for example.) And while watching and listening to her Monday night play-by-play is something we no doubt celebrated, her knowledge, poise, confidence, and natural ability in the booth proved that man or woman, this person was right where they belong.

There are many, many things we can learn from Jess’s Monday night baseball broadcast, and I believe the most important lessons benefit all student-athletes, male and female, because Jess’s story is really one all student-athletes can relate to: forging your own way to something great.

Taking the road less traveled is challenging, but can be majorly worth it.

Being a female in the male-dominated world of not just baseball broadcasting, but sports broadcasting in general, is no walk in the park. Does this mean a woman shouldn’t do it? Absolutely not. It will, however, take some strong, key characteristics trailblazers share, male and female alike.

It’s going to take guts.

The first may be obvious, but maybe not appreciated enough, and that’s a certain amount of real bravery. Trying a new way of doing things or going out to accomplish something that’s never been done before is scary.

Because no one’s been there or done that, it’s impossible to follow any given path or regime because you are the one creating it. Not knowing what to expect in a situation is uncomfortable, and who likes to be uncomfortable?

But it can result in not only learning more about yourself than you ever knew, but will open doors for others who didn’t have the courage or means you have to have done it, but can benefit from it now, thanks to you.

There are always going to be naysayers.

There are a lot of people out there who don’t like change. There are a lot of people out there who are threatened by people and things different than they are.

It’s going to take a strong mind, a strong will, and some thick skin to work passed these people to achieve your goals. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or throughout your career. No matter who you are, if you have a goal ahead of you and are committed to working for it, there are going to be people out there that try and bring you down.

It’s going to be up to you to decide if you’re going to let them get to you, or if you’re going to let them only fuel your fire and drive to get it done.

A passion for what you’re doing will make all the difference.

Like Jess’s passion for sports has driven her to one of the grandest platforms in sports broadcasting, our aspirations are truly nothing unless they are born from a passion within ourselves.

Our goals and our dreams can’t come from anyone but us – not our parents, our friends, siblings, or teachers.

While we can seek guidance and support in achieving our goals from all these people, you have to love what you’re doing, and want it for yourself, to sustain any level of enjoyment and happiness from not only the journey, but from what happens once you achieve your goal, too.

The post How Jessica Mendoza Made History In The MLB appeared first on NCSA Athletic Recruiting Blog.