International Athletes Changing the face of College Sports

How International Athletes are changing the face of College Sports:

Over the past decade the number of international athletes playing college sports in the United States has tripled to well over 11,000. In many sports, most notably tennis and soccer, international players can swing the balance of power and even change the way the game is played. One of the earliest and most memorable international players was the University of Houston’s Hakeem Olajuwon. He grew up playing soccer in Nigeria, came to America and led the Cougars to three basketball Final Fours, before going on to a stellar NBA career. It is especially important for international athletes to understand the rules and regulations of playing in America. Of the 490 incoming athletes penalized for amateurism violations in 2009, 434 were foreign students.

Football is even getting in on the act. LSU and Alabama played for the BCS National Championship in 2012, each had a prominent player from overseas. Florida State star defensive end Bjoern Werner is from Germany. Last season players from England and Switzerland are expected to compete at both starting offensive tackle spots for the Seminoles. FSU football coach Jimbo Fisher says “foreign players are often more mature,” meaning they are ready to play sooner.

There is some controversy, however, associated with the influx of foreign athletes. Some coaches believe it makes for an uneven playing field, forcing them to recruit foreign athletes to compete. Baylor, for instance, won the Big 12 women’s tennis title without a single American player on the roster. Is this depriving American athletes of opportunity or raising the level of competition? The same arguments have been made in other sports, especially soccer, where nationally-ranked programs like UCSB have had key players from Germany and other countries. Proponents of the flood of foreigners into college soccer say it has made the game better, with more technical and accomplished players.

If you’re a foreign-born athlete who wants to play college sports in the United States the issues that face American athletes are the same ones in play for you. The process doesn’t have to be a mystery. It still comes down to understanding the academic requirements and getting exposure, most often through a great highlight tape. 1 Dream Sports provides both collegiate eligibility requirements, as well as the exposure college coaches are looking to help you earn an athletic scholarship and compete at the next level. If this is your 1 Dream, Live It.

 

International Athletes Interested in Attending College in the U.S.

International Athletes:

It’s crucial for international students to know and understand the different requirements needed to attend college in the U.S. For non-native English speakers, this includes taking the TOEFL exam. The TOEFL is an English-language test that students and athletes must take if they plan on going to college in the United States.

Colleges and universities across the country use the TOEFL for their international student admissions. The TOEFL is a cumulative exam of four language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. English comprehension is the key to academic success in the United States, so the test is designed to test the level in which international students can read and understand English. The TOEFL test is available in both paper and internet-based versions, in countries all over the world. It usually costs $160-250 US and is offered dozens of times throughout the year.

As an athlete, the NCAA and NAIA do not require the TOEFL as part of the submitted scores in order to be eligible. But, in addition to the TOEFL (that is required by colleges and universities), you will still need to take the SAT or ACT exam, which is required to compete at the NCAA and NAIA levels. The TOEFL does not take place of either the SAT or ACT so it is crucial that you plan on taking the TOEFL as well. You will need it to be admitted to any school that you want to compete for.

International athletes also have to acquire an F-1 Visa and SEVIS Form I-20, which can affect their ability to earn an athletic scholarship. International student-athletes who get an athletic scholarship should know that if the amount of the scholarship is less than the amount needed for the I-20, students will need to supply extra forms of financial aid. The cost to attend college in the U.S. is very expensive so international athletes need prepare to contribute financially even with an athletic scholarship, or if you lose the scholarship.

Contact College Coaches First: College coaches here in the U.S. will not find you on their own. Since you do not live here in the States, they do not have the same access to your competitions as they would with domestic athletes. That means you have to work twice as hard to get their attention. Start looking at the various colleges in the U.S. and send coaches your information. It’s the best way to gain exposure from other countries!

Use Video: Video becomes exponentially more crucial for international athletes. Most U.S. college coaches do not have the budget to come watch you compete internationally and most of the time you can’t afford numerous trips to the states. So a good highlight video and game footage are very important for international athletes to gain interest from college coaches. Make sure your video will get their attention!

Do Your Research: Coming to the U.S. for college is a lengthy and complicated process for international athletes. It is also very expensive. If you and your family do not have the means to afford at least part of the cost of attending college here, it may not happen for you. Partial scholarships can help, but unless you are an international elite athlete, it is unlikely you will earn a full scholarship. Be prepared to do your research to help find any opportunity you can.

Follow the blog to stay tune for more high school recruiting information, covering all sports both male and females. Registration to 1 Dream website opens in June, athletes will have the opportunity to create an on-line athlete profile which will serve as their player website. Users will have ability to update; video, stats, schedules, recommendations and other key features that will draw college coaches attention. If this is your 1 Dream, Live It

 

http://www.1DreamSports.com (Preview)

http://www.HoopDreamsBasketball.net

 

Questions To Determine If Prospects Interested In Your Program

After speaking with several respected D1 coaches I’ve found that asking great questions, and getting a prospect to open up about truthful & useful information – is one of the foundational keys to being successful as a college coach.

 Ask your prospect a question that assumes something negative.

Here’s an example:  Let’s say you’re in a situation where you’re recruiting a prospect from two states away, and you’re competing with a program that’s closer to their home. Your prospect just isn’t giving you any insight into what they’re thinking.  

 Ask your prospect, “My assistant coach and I were talking over the weekend, and we’re kind of thinking that you’re probably going to end up at (name the school that’s close to them) because it’s closer to home.”

 

Now the ball is in their court, and when you think about it, there are only a few possible reactions that they can give you (and by the way, I’d recommend asking this over the phone or in an active email or text message conversation that you’re having):

 

1. They will disagree immediately with you. “No, coach, that’s not a big factor. That’s not really important to me at all, actually. What’s it’s really coming down to is…”

 

2. They will reluctantly agree with you.  “Yeah, I think that’s the way we’re leaning coach…I just didn’t know how to tell you, but since you brought it up I think I am going to stay closer to home.”

 

3. Or, they will not really say anything in response. In which case, you can take that as a bad sign because if it wasn’t true, they will usually want to jump in and correct you.

 

The goal of asking this type of question is to jump-start a serious conversation that moves the process forward. You want to be dealing in reality with each one of your prospects and this technique is a great way to generate honest feedback. Good luck to you and your staff during this competitive recruiting season.

1 Dream,

Live It

Importance of a Highlight Video

 

I was asked a couple days ago by a professional athlete, what are some things I believe is important for producing a highlight video? I shared my thoughts and thought I’ll share that same information for high school student athletes. Student athletes should ask high school coaching staff if they can measure sport specific athletic information that college coaches are looking for. Examples of this could be your vertical jump for basketball, the 40 yard dash for football or the jump touch for volleyball.

Once you have some specific information that coaches will be looking for from prospected athletes in your sport, it’s time to create an enhanced highlight / skills video. This step is critical to being successfully recruited, and if not done properly, could reduce your scholarship opportunities. Remember, the raw footage needs to be taken, edited, sequenced correctly, and spot shadowed. Start the video with a short intro with your name, school, and contact information, but don’t get too fancy.Below are some examples of creating an outstanding highlight video.

• Keep it relatively short
• Start with a bang
•. No longer than 5 min (coaches may not have time to watch the entire highlight videos so make sure they see you at your best)
• Post your video with your online resume

Don’t send coaches unsolicited DVDs or expect to be seen on YouTube. When a highlight video is posted on a trusted recruiting site like 1 Dream Sports, college coaches will see that video.

Different sports require different approaches. For example, baseball and softball coaches aren’t looking for game footage, but rely heavily on clips that show your specific skills. Highlight videos for sports like basketball, hockey, and football are the opposite and should have plenty of in-game footage.
• Show a wide range of your skills

Use clips that show you’re a well-rounded athlete. For example, if you’re a basketball recruit don’t just have highlights of you burying jump shots. Also include clips of you dribbling in transition, playing tough defense, or establishing good rebounding position.
• Video quality is important

Try to make sure your highlights are clear and that you are easy to see.
• Simplicity can go a long way

Athletes that are interested in having their highlight videos produced by our staff should fill out our contact form and leave “highlight video” in the subject box. Registration opens for all athletes June 2014, athletes will be evaluated, have an online profile and matched to college coaches and universities. If this is your 1 Dream, Live it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(CCC) College Coaches Communication Juniors & seniors

Juniors:

This is when the process gets a bit more serious for most athletes. If you are a Division I or Division II prospect, you should expect to start hearing from coaches around September 1. This may be different for some sports; in men’s basketball coaches can contact you as soon as you finish your sophomore year. Coaches may contact with personalized written correspondence, and call once a week but this changes by year. As always, write back. Once you have been contacted, start sending periodic updates by email about your progress. An Online profile is the easiest way to do this (you can build an athlete profile at 1DreamSports.com, registration begins June 2014).

 

Try and take as many unofficial visits as possible. Any visits that you can take at schools you’re interested in are good, and if coaches are asking you to visit there schools that’s even better. It means they have a great deal of interest in you as a student-athlete. Usually, visits are on game days and can be a lot of fun. The recruiting process can be stressful but it’s something that you should definitely enjoy. Remember you are there to connect with the coaching staff and team, as well as to make a good impression. Ask players a lot of questions about their style of play, coaching staff, what they like, the community, etc. Be proactive throughout this process but most of all enjoy it.  By this time you should have a professional edited highlight tape that you have been sending to any coach who have expressed interest in you as well as those institutions that you have been interested in as well. Most coaches are not allowed to visit you and your family until summer after your junior year, and they depend on video to evaluate you.

 

Seniors:

You are at the top of the recruiting process and coaches are now able to call you except during dead, quiet, and evaluation periods. Hopefully you have a list of about 5 to 10 schools that you have been in contact with and believe will be a good fit. Your job this upcoming year will be to narrow down that list to one school, you will have some schools on your list that sign other athletes at your position for various reasons. Many schools are after several players that play the same position and are willing to sign prospects early in the recruiting process with the fear of athletes backing out or choosing other institutions. This should not be a reason to rush and make a decision on where to sign but to keep you aware that you’re not their only option. Now that you’re a senior, you can take official visits. Unlike unofficial visits, where all you can receive are game tickets. During an official visit a school may pay for your transportation, lodging, and food. This is only for the student athlete; parents must pay for their own expense.

 

You are only allowed to take 5 official visits to Division I and II schools; unless you decide you do not want to play at the Division I level, which you may then take unlimited official visits to Division II schools. You must keep in mind if you decide to take unlimited visits to Division II institutions, this will permanently disqualify you from playing at the Division I level. If you are taking official visits, one good thing to note is that you will most likely receive an offer from one of them. Take your time when making your decision, coaches will not necessarily expect you to answer right away because they understand how important it is. This is a life changing decision, consider what you want, talk with your parents as well as other credible people in your circle that you trust for sound advice. Remember, you can’t wait too long; this is a very competitive process. The next blog will cover the importance of a highlight video, until then 1 Life, 1Love, 1Dream.

 

1 Dream,

Live It

Cont. Understanding College Coaches Communication

Today’s blog I would like to continue on my previous post of understanding college coaches’ communication. The previous blog consisted of coaches communication for freshmen student-athletes to look out and be aware of. Today, I want to pick up on similar communication that deals with sophomore student athletes. Just a reminder from my previous post; never play the name game and dismiss a school because it’s small or haven’t heard of it . Always respond to information you receive from a coach or institution. Finally, be polite and respectful when talking to coaches at all times because words travel fast.

Sophomore Student-Athletes:

If you have been replying to information sent to you by a coach or institution, you may now be on schools recruiting list. If you have not been replying to coaches or institutions, you need to start. If you don’t reply, coaches will think you’re not interested, which is the last sign you want to give a coach this early in the recruiting process. Remember, the more schools you respond to, the more your stock and value goes up which will only draw interest of more schools. Encourage coaches to contact you by phone or mail, this will give both parties the chance to feel each other out and learn about each other’s personality. When picking a school you want to feel comfortable communicating with your coach, developing a healthy relationship will serve you well not only at your chosen institution but post college years. If you plan to continue your athletics following college, coaches and teams will eventually reach out to your previous coaches to see what type of player/person you were at their college institution.

Keep a log of all communication you receive from college coaches and schools, note what type of communication you received from them and any other important details of your communication. Keep this log updated, follow up with coaches and schools that you haven’t heard from in a while. This will help you determine your current level of recruiting and will be extremely valuable throughout your recruiting process. Since Division III and NAIA coaches are not restricted by the same rules as other divisions. You can start setting up unofficial visits with these institutions, whether you’re ultimately targeting these division levels or not. Taking these visits will help you understand the things that are important to you in a school, program, and a campus. As of now, your focus should be on developing your game during the off-season, participating with a respectable aau or summer/travel organization, and reaching out to coaches. Lastly, remember to collect as much film as possible to keep your video footage up-to-date.

To Dream

To Do

To Trust

1 Dream,

Live It

Understanding College Coaches Communication

 

 

Today, I just want to touch on another issue I believe will help student-athletes throughout their recruiting process. Student athletes should never play the name game and dismiss a school because it’s too small or haven’t heard of it, there are many key components that goes into finding the right college/university. There are excellent opportunities available on all division levels. Even if a school is not for you, speak to a coach, get the experience of talking with different coaches to have a feel of what it’s like and you’ll come across a pattern of questions to ask & look out for. Also, coaches talk to each other so make sure that you’re polite and respectable, because words have a way of getting around very quickly. And you certainly would not want anything to hinder you chances of landing an athletic scholarship.

 

 

 

Freshmen Student-Athletes:

 

Many of you may start receiving college information such as; camp invitations, admissions information, surveys, etc. from Division I and II coaches as early as your freshman year. If you don’t, it is too early to worry, it just means you’re not one of the elite athletes at the moment to get real attention this early in your career. With that being said, spend time working on your game during the off-season, get involve with a (quality) summer club or travel organization to increase your chances of gaining interest from an institution. As stated above, if you did receive any type of college communication, make sure to reply. Giving coaches feedback shows that you’re actively involved in the recruiting process, which is how you end up on coaches’ recruiting lists. Remember to reply to every coach/school, even reach out to Division III and NAIA coaches. These divisions do not have the same rules as Division I and II coaches and may talk with athletes at anytime during your academic years. In closing, even if you do not plan to attend a Division III or NAIA school, reaching out to these institutions can only improve your chances of landing a scholarship or finding a great school you wouldn’t have known about before.

 

 

 

As I continue my journey of reaching the NBA, my mission is assisting athletes throughout their high school years to help on their journey of reaching the collegiate level. The recruiting process is an active process; make sure to stay up-to-date so you’re not left behind. Tomorrow I will continue with College Coaches Communication for high school sophomores. 

 

To DREAM,

 

To DO,

 

To TRUST

 

 

 

 

1 Dream,

 

Live It