The Port Washington School District Athletics Department and the Vikings Sports Foundation recently hosted an NCAA recruiting information workshop in the Paul D. Schreiber High School cafeteria before 170 parents and student-athletes in grades 7-12.
Moderated by Stephanie Joannon, the district’s director of physical education, athletics and health, a panel of Division I, II and III college coaches and a college athletic director provided timely and relevant insight into the recruiting process.
The panel also answered questions on college admissions, scholarship opportunities, scouting services, communication, NCAA eligibility and preparing an athletic profile.
“These college coaches volunteered their time to inform and educate our athletic community,” said Joannon. “Their presentation was outstanding. They showed the realities of the recruiting process and delivered solid, factual information.”
Coaches also discussed the major differences between playing at the Division I, II or III level and advised against focusing on schools merely based on the level of competitiveness. Instead, they encouraged students to pursue colleges that make sense for them based on academics, social environment and the potential for playing time. Maintaining good grades from freshman through senior year was also highly recommended, and students were advised to have access to their transcripts at their fingertips.
Maintaining good behavior on college trips and being cognizant of what students are posting on social media were also emphasized by the panel, who shared examples of how possible recruits were denied opportunities as a result of poor judgment or behavior. Every coach agreed that the choice of college should be a family discussion.
“Some of the feedback from the attendees was that there was so much more involved with recruiting on the different levels,” said Vikings Sports Foundation President Peter Smith, whose organization not only fundraises for the non-budgeted athletic equipment, but also looks to help Port athletes continue their playing careers beyond the high school athletic seasons. “Tonight’s panel painted a clear picture of what our student-athletes can expect going forward.”
