January 16th, 2017

Being a Student Athlete in College is an ELITE Opportunity, Not For Everyone!
At CSA, we find it interesting that many Athletes playing sports today believe that they’re destined to play in College. CSA has developed tips, tools, techniques and resources to help our Student Athletes become Elite level Student Athletes to play at the level of the sport that matches their Academic and Athletic abilities. 
 
We assess the potential Student Athletes capabilities in many categories, not just combine results.  We look for a complete Student Athlete and ones who have the support systems to help them to become the Elite Athlete that they desire.  With early recruiting, it is crucial that College Coaches depend on credible resources in identifying ELITE level athletes. 
 
If everyone does the same thing and delivers the same results, then that is not an ELITE level athlete as we do not believe that there is a spot for everyone.  The numbers do not dictate that every player wearing a Travel Ball T-Shirt, attending camps and clinics and writing emails WILL have the opportunity to play unless they meet these requirements and gain the support of an Advocate that will guide them on their personal path.   

We believe that there are many components of being a Student Athlete:

• Great Grades -You have to be a Student FIRST!  If you’re phenomenal at your Sport, then there are some professional routes but that is a million to one probability.  Colleges want you to graduate!  If you have the grades don’t assume that the grades match the level of play for the sport you intend to play.  The team may not think you’re a great fit for them even though you academically can compete at the school.  Example:  Ivy League Softball, they’re Division I,  so just because you have a 4.0 and a 33 ACT doesn’t mean you “CAN” play Division I  Ivy League softball. 
• Great Athlete - You have to have exceptional athletic capabilities.  You have to be REALLY good at your sport, Nationally, not just in your local events.  The faster, the stronger, the more athletic you are, the more opportunities you will have.  We hear a lot of “excuses” such as “they’ve had a bad day” or we’re working on being better, the Elite Athlete is that good ALL the time.  You have to KNOW the game and understand the various scenarios that are encountered in the field of play without being prompted or told by a Coach.
• Great Person - You must have the “mental capacity” to play at an Elite level, meaning you have to be able to be coachable, trainable, be able to take feedback and apply it without breaking down.  You have to be able to handle many styles of coaching.  Student Athletes have to be able to handle the pressures of school, sports, training and LIFE.  Not all Student Athletes have the family support, or relationships with their Pastors or other support systems to get them through the tough times ahead.  There are provisions to help those with learning disabilities and other challenges, but it just makes it that much harder for them to overcome and compete.  Consider these issues when wanting to play and find the level that supports your specific needs. Great work ethic. You must be a workaholic in the classroom and on the field/court. There will be times that you should be putting in the extra effort, yet no one will make you do it.  Great Time Management Skills. While this attribute is often groomed/refined at the collegiate level, if you don’t have decent time management skills upon arrival, you will struggle in the day to day activities and lifestyle of the collegiate athlete.
• Great Team - You have to be on a team that produces players that are “prepared” to play in College.  Is your team competing against the level of Athlete that you’ll face in your intended conference? So many times, we hear that the Student Athlete won Nationals.   Which Nationals?  What teams did they face?  Are other opponents committed to the level of the sport you’re desiring to play at?  The College Coaches have relationships with many softball teams, is your coach one of those and if so how many relationships do they have and to which colleges.  They’re reach may not be enough to find the unique opportunities.

 
An Elite level opportunity to be one of the “less than 1 percent” that actually get the opportunity to play in college, is just that “AN ELITE opportunity” which means it is not meant for everyone.  If you believe this is what your Student Athlete desires, seek help with one of CSA’s Advocates. 
 
We’re here to help!

www.CollegiateSportsAdvocate.com