Year after year, thousands of student-athletes will have the opportunity to compete at the college level. If your high school student-athlete is one who desires to compete at the next level, your understanding and knowledge about his or her needs as it pertains to the academic, personal/social, vocational, and athletic is critical to the recruiting process. As a parent/guardian, it is important to become an informed consumer about the decisions related to your student-athlete's collegiate career. The Cole Group can work one-on-one with you and your student-athlete regarding: Balancing Academics and Athletics The recruiting process and preparation The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) The NCAA Clearinghouse and Initial Eligibility Common myths about college athletics Obtaining an athletic scholarship - realities and myths Establishing positive relationships with the school counselor and coach Selecting the best college for your student-athlete's academic and athletic skill level Playing professional sports - realities and myths Creating a Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Calendar Developing and Managing an academic plan Building an Athletic Resume The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Eligibility for Home Schoolers Your role in the life of your student-athlete cannot be overstated. The impact of your involvement - both on and off the playing field - is critical to the overall well-being and development of your student-athlete. Below are seven ways to assist your student-athlete. 1. Promote the importance of education. The importance of education must be emphasized in the home. Being active in your student-athlete's education is paramount to his/her overall academic performance throughout high school and college. Stress the importance of academic success as well as developing sound study habits. Be sure to remain in contact with your student-athlete's teachers, school counselors, and coaches to help him/her stay on track. 2. Realize the negative pressure you can place on your student-athlete. Without realizing it, you can place unnecessary stress and pressure on your student-athlete by possessing inflated hopes of financial security, reliving your glory days, and using your student-athlete to gain social acceptance and recognition. 3. Connect with your student-athlete's school counselor. School counselors are in an excellent position to assist you and your student-athlete with academic, personal, social, and career related concerns. Establish a relationship with the school counselor assigned to your student-athlete by introducing yourself and communicating your concerns about the needs of your student-athlete. 4. Talk with your student-athlete about potential challenges and concerns. As a parent/guardian, you have an important role in your student-athlete's life. It is imperative that you find ways to discuss any potential academic, athletic, or personal hurdles your student-athlete may encounter. 5. Educate yourself about entities that can impact your student-athlete's ability to participate in sports - throughout and beyond high school. Your student-athlete's ability to participate in sports throughout high school rests upon the academic eligibility requirements set forth by your state's high school athletic association AND beyond high school - the NCAA, NJCAA or NAIA. Be sure to learn about the school's and state's policy regarding academic eligibility and NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA initial eligibility requirements. 6. Locate resources to assist you and your student-athlete. Many times parents/guardians rely solely upon the school counselor and/or the coach to inform them about the academic, personal, social, and athletic needs of their student-athlete. We encourage you to locate resources within and outside of the school to better serve the needs of your student-athlete. Consult with the school counselor and/or coach as a starting point to identify potential resources. 7. Understand the role of high school athletics. High school athletics can be a great way for students to enhance personal development, foster meaningful relationships, acquire transferable skills, and promote fitness and wellness. High school athletics is not designed to be a launch pad to the professional ranks. For more information, please click here. Copyright © 2008 The Cole Group, LLC Designed & Powered By