Jaquel Pitts feature athlete interview – signed with Bethany College
1. Why did you decide to sign with Bethany College?
I selected Bethany College because of their history program as well as their football program. Their history program helps you increase your intellect and they elaborate on modern history and ancient history. Their football program last year earned a record of 8-3. Their coaches were very supportive in my process of helping me decide what educational institution to attend. Their program has won numerous league championships and has the ideal potential to win a national championship.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I’m extremely excited about becoming a college student-athlete. It’s an honor and privilege to play the game of football at such a high level. It’s been a dream to play college football and my ultimate goal is to make it to the NFL. I was ecstatic and jumping for joy when I finally made the decision to play college football and attend Bethany College. I realize the blessings of God because without him I wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in college football. I will never forget the excitement level; it was comparable to someone winning the lottery.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
The advice I would give to other athletes is to work hard in their respective sport, and to never give up. They should realize that they are a student- athlete and that academics are a priority. Without a successful academic career colleges won’t pursue you. It’s a great idea to fill out a questionnaire to a college you are interested in and send film to college coaches so they can discover you just in case you’re not on the ESPN top 150 high school athletes. When you are competing for your respective high school team, always have a respective attitude and compete on a level that you thought wasn’t even imaginable; always compete to win and never to lose.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
The biggest influence has been Jerry Rice, because he is the greatest wide receiver to play in the NFL. Coincidently, I play the same position as Jerry Rice. He never gave up and two weeks after the season ended he would start his off-season workout. His reason was chasing a championship because that was his ultimate goal. He also inspired me to be a respectful, hard-working young man and to dress well. He never had any attitude problems and displayed great respect for his fans. To this day he inspires me to be great because if he can do it I can do it. And I will do it with desire, dedication, and determination.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I would like to become a league champion, national champion, and an All-American.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Lauren Patterson feature athlete interview – signed with McNeese State University
1. Why did you decide to sign with McNeese State University?
Close to my hometown so my parents can come to my games. High rate of athletes get their degrees. Small hometown feel. I am in my own apartment with a player I played club volleyball with and loving college atmosphere.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I love my team and coach! All the coaches know what they are doing and they are working us hard and challenging each and every one of us. I did not want to go to school and it be easy. I want to be challenged! I am a little overwhelmed worrying about how to balance classes and volleyball but McNeese provides a lot of support so I will do fine.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
As far as volleyball you need to play for a club that does a great job of working with college recruiters. Make good grades in high school and from the beginning of your junior year start taking your SAT and ACT tests to get your scores as high as possible. Make a recruiting page and send out your club schedule to colleges to let them know when you play and make sure they have your jersey number. I was committed by my junior year but never took my recruiting page down and all during my senior year I was approached by colleges. It takes a lot of pressure off your senior year if you have made a decision your junior year.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My parents because they have stood by me every step of the way. As a family we prayed before I committed and once I made my decision I did not have a doubt in the world. My parents have made great sacrifices to make sure I had the best training, allowed to play at a high profile club and supported me by coming to my games. They continue to support me by helping me adjust to college life away from home. I feel very blessed and do not want to let them down. So when practices are hard I just work harder and remember I have a lot of people pulling for me and supporting me every step of the way.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I want to start all four years in college. I want to make all-conference. I want to be a leader and team captain for my team. I want to be known as a team player and hard worker. Someone incoming freshman will look up to me when I am no longer a freshman.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Sean Brown feature athlete interview – signed with Union College
1. Why did you decide to sign with Union College?
They have a great basketball program, and a beautiful campus. And they showed great interest in me. It was important that they offered my intended major, and when I found out that they did, that sealed the deal.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
It’s a great feeling to know that my hard work has paid off, and I have the opportunity to play college basketball. I am living out my dreams.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Stay persistent, if you want to be noticed, send your tapes to schools, and ask your high school coach to get in contact with those colleges. Don’t get discouraged, and don’t be scared to talk to these coaches.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My step dad. He taught me the mental aspects of the game that I needed. He taught me to stay strong-minded, and calm. He taught me to never let my attitude get the best of me, and I can do anything I put my mind to.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I want to win and bring a title back to Union. I want to be a leader on and off the court, and Lord willing, play professional basketball someday.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Jesse Lane feature athlete interview – signed with The College of Wooster
1. Why did you decide to sign with The College of Wooster?
I chose Wooster because I felt that it was the best fit for me, both on and off the field. The school itself is very prestigious, and has high academic standards. Another huge factor were my teammates and coaches. Wooster was a place where I truly felt like I fit in.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I am extremely excited to be a student-athlete in college. I know that it will be time consuming, and sometimes very difficult to balance schoolwork and football, but I look forward to embracing the challenge. Ultimately I feel that being a student-athlete will better prepare me for life after college.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Advice to athletes looking to get recruited: get yourself out there. There are tons of recruiting websites available, you should take full advantage of them. Go to camps as well. Camps are a great way to showcase your abilities, talk to coaches, and get recruited. Start early! One mistake that I made was that I started a little too late in my high school career. The earlier you start, the more time coaches will have to recruit you. The process of getting recruited by colleges can be daunting, and can sometimes feel like too much to deal with. Take your time, and do not get in a rush to choose a school. When you are ready to commit, you’ll know.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
The biggest influence throughout my entire sports career without a doubt was my parents. They have supported me since 3rd grade when I started playing football. They were so helpful during my recruiting process as well. My parents were always so open to check out any school I had interest in. They helped me settle down when I felt overloaded. Without them, it’s hard to tell where I’d be.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
In my college career I have plenty of things I’d like to accomplish. I’d love to bring a conference championship back to Wooster. I’d also like to make a big run in the D3 playoffs. Aside from that, I’d really just like to prove to myself, and everyone else that I did what I set out to do.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Leslie Grande feature athlete interview – signed with Citrus College
1. Why did you decide to sign with Citrus College?
Because the coaching staff is excellent and the program has a bright future ahead of it.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
Becoming a student athlete was both exciting and nerve wrecking, just because of the fact that I knew I would have to be 110% committed to this program and the school. But for the most part I was excited; being on a new team with a whole bunch of different people was exciting. I was ready to get to the next level.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
I would tell other athletes to be focused on their studies and athletic career. Make the right choices in school. Don’t follow the crowd; be yourself, it’ll lead you to being successful. Make everything count, both in school and in your sport. You never know when someone important is watching you.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My biggest influence has been my father and my high school coaching staff. My dad has been very supportive; he was there for me when I needed it. As for my coaching staff, they told me it was possible when I thought it wasn’t. They helped me through every obstacle and prepared me to get to the next level. I can not thank them enough for believing in me.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I would like to be the best I can be, win a conference championship, and make it far in state. I want to hopefully get noticed by a school and get a scholarship.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
David Asiedu feature athlete interview – signed with Kentucky Christian University
1. Why did you decide to sign with Kentucky Christian University?
I went to the campus and it was not that big but I loved it. It’s a small school, but I like it because of the class sizes, where you can have one-on-one with the teachers. The football program just started under a new young coach. It’s a young team but I like it because of the recruiting class the coach is bringing in.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I am so excited; I can’t wait until the first day I step foot on campus as a college student-athlete. I know it is going to be harder than being a high school student-athlete, but I am up for the challenge.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Just keep working hard. Don’t ever take a day off, because if you do, just know that there is another kid working to be better than you. That’s one thing I wish I could go back and do.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
Two good friends of mine, because when I first moved to the US from Ghana I had no idea what football was, but they helped me get better every day, and to this day they are still on me, trying to make me better.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I would love to be able to hang a national championship banner in my school and also become an All-American.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Matt Lingerfelt feature athlete interview – signed with Tennessee Wesleyan College
1. Why did you decide to sign with Tennessee Wesleyan College?
I decided to choose Tennessee Wesleyan College because they are my hometown college. I grew up 5 minutes from the college. They also have an amazing winning tradition. Winning their first NAIA world series this year.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
Being a college student-athlete has been a dream of mine. I’ve worked hard in and out in the classroom to get here.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
I would say work as hard as you can every day and never give up on your dream. Never let someone tell you that you can’t.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
Oh, most defiantly my dad. He coached me and taught me everything he knew and has taken me to more games than I can count. He has pushed me and I thank him daily. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I would like to have a healthy 4 years and hopefully fulfill my childhood dream of playing pro ball.
Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Dylan Tamecki feature athlete interview – signed with Salem International University
1. Why did you decide to sign with Salem International University?
This was one of the biggest decisions I have made to date. At every college, I had a checklist used when gathering information in order to make the best possible informed decision. SIU scored highest on my most important criteria: Academics, Athletics, and Location. Then the coach, players, and staff sealed the deal by treating me like family from the first moment.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I can not put into words the excitement and anticipation of playing D2 baseball in college. Football was a close second, but ever since my T-ball days as a 5-year-old, it has been my dream to one day play college baseball.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
Sell, sell, sell and sell yourself some more. You must get your name out there in any way, as long as it is a positive way. Do not put this task into the hands of someone else as nobody can care as much about the final outcome as you. It’s a cliché, but do not give up hope until the fat lady sings. I had several surprises and great offers come in the weeks following my NLI signing.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
My parents are my support system. My dad took me into my teenage years with baseball knowledge. After that, I leaned on anybody involved with playing the game at the next level, especially Kyle Wagner and Billy White from GoWags, my indoor training facility.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
Win the division all four years and make it to the D2 college world series. I also want to be a four-year starter in order to contribute to the team’s success.
Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Giovanni Albano feature athlete interview – signed with Vanier College
1. Why did you decide to sign with Vanier College?
I decided to sign with Vanier College based on the outstanding football program, and opportunity to excel in my studies. With such a high number of kids attending university after they’re finished at Vanier, I knew it was the right choice. With the excellent coaching and training program, I knew that if I chose Vanier, they would help me become the best player I could potentially be. I went down to Vanier on April 13th, 2012 for a practice, and all the players and coaches greeted me in such a friendly manner, it was hard to say no to Vanier College. The facilities were awesome, the coaching was awesome, and you can just tell that you were in a championship atmosphere at Vanier. I knew that this would be my new team, school, and a place I could call “home”.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
The excitement about becoming a student-athlete is just endless. Attending a school with the exact program you want is ideal, but the fact that the football program at Vanier College is also top notch was like music to my ears. I’m not only studying what I love (media arts), but also doing what I love, by playing football.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
To all athletes that are looking to be recruited, DO NOT GIVE UP! I started playing football 3 years ago, and one of my coaches told me “you’ll never go anywhere with football. You should just quit while you’re ahead”. Well sure enough, I proved him wrong. Nothing comes easy though, you’re gonna get back whatever you put into a situation. Keep yourself in the weight room a lot, watch a lot of film, and always stay focused on and off the field. I would also suggest to make a highlight tape, as it will really help in the whole recruiting process and it will also help you get your name out there to lots of coaches.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
I would say I definitely have more than just one big influence on playing football. First off, my ex-girlfriend of 4 years, Alessia Morisani who recently passed away on October 2011 in a car accident is one of my biggest influences. After my first season of football, I just wasn’t happy with my play. I didn’t know the game as well as the others did around me, so I wanted to quit. Alessia always told me “I believe in you. You’re such a determined person, you can do whatever you put your head to. You’re gonna go where you want to go in football, I promise.” Therefore, I did a lot of training in the off-season and once I came back to play, my game was improved. Vanier College is where I wanted to go, and sure enough after the passing of Alessia, is when I got in contact with Vanier College. She was right, I got where I wanted to go because of how determined I was, and no matter what criticism I heard, I never gave up because I knew I could do it. She was always my biggest fan, influence, and motivator. Before every game I say a prayer to her, and I know she’s there in spirit. There’s no bigger influence than Alessia for me.
Another influence is my family and friends. Without my family and friends staying behind me and believing in me, it would definitely be harder to be as passionate as I am about the game. Everything I do, whether it’s going to visit schools in the U.S. or Quebec, or even things as simple as getting to football practice or football games, I can always count on my parents to have my back and help me with what I want to do. I definitely couldn’t do it without my parents.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
During my college sports career I would like to accomplish many things. I would like to become a better student, become stronger in the weight room, become better technically, and also become smarter on the field. I feel that attending Vanier College will help me accomplish all of that. After my 2 years at Vanier College, I would like to go to the NCAA and play some Division 1 football. With all the experience and knowledge I take from my coaching staff, combined with my determination and never quit attitude that I take from myself, this goal is very achievable.
Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
Sacha Urbach feature athlete interview – signed with University of Massachusetts Boston
1. Why did you decide to sign with the University of Massachusetts Boston?
I decided to play at Umass Boston because I wanted to be a four-year starter. Also, I really liked the academic environment of the school and the area of Boston can’t be beaten when it comes to college towns. The money the school is putting into the athletic program was a huge point in the decision-making process.
2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?
I can’t be more excited about playing baseball in college. After excelling in high school, I want to be able to use my talents to play against the best competition in the country.
3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?
The advice I would give a high school athlete who wants to play at the next level is to make sure they gain as much exposure as possible, whether it be through videos sent to coaches or attending showcases, make sure to take advantage of every opportunity you get to show your stuff to college coaches.
4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?
The biggest influence in my sports career has been my two coaches who helped me become the player I am today; my high school coach who turned me into a pitcher, and then my pitching coach who perfected my tools as a pitcher.
5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?
I want to be able to set school records in pitching categories. I know it might not sound like a realistic goal, but I believe the higher I set my goals, the more room I have to achieve great things. My other goal is to play at the next level after college because it is a game I love and I don’t want to ever have to put my glove down.
Over the last five years, SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.
