Expert: Tom Kovic - 8/12/2008

Question
QUESTION: I ould absolutely LOVE to play onany future college or Universities soccer, tennis, or Volleyball teams. nfortunately, I do not know how to go about letting colleges know that I would be willing and pt to do so. I've been playing soccer for almost 14 years, though I suffered a stress fracture along with extensive tissue damage this past Feb and am still recovering while preparing for Tennis. What should I do to be able to be even scouted for a spot on a college team? Scouts have been at games for my school, but soccer and Tennis were not on their lists. Also, I only play Volleyball putide of school with friends who are on my schools team, and though I'm well skilled, I've yetto play on anyone's team in rout of school sine the eight grade. What do I do?

ANSWER: Manda,

First, you want to develop a list of potential colleges and universities based on your academic strength and future goals and begin investigating their sports programs online.

Second, you need to determine the true possibility of playing as part of a Division 1,2 or 3 college program and your high school coach and/or club coach should be able to assist you here. If your coach feels you have the ability to compete at this level, you will need to forward a copy of tour personal profile and a cover letter to the head coaches of the programs you are interested in.

Third, you should strongly consider narrowing your college sport participation to (1). This will provide you with the opportunity to focus strongly and effectively on becoming an impact player in your sport of choice. If you are eager to participate in 2 or 3 sports in college, you might consider looking into "club" programs that are offered at most colleges and universities as part of the intramural and recreation program.

Good luck!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:  Thank you you for the suggestions. However, I'm not sure it ''club'' programs would be as competitive as regular college athletic programs. In narrowing which sport I would prefer playing for the duration of my college career, is it ''acceptable'' if I send a personal profile of both sport to different universities.  believe that I have great potential to play Defensive center an wings on any team, with the possibility of playing forward positions. I also believe that I have even greater potential to show myself as a great Tennis player too, but I will ask my coaches.
I'm not sure that I have the right idea of what my personal profile should consist of when sending it to different colleges, and academically speaking, I believe that I would be able to show that I am more than capable of excelling in these universities programs. What exactly is a cover letter?

Answer
If after your evaluation from your coaches it is determined you can potentially participate as an impact player in both sports, then I encourage you to send a profile for each sport to the college coaches.

The personal profile defines your personal, academic and athletic achievements. The cover letter will act as your introduction to the coaches and communicate to them your sincere interest in their schools.

Good luck and I hope this is helpful.