Showcases – When?

Question: When should athletes start going to college showcases?

:::: Keep the questions coming – they help start a Blog…

I may contradict myself with this one, because there are so many different scenarios that can take place – that any one answer will not do.

I have assumed throughout writing my Blogs that top US high school talent isn’t seeking advice – therefore I haven’t addressed their needs. If you are in the top 2% of the talent pool – then you know it. So if you have to ask – you’re not there yet – and you’re not alone.

Who are the top tier players? Well in my state, Massachusetts – there will be two to four kids graduating every year that come close. These are the kids that can make an impact their freshman year in a top DI college program. While in the mid-Atlantic there will be more.

Why the difference in Regions? The mid-Atlantic states have prolific and robust club systems. They play year round – sometimes 5 days per week. They have coaches that are more in tune with the game – in all aspects. In Pennsylvania , in the past (no more), Field Hockey was played in the fall while soccer in the spring – giving field hockey a huge extra pool of athletes.

Regardless of region, there are also player attributes that cannot be trained that make an athlete attractive to a coach – such as speed and aggressiveness. Consider, why does one girl put the ball in the net constantly – while others try just as hard without the same success? — sometimes this is just an intangible that cannot be taught – like the dog that can catch a Frisbee – or the Bulldog that rides the skateboard. Coaches are looking for these athletic intangibles specific to our game.

However a girl with raw talent and aggression in 8th and 9th grade thought to be the next sensation – may not live up to her potential – because she never learned the technical side of the game.  Athleticism alone will not rule, as players get older and mature they need to learn the game.  Less athletically talented players can learn the skills that will help them surpass these naturally gifted athletes.  Sometimes a young player who has it all – develops a body type that is not conducive to hockey at the highest levels.  Things can change dramatically for players – especially from 8th through sophomore year.  I’ve even seen college players who came in as freshmen –won all Conference freshman awards – only to play at the same ability as a senior – sometimes not even making the starting rotation – never having progressed their game or living up to their perceived potential.

Back in the early 90’s most Colleges weren’t committing to a player until their senior year. Festival was all about looking and seeking seniors. Then a trend started – and junior year is the norm for the top 5 to 10% to commit to a college. But now that is even trending younger.

Back to the question… You have to ask yourself – would it do more harm or good to promote your daughter early. Is she ready to be “seen”. Will the coaches come away with a good impression – or will the first impression soil further dialogue with a respective coach?

Showcasing Skills

My two daughter’s did College Connection between sophomore & junior year – and again between junior & senior year. Festival every year from 9th grade to senior year. (the early years were for play and for them to see how they compared to other US players). They participated in Futures for two reasons.. 1) name recognition 2) to try and make it to the National Futures Championship (a selection). They never did even one college camp. (Camps and Training yes – but not to a coach or college sponsored camp). They never made it to the National Indoor Tournament.

In my daughters time (8 to 6 years ago) there was no Disney Showcase – and when it started only a handful of coaches went. Then mostly the DIII’s went. Now it seems it is taking some coaches away from Festival versus in addition to Festival.

I want to leave you with this one thought: COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR PLAYERS. You need to think of your daughter as a product and market her. Name recognition – along with opportunities for your market (coaches) to try (view) the product. Don’t bring the product to market until she is ready. Again, COACHES ARE LOOKING FOR YOUR DAUGHTER!

You have to evaluate her level of play constantly to determine where to concentrate your outreach efforts – and I think that is another Blog.

Sophomores and Juniors – Visit College Campuses this winter!!!!

Bob Whitcher
World Camp USA / Sport EuroTour
Top-Skill Training ~ at home and abroad
Where is Your Game Going?