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Brandon Valenzuela gives Missions walk

SAN ANTONIO — The 2025 season has been a magical campaign for Missions catcher Brandon Valenzuela, as the 24-year-old has posted career-high power and run-production numbers with a .471 slugging percentage and a 140 wRC+. Saturday night, as the Missions hosted “Harry Potter Night” at Wolff Stadium, Valenzuela summoned a bit more magic to deliver […]

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Brandon Valenzuela gives Missions walk

SAN ANTONIO — The 2025 season has been a magical campaign for Missions catcher Brandon Valenzuela, as the 24-year-old has posted career-high power and run-production numbers with a .471 slugging percentage and a 140 wRC+.

Saturday night, as the Missions hosted “Harry Potter Night” at Wolff Stadium, Valenzuela summoned a bit more magic to deliver a walk-off single to lift the Missions to a 3-2 victory and sole possession of first place in the Texas League South standings.

“Isn’t that what the game is all about,” said Missions manager Luke Montz. “You look at growth; you look at development. You’re seeing a young kid progress.

“The next step for Brandon is to get into the big leagues and show what he can do. What they’re looking for is moments right there. It’s not always about the outcome, if it’s a hit or not a hit. It’s just the at-bat. There is just no giving in with him, and he is not an easy out right now in the box. I am super shocked they pitched to him there in that situation with first base open.”

While Valenzuela’s bat ultimately brought the Missions to victory, their pitching staff kept them alive for most of the night. Jagger Haynes delivered a stellar performance when his team needed it. The 22-year-old southpaw worked six innings, allowing just one run on four hits and a walk, and struck out five. The lone run Haynes surrendered on the night was a lead-off homer to Cameron Cauley.

Jagger Haynes has been stellar over the last month. (Photo: Rey Holguin)

Haynes generated 10 total whiffs, resulting in an excellent 29.4% whiff rate on the night. His sinker sat 92-93 mph, getting anywhere from 11-14 inches of horizontal run. Haynes’s changeup was also effective running away from right-handed hitters. It sat at 82-83 and continued to flash an ample arm-side fade. He also showed a knack for getting whiffs with his gyro-slider, inducing three in the first inning alone, including two by Rangers top prospect Sebastian Walcott.

Over his last five starts, Haynes has a 1.98 ERA with 23 strikeouts against 14 walks in 27.1 innings of work. After showing he could shoulder starting pitching workloads last year, the lefty has already worked into the sixth inning six times this season.

“All of our starters have given us a chance to win every single game this week,” said Montz. “A solo home run to start the game can easily rattle somebody and shift momentum to their dugout. But then what Jagger goes and does is retire the next six in a row and give us six innings of one-run ball.”

“It just speaks volumes to where he’s at in his growth and development. Earlier in the year, I’m not sure we’re talking about that. We might get him in the second or third inning. But he’s starting to show that he can handle adversity and control what he can control.”

With Haynes locked in, the Missions offense quickly evened things up in the bottom of the second when Francisco Acuña lined a double to the left field gap to plate Wyatt Hoffman. Acuña finished the night with two hits and a pair of walks out of the leadoff spot. He has his average up to .344 this month.

Following Haynes’ departure, Montz turned the game over to Ethan Routzahn. The sidearming righty worked a clean inning in the seventh to keep the game tied.

The Missions briefly took the lead in the bottom of the seventh when, with two outs and the bases loaded, Moisés Gómez got plunked to push across a run.

That lead was short-lived as Routzahn allowed a leadoff home run of his own to Cauley before left-hander Jake Higginbotham came on to relieve him. The 29-year-old worked two scoreless innings while striking out three to put the club in a position to win on Valenzuela’s heroics.

Higginbotham allowed a lead-off double in the ninth, but rather than get rattled, the former Clemson Tiger bore down to strike out the next two batters before getting a ground ball to end the inning.

That is his third or fourth outing in a row where I have seen him as dialed in as ever,” noted Montz. “He had a good mix going tonight. I went out there in the ninth, and he thinks I might be taking him out when there is no chance I am taking him out.

“He tells me, skip, give me this one. An I told him you got this one and the next one. Just the way that he bears down, pitches with convection, and keeps hitters off balance, you’re going to see a lot of outings like tonight.”

NOTES: The Missions head into the final day of the first half having eliminated Frisco and holding a one-game lead over Midland. A win guarantees the club a playoff spot, but if they lose, they’ll need Midland, which has won the head-to-head series so far, to lose.

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Gen Z Wants Real, Not Perfect, And That’s Why They…

Emma Raducanu isn’t just a tennis star, she’s a generational icon. For Gen Z, who reject outdated ideals of perfection, Raducanu offers something far more meaningful: honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. Her relatability, both on and off the court, is why she remains a firm favourite with young fans. When Authenticity Speaks Louder Than Titles At […]

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Emma Raducanu isn’t just a tennis star, she’s a generational icon. For Gen Z, who reject outdated ideals of perfection, Raducanu offers something far more meaningful: honesty, vulnerability and authenticity. Her relatability, both on and off the court, is why she remains a firm favourite with young fans.

When Authenticity Speaks Louder Than Titles

At the 2024 US Open, Raducanu made headlines not for a match, but for a moment. After spotting a young fan in the crowd, she made the effort to connect personally, exchanging a few heartfelt words. According to the US Open, the fan called it ‘the best day of my life’.

This wasn’t a PR stunt or staged moment, it was spontaneous and real. In that brief interaction, Raducanu showed that athletes don’t need to be flawless to be admired. They need to be human. And, that’s exactly what Gen Z wants.

Breaking the Mould in Women’s Sport

In an era where social media filters and curated personas dominate, Raducanu stands out by simply being herself. Her impact goes beyond tennis. According to the Lawn Tennis Association, women’s tennis has seen a 38% rise in female fan engagement since 2022.

Raducanu’s candid interviews, unfiltered social media presence and willingness to speak about challenges make her a key figure in this shift. ‘There are days I feel low, or not ready to play’, she said in 2024. ‘I don’t want to pretend otherwise’.

This kind of openness resonates deeply with a generation raised to prioritise mental health and emotional intelligence.

Gen Z Tennis Stars Are Redefining Cool

Raducanu is part of a growing group of Gen Z athletes reshaping tennis. As The Times reports, stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff and Raducanu are attracting new fans with their creativity, expressiveness and authenticity.

They’re not afraid to show emotion. They post their injuries, their setbacks and their small joys. Raducanu’s 2024 post about her comeback attempt, bruised, exhausted, but smiling garnered over 500,000 likes. Not because it was glamorous, but because it was real.

Grace in Mistakes Builds Loyalty

Earlier this year, Raducanu apologised after a tense practice session led her to snap at a fan. ‘I was frustrated and I let it affect someone else’s moment. That’s not who I want to be’, she said afterwards.

For Gen Z, apologies like this matter. They show accountability and self-awareness. Rather than protect a pristine image, Raducanu chose transparency, and it only deepened public respect.

This generation does not expect their heroes to be untouchable. They expect them to take ownership, to learn and to grow. In many ways, that’s a much higher standard.

Real Over Perfect: Why Raducanu Still Reigns

Raducanu’s popularity isn’t driven by results alone. Since her 2021 US Open victory, her career has included injuries, inconsistent form and intense scrutiny. Yet she remains a cultural touchstone. Why?

  • She prioritises mental wellbeing over performance.
  • She’s emotionally open and self-aware.
  • She connects directly with fans, often without PR buffers.
  • She aligns with Gen Z values like honesty, self-expression and inclusivity.

Her impact can’t be measured in ranking points alone. She reflects what sport can be when it’s honest, inclusive and human.

A New Measure of Success

Emma Raducanu is showing that success in 2025 isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. Gen Z doesn’t need a flawless champion. They want someone who feels like them: uncertain at times, but still standing. Someone who shows up, flaws and all.

In doing so, Raducanu isn’t just winning fans, she’s earning something far rarer: trust.





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Nine Women, Seven Men Named 2025 USTFCCCA All-Academic Athletes

Story Links COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri track and field saw 16 individuals and both men’s and women’s teams named All-Academic Athletes and Programs, respectively, by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), the league office announced. On the men’s side, Emanuele Bellanova (mechanical engineering), Lasse […]

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri track and field saw 16 individuals and both men’s and women’s teams named All-Academic Athletes and Programs, respectively, by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), the league office announced.

On the men’s side, Emanuele Bellanova (mechanical engineering), Lasse Funck (art history), Garik Pozecki (animal science), Rece Rowan (sport management), Callan Saldutto (general studies), Sterling Scott (health science) and Jonathan Seremes (black studies) were recognized for their academic and athletic achievements.

The women’s team was represented by Rahel Broemmel (nutrition and exercise physiology), Alicia Burnett (psychology), Morgan Cannon (special education), Claudina Diaz (sport management), Val Galligan (mechanical engineering), Petra Gombas (parks, recreation, sport and tourism), Victoria Josse (journalism), Kristi Perez-Snyman (sport management) and Marlena Tresnjo (mechanical engineering).

As a program, the women earned a 3.581 grade point average (GPA), while the men maintained a 3.349.

To qualify for USTFCCCA All-Academic honors, Missouri student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher and meet highly competitive standards during the indoor or outdoor seasons. Athletic criteria required athletes to either rank among the top 96 nationally in an indoor championship event, compete in any round of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships, or finish the season ranked in the top 48 regionally in an outdoor event.

To qualify for USTFCCCA All-Academic Team honors, each track and field squad must have posted a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, including the most recent grading period.

In total, a Mizzou student-athlete has received an All-Academic recognition from the USTFCCCA 216 times on the women’s side and 199 on the men’s.

FOLLOW THE TIGERS

For all the latest on Mizzou Cross Country and Track & Field, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the teams on Facebook, Instagram and X (MizzouTFXC).



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Kansas Track & Field and Cross Country Mourns the Loss of Al Frame

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Kansas cross country standout Al Frame passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91.   Frame was a standout on the Jayhawk track and field and cross country teams from 1952-56, earning All-America honors in 1954 and 1955 in cross country. In 1954, Frame won the individual cross country national […]

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LAWRENCE, Kan. – Former Kansas cross country standout Al Frame passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91.

 

Frame was a standout on the Jayhawk track and field and cross country teams from 1952-56, earning All-America honors in 1954 and 1955 in cross country. In 1954, Frame won the individual cross country national championship, as he ran the four-mile course in 19:54.2, which was the fourth-fastest time at that point in history. Frame finished his career at KU as a member of three Big Seven Conference championship-winning teams and two individual Big Seven Championships.

 

As a track and field runner, Frame won a total of six Big Seven Conference championships: four indoor (1954, two-mile run; 1955-56, mile run; 1956, 88-yard run) and two outdoor (1955, mile run; 1955, two-mile run).  In 1955, he also placed third at the outdoor NCAA Championships.

 

Not only was Frame a standout on the track, but he also excelled academically at KU. Frame arrived to Kansas in 1952 as a Summerfield Scholarship recipient, awarded to only 10 students throughout the state of Kansas. Frame was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and was the senior class president.

 

From Wichita, Kansas, Frame competed for East High School and was inducted into the 2017 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.  In 2008, he received the Mildred Clodfelter Alumni Award to recognize his support of the Kansas Honors Program. Frame attended law school at Kansas and after two years in the Army, moved to Kinsley, Kansas to practice law.

 



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Peter Gilham’s Portugal Diary: Intense sessions and beach volleyball wind down | Brentford FC

So, to Monday morning. After my early morning dip in the waters off the coast of the Portuguese Riviera and breakfast, prior to which each player had his blood sampled, it was time to make the journey to our training headquarters. A slick operation saw the kit team head out first, followed at 15-minute intervals […]

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So, to Monday morning. After my early morning dip in the waters off the coast of the Portuguese Riviera and breakfast, prior to which each player had his blood sampled, it was time to make the journey to our training headquarters.

A slick operation saw the kit team head out first, followed at 15-minute intervals by the coaching staff, other staff, the goalkeepers and finally the rest of the squad.

This allowed for everything to be in place systematically for when the players arrived, so that no time is lost prior to the various stages required prior to training.

It’s then that the medical and strength and conditioning teams really earn their metal, overseeing the processes required to ensure each player is mentally and physically prepared for the day ahead.

Then, of course, the first-team coaches come into their own, leading various training sessions. There is a lot of innovative thinking and, in certain respects, no two sessions are the same. It’s fair to say that the introduction of three new first-team coaches alongside Keith Andrews and Kevin O’Connor has brought a lot of fresh ideas to the team.

When the sessions are over, the players are put through their paces again on the gym apparatus, including, of course, exercise bikes, which are all placed alfresco thanks to the fine weather.

Then the players partially relax by trying their luck by shooting a basketball through a conveniently placed hoop. It has to be said there are a few who fancy themselves as a Michael Jordan or a LeBron James but, for me, it’s more luck than judgement!

However, for me, the most exciting relaxation opportunity (if that’s the correct terminology for it) to watch is Teqball. Apparently, it was a game invented some 11 years ago and is played on a curved table and combines elements of football and table tennis. But, of course, instead of a table tennis bat, you use your head and feet.

For me, the standout players were Yehor Yarmoliuk and Gustavo Nunes. The quality and length of some of their rallies were brilliant.

On Monday evening, Keith asked if I would do my presentation (entitled Brentford FC: It’s a very special club) on the history and heritage of the club to the players and new staff.

I believe it is so important, whether you are joining Brentford Football Club as a player or a member of staff, that you understand our past, and the integral part that supporters have made (Matthew Benham, bucket collections, Bees United, BIAS, Lifeline, plus other supporters groups, and, of course, the momentous events of 1967) to ensure that we are still in existence.

If Monday’s training session wasn’t enough, Tuesday’s was particularly intensive, with everybody in place at the training ground by 9.30am, whilst nobody left before 6.30pm! There were a number of sessions, both in the morning and the afternoon, from small-sided games to the full 11-a-side, interspersed with split group sessions, plus more gym work and exercise bikes.

In respect of the bikes, it would be of interest to know how far their 30-minute exertions would take them if out on the road. With all due respect, I don’t think the players were too concerned as they, to a man, looked very pleased when the cycling sessions were over.

As a result of the heavy day on Tuesday, Wednesday, in the main, was a day to relax, or at least certainly have a break from training.

So, it was decided that, mid-morning, everybody would head off to the beach for a game of beach volleyball. Having been personally advised by those who oversee beach regulations, the group were directed to another beach, where the volleyball posts and nets were set up in entertaining fashion and the court duly marked up.

Then (and I’m sure this is a flagrant abuse of beach volleyball etiquette) 16 players (eight-a-side) started to play. Enthusiastic? Yes. Entertaining? Yes. Competitive? Yes. Legal? No!

This is the first time since I started writing pre-season blogs that I’ve had to say that the police intervened!

Apparently, you have to have a permit to pitch up a beach volleyball court, much to the chagrin of a good number of bystanders who were being thoroughly entertained!





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Greece makes water polo history as men bring home the bronze after women’s gold

[InTime News] A day after the Greek women’s team clinched the gold at the World Water Polo Championships in Singapore, the men made history after capturing the bronze on Thursday with a commanding 16-7 victory over Olympic champion Serbia in the third-place match. Displaying exceptional defensive organization, particularly while a man down, and clinical accuracy […]

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Greece makes water polo history as men bring home the bronze after women’s gold

[InTime News]

A day after the Greek women’s team clinched the gold at the World Water Polo Championships in Singapore, the men made history after capturing the bronze on Thursday with a commanding 16-7 victory over Olympic champion Serbia in the third-place match.

Displaying exceptional defensive organization, particularly while a man down, and clinical accuracy from the perimeter, the Greek team overwhelmed Serbia with an 8-0 run spanning the second and third quarters. 

Goalkeeper Panagiotis Tzortzatos gave a standout performance, helping secure a dominant win and avenge their narrow Olympic quarterfinal loss in Paris.

The bronze medal completes a historic achievement for Greek water polo, making it only the fourth nation in history to reach the podium in both men’s and women’s tournaments at the same World Championship.





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Midwest college coaches give recruiting advice to parents, athletes

Cincinnati high school sports video highlights, 2024-2025 Media partner Fox19 Sports provided a sizzle reel of top high school sports moments for the 2024-2025 Enquirer High School Sports Awards. Fox19 Sports Athletes should be proactive in contacting coaches, showcasing skills, and maintaining good academics. Personalized communication is key, avoiding generic mass emails and encouraging direct […]

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play

  • Athletes should be proactive in contacting coaches, showcasing skills, and maintaining good academics.
  • Personalized communication is key, avoiding generic mass emails and encouraging direct athlete-coach dialogue.
  • Researching schools and programs thoroughly, focusing on fit over prestige, is crucial for long-term success.
  • Utilizing free recruiting resources and avoiding expensive services is recommended by most coaches.
  • Open communication between athletes and parents, with athletes taking the lead in the process, is essential.

Recruiting never ends.

For local athletes and their families, the recruiting process can be a stressful one. Some won’t get as much interest as they expect or feel they deserve. Some will get so much that it’s difficult to choose which spot is best. Some won’t even know where to start.

This story is for all of those people. The Enquirer asked coaches all across the landscape of college athletics, from Division I to Division III and from football to field hockey, what recruiting advice they would have for parents and athletes.

Here is what they said:

Adam Cokonougher, Mount St. Joseph University track and field and cross country head coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: Cokonougher said the best way for an athlete to get noticed is by communicating in multiple forms and being sincere about their interest. If you see a recruiting questionnaire, fill it out. You can do the same with admissions office questionnaires. It can also be helpful to reach out to the coaching staff on social media and sending a brief, genuine email to coaches at that specific school, explaining why you’re interested in their school and including relevant statistics, times or highlights.

Another thing athletes can do is create a free NCSA account, but Cokonougher generally doesn’t recommend using paid recruiting services. He said if an athlete follows those steps and hasn’t gotten on that school’s radar in a month, it’s likely the coaching staff isn’t interested and the athlete should choose different schools to start the process with again.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: One common mistake Cokonougher sees is athletes sending out mass email. While an athlete may get some responses by doing this, a brief personalized email works better. It is important to keep the email brief and provide direct contact information for the athlete in it. He also recommends doing research before sending the email, as asking questions that could be easily answered online isn’t very flattering.

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: The biggest tip Cokonougher has is for athletes to tell their high school coaches that they want to compete at the college level. College staffs communicate with high school coaches constantly. He said it is also important for athletes to start thinking about where they want to go early. It’s never too early to start visiting colleges unofficially with family. Athletes shouldn’t be afraid to lean on their parents or other trusted sources during this time.

Will Cinelli, Ball State University football director of player personnel

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “The best way to get noticed is to play well on Friday nights. You’ll also make sure you’re the type of person your coach would recommend to us, as we will always ask the high school coach what they think of a recruit. You’ll want to make sure your academics are also in good shape. We can’t recruit someone if their grades aren’t good enough.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “The biggest mistake I see made is the comparison game. Run your own race. Recruiting will be different for each person. Don’t be upset because your teammate got an offer and you didn’t. Don’t worry about other people posting offers on X (those might not even be real or commitable). Just continue to reach out to schools and coaches you’re interested in …”

Cinelli said it’s important not to worry too much about recruiting and especially don’t let it ruin your season. If a player doesn’t have Division I offers around the summer before his senior year, he should start looking at the other levels.

Jim Collins, Wittenberg University head football coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: Collins said that most college coaches will find out about prospects from their high school head coach. It’s critical for athletes to tell their coach that they hope to play at the college level. It is also important to play well and have video to verify it. Putting together a good highlight tape and sending it out to coaches is a good, proactive way to get noticed. Finally, athletes can attend camps in the summer.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “… I think the more educated athletes and families are about the process, the better.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “The biggest tip I have is for recruits and families to be proactive. If the goal is to play a college sport, research as much as possible about the schools you are interested in and what it will take both academically and athletically to fit that school’s profile. Understand that, in addition to being your own advocate, make sure that your high school or AAU coaches know your goals so that they can promote you on their end. Finally, set your goals high, but also be prepared to not get recruited by your dream school. Therefore, have a plan B and C.”

Caleb Cox, Eastern Kentucky University football receivers coach and recruiting coordinator

Cox said one of the best ways for athletes to get noticed is by reaching out to coaches to find out when their prospect camps are.

He said a common mistake is showing up randomly to a gameday visit without telling a coach.

Other advice: “Be a strong student and be proactive, sending out your up-to-date film and academic situation to coaches within a four-hour radius.”

Barry Craddock, Wilmington College head baseball coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: Craddock recommends reaching directly out to coaches and expressing interest. Those initial communications should include basic academic and athletic information, as well as specific measurable data and video clips. Attending a program’s prospect camp is a good way to get a feel for a team’s culture.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “Waiting for coaches to reach out first – players should take initiative and communicate clearly and honestly about what they bring to the table and what they are looking for in their college experience.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “I would not spend a lot of money on fancy recruiting services. Most of that stuff can be done in-house and be better targeted through basic parameters such as location, college size, academic offerings, roster size, roster needs, etc. Most players (and students, generally) target between five and 10 colleges and do not need to spend big money to send information to every college in the nation.”

Andrew Cregan, Baldwin Wallace University quarterbacks coach and recruiting coordinator

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “The best way for an athlete to get noticed is first by succeeding in the classroom. The higher your GPA, the more schools you give yourself the opportunity to be recruited by. Secondly, every college coach has an X account so follow their X account and either DM or text them, or see if they have a recruiting questionnaire in their bio to fill out. “

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “A common mistake I see is student-athletes and parents paying money for a recruiting service. Don’t do it. If you are a good student and a good player, the coaches will find you. If not, then take the time to seek them out yourself on social media.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Go to the school that makes you feel wanted and can help you succeed after graduation. Choosing a school is a 40-year decision, not a 4-year decision. One day your sport will end. If that day comes early due to injury or other circumstances, then make sure you pick a school you would still want to go to if you couldn’t play sports. “

Kelly Cummings, Ohio Dominican University head football coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “Summer camps are the best way to get on a team’s radar. Perform well – do something relevant to the position they are scouting. Skill guys, run fast! Linemen be able to move your feet and always show some toughness and aggressiveness in camp competition scenarios.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “Closing the door on schools too early, because a family feels they have made up their mind where they want to go. Every fall, we will get a couple of players who show up late because they felt they committed to a bigger school or had some great offer only to find out the ‘commitment’ or ‘offer’ was not as substantial as they thought.  Oftentimes, it keeps the player from getting another opportunity because of timing and lack of interest with another school.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Recruiting is tough for families also. It can be a drain, because so many schools do call or show somewhat of an interest. Do your homework before you go. Check out majors (do they have what you want?), facilities and people (do they have a genuine interest?).

“The reality is, at the small college level, you will have to put in your time going from school to school to find the best fit and ultimately the best situation for the player and family. Doing the legwork, visiting school to school takes time and effort.”

Erica Demers, University of Cincinnati head women’s soccer coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “Club soccer, high school soccer, camps, inviting coaches to training sessions. Starting point – contact the coaches at the school you are interested in – personalize the email, 5-minute highlight film, sending in your schedule within that, etc.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “One big one for me is when the parent makes first contact rather than the player. Important that the PLAYER shows interest and make this process theirs with the support of their parent.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Enjoy it! The recruiting process can be a lot, but what a great opportunity in front of these young players.”

Brooks Doughtie, Northern Kentucky University head triathlon coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “Work hard in your sport and be in communication with your current coaches on college plans. Use recruiting contact information that you will be active with and accessible to with college coaches.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “When a college coach reaches out, responding in a timely manner helps tremendously. Communicating your academic and athletic goals will streamline the process for both parties. When communicating with college coaches, I would suggest that parents allow the student-athletes to ask the questions initially and create an ability to talk with the coach. Once that’s established, parents can engage in the conversation with questions.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Enjoy the process, it’s a fun time to be a student-athlete visiting various campuses and talking to coaches. Find the program and school that fits your academic and athletic needs, as you want this to feel like your next home!”

Andy Frye, Centre College head football coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: Frye said athletes should first let their high school head coach know that they’re interested in playing in college. Also, they should put together a highlight video especially showing traits that can’t be coached, such as speed, agility, aggressiveness, passion and relentlessness.

It’s a good idea to add big plays to highlight videos and showcase versatility, whether that means playing both ways or on special teams. Frye said academics play into recruiting as well, with GPA, class rank and AP, honors or dual credit coursework is considered.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: Frye cautions against choosing a school just based on football. Other factors to consider include potential for internships or abroad experiences, other extracurriculars offered, the outcomes a degree from a given institution provides and the resources it provides to promote academic success.

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: Frye advises narrowing down to three schools that are showing serious interest and gaining as much information as possible about them. Overnight visits, sitting in on a class, meeting professors, learning about the social life and getting to know coaches better can help athletes make informed decisions. He also advises not choosing solely on cost, but finding a school that is affordable but gives the best value and experience possible.

Elizabeth Hart, Northern Kentucky University head volleyball coach

Hart made four points about recruiting.

  1. “A lot of times, programs and coaches are looking to fill specific needs for each class based on position.  Therefore, programs might not always need that position even though the recruit is talented.”
  2. “Be prepared on your phone call or campus visit with coaches and players to ask questions. Also be prepared to answer a version of ‘What is the recruit looking for or what is most important to them?'”
  3. “How to get noticed… obviously, recruiting a position we need. We look at their talent, but also how the recruit interacts with coaches, teammates, and their parents.”
  4. “Common mistakes… I just think it is important to be yourself.  It is more important to find the right fit for both sides.” 

Steve Kruse, Northern Kentucky University head track and field and cross country coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “Certainly be a stand-out in your sport, for individual (Olympic sports), the further you can get in the OHSAA or KHSAA postseason, the more likely that you’ll be noticed. A strong academic presence is gold, because an athlete will traditionally find more academic scholarships available than athletic scholarships. Do community service events – A) you never know what connections you may make. B) Get used to it, if you do end up participating in athletics at the next level, there will be a community service component attached to it.”

Q: What common mistakes to parents and athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “The biggest misconception of intercollegiate athletics is that scholarship money is plentiful and easy to obtain. There is nothing further from the truth.”

Kruse tells athletes to realize they’re not just competing with fellow high school seniors from their area. In fact, they’re competing with seniors and transfers from all over the world. He advises athletes to start the college search no later than junior year and have a clear understanding of which programs are a fit. It’s important to check which majors and programs a university has.

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “When narrowing your college choices, ask yourself if you would attend that institution if you were not an athlete. Start with the academic program that you want and work that angle first. If your top choices happen to offer your sport, that’s the cherry on top.”

Kruse also listed a few questions athletes should ask coaches before making any final decisions:

  • Does your program redshirt freshmen? Will I contribute as a freshman?
  • What is the common path for an athlete like me through each year of school?
  • What are the expectations for an athlete in this program on a weekly basis?
  • How does this program handle when an athlete gets injured and is it different if it’s in the offseason or outside of team activities?
  • How does this program handle class conflicts with practice and competitions, and how many team members travel?

Sean McGinnis, Thomas More University head men’s lacrosse coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “The best way for high school lacrosse athletes to get noticed is to use a variety of recruiting opportunities. College coaches want to see you play in many different formats, from your high school team, club events, showcases and prospect camps. Being proactive and emailing coaches is always a good way to get on a coach’s radar too. Recruiting is a two-way street, and both coach and recruit need to be proactive in their communication. 

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “Trying to do and be everywhere over the summer recruiting period. As a recruit, you have the control over your process of getting seen and recruited. Go to the events that will give you the most impact with your recruitment. You don’t have to keep up with others. It’s a personal journey for you and your family, finding the right academic institution and home for the next four years.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Our recruitment process is really a two-year process. It starts your junior year, usually in the fall. We want to start the relationship-building process with you and your family so that you have multiple opportunities to visit campus and get immersed with our coaches and players. So, start early!

“In your junior year, you should be researching and getting the conversation started with colleges you are interested in. By the time the summer of your senior year comes around, you should have a list of schools you are interested in and are interested in you. This will help alleviate some stress in the process and help you navigate your recruitment to the best fit possible.”

Jeff Newman, Mount St. Joseph University head baseball coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “At the end of the day, pure talent and skill still matter most. Coaches are always looking for the best players available. That being said, especially in a baseball-rich area like Cincinnati, there are a LOT of talented athletes. Once a player catches our eye on the field, we start looking for what separates them beyond just ability.

“Some of the biggest ‘separators’ at the college level are (in no particular order): work ethic, attitude, body language, baseball IQ, leadership, hustle, GRIT, resilience and communication skills. Different coaches and programs value certain qualities more than others, but all of these are key pieces to build a successful roster. You could write a whole article on these ‘separators’ alone.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “A common mistake we see is having unrealistic expectations. Many athletes and families believe they should be playing at a higher level than what might truly be the best fit. That mindset can unintentionally close doors that would have led to a great college experience, both athletically and academically. 

“Another issue is a lack of understanding of the current recruiting landscape. With recent changes like tighter roster restrictions (D1 baseball is going from 40 roster spots in 2025 to 34 roster spots in 2026) and with the increased use of the transfer portal, there are fewer opportunities available than in years past. I believe it is important to stay informed and open-minded when looking at all the different levels available.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Do your research. Athletes and families should take time to understand the college athletic environment and where they might realistically fit into it. Also, excel in the classroom. I can’t express this one enough. Academics often unlock more scholarship money than athletic performance alone. And finally, do whatever you can to develop physically. The more athletic, strong and durable you are, the more opportunities you will have to compete at the next level.”

Russ Peterson, Miami University director of track and field and cross country

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “For high school athletes in cross country and track and field, getting noticed by college coaches boils down to a combination of performance, academic strength, and proactive communication.”

Peterson said Miami looks at the following things: Athletes whose times and stats fit what Miami is looking for; Athletes with good grades, especially a GPA of 3.5 or higher.

He said the best way to get on programs’ radars is to reach out directly to schools that are a good fit both athletically and academically. In those communications, it’s important to provide coaches with personal best marks in primary events, realistic goals for the upcoming season and current GPA. Miami, like many schools, has an official recruiting form, which can be found on the school’s athletic website or the team’s Instagram profile.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: One mistake Peterson sees recruits make often is relying on third-party sources for recruiting standards. The best way to find out what a program is looking for is by reaching out directly to the event coach. It is also important not to overlook academic requirements (or even better, get high grades so they don’t matter). Peterson recommends starting to communicate with colleges just after an athlete’s sophomore year. It is also important to provide coaches with official, verifiable marks, such as those found on Milesplit.com.

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: One important thing is to eventually narrow down to two or three schools, as deciding between five or 10 can be overwhelming. Peterson recommends evaluating the following five factors when trying to narrow down a list.

  1. Can I be successful academically?
  2. Can I be successful athletically?
  3. Can I have a good relationship with the coaches?
  4. Do I fit the team’s culture?
  5. Financially, is it the right place for me?

Katie Robinson, Wittenberg University head women’s soccer coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: After an athlete does her research and identified the schools that check their boxes, a good next step is to look at the team’s website and try to find a recruit questionnaire. Filling this out will usually put you on an email list so you hear about camps a program is hosting or attending and other admissions materials. It can also help to contact coaches directly, highlighting what about their school is interesting. It can help to invite a coach to watch a game or send film.

“Stay Active!” Robinson said. “Recruiting is relationship building. The more consistent you are with the communication, the more you develop a relationship with the coaches and the more invested you and the coach get.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: Robinson said that parents should not be emailing coaches on behalf of their children. She said athletes should create their own email that is appropriate and professional, and they should make sure to use spell check and proofread the email before it’s sent. (Did you spell the school’s name right? Did you put the “University” or “College” in the right place?) Athletes also shouldn’t be afraid to ask coaches where they would fit in on the team.

“Ask yourself what you need to be happy and then be honest with yourself,” Robinson said. “Is it being a starter all four years and being a big impact player? Is it contributing with little playing time? Would you be okay with not getting on the field but being part of a championship program? This is pivotal in finding the right fit.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: Robinson emphasized the importance of having an open mind and not putting all eggs in one basket. NCAA roster caps and changes to eligibility will transform the recruiting landscape in the coming years, and roster spots could become even more limited in the future. Every person’s recruiting process is unique, and Robinson said “Do not get caught up in what your peers, friends or teammates have going on in their recruiting process. You are uniquely you.”

“I truly believe if someone wants to play college soccer, there is a place for you to play. You just have to find the right fit, which means you have to do your homework.”

Tom Watts, Ohio Wesleyan University head football coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: Watts advises creating a free X account that includes the athlete’s legal name, high school, graduation year, cell phone number and a link to updated Hudl film. Once the account is created, he advises to start following and reaching out to chosen schools and see what kind of contact is returned. He also said it’s a good idea to build relationships with coaches and programs an athlete has interest in and making sure to set up visits at different times (such as junior day, gameday or official visits) to see more of what a school offers.

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: Watts said it can be a red flag when a parent is the primary contact for a recruit, saying “parents are important, and they can always ask questions, but coaches need to see a player’s personality.” He said it is another red flag if parents speak poorly about high school coaches and teammates.

“To parents, be a part of the recruiting process, but be in the background and try to make sure questions are running through your son to the coach,” Watts said.

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Don’t be stressed,” Watts said. “Don’t get caught up in facilities and material things. Those all have a role to play, but the main thing that will give you a positive experience is the people you surround yourself with.”

Kevin Woodhull-Smith, Northern Kentucky University head swimming coach

Q: What is the best way for athletes to get noticed?

A: “The best way for an athlete to get noticed is to have an accurate profile on a recruiting website. We usually use Swimcloud or NCSA. They can also send the coaching staff an email showing their interest in joining the NKU swim team. This is an easy way to start the recruiting process because the coach will know the prospective student-athlete is already interested.”

Q: What common mistakes do parents or athletes make during recruiting, and how can they avoid them?

A: “A common mistake some athletes make is that think they are too fast or too slow for a specific school. Every team’s needs are different and each team’s recruiting needs are unique for each season. Athletes can avoid this mistake by contacting the coaches and asking questions.

“Some parents can take over the recruiting process too much. Parents should be involved in helping, but the athlete will soon be entering college and will need to have some independence. It is a balance between helping too much and not being involved in the process. Communication between the parents and athletes can help avoid this mistake.”

Q: Are there any other tips you have?

A: “Make sure your recruiting profiles have accurate contact and athletic information. Coaches often rely on recruiting services to contact athletes, so the contact information needs to be correct.

“Send a well-thought-out email to a coach if you have any interest in their team. I try to respond to each recruit to let them know if they would be a good fit or if they should look at a different school.”



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