My name is Wendy Marshall Martin and I am the Business Manager for Alpha Factor.  I was a collegiate coach for over 7 years at the University of Maryland and I currently hold the Awards Chairperson position for the National Association for Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women.   I earned a full athletic scholarship to the University of Michigan and was a 10-Time All-American.   

With my knowledge and experience of recruiting and the collegiate community I have provided some tips below to help you and your athletes be ahead of the recruiting process. 

1. When do I start contacting collegiate coaches about my athletes?
Freshman year of High School needs to be the teasers of your athletes, but if their skill level is not where it needs to be do not promote them yet, a coach can lose interest before the athletes even have a chance to learn about them. 
 
2. When do I make a video and send it to the coaches?
June, before your athletes Junior Year is the perfect time to send a video, with a follow-up video in September. The September video will show what your athletes have learned over the summer and plan on competing for the year.  Make sure your athletes skill level is appropriate for the universities they are choosing. 

3. What questions do I ask the collegiate coaches?
What skill level are they looking for?  How many scholarships are available for the recruiting year you are interested in? Do you take walk-ons?  If my athlete is invited to tryout does that mean she will automatically be on the team?

4. Are there any recruiting programs out there for someone to come in and explain to my parents and athletes the recruiting process?
Victory Recruiting
Tom Kovic
610-497-2969
www.victoryrecruiting.com

Additional Recruiting Resources:
To view a PowerPoint Presentation of “The Insider’s Guide to College Gymnastics” by Mike Lorenzen, President of National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women click here.