"Blue Chip" and "Recruited Athlete" technical meaning at USAFA.

Nice quote for recruiting coaches to consider during the recruiting season.....

"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters. " - Alan Simpson
 
Couple thoughts I had while I was out for 6 months on my ban from the forum, I will list these as "lessons learned". I am sure many will disagree with these statements, but this is what we learned working with a recruiting coach at USAFA.
1. If a coach asked your recruit to come visit their program, make sure they pay for your recruit's airfare. This helps determine if they are really willing to put a "little skin in the game". If they say they don't want to cover the airfare, then there's your sign, they are most likely using you as filler candidate. Most likely your time and your hard earned money to travel to visit their program will be lost.
2. If a coach asks your recruit if they have other offers from other programs, you may want to take this as a sign that they are feeling out the competition to see if they can wait list you longer until they have all their top last minute choices lined up. Your recruit may get the tap, if they have plenty of openings, which probably rarely happens.
3. If your recruit gets a letter that says something like " We are really excited to be recruiting and individual of your character, your academic credentials, and your athletic ability, and we are honored you have agreed to come to the Air Force Academy on a Campus Visit." , don't think this really means they are planning on recruiting your recruit, they most likely give these letters to everyone that visits their program.
I share this to let other recruits know to keep those plan B, C, and D's going strong now, before the May 1st decision deadlines by most of the NCAA D1 programs.
 
Tale of Two Candidates:
I really appreciated the insight on this thread and agree that those being recruited need to have a clearer picture about the SAs and how the nominations work. I know of the following:
Candidate #1 - recruited, agreed to play for SA in November, turned down other D1 offers, mid-January was told by coach "no room in the inn", as didn't win MOCs' slates couldn't get another nom, was too late to find a spot in alternate D1 or D2 schools (even without scholarship), settled for a D3 who at least had a spot
Candidate #2 - recruited, also has presidential nom just in case wasn't MOC winner, had appointment in November

Candidate #1 felt really betrayed by SA, but really didn't understand the process. Obviously, couldn't commit to another school while committing to play for SA, but thought was a "guaranteed" appointment.
 
Tale of Two Candidates:
I really appreciated the insight on this thread and agree that those being recruited need to have a clearer picture about the SAs and how the nominations work. I know of the following:
Candidate #1 - recruited, agreed to play for SA in November, turned down other D1 offers, mid-January was told by coach "no room in the inn", as didn't win MOCs' slates couldn't get another nom, was too late to find a spot in alternate D1 or D2 schools (even without scholarship), settled for a D3 who at least had a spot
Candidate #2 - recruited, also has presidential nom just in case wasn't MOC winner, had appointment in November

Candidate #1 felt really betrayed by SA, but really didn't understand the process. Obviously, couldn't commit to another school while committing to play for SA, but thought was a "guaranteed" appointment.
Ours was 3Q, MOC nom, 4+GPA, solid SAT's, captain two sports, leadership awards, and told "no room in the inn" in May. The late notice of rejection in May is the part that was most concerning to us. Notice in mid April would have given us some limited time to work some other recruiting scenarios much more intensely. We all have moved on with our lives, but I do find some small satisfaction in warning others so that they don't have to go through the same disappointment in May.
 
All,

If your goal is to play on an intercollegiate team and then serve your country and you are a marginal D1 recruit or you just want a backup, then apply to Coast Guard. Although it is a D3 school, you are likely to get more love from the coach. If your academic credentials are acceptable you are likely to get an offer. No nomination required.
 
Ours was 3Q, MOC nom, 4+GPA, solid SAT's, captain two sports, leadership awards, and told "no room in the inn" in May. The late notice of rejection in May is the part that was most concerning to us. Notice in mid April would have given us some limited time to work some other recruiting scenarios much more intensely. We all have moved on with our lives, but I do find some small satisfaction in warning others so that they don't have to go through the same disappointment in May.

Are you referring to the rejection of not receiving an appointment? Or the rejection of not being on the sports team? What do you mean “warning others”?

There are still kids waiting to hear this time in the appointment cycle every year. Unfortunately it’s the nature of how it all works. It’s always prudent and recommended to have a solid Plan B in place.
 
Ours was 3Q, MOC nom, 4+GPA, solid SAT's, captain two sports, leadership awards, and told "no room in the inn" in May. The late notice of rejection in May is the part that was most concerning to us. Notice in mid April would have given us some limited time to work some other recruiting scenarios much more intensely. We all have moved on with our lives, but I do find some small satisfaction in warning others so that they don't have to go through the same disappointment in May.

Are you referring to the rejection of not receiving an appointment? Or the rejection of not being on the sports team? What do you mean “warning others”?

There are still kids waiting to hear this time in the appointment cycle every year. Unfortunately it’s the nature of how it all works. It’s always prudent and recommended to have a solid Plan B in place.
Yes, Yes, and keep the plan B on the other front burner
 
Our experience going through the recruiting process was fairly clear. When my DD was truly being actively recruited by a school she knew it. My DD received letters from various schools showing interest and she reached out to additional schools she was also interested in. For the schools truly interested in recruiting her there were continual phone calls and texts with various staff all through the months long process, a pitch to get her to the campus for a paid official visit and a pitch once she was there. They also verbally said we want your DD to commit and will help get nom if necessary. She was told to apply to every nomination source and if one wasn’t received she would be provided one. She received a nom on her own. She made sure EVERY aspect of her application was stellar so there would be no weak spots. She wasn’t taking any chances. An athlete shouldn’t assume the sport will necessarily get them over other weak areas in their app.

If an athlete doesn’t have this level of continual recruitment and verbally told tbey’re a top recruit then I definitely would not assume anything. If my DD would have had to reach out to schools for any kind of continual confirmation from them, that would have been a sign to her to make sure her other options were lined up.

And I think the most important factor as a parent is to stay out of the process as much as possible. The relationship should be driven by the recruit and the school. Schools will let the parents know when/if they want your feedback or interaction but mostly they want all interactions to be with the athlete. From our experience, I can definitely see schools being turned off if parents are too involved.
 
Last edited:
Our experience going through the recruiting process was fairly clear. When my DD was truly being actively recruited by a school she knew it. My DD received letters from various schools showing interest and she reached out to additional schools she was also interested in. For the schools truly interested in recruiting her there were continual phone calls and texts with various staff all through the months long process, a pitch to get her to the campus for a paid official visit and a pitch once she was there. They also verbally said we want your DD to commit and will help get nom if necessary. She was told to apply to every nomination source and if one wasn’t received she would be provided one. She received a nom on her own. She made sure EVERY aspect of her application was stellar so there would be no weak spots. She wasn’t taking any chances. An athlete shouldn’t assume the sport will necessarily get them over other weak areas in their app.

If an athlete doesn’t have this level of continual recruitment and verbally told tbey’re a top recruit then I definitely would not assume anything. If my DD would have had to reach out to schools for any kind of continual confirmation from them, that would have been a sign to her to make sure her other options were lined up.

And I think the most important factor as a parent is to stay out of the process as much as possible. The relationship should be driven by the recruit and the school. Schools will let the parents know when/if they want your feedback or interaction but mostly they want all interactions to be with the athlete. From our experience, I can definitely see schools being turned off if parents are too involved.
These are all excellent points. Totally agree!
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
This is an excellent point. Totally agree. That's worth repeating for sure!
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in? My money is on the first. I'm right, aren't I?
 
Last edited:
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in? My money is on the first. I'm right, aren't I?
Is there a link between birth order and level of obsessiveness by parent? If so, I think it might be an interesting read.
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in?
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in? My money is on the first. I'm right, aren't I?
Is there a link between birth order and level of obsessiveness by parent? If so, I think it might be an interesting read.
We already know it was child 2 who didn't get in. The academy's experience with child 1 and his or her parents will be taken into consideration on the application of child 2.
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in?
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in? My money is on the first. I'm right, aren't I?
Is there a link between birth order and level of obsessiveness by parent? If so, I think it might be an interesting read.
We already know it was child 2 who didn't get in. The academy's experience with child 1 and his or her parents will be taken into consideration on the application of child 2.
Wow, I did not know that was factored in. Learn something every day.
 
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in?
An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

Let me say that again:

An obsessive parent will cause their kid to be de-selected.

As a parent, let your kid handle all communication with the coach (outside of the official visit meeting with coach if you are present). Also, be realistic about where your kid's talent stacks up. If they are marginal for the school, then nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says, so don't overestimate the school's interest. If your kid is also entirely average academically, then again, nothing is guaranteed no matter what anyone says. Overestimating your kid's athletic standing and competitiveness as a candidate is a recipe for disappointment
After further reflection. I may have agreed too quickly. I believe I obsessed equally over both our recruits. One got accepted and one did not. So I really can't say for sure that theory holds water. Sorry for the flip floppy-ness.
Did the first child or the second child get in? My money is on the first. I'm right, aren't I?
Is there a link between birth order and level of obsessiveness by parent? If so, I think it might be an interesting read.
We already know it was child 2 who didn't get in. The academy's experience with child 1 and his or her parents will be taken into consideration on the application of child 2.
Wow, I did not know that was factored in. Learn something every day.
Actually I am going to go ahead and take the bait here Korab, so other than attending 4 years of parents weekends and a graduation, what other interactions should a parent have with the academy?
 
Can a coach and SA offer an appointment without an application being done? Dobmerb not complete? Can they do like a pre-read and offer?
A friend went on an official visit and committed... But hasn't done the application, nom, CFA, or dobmer yet.
 
Back
Top