For students with dreams of studying abroad, a boarding school with an American curriculum is one of the best ways to ensure success both academically and through sports.

One of the greatest accomplishments a young athlete can attain is competing at a college level. College sports take great athleticism, dedication, and persistence. Coaches and recruiting are huge deciding factors when determining eligibility for collegiate teams. The right NCAA academy will help you prepare for academic and collegiate athletic success!

Although much work and perseverance are needed, success in the realm of NCAA college sports can open doorways to new worlds of possibilities. College sports provide a plethora of prospects for student-athletes academically and career-wise!

When students are given the opportunity to train and learn in a US prep school that prepares them to thrive in collegiate institutions, their chances for success are sounder. This is especially true for student-athletes looking to succeed according to NCAA standards.

So what does the NCAA look for in student-athletes, and how can they prepare themselves for these opportunities? That is precisely what will be discussed below.

What Is the NCAA?

The NCAA (National College Athletic Association) is a non-profit, member-led organization that regulates student athletics in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The organization is dedicated to the lifelong success and well-being of college athletes. The NCAA comprises 1,098 universities and colleges involved in over 100 athletic conferences.

The organization also works through athletic programs in colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. The NCAA is responsible for helping over 500,000 college student-athletes compete annually in college sports and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What does the NCAA look for in student-athletes?

The eligibility of student-athletes is based on many factors. A few of the most important of these factors are an athlete’s preparedness and amateurism status in the athletic world. Academic eligibility is another influential factor, and this is determined using test scores, coursework, and grade point average related to NCAA Core Courses.

Additionally, to thrive and succeed in playing college sports, making an excellent first impression on a coach is paramount. This can impact the future of a student in innumerable ways. Coaches working with the NCAA want to see how a student carries themself on and off the field. There are a few specific qualities that NCAA coaches look for in student-athletes.

Whether a Student is On or Off of the Field, Good Work Ethic is Crucial

If talent doesn’t work hard, hard work dominates talent. That is to say, work ethic is a critical component of success. Particularly, when trying to impress a coach. NCAA coaches are not only concerned with how well athletes perform, but they also want to see how well athletes prepare.

How hard an athlete trains and how they handle themselves off of the field is no small matter. Coaches want to see you earn good grades, volunteer in the community, get involved with other institutions, and put 100% effort into everything you do.

Successful athletes who spend hours in the weight room, study tapes, and work as hard as possible to perfect their game at every chance, are the candidates who find success with NCAA institutions.

Student-Athletes Must be Focused and Goal Oriented

Setting goals is one of the first steps to take toward turning your dreams into reality. Coaches pay attention to the athletes’ goals, and you must build a path to achieve your goals and show a coach that you are dedicated to success.

Even small goals count towards the big picture. Whether working for an additional 10 minutes before practice or completing specific academic achievements, smart goals can help a student achieve greatness.

Your goals should be specific, attainable, measurable, realistic, and time-bound. As you set goals, be specific about your intentions. Long-term goal charting is also helpful. To achieve long-term goals, set smaller goals and keep track of each milestone. If you wind up speaking with a college coach, they will likely ask you what your plans are for the season. This is an excellent opportunity to explain your organized and proactive goals.

You Have to Have Passion for the Game

You can’t teach someone how to play with heart. A love of the game is a remarkable thing! Displaying a true passion for the sport you play is very important. Passion and dedication help you push past your previous limitations and go the extra mile.

A coach can tell how passionate you are by how you play, interact with others, and carry yourself. Coaches want their players to care and be willing to do what it takes to make a difference on various levels.

Good Sportsmanship Matters

Your response to winning and losing is also an essential factor that coaches consider. Good sportsmanship is a characteristic of a true champion. How you relate to your opponents is just as important as how you relate to your teammates. Moreover, how you handle a loss is as important as how you celebrate after a win.

You want to show prospective coaches that you can carry yourself with grace, dignity, positivity, and finesse. Good character matters when training, playing, and after the season ends.

Qualities that Set You Appart in the Recruiting Process

Now, let’s discuss some other critical qualities that will set you apart when recruiting commences. Specifically, there are four more factors that have been consistently beneficial for young athletes when coaches start recruiting. These are winning habits, confidence, good academics, and how well an athlete fits in with a program.

Winning Habits

Winning habits are the things you do daily that help display your passion for athleticism. Whether that means going to the gym, talking about the game, or maintaining a positive attitude, players’ habits in their everyday lives are vital. Coaches want to know that their players have habits for a healthy lifestyle, display mindfulness, and stay focused during the off-season. Time management is one of the most important habits taught at Corvuss. We help ensure student-athletes manage the curriculum as well as balance and optimize their time on campus.

Good Academics

Being a dependable part of a team is essential. Coaches want to know they can rely on their players to follow through. This is one of the reasons that good academics are important. Academic focus shows maturity as well. In fact, understanding the value of education shows that a student-athlete is balanced, mature, and capable of handling success.

Corvuss academics docs on ensuring athletes and prepped and focused on academics just as much as their sports. The curriculum and hands-on learning help ensure higher grades, SAT scores, and chances of success at American universities.

Confidence

There is a difference between being confident and vain. Self-confidence and self-assurance are important. When balanced with gratefulness and humility, confidence can be an extremely positive attribute that NCAA basketball, football, and squash look for.

A Good Fit

Finally, coaches want to see that recruits will fit in well with the program. This includes academics, family dynamics, and teamwork. Things can be tricky with this particular attribute. Someone who is a great fit with one team may not be suited for a different team. This is also true for positions. Various variables go into being a good fit, so researching each team or program before recruiting starts can be beneficial.

At Corvuss, we have counselors and advisors who help students identify and then the best fit. Our coaches and international partners work with athletes to help match them with the right programs and connect with coaches who will stand with them every step of the way.

Corvuss American Sports Academy Prepares You for NCAA Recruiting

Looking for the best boarding school with an American curriculum? Corvuss is a US prep school and sports academy dedicated to helping young athletes reach the pinnacle of success. So, if you have been seeking the best avenue for your student athlete’s success in the NCAA, Corvuss American Academy is the perfect place to place your child starting in grade 6. This premier international boarding school equips student-athletes for success on the field, off the field, and abroad. Corvuss Sports American Academy offers an advanced American curriculum that prepares students for education and sports at American universities, success with the NCAA, and more.