College-selection process a demanding yet rewarding journey

By Chuck Grillo

 

The first thought that enters my mind when I hear a player would like to go to a particular university is, “What are they going to do when the university they want to attend isn't chasing them down?”

 

Like it not, your life becomes a business at an early age when you have a talent.  It's in your best interest to go where you’re wanted.  Be patient.  Be open-minded.  History shows that players succeed when the coach believes in them and they believe in the coach.  There are schools with tradition and there are schools where you can help establish tradition. 

 

Don’t spend too much time promoting yourself to others.  People in charge have their own style of managing and judging you.  Once they make that judgment, they’re no different than the next person.  They’ll try to prove their assessment of you is accurate.

 

Over-involved parents also have a way of turning people off.  I don't know too many coaches who want a 2-for-1 deal where they get the parents with the player.  I also know a lot of coaches who appreciate the parents that support and believe in the program through the good and bad times.

 

Every year I’m witness to countless athletes whose careers are on hold.  Very few have colleges and pros seeking them out, and a number of them even take time to seek colleges and junior teams out by making unofficial visits with hopes that showing interest will define their careers.  The bottom line is that character, perseverance, courage, training, talent and performance will determine the future.

 

With the exception of a select few - meaning those who can dictate where and when they want to go - players should count their blessings when a school steps up and offers them a Division I scholarship.

 

Visit the schools that show interest, and/or make an offer, but make the decision while weighing both the positives and negatives – it’s that simple.

 

If you’re not interested, the proper way to address that situation is to call the coach immediately and tell them that you appreciate the offer.  Your immediate response gives others an indication of your character and word does get around in our small hockey world.

 

I know a lot of players whose impression of a school changed the second they stepped onto the campus and entered the locker room.  Before you sign, make a list of every item that concerns you.  Ask a lot of questions, and seek advice from athletes who are in similar situations.

 

You have to know if your housing, meals, books and tuition are covered and what costs are not covered.  Are there tutors to help you through the tougher classes?  If you need special assistance because of a learning disability, for example, ask if that’s available.

 

Know the ticket situation in regards to your immediate family and also what equipment is provided by the school.  Ask about five years to complete four years.  Graduate assistantships for life after hockey are also a consideration.

 

Examine the team's depth chart: Do you fit in with the other players on and off the ice?  What are your chances of playing regularly and in critical moments?  There’s a positive correlation between minutes played and development.  Word of mouth doesn't cut it nowadays, so have everything in writing before you sign your tender.

 

Once you sign, be prompt, go to class early, get to know your instructors, sit in the front row, take good notes and represent the hockey team in a first-class manner.  Develop as many relationships with school employees as possible.  You’ll no doubt need letters of recommendation for jobs one day; you don’t get those from your immediate family.