My 07 just got an invite to junior day baseball event at USD. What is this? And is there any tips on what to look for, do, etc. Thanks!
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Congratulations Newcomer. That means he's on their radar...a very good first step.
They've probably sent the same invitation to dozens of potential players. I would go if you can...get to see the school (you are from the top half of the state), nice weekend away, meet the coaches, get a feel for the atmosphere.
It also demonstrates your son's interest in return...a good thing if USD is one of his choices.
Have fun and good luck!
They've probably sent the same invitation to dozens of potential players. I would go if you can...get to see the school (you are from the top half of the state), nice weekend away, meet the coaches, get a feel for the atmosphere.
It also demonstrates your son's interest in return...a good thing if USD is one of his choices.
Have fun and good luck!
newcomer
First of all be yourself
Dress normally with no hats to the side or backwards
Once there just follow the directions given--usually you will get a guided tour of the campus
Good luck--it is the first step in an exciting journey that you are embarking on
First of all be yourself
Dress normally with no hats to the side or backwards
Once there just follow the directions given--usually you will get a guided tour of the campus
Good luck--it is the first step in an exciting journey that you are embarking on
.
Newcomer...
congrats..USD is a great program, I hear nothing but good things about it officially and unofficially....
Good advice all...
In our experience Junior Day usually goes like this...arrival/welcome...meet the coaching staff...speech on program and Q/A...tour of baseball facilities...tour of Campus including dorms...often there is a meeting with the academic advisor stressing academics and Q/A...Lunch...Second meeting Q/A....watch ball game (or leave)...
Important things...yes, by all means dress properly...Introduce yourself, stand up straight and look the coaches in the eye...act like a ballplayer not a thug...be aware, you are being watched and evaluated...carefully observe the campus, the coaches, the players....Can you see yourself there?....Is it a good fit?...Your kind of student body?...Your kinds of players?....The way the coaching staff works?...The intereraction between players and coaches...Talk to other players and parents...you can learn a great deal from both.
Even if you CAN'T go...make sure that you call them and let them know that you are very interested...a solid line of communication has been offered, do not let it go....
Newcomer...
congrats..USD is a great program, I hear nothing but good things about it officially and unofficially....
Good advice all...
In our experience Junior Day usually goes like this...arrival/welcome...meet the coaching staff...speech on program and Q/A...tour of baseball facilities...tour of Campus including dorms...often there is a meeting with the academic advisor stressing academics and Q/A...Lunch...Second meeting Q/A....watch ball game (or leave)...
Important things...yes, by all means dress properly...Introduce yourself, stand up straight and look the coaches in the eye...act like a ballplayer not a thug...be aware, you are being watched and evaluated...carefully observe the campus, the coaches, the players....Can you see yourself there?....Is it a good fit?...Your kind of student body?...Your kinds of players?....The way the coaching staff works?...The intereraction between players and coaches...Talk to other players and parents...you can learn a great deal from both.
Even if you CAN'T go...make sure that you call them and let them know that you are very interested...a solid line of communication has been offered, do not let it go....
There is no limit on the number of Junior Days you can attend, so go to everyone possible. You can get a feel for the coach, facility, program, team and learn about the recruiting process. Most Jr. Days have an advisor that discusses recruiting guidelines. It is one of the best tools for determining your interest in a school. Even if it is not on your top list and you can go...DO. It will also give you an idea to base other visits on and help you compile questions for the future.
hit&run -
It could be many reasons, not all schools have a "Junior Day". IMO I would have your son get in contact with the coach and ask if there is any serious interest. I know it is not an easy thing for a player to do, but if this is their top school don't assume ... know. Your son could be giving up too soon or waiting on a school too long. For parents and players this is unknown territory but for coaches, its just part of the job. In our experience, most coaches will level with a player if asked. So never be hesitant to talk with any coach.
It could be many reasons, not all schools have a "Junior Day". IMO I would have your son get in contact with the coach and ask if there is any serious interest. I know it is not an easy thing for a player to do, but if this is their top school don't assume ... know. Your son could be giving up too soon or waiting on a school too long. For parents and players this is unknown territory but for coaches, its just part of the job. In our experience, most coaches will level with a player if asked. So never be hesitant to talk with any coach.
hit&run -
It's all a matter of your approach. If your son is respectful and starts his conversation with "how he enjoyed the camp" (this reminds the coach he has seen the player), then says something like "(name college) is on the top of my list of schools to play for" (lets coach know how interested he is) then says "I really would like to know if you are seriously interested in me as a recruit?". At this point in the conversation, the coach should be doing the talking. Your son needs to be prepared to receive both good or bad news, hold the emotions, and remember to say thank you. The coach will appreciate it and if there is not an interest the call may prompt the him to mention your son to another program. It's a small recruiting world. Just try to relax as much as possible. And don't forget to use the HSBBW when you have questions or just to vent. It can be very therapeutic!
It's all a matter of your approach. If your son is respectful and starts his conversation with "how he enjoyed the camp" (this reminds the coach he has seen the player), then says something like "(name college) is on the top of my list of schools to play for" (lets coach know how interested he is) then says "I really would like to know if you are seriously interested in me as a recruit?". At this point in the conversation, the coach should be doing the talking. Your son needs to be prepared to receive both good or bad news, hold the emotions, and remember to say thank you. The coach will appreciate it and if there is not an interest the call may prompt the him to mention your son to another program. It's a small recruiting world. Just try to relax as much as possible. And don't forget to use the HSBBW when you have questions or just to vent. It can be very therapeutic!
Since D1 schools can only invite 25 for official visits, junior day is the day they get to show off their facilities and their team before the serious recruiting begins.
The one and only junior day we went to had about 50 prospects and I understand the school had another one after that. It was instate but we had to travel so it was an expense. But after the visit he knew he wasn't interested in the program, so it did serve its purpose.
hit&run,
Most of the schools that recruited my son in the end never sent junior day invites. Being that they were from out of state,I have no idea if that was a factor.
The one and only junior day we went to had about 50 prospects and I understand the school had another one after that. It was instate but we had to travel so it was an expense. But after the visit he knew he wasn't interested in the program, so it did serve its purpose.
hit&run,
Most of the schools that recruited my son in the end never sent junior day invites. Being that they were from out of state,I have no idea if that was a factor.
In view of the fact that there can be quite a bit of difference in how various programs approach Junior Day, I'd suggest that you try to find out in advance what approach a program takes before you accept or decline an invitation.
To give you a sense of the extreme we encountered: one program used Junior Day to speak to a very select group of players and their families. That school actually put on 2 Junior Days; one that featured a practice, another that showcased a game, and they gave invitees their choice of either. At that school, only about 6-7 players and their families attended each of the two days. The schedule afforded players and parents, alike, a generous oportunity to get to know the school's players and coaches.
At the other extreme, another program invited approximately 60 players and their parents. We declined that invitation, in part because we'd already attended one that hosted around 30 players. We felt like that was simply too large to come away with a good feel for what the program was really like.
To give you a sense of the extreme we encountered: one program used Junior Day to speak to a very select group of players and their families. That school actually put on 2 Junior Days; one that featured a practice, another that showcased a game, and they gave invitees their choice of either. At that school, only about 6-7 players and their families attended each of the two days. The schedule afforded players and parents, alike, a generous oportunity to get to know the school's players and coaches.
At the other extreme, another program invited approximately 60 players and their parents. We declined that invitation, in part because we'd already attended one that hosted around 30 players. We felt like that was simply too large to come away with a good feel for what the program was really like.
What time of year do colleges usually hold their " Junior Day "??
Usually in the Jan.-Mar. period.
hit&run,
You have a pm.
Prepster,
Private junior days...cool, I like that!
You have a pm.
Prepster,
Private junior days...cool, I like that!
Junior Days do not make or break your being recruited.
If you choose not to go because of cost, send a letter to the coach explaining why you couldnt attend but reiterate your great interest their program.
Definitely attend ones locally. Coaches understand if you have to travel great distances and choose not to attend.
There is no private conversations with the coaches so dont expect anything more than being in a large group of early recruits herded around the campus.
It's a great sign you are on their radar. But, where you will fit into their recruiting needs still needs to determined.
Keep working hard this is the spring/summer you have been waiting for!
If you choose not to go because of cost, send a letter to the coach explaining why you couldnt attend but reiterate your great interest their program.
Definitely attend ones locally. Coaches understand if you have to travel great distances and choose not to attend.
There is no private conversations with the coaches so dont expect anything more than being in a large group of early recruits herded around the campus.
It's a great sign you are on their radar. But, where you will fit into their recruiting needs still needs to determined.
Keep working hard this is the spring/summer you have been waiting for!
quote:Definitely attend ones locally.
Yeah...unless, like one DI program here, you schedule your Junior Day the same morning that the SAT is administered!! LOL!!
