I was invited to Bowdoin women’s basketball “Junior Day” when I’m only a sophomore. The coach’s email specified that I was identified as a top recruit in class of 2018.
The agenda for the day includes:
Meet the team & the coaching staff
Tour campus with our student-athletes
Enjoy skills, drills and competitive games
Eat lunch in the Bowdoin dining hall
Learn more about Bowdoin and our program
Does this indicate that the coach is interested in me? Since I was invited as a sophomore, does this mean that the coach is particularly interested in pursuing me? Is this worth going to? Keep in mind that they are charging $60. I don’t think I would deem this a “scam” for that amount, only if they were charging over $200 or something.
I genuinely am charmed by most of the NESCAC schools, and I would be ecstatic to be recruited to play at Midd, Bowdoin, Bates, etc. I don’t think I could get into any of these schools without a hook, and basketball could be my hook. I have the grades and extracurricular activities, but I’m a spitting image of almost every other NESCAC school applicant from the Northeast. I’m a great writer, but I can’t foresee how impressive or unimpressive my college essays will be. I think basketball could open up doors for me at these schools.
Thank you, all comments are appreciated.
Also, I am a white female. Not sure if that helps, just thought I’d inform you guys.
I think we can say yes. I would go and see if you like it.
Is it a personalized communication to your directly, seems to be more of a form email?
My kid has gotten email invitations to camps which are definitely group lists and say things like “Our staff saw you perform at x showcase and identified you as a top prospect for the class of **. Please come to our camp.” But he has also gotten emails from coaches which were definitely individual communications from the coach to him.
Seems worthwhile in any event to participate and start to get a feel for the process as a 10th grader. Good luck!
Seems to be personalized, I emailed them back and the coach emailed me back almost immediately. Thanks for the comments! I hope they really are interested.
Middlebury runs clinics in the summers for a lot of sports. They are money makers for the coaches, but they can also help with some recruiting. It could be a good way to meet the coach, get a feel for the coach, how you stack up against other players.
You need good grades, good test scores to be considered down the road.
My son went last summer for a clinic and decided he wouldn’t want to attend there. We made it into a little trip to VT so it was fun anyways. I wouldn’t be spending a lot of $$ trying to attend though if you aren’t serious about it. Instead, I’d spend the money at one of the local basketball camps that has a wide selection of coaches attending for more visibility. The only coaches at the Middlebury camp will be from Middlebury.
Good luck!
They may be charging the $60 fee because they aren’t allowed to spend money on potential recruits visit that’s not an official visit that has it’s on set of restrictions, etc. This doesn’t sound like a money maker like camps that cost 100s of dollars or more to attend.
Depends how many kids go. At the lax clinic, I think it was around $100. Multiple that by 100 plus kids and you have a nice one day pay out. Granted, split with multiple coaches. If the basketball coach gets 25 kids, that’s a solid days work.
I emailed the coach. 20 girls expected. Should I feel confident that the coach is definitely interested - it’s specifically a “Junior Day” and I was invited as a sophomore, I’m just curious. Hopefully I really am one of their “top recruits” for the class of 2018. Thanks for all of the helpful comments!
Wow, congratulations! It’s a great program and I hope you enjoy your visit.
@macd123, I think that you can be confident that the coach is interested. This is NOT a “clinic” or a “camp” it’s a “Junior Day” where athletes that the coach is interested in are invited to attend. It gives both parties get a chance to get to know one another and they usually are very worth while.
Having said all that, remember that there are different levels of interest from coaches and their interest can change over time. It’s early in your process and great to have them show this level of interest now, but keep up your skills and continue to excel in school. At a school like Bowdoin, your transcript (difficulty of classes), grades and test scores will be very important.
Congratulations and good luck!
Also remember they are interested in you due to your athletic skills but now they want to get to know your character to see if they remain interested. Put your best foot forward - it’s not just athletics for a school like that.
You’re absolutely right. I plan on just being myself; charismatic, engaging, and virtuous.
I was thinking of approaching the head coach and introducing myself and shaking her hand, opposed to her approaching me. I don’t know if other prospects would consider this as too “bold” or a “kiss up” kind of move. I’m an all business type of student/athlete; I’m not going to be there to solely play basketball and see the campus, I need to make a name for myself and really leave a mark on the coaching staff with both my basketball abilities and personality.
Are there any particular gestures you’d recommend for me for my day at Bowdoin? Is there anything I should specifically be asking about? I have several ideas in mind, just looking for an alternate perspective.
I think introducing yourself will show a maturity normally lacking at your age and if I were the coach, I’d be very pleased.
Research the school thoroughly - academically and athletically.
Academically through their website, the board here on CC, whatever you can find. Be able to talk about your interests though they may change as you progress through high school.
Research the team as much as possible. Do you play AAU? Can you talk to your high school coach or other coach about the Bowdoin team. Their playing style, their preferred defense, their offense. Whatever you can find out.
@Dolemite
Excellent, thank you for all of your help!