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CCA Recruited Athletes | Erin Coogan
CCA Recruited Athletes
by Erin Coogan High School is a constant race, a four year struggle to be the best, to be prepared for the future, and to ultimately get accepted into some renowned college. The fact is that high GPA’s alone no longer ensure admission into most universities, so students are looking towards alternative methods in order to develop personal dimension and create a competitive edge over other prospective students. Involvement in extracurricular activities such as the arts, special education, and particularly sports are points of intrigue among many colleges which offer scholarships and automatic admission to those who excel in their practice. By pursuing activities outside of the classroom, students can ensure successful futures by earning monetary scholarships and automatic admission to universities.
Many students here at Canyon Crest have been approached by college coaches who have shown interest in their abilities and have been presented the opportunity of possible recruitment. “It’s not an easy process,” explained junior, Ally Deremer, who has recently committed to the University of California, Davis for Women’s Division I lacrosse. “The biggest thing was participating in showcase tournaments with my club team where many colleges send coaches to scout high school players.” Getting noticed doesn’t stop there, but continues with an extensive, grueling process of emailing resumes and highlight videos to a multitude of schools.
Once recognized as a potential addition to a college team, students are not allowed to slack off in their academics or athletics. They may even have to uphold higher standards of excellence if they want to keep their offered position on the team. Kragen Metz, a junior who has recently committed to the University of Michigan for Division I field hockey, mentioned how her coach “requires [her] to maintain a high GPA (over 2.4 at all times) and continue working hard in [her] sports.” “Coaches stay in loose connection with all commits,” Deremer added, to ensure each student is still performing at exceptional levels both in the classroom and on the field.
Though recruitment does offer an opportunity of a lifetime, there are some disadvantages in committing to a university in the midst of high school. Jolie Rasmussen, a senior, recruited by the prestigious University of Oregon for Division I women’s volleyball, discussed her obligation to report for training ten days following her senior graduation. “I’ll be missing all of my summer, but it’s a small price to pay for the amazing blessing it is to play a D1 sport,” Rasmussen continued. All prospective recruits must be willing to prioritize and manipulate their schedules in order to remain successful.
Some recruited athletes participate in other sports besides the one which they were recruited for. Involvement in other sports can possibly lead to injury, a lost scholarship, or a lost passion. Metz, a three-sport athlete (field hockey, soccer, and track and field), commented, “Of course I’m a little hesitant to play other sports. However the coaches encourage it, and I would not give up my love for competition… If I get injured, there is still time for me to recover for the 2017 preseason.” However, possible injury is a constant worry for many recruited athletes, a somewhat threatening idea that may not be acknowledged prior to commitment with a school.
In addition, Deremer’s recent pledge to UCD lacrosse was confirmed just weeks before the start of the 2016 school lacrosse season. “It’s definitely a lot more pressure this year,” Ally explained, “Now that I’m an upperclassman, and since I’ve already committed, I definitely have to assume more of a leadership role, whereas before I didn’t have those same high expectations.” Teammates will now be looking at Ally as a person to aspire to, due to her success with lacrosse. Though truly honoring, this role can be challenging as well as frustrating as she still has room for self-improvement in preparation for her future endeavors.
Deremer, Metz, and Rasmussen are humble in regards to their present and future successes. They continue playing the sports they love, while working hard in the classroom in order to make the most of their high school experience, and prepare for their college experience. They believe that recruitment for college athletics is one of the most rewarding yet difficult endeavors of their high school careers and all three girls represent the success in which can come about through hard work, determination, and passion.