3 answers
Marlee
Student
Versailles, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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How dod i get to those levels of goals?
I am in the 9th grade and i want to become a pro softball player but i’m broke and i cant get to those goals so i am trying my hardest to get a scholarship to i can achieve my dreams please help me do so
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1058
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I am a big advocate of what are called Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters for potential student athletes, because sometimes, we may not be recruited or noticed by coaches or recruited by the athletic staff of a college or university. So, we need to go to them and advocate for our skills, abilities and inquire about athletic programs and financial aid opportunities.
The athletes at these institutions receive financial aid through need-based grants, merit-based scholarships (for academics and other achievements), and federal aid like Pell Grants, or full or partial scholarships that are funded through the schools.
To maximize their financial aid, student-athletes should apply for aid using forms like the FAFSA, focus on strong academics and extracurriculars to qualify for merit aid, and research each institution's specific financial policies and find the most advantageous and generous financial aid packages. I worked with several athletes, who were interested in attending NCAA and NAIA schools, and the coaches, at these colleges, and athletic staff were very helpful in coming up with helpful solutions to this issue, and assisted the athletes in finding the financial aid that they qualified for.
To help assist the staff (and yourself), I would create something called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to the coaches of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and is much like a Job Resume and Cover Letter. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, but with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying out for the college or university sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various college and university coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about athletics and academic and financial aid possibilities on their campus.
College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
The athletes at these institutions receive financial aid through need-based grants, merit-based scholarships (for academics and other achievements), and federal aid like Pell Grants, or full or partial scholarships that are funded through the schools.
To maximize their financial aid, student-athletes should apply for aid using forms like the FAFSA, focus on strong academics and extracurriculars to qualify for merit aid, and research each institution's specific financial policies and find the most advantageous and generous financial aid packages. I worked with several athletes, who were interested in attending NCAA and NAIA schools, and the coaches, at these colleges, and athletic staff were very helpful in coming up with helpful solutions to this issue, and assisted the athletes in finding the financial aid that they qualified for.
To help assist the staff (and yourself), I would create something called an Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, to send to the coaches of the colleges and universities you are interested in attending.
It is exactly what it sounds like, and is much like a Job Resume and Cover Letter. Except with a Job Resume and Cover Letter, you will be trying out for a job, but with the Athletic Resume and Cover Letter, you will be applying and trying out for the college or university sports team.
There are many examples of these Athletic Resume's and Cover Letters found online. Basically you will be emphasizing to the coach all about your athletic abilities, strengths, positions you played, school and state accomplishments and successes, athletic awards, future goals, and your future academic plans. Introduce the resume, and yourself, to the coach by utilizing the cover letter.
When you complete the Resume and Cover Letter, send it to the various college and university coaches, via postal service letter, directly to their office on the college campus. You see they literally receive thousands of emails each week, but if you contact them via a written letter, it will land directly on their desk, and they are most likely going to respond and send you information on their program and about athletics and academic and financial aid possibilities on their campus.
College coaches do seem to enjoy getting a personal letter in the regular mail, than getting an email. It shows you are serious and are willing to make an effort in continuing your athletic career. I hope this has been helpful, Good luck in achieving your future athletic and academic goals.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Marlee,
Blueprint for Your Journey to Professional Softball Stardom
To turn your dream of becoming a professional softball player into reality, even in the face of financial hurdles, here's a step-by-step plan to help you secure a scholarship and make your dream come true:
1. Sharpen Your Skills: Regular practice is key to mastering your softball skills. Participate in camps, clinics, and workshops to up your game. Seek guidance from coaches to further refine your abilities.
2. Shine in School: Good grades are vital when targeting a sports scholarship. Colleges often seek student-athletes who are stars both on the field and in the classroom. Aim for high grades to boost your chances of landing a scholarship.
3. Showcase Your Talent: Compile a highlight video that displays your softball skills and achievements. This video can be a powerful tool during the recruitment process, catching the eye of college coaches and showing off your potential.
4. Scout for Scholarships: Investigate various scholarship opportunities for softball players. Consider both athletic scholarships from colleges and universities and external scholarships from organizations and foundations that support student-athletes.
5. Connect with Coaches: Proactively contact college coaches at the schools you're interested in. Show your enthusiasm for their softball program and ask about possible scholarship opportunities. Building rapport with coaches can lead to scholarship offers.
6. Network: Build relationships with other players, coaches, and members of the softball community who can offer guidance or support in your scholarship quest. Networking can uncover new opportunities and provide valuable insights into the recruitment process.
7. Stay Driven and Steadfast: Reaching your goal of becoming a pro softball player will demand dedication, effort, and tenacity. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay strong when faced with obstacles, and continually strive to elevate your game.
By adhering to this plan and staying true to your goal, you can boost your odds of securing a scholarship that will set you on the path to a career as a professional softball player.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The NCAA offers invaluable information on college athletics, including guidelines for student-athletes pursuing scholarships and participating in collegiate sports programs.
USA Softball: As the national governing body for softball in the United States, USA Softball provides resources for players aiming to enhance their skills, compete at higher levels, and explore opportunities in the sport.
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA): The NFCA promotes the growth and development of fastpitch softball at all levels, offering educational resources, coaching tips, and insights into the recruitment process for aspiring student-athletes.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Blueprint for Your Journey to Professional Softball Stardom
To turn your dream of becoming a professional softball player into reality, even in the face of financial hurdles, here's a step-by-step plan to help you secure a scholarship and make your dream come true:
1. Sharpen Your Skills: Regular practice is key to mastering your softball skills. Participate in camps, clinics, and workshops to up your game. Seek guidance from coaches to further refine your abilities.
2. Shine in School: Good grades are vital when targeting a sports scholarship. Colleges often seek student-athletes who are stars both on the field and in the classroom. Aim for high grades to boost your chances of landing a scholarship.
3. Showcase Your Talent: Compile a highlight video that displays your softball skills and achievements. This video can be a powerful tool during the recruitment process, catching the eye of college coaches and showing off your potential.
4. Scout for Scholarships: Investigate various scholarship opportunities for softball players. Consider both athletic scholarships from colleges and universities and external scholarships from organizations and foundations that support student-athletes.
5. Connect with Coaches: Proactively contact college coaches at the schools you're interested in. Show your enthusiasm for their softball program and ask about possible scholarship opportunities. Building rapport with coaches can lead to scholarship offers.
6. Network: Build relationships with other players, coaches, and members of the softball community who can offer guidance or support in your scholarship quest. Networking can uncover new opportunities and provide valuable insights into the recruitment process.
7. Stay Driven and Steadfast: Reaching your goal of becoming a pro softball player will demand dedication, effort, and tenacity. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay strong when faced with obstacles, and continually strive to elevate your game.
By adhering to this plan and staying true to your goal, you can boost your odds of securing a scholarship that will set you on the path to a career as a professional softball player.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association): The NCAA offers invaluable information on college athletics, including guidelines for student-athletes pursuing scholarships and participating in collegiate sports programs.
USA Softball: As the national governing body for softball in the United States, USA Softball provides resources for players aiming to enhance their skills, compete at higher levels, and explore opportunities in the sport.
National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA): The NFCA promotes the growth and development of fastpitch softball at all levels, offering educational resources, coaching tips, and insights into the recruitment process for aspiring student-athletes.
May God Bless You!
James Constantine Frangos.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
828
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Are you playing on your high school team? Getting the experience and coaching that comes from that could be beneficial. You can also contact local club teams and see if they offer scholarships. Sometimes a well written letter about your goals may free up some resources.
Go Fund Me might be a party to success. If you are sharing your goals with those who support you, you might find some of the resources you are looking for.
Chronicle your journey on Instagram or ticktok. You likely could connect with others chasing that goal or even inspire someone else to do the same.
Go Fund Me might be a party to success. If you are sharing your goals with those who support you, you might find some of the resources you are looking for.
Chronicle your journey on Instagram or ticktok. You likely could connect with others chasing that goal or even inspire someone else to do the same.