Dear class of 2011,

SFA’s president and CEO, Ross Greenstein, recently spent some time at the Winter Nationals and Copper Bowl. During his time there, he discovered that the majority of the 2011 class was behind with the college recruiting process, or job interview, as SFA describes it. This newsletter is intended to educate your class on exactly what the job interview entails and what each athlete must be doing right now.

You are now half way through your junior year and are rapidly approaching the most important summer of your life. Your job interview started last year. By now, all of you should have established solid relationships with the coaches and athletes at the colleges where you wish to attend.

Below are the first steps all potential college athletes should take. They are essential, and they’re the stepping-stones to the start of your college career.

Make sure you have:

• Created a realistic school list comprised of schools that you would attend whether or not you were an athlete
• A great understanding of the athletic and academic requirements of the schools on your list
• Sent your resume to the coaches on your list
• Followed up with a phone call to the coaches to discuss your resume
• Started to build relationships with the current players on the college teams that you want to play for

If you haven’t completed these preliminary steps, then you’re behind. Keep in mind that coaches are trying to determine which student athletes they want to spend 60 hours a week with for four years. This process is more about building relationships than anything else. Your athletic abilities will not set you apart from your competition at decision time, your established relationships will.

If you have questions about what you should be doing or need some guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us. College is one of the most memorable times of our lives. There is no reason why you cannot find a school that will be a great fit for you, both on and off the court.

Warmest regards,

The SFA Team