In The Huddle

This podcast episode dives deep into one of our most frequently requested topics: Junior College, also known as JUCO or NJCAA.  

Coach Drew Mahin from Cloud County describes the recruitment process in a way for everybody to understand: are you approaching this as a customer or an explorer? Coach Mahin talks about rejection directing you to your next path, success stories of his athletes post Junior College, the amazing cultural diversity on his track/xc team, life in small town Kansas and how Junior College coaches assist their athletes to find their right fit after 2 years. 

This episode is a great conversation starter for families and athletes from any country to reflect on their approach to the US college recruitment process.

How do you balance athletics and academics while ensuring proper nutrition?

In this episode, Director Alexia Bates sits down with Sports Dietician Lyss Koenan to discuss nutritional choices for high school and college aged athletes. Alexia dives into questions for Lyss including new surroundings at college meaning unfamiliar American food and the new responsibilities college athletes have to make healthy choices. Lyss also touches on the importance of preparing food the night before for busy high school athletes and not overlooking a solid esky to bring to high school each day to set these athletes up for success.

Lyss also details the process of fuelling your body the day before, the day of and recovery after playing sport, as well as the importance of sleep in an athlete's performance. This episode also covers things for parents to consider when helping kids pack lunches. Lyss busts common myths around nutrition and covers topics like sports drinks not necessarily being suitable for young athletes. Wherever you are in the world, this is a great listen for high school/college aged athletes and parents!

In this episode, Claire sits down with Junior College Division 1 Women's Basketball coach Landon Steele, from Dodge City Community College. They discuss a wide range of topics from what Coach Steele looks for in a recruit, why he enjoys recruiting Aussies and the challenges of basketball recruiting on both the men's and womens' side. Coach Steele also debunks myths about Junior College, speaking about why someone would choose a junior college over an NCAA school, how JUCO prepares you for the next step in your sport, tips for any Australia basketballer looking to come to America and his excitement as the women's game grows in popularity across the globe. 

What if you could navigate the challenges of being a student-athlete in a foreign country while chasing your dreams of professional sports? Meet Jarrod Mann, our newest team member and recruiting mentor at Study and Play USA! 

Jarrod takes us through his incredible journey from the junior golf courses of Australia to earning a scholarship at Eastern Arizona Community College. He shares his trials and triumphs, from managing homesickness to forming lifelong bonds with his teammates. Hear how he balanced his expectations and leveraged his college experience to gear up for a promising professional golf career in Europe.

Jarrod’s passion for mentoring the next generation of student-athletes shines through as he discusses his desire to help them achieve a balance between sports and academics. Listen as he talks about his admiration for Tiger Woods, his favourite American sports team—the LA Lakers, and his dream of playing at Augusta National. 

Recounting his best golfing day at Quintero in Arizona, Jarrod's enthusiasm is infectious. Don't miss this episode full of insights, personal stories, and valuable advice for any aspiring student-athlete. Get ready to be inspired by Jarrod's journey and his commitment to guiding others toward their dreams.

Ever wondered how student-athletes juggle academic excellence with top-tier sports performance? Join us in this inspiring episode where we sit down with Nathan Brown, the Director of Sport and Performance Pathways, and Adrian Blades, the Head of Career Development at Geelong College. Nathan shares his intriguing journey from professional sports to nurturing young talent, while Adrian discusses his shift from university admissions to forging meaningful student relationships. Together, they offer a unique glimpse into their collaborative efforts to help students thrive both on the field and in the classroom, preparing them for opportunities at US universities.

Discover the power of a united support network as we explore the critical role of parents, teachers, advisors, and coaches in student-athletes' success. Learn how this comprehensive team approach shapes students' confidence and direction, making the process as rewarding as the goal itself. Through compelling stories, we illustrate how belief and clarity can transform a student's journey, ensuring that everyone involved is aligned and working towards common objectives. This episode promises valuable insights into how a supportive environment can elevate student-athletes to new heights.

Lastly, be inspired by the story of Mimi Balan, a former Geelong College school captain whose leadership and passion have left an indelible mark on the US College Pathway program. We reflect on her contributions and the broader impact of mentorship and community engagement in fostering opportunities for future students. By emphasising the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and having a strong support network, we underscore how these elements provide parents and students with the clarity needed to achieve their goals. Special thanks to Adrian and Nathan for sharing their expertise and dedication to empowering student-athletes.

Prepare to be propelled into the dynamic world of college athletics as we sit down with Marty Kinsey and Mark Kaiser from St. Mary's College of California. Discover the enduring bond between Australian athletes and St. Mary's sports programs, a journey that started on the basketball court and has since sprinted across the track and beyond. From the festive celebration of Australia Day to the strong sense of belonging these athletes find on campus, we explore the cultural exchange that's become a hallmark of St. Mary's community.

Unlock the secrets to standing out in the competitive arena of student-athlete recruiting with our insightful guests. We'll share top-notch tips and tricks for making that unforgettable impression on college coaches, coupled with the vital importance of authenticity and informed questions during recruitment conversations. And we go further, dissecting the potential red flags that may signal an overemphasis on performance over well-being, underscoring the significance of a supportive and holistic team culture.

But all work and no play isn't the ethos at St. Mary's, as Marty and Mark recount the entertaining and unifying activities that bind the teams together. Imagine shared pancake breakfasts, cultural potlucks, and even karaoke nights! 

We wrap up with a guide to navigating the intricate NCAA communication rules for recruitment and a peek at the exciting prospects . So, gear up for a wealth of knowledge, spirited stories, and a glimpse into the future of St. Mary's College's athletic and international alliances.

Embark on a journey into the heart of the college sports world as Chris and Alexia Bates from Study and Play USA join us to dissect the academic eligibility maze for international student-athletes. This episode is not merely a conversation; it's a treasure map that guides you through the perplexing terrain of NCAA requirements, where a single misstep can cost you the game. We're peeling back the layers of maintaining GPAs, understanding different educational systems, and why early planning isn't just advisable – it's critical.

Together with the Bates, we celebrate a success story that serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative impact of expertly navigating the curriculum landscape. This episode is less about the hurdles and more about the support systems in place, the people dedicated to translating and advocating for students' academic achievements. As the Bates emphasize, the interplay between academics and athletics is intricate, and knowing the eligibility rules specific to your sport is as vital as the air you breathe.

In the finale of our enlightening discussion, we tip our hats to the unsung heroes of admissions. These experts work relentlessly, often behind the scenes, to re-evaluate grades, wrestle with the nuances of GPA conversions, and advocate for the correct representation of academic records, ultimately enhancing scholarship opportunities. Whether you're a student-athlete, a parent, or just someone fascinated by the complexities of international university admissions, this episode is your playbook to navigating the competitive landscape and scoring your academic and athletic goals.

Study and Play USA has a new staff member, recently returned from his 4 year college experience at Iona University, playing rugby! In this episode, Conor chats with Alexia about his journey using Study and Play as a high school student to now working with us!

This is a must listen for ALL budding student-athletes. Tune in and gain a WEALTH of knowledge from  an industry leading expert who understands the nuances of the US approach to strength, conditioning and general athletic training and how to best prepare your body to hit the ground running once you arrive on your college campus.

Links:
Study & Play USA
Acceleration Australia 

In this super short episode, Chris discusses the sometimes unknown life changing opportunities available to student – athletes to set themselves up for a successful sporting and post sporting career. Chris provides some tips for maximising your summer break whether preparing for college or already in college. A must listen for ALL student-athletes wherever you are in the process