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The Recruiting 

Playbook Podcast

The Recruiting Playbook Podcast

By Coach Alan Nakamura

Many young athletes dream about playing college sports on a scholarship - parents are all for that idea too!
So how do prospects get started in pursuing an athletic scholarship? What are college coaches looking for?

There are more opportunities out there than one might think - learn about the do's and don'ts and
hear about the college athletics recruiting process, directly from the coaches who do the connecting, evaluating, and offering, on "The Recruiting Playbook Podcast."
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Currently playing episode

International Recruiting

The Recruiting Playbook PodcastJul 02, 2021

00:00
29:31
International Recruiting

International Recruiting

Coach Xavier Lopez from Sacrament State Women's Basketball talks about recruiting players internationally on today's podcast.

Jul 02, 202129:31
NCAA D1 Women's Basketball Coach Camille Williams Talks About Program Values, The Right Fit & Red Flags

NCAA D1 Women's Basketball Coach Camille Williams Talks About Program Values, The Right Fit & Red Flags

What are some red flags that might make a college recruiter hesitate in approaching a student-athlete? What are some things college athletic programs value and are you the right fit? In this episode of the Recruiting Playbook podcast,  NCAA D1 Basketball Coach Camille Williams talks About Program Values, The Right Fit & Red Flags

May 14, 202134:37
NCAA D1 Head Women's Basketball Coach JD Gustin Interview

NCAA D1 Head Women's Basketball Coach JD Gustin Interview

Coach Alan Nakamura interviews NCAA D1 Dixie State Women's Basketball Head Coach JD Gustin.

Coach Gustin offers his unique perspective regarding recruiting and shares some sound advice to recruits and parents of recruits.

Feb 11, 202121:05
How Important Are Academics? Part 3 & University of Wisconsin Soccer Coach Marisa Kresge Interview

How Important Are Academics? Part 3 & University of Wisconsin Soccer Coach Marisa Kresge Interview

In this final episode, Coach Alan continues his topic on the benefits of strong academic performance and  University of Wisconsin-Madison's  

Assistant Women's Soccer Coach Marisa Kresge provides helpful insights on the role competitiveness plays in her recruiting process

Jan 02, 202133:60
How Important Are Academics? Part 1 & Interview with Div. 1 UC Santa Barbara Head Women's Soccer Coach Paul Stumpf

How Important Are Academics? Part 1 & Interview with Div. 1 UC Santa Barbara Head Women's Soccer Coach Paul Stumpf

In the first of a three part series, Coach Alan covers the topic of academics and Head Coach Paul Stumpf from Division 1 UC Santa Barbara Women's Soccer shares important insights regarding recruiting and how the academic piece can afford a student athlete greater opportunities. 

Dec 05, 202033:52
How Important Are Academics? Part 2_Learn About the Ivy League

How Important Are Academics? Part 2_Learn About the Ivy League

In this episode, Coach Alan continues his topic on the benefits of strong academic performance and Columbia University Head Women's Basketball Coach Megan Griffith discusses recruiting and opportunities in the Ivy League. 

Nov 25, 202030:59
Evaluating Colleges Part 2_Coach Melyssa Lombardi NCAA D1 University of Oregon Softball

Evaluating Colleges Part 2_Coach Melyssa Lombardi NCAA D1 University of Oregon Softball

"How should I go about choosing a college?"  Today's episode is Part 2, of a two-part series

where Coach Alan shares 5 questions that a student-athlete should ask themselves as 

well as discuss with his/her parent(s) or guardian. These questions will help in evaluating

which colleges or universities would be the right fit.  And in our "View From the Bench" 

segment, NCAA Division 1 University of Oregon Head Softball Coach Melyssa Lombardi shares what she looks for 

in recruits as well as some important aspects athletes, in general, should consider. 

Nov 12, 202022:10
Evaluating Colleges Part 1_Coach Lamont Butler NAIA Trinity International College Football

Evaluating Colleges Part 1_Coach Lamont Butler NAIA Trinity International College Football

How should I go about choosing a college?  In today's episode, 

Coach Alan shares , in a two-part series, some practical tips on evaluating

colleges and Head Football Coach Lamont Butler tells us how 

the NAIA differs from the NCAA in terms of recruiting athletes, athletic scholarships

and level of competition.

Oct 11, 202019:06
Why Should I Consider D3?_Coach Ed Mathey NCAA D3 North Central College Baseball

Why Should I Consider D3?_Coach Ed Mathey NCAA D3 North Central College Baseball

What do D3 schools have to offer an athlete who wants to continue to play beyond high school?

How is it different from the other divisions and is it a good fit for you and your future goals?

In today's podcast, our "NCAA Breakdown" segment covers D3 and how this division differs from the other divisions. 

Then in our "View from The Bench",  Coach Alan Nakamura interviews North Central College D3 Head Baseball Coach Ed Mathey about

the advantages that come with playing at this level.

Sep 22, 202020:36
Recruiting Video Tips_Coach Jimmy Kolaitis_NCAA D1 Arizona State University Softball

Recruiting Video Tips_Coach Jimmy Kolaitis_NCAA D1 Arizona State University Softball

Recruiting Videos - tips on how to catch the coach's eye and make 

him/her want to keep watching my video? 

In today's podcast, our "NCAA Breakdown" segment covers the tips on how to make your recruiting video stand out.

Then in our "View from The Bench",  Coach Alan Nakamura interviews Arizona State University NCAA Division 1 Assistant Coach Jimmy Kolaitis.

Sep 22, 202025:47
Player Profiles_Coach Seth Taylor_NCAA D1 California Baptist University Women's Soccer

Player Profiles_Coach Seth Taylor_NCAA D1 California Baptist University Women's Soccer

What is a player profile and why is it important? What should I put on it?

In today's podcast, our "NCAA Breakdown" segment answers these questions. 

Then in our "View from The Bench",  Coach Alan Nakamura interviews  Cal Baptist University NCAA D1 Soccer Coach Seth Taylor.

Sep 22, 202022:06
What If I Don't Have A Dl Offer Yet?_Coach Randy Simkins_NCAA D1 Dixie State University Softball

What If I Don't Have A Dl Offer Yet?_Coach Randy Simkins_NCAA D1 Dixie State University Softball

Learn about opportunities available to play college sports, how they differ,  and what they each have to offer as we hear from

Coach Randy Simkins. There are more opportunities out there than you think!

Sep 16, 202026:11
Recruiting During Covid_Coach Justin James_NCAA D2 Point Loma Nazarene University Baseball

Recruiting During Covid_Coach Justin James_NCAA D2 Point Loma Nazarene University Baseball

 With the disruptions caused by Covid and "sheltering in place", what can student athletes do to make themselves a viable prospect despite the limitations? Point Loma Nazarene University DII Head Baseball Coach Justin James shares his insights and advice on today's podcast.

Sep 16, 202032:60
Campus Visits_Coach Abbie Wright_NCAA D2 Seattle Pacific University Women's Volleyball

Campus Visits_Coach Abbie Wright_NCAA D2 Seattle Pacific University Women's Volleyball

In today's podcast, our "NCAA Breakdown" segment covers the three types of Campus Visits.  

Then in our "View from The Bench",  Coach Alan Nakamura interviews Seattle Pacific University NCAA Division 2 Volleyball Coach Abbie Wright.


Sep 08, 202022:51