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June College Recruiting Newsletter 2022

RECRUITING TERMS, RULES, & REGULATIONS

Summer is finally here!  And while the club season has ended, the recruiting season for all schools at all levels is still in full swing.  Many colleges will be conducting Summer ID camps, Player Development Camps, or just open soccer camps.  This might be a great time to dive into what a prospective athlete or the college coach can and cannot do in the Recruiting Process.

As you maneuver through the recruiting process you will see many Rules and Regulations with things terms like “Contact Period”, Evaluation Period, Dead Period, Quiet Period.  What exactly is the NCAA dead period, and what’s the difference between “Dead” and “Quiet”.  What are some other rules and regulations that coaches have to abide by? Keep reading to find out.

Below are some commonly asked questions by parents and athletes during the recruiting process in regards to rules, along with answers to provide more clarity.

  • What are recruiting calendars? Recruiting calendars help promote the well-being prospective student-athletes and coaches and ensure competitive equity by defining certain time periods in which recruiting may or may not occur in a particular sport.
  • What is a contact period? During a contact period a college coach may have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, watch student-athletes compete and visit their high schools, and write or telephone student-athletes or their parents.
  • What is an evaluation period? During an evaluation period a college coach may watch college-bound student-athletes compete, visit their high schools, and write or telephone student-athletes or their parents. However, a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents off the college’s campus during an evaluation period.
  • What is a quiet period? During a quiet period, a college coach may only have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents on the college’s campus.  A coach may not watch student-athletes compete (unless a competition occurs on the college’s campus) or visit their high schools. Coaches may write or telephone college-bound student-athletes or their parents during this time.
  • What is a dead period? During a dead period a college coach may not have face-to-face contact with college-bound student-athletes or their parents, and may not watch student-athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches may write and telephone student-athletes or their parents during a dead period.
  • When can a college coach contact me directly? College coaches and athletes cannot initiate or have direct communication regarding the athlete’s recruitment to the institution until June 15 after their sophomore year of HS. However, coaches can send invitations to ID camps and receive emails regarding highlight tapes, information to watch games, etc.

Hopefully the above information gave you some more insights on rules and regulations that directly affect each athlete’s recruitment and when coaches can and cannot contact athletes, watch them play, and invite them to visit campus. For more information, visit: NCAA Recruiting Eligibility Center

You can also check out these videos for additional guidance:

For a list of ALL Sports Recruits Webinars, Past and Future, visit: Sports Recruits Webinars

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: MENTAL TOUGHNESS

When looking to stand out to potential college coaches, they are absolutely watching your successes, both your team and you individually.  But just as closely, if not more, coaches are watching how athletes respond to adversity in their sport. Whether it’s turning the ball over, missing a wide-open net, fumbling an easy save, getting subbed out of a game, or even not starting a game, these are just a few of thousands of scenarios that could happen in a game that athletes will have to respond to.

The question you must ask yourself in these moments is “what is my immediate response?” If it is to blame others, hang your head, mentally check out from the game, or have a negative attitude, you may want to keep reading. Many times, coaches are interested in players, but because of witnessing a pattern of these negative reactions to adversity, they lose interest, despite the player having incredible talent. Adversity and hardship will happen to every athlete (and it probably has already happened to you) every season, during training sessions and games. What is most important not to dwell on the adversity that happens to you, but how you respond to these moments and how you use them to help you improve in the future.

Below are a few questions athletes can ask themselves prior to games and in moments of adversity to help them develop mental toughness and resiliency.

  • What do I have direct control over during a game? Your attitude, effort, attentiveness, and engagement are all things you can control, whether you are the best or the worst player on the field. If you want to play at a high level, controlling and holding yourself to a high standard in these regards is a great place to start.
  • How do I respond to constructive criticism? Is my first instinct to blame others, take the information negatively, or am I receiving it as feedback to help me improve? There is a clear difference!
  • What does my body language look like immediately after I make a mistake? Do I stop running, hang my head, and pout? Or do I have a short memory, maintain confidence, and keep playing as hard as I can?

For more information, see below to links for a couple great videos on mental toughness in sport.

Monthly Help Links from Sports Recruits

College Commitments

  • Natalie Bain – Xavier University
  • Eleanor Simkonis – Cleveland State University
  • Mya Gerak – University of Kentucky
  • Summer Denigan – Florida State University
  • Marina Ruthsatz – Wright State University
  • Claire Wiseman – Ohio Northern University
  • Faith Broering – University of Cincinnati
  • Jade Rehberger – Illinois State University
  • Danielle Hicks – Ashland University
  • Maddy Murphy – Eastern Kentucky University
  • Annie Isphording – Johns Hopkins University
  • Kali Funk – Ashland University
  • Ella Madden – Ohio Northern University
  • Molly McNeill – Cedarville University
  • Sarah Zimmerman – Washington and Lee University
  • Morgan Gerak – Michigan State University
  • Katie Adams – Ohio Wesleyan University
  • Meg Gessner – Northern Kentucky University
  • Emily Duffey – Hanover College
  • Sydney Noble – University of Findlay
  • Kaitlyn Siefert – University of Findlay
  • Chloe Spitzer – Berea College
  • Shyanne Iles – University of Southern Illinois
  • CJ DeBra – Youngstown State University
  • Sarah Henson – Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Courtney Lindgren – California University of Pennsylvania
  • Jackson Byrd – Mount St. Joseph University
  • Leo Bill – Transylvania University
  • Adam Gritton – Spalding University
  • Amber Branum – Wright State University
  • Tyron Reynolds – Spalding University
  • Abby Cole – Mount Saint Joseph University
  • Ella Madden – Fairmont State University
  • Shannon Crogan – Northern Kentucky University
  • Jon Gordon – Asbury University
  • Will Freson – Marietta College
  • Macie Chappell – Campbellsville University
  • Riley Arnold – Ohio Dominican
  • Elizabeth Dreas – Austin Peay State University
  • Emily Lloyd – Florida Southern College
  • Ellie Greenwell – Ohio University
  • Shannon Crogan – Northern Kentucky University
  • Zara Graff – Wright State University
  • Abby Unkraut – University of Georgia
  • Mia Fiore – Xavier University
  • Victoria Zappasodi – Cleveland State
  • Ella Smith – Miami University
  • Ellie Lanyi – University of Alabama
  • Jason Litzler – Thomas More University
  • Colson Neace – Transylvania University
  • Ethan Green – UC Clermont
  • Cameron Engel – University of Cincinnati-Clermont

2023 Verbal College Commitments:

  • Amanda Schlueter – Ohio State University
  • Sophie Decker – Marian University
  • Ruby Dunlevy – Eastern Kentucky University

Remember to post your commitment to your Sports Recruits account and send commitment photos to info@kingshammer.com so that you can be recognized for your achievements.

Tryout FAQ’s

How do I register for tryouts?
ALL soccer-athletes MUST COMPLETE the tryout registration online before participating in the tryout process. Click here to register now!

*Please make sure that you register online at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that the soccer athlete is in the system and we have your information to notify you after the tryout process.  There is a Registration Steps document on the Tryouts page that will walk you through the process. Each soccer athlete should attend both tryout days if possible. If you are unable to attend both days please reach out to the Program Director listed below.

Birth Years for the 2022/2023 Season
For the 2022/2023 season, Kings Hammer will follow U.S Youth Soccer’s guidelines and will organize its teams by birth year:

*Interested players must register to try out for their birth year.

Can my child play up an age group?
Any player playing up will be at the discretion of their respective director. All players need to register and attend the tryout for their correct age group.

What should I wear/bring to tryouts?
Please come prepared with a fully inflated soccer ball, proper footwear, shin guards, and water. Each prospective soccer-athlete will receive one free Kings Hammer Soccer Club tryout t-shirt with a tryout identification number on the back of the t-shirt.  Each prospective player will be identified by the identification number throughout the process and MUST wear this t-shirt at each tryout session for the 2022/2023 soccer year.

We will not be able to attend tryouts or are new to the area and missed tryouts. Is there a process in place to allow for an alternate tryout?
Yes! If you are not able to attend tryouts or missed the tryout dates, please register and then contact the Director for the Program/Age Group you wish to tryout for so that arrangements can be made. We also hold supplemental tryouts throughout the year. Roster openings may be limited after the initial tryout period.

What are the differences between Academy and Premier?
Our Academy provides a highly competitive environment for higher-level soccer athletes. This program provides those athletes with the best local training offered by our qualified and professional staff. Our Academy teams play at the highest possible level providing showcase opportunities to College, Professional, and National level programs.

The Premier Program is a community-based program. The Premier Program provides the opportunity for players to play other sports or have other interests outside of soccer. This program is designed to be flexible, convenient, and affordable.

Can I try out for multiple programs?
We encourage anyone who wants to tryout for all levels to do so. Current KHSC players can ask their coach/director for guidance if they are unsure about which program to tryout for. You will need to register for each tryout separately.

If I tryout for a program and don’t make it, can I try out for another program?
Yes. If you don’t make an Academy team, we strongly encourage you to tryout for a Premier team, attending tryouts for at least one day.

If you don’t make a Premier team, the Classic Program may be an option. Contact Michelle Okumura (michelle@kingshammer.com) if you’d like to pursue this option.

Will there be more than one team in each age group?
Yes, when possible, there will be more than one team per age group, per program. It all depends on the number of players at tryouts and their skill level.

If my child doesn’t make the top team, can they move up during the year?
Yes, there may be opportunities to move up throughout the year as long as the coach/director feels it is in the best interest of the player’s development. There may also be opportunities to guest play across all levels.

What can I expect after tryouts?
After tryouts you can expect communication from the club in the form of an email.  (Please double-check that your email is correct in the PlayMetrics system, this is the email we use) This will either be an acceptance email, offering your child a position on a team, or an email letting you know that they should tryout for a different program. Players who are offered positions on a team may also receive a phone call from their coach. All communication will come within 24-48 hours of the end of the last tryout. You will then have 24 hours to either accept or decline your email before your spot is offered to another child.

What are the next steps if my child makes a team?

  1. If you are new to the club, you will receive more information regarding your uniform ordering in your confirmation email.
  2. If you are part of the Academy or Premier Programs, you will receive the link to Demosphere to register your child in the state system in your confirmation email as well.

How long is the season?

  • Academy
    • U11-U14: August-November, January-May (possible post-season in June)
    • U15-U19: November-May
  • Premier
    • U7-U14: August-October, March-May
    • U15-U19: November-December, March-May

My child is in middle school but plays on a U15 team. Will there be a fall U15 program for trapped players?
Yes, we will offer a program for trapped 8th graders for the fall season depending on interest. The program will run from August to October and is open to players that are currently in the 8th grade that will be playing on a U15 team starting in November 2022. Questions please contact:

Academy North: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Academy South Boys: James Thomas | james@kingshammer.com
Academy South Girls: Chris Black | chris@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Boys: Dan Ensley  | dan@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Girls: Megan Adkins | megan@kingshammer.com

Can a team come to the club and join as a team?
Yes! The team can join the Classic Program. For more information please reach out to Michelle Okumura at michelle@kingshammer.com.

Who is in charge of hiring coaches?
If you are interested in a coaching opportunity, please fill out the following coaching form – https://kingshammer.com/interested-in-coaching/

Program Directors:

Academy North: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Academy South Girls: Chris Black | chris@kingshammer.com
Academy South Boys: James Thomas | james@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Boys: Dan Ensley | dan@kingshammer.com
Academy Bluegrass Girls: Megan Adkins | megan@kingshammer.com
Premier Xenia: Brent Lewis | brent@kingshammer.com
Premier North: Wil Cagle | wil@kingshammer.com
Premier Sycamore: Ryan Handbury | ryan@kingshammer.com
Premier Central: Michael Ratliff | michaelr@kingshammer.com
Premier South: David Shemilt | dshemilt@kingshammer.com
Premier Versailles: Brandon Cummons | brandon@kingshammer.com
Premier Lexington: Fonyam Atanga | fonyam@kignshammer.com