This booklet and tonight’s recruiting symposium contain the recruiting
wisdom of the following…
(more detailed bios inside)
Coach Patrick Murphy – Alabama
(NCAA DI)
Coach Ritchie Richardson – Olivet
Nazarene (NAIA); formerly University
of Illinois Asst. (NCAA DI)
Coach Steve Kerkman – Millard South
High School
Coach Jeremy Ekeler – Driven
Academy; formerly Pius High School,
SXU Asst. (NAIA)
Coach Myra Minuskin – Saint Xavier
(NAIA); formerly Valparaiso (NCAA DI)
Keith Kramme – Mildand University
(NAIA)
Lou Yacinich – Grand View University
(NAIA)
Butch McLaren – Nebraska Wesleyan
University (DIII/NAIA)
Renae Littrell – Doane College (NAIA);
formerly Butler and Hutchison (C.C.)
Don Rempe – Pius High School; Driven
Academy; formerly Doane College Asst.
Recruiting
Symposium
Friday
January 4, 2013
$10 Off Recruitment Video
Dear Future College Athlete,
The recruitment process can be complicated and confusing, and this is
heightened by the anxiety of chasing your dream…what an important
time!
First, let’s be honest: Your journey will not be like your teammate’s or
rival’s because the things you bring to the table are different, and the
things you need in a school vary. So embrace your individuality: this is
your journey.
Shot at The Driven Academy
Edited by Driven staff
50% Off Hitting or Fielding
Lesson
For first-time clients
For examples of pitching, hitting,
fielding and catching videos see
www.thedrivenacademy.com and
choose the “Recruitment” tab.
Despite the unique journeys, there are core topics that every player can
control. This booklet and today’s symposium are about those things. And
so, like any good ballplayer, you will have the power to…



Take charge of the things you can control
Accept those you can’t
Respond in a positive and proactive manner to whatever comes
your way
We polled coaches across the country about these three things: from high
school coaches to the NCAA National Champion, we covered the bases for
you in this little booklet. Knowledge, after all, is power.
We appreciate you joining us today - never hesitate to contact us with a
question.
Thank you for being Driven!
Don Rempe – Co-Owner & Facility Coordinator
Jeremy Ekeler – Co-Owner & Coaching Director
Rob Lobeda – Co-Owner & Pitching Instructor
50% Off Pitching Lesson
For first-time clients
FREE RightView Pro Video
Analysis (pitch or hit)
For examples of what RightView
Pro can do for you visit
www.thedrivenacademy.com and
choose the “Online Lesson” tab.
Practice is a minimum, Performance is expected…
Putting in the work when no one is watching is DRIVEN!
www.thedrivenacademy.com
RESPONDERS (pictures on back cover)
Coach Jeremy Ekeler (The Driven Academy, Lincoln, NE – NAIA/H.S.): Coach
Ek has seen recruiting from every angle. He currently guides players through
the recruitment process at Driven, where skills videos are created.
Coach Steve Kerkman (Millard South High School, Millard, NE – H.S.): From
2005 to 2011 his program has sent 28 girls to the college level. This does not
include the count from his current senior class.
Coach Renae Littrell (Doane College, Crete, NE – NAIA/C.C.): Littrell is in her
first year at the helm of the Doane Tiger program. Littrell coached at Butler
CC and Hutchinson CC where she recruited local players as athletes from
Canada and Europe.
Coach Keith Kramme (Midland University, Fremont, NE - NAIA): Coach of
one of the GPAC’s conference leaders on an annual basis, Kramme has
proven that you can compete at the highest levels by focusing on the local
athlete. Beyond his vast experience on the diamond he is also the director
of compliance at Midland.
Coach Butch McLaren (Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln, NE –
NAIA/NCAA DIII): McLaren is one of the most recognizable coaches in the
area because of his extensive recruiting. He is in his first year as head coach
at NWU and faces a unique challenge because NWU does not offer athletic
aid.
Coach Myra Minuskin (Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL – NAIA/NCAA
DI/JuCo): A former coach at the DI and professional level, Minuskin’s work
at SXU has earned her numerous national tournament appearances,
conference championships and Coach of the Year awards. In 2009 the
Cougars finished 9th in the NAIA.
Coach Patrick Murphy (University of Alabama – NCAA DI): A “Driven
Friend”, Coach Murphy’s Crimson Tide won the SEC Championship in 2012 –
the first SEC team to do so. One of the most sought-after speakers and
instructors in the nation, Coach Murphy was just chosen for softball’s
highest honor: The National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Coach Ritchie Richardson (Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL NCAA DI/NAIA): A master at finding area talent, Richardson has developed
some of the nation’s best offensive players and is one of the winningest
coaches in softball.
Coach Lou Yacinich (Grand View University, Des Moines, IA - NAIA): An
aggressive recruiter who puts the quality of the person ahead of all else,
Yacinich has developed one of the Midwest’s best programs with Midwest
players.
Question: How much do you use recruiting services?
“Never. We need players to show a unique interest in our program and
university. Recruiting services are designed to reach the masses. There’s no
unique interest shown by sending profiles to 50-60 schools at a time.”
(Richardson, ONU)
“I rarely use recruiting services.” (Minuskin, SXU)
“Not often. I want direct contact as much as possible, so I make that a
priority.” (Murphy U of A)
“Occasionally after actually meeting a player.” (Yacinich, GVU)
“Investment in these services is not typically worth the return. I’m not sure
I’d want an athlete who is looking for shortcuts, and that’s often what a
recruiting service is – a shortcut.” (Ekeler, DA)
“We use them as first opportunities to reach out to student-athletes we
may not have the opportunity to watch via other avenues.” (Littrell, DC)
“We don’t use them at all. I preach that it looks better to self-promote and
initiate contact.” (Kerkman, MSHS)
“I have a general distrust for much of the information provided in them.
However, when a video is attached at least you can get a ‘feel’ what the
player is like.” (McLaren, NWU)
“Very little, especially if they are from a distance (not Iowa, Nebraska,
Colorado)” (Kramme, MU)
Question: What's your take on recruiting videos? Do you
watch them, ignore them, etc.
“We watch nearly every video we receive – the shorter the better!”
(Murphy, U of A)
“I definitely watch recruiting videos. They help me determine whether or
not to take the time to see the student-athlete in person.” (Minuskin, SXU)
“Many times we’ll see an athlete on film first, then begin to seek them out
at tournaments/high school games…and begin the recruiting process from
that point. We never ignore a video; they are all watched.” (Littrell, DC)
“Videos today are more convenient than ever before because of the quick
access to YouTube. The video by itself will not get a kid an offer, but it is a
tool to make a college coach want to dig a little deeper.” (Richardson, ONU)
“I watch quite a few recruiting videos, but the shorter the better! I really
want to see them move their feet through a few balls, make a few throws
and see some swings. If there is a lot of editing or extra fluff to the video I
typically don't watch.” (McLaren, NWU)
“I can’t think of a college coach who doesn’t use these; I used them all the
time. The key is doing them correctly, which is why we study examples and
ask a lot of college coaches questions before we shoot them. A no-brainer
for getting the ball rolling.” (Ekeler, DA)
“Many of my players have recruiting profiles that their summer teams put
together; some even have YouTube videos. But I’ve had kids without them
sign with colleges too. The visit is the most important, in my opinion.”
(Kerkman, MSHS)
Question: What are you looking for in a potential player
for your program?
“I place a high value on athleticism. I do not recruit position specific. I like
having a lot of good athletes that can do any number of things for our
program. Our kids must have strong work ethics, be good citizens, and be
good students. I want people I can trust to invest in hard work each day for
our program." (Richardson, ONU)
“I am looking for quality young women who also happen to be exceptional
softball players.” (Minuskin, SXU)
“I look for players that have passion for game and are athletic.” (Yacinich,
GVU)
“A proud, hard worker trumps all because this person will be followed by
others, get better each day, and take care of her business off the field. This
is the type of person a coach will want to spend four years with.” (Ekeler,
DA)
“Great young lady who is a great student and great athlete who comes from
great parents. We want greatness.” (Murphy, U of A)
“Athletes that understand the importance of continuing their education and
obtaining their degree; athletes that continue playing softball because they
want to and they want to work hard at improving; I'm not interested in
coaching "high maintenance" athletes.” (Kramme, MU)
“Doane softball is looking for hard workers as well as student-athletes
willing to put in the effort in the classroom as well as the field. We want
competitors: people who want to win, and are willing to do what it takes.
We want a team member: athletes who are willing to put the team before
themselves. We want players who love the game.” (Littrell, DC)
“I'll keep this one general: overall athleticism and/or excellence within a
specific skill; potential for growth/improvement; a good teammate; a player
that handles failure/struggles well; one that has demonstrated a
commitment to their academics; high character people.” (McLaren, NWU)
“I have the belief that a kid from Millard South will be more mentally
prepared than other players. We also really emphasize accepting roles,
which is hard sometimes for the stud athletes to comprehend in college. We
have also taught a “college level” swing which is becoming more universal
now than even five years ago. The one thing we always want to do is
improve each player and not just let our talented players carry us. I have the
same expectations for improvement and work ethic for my best players all
the way down to my most raw and inexperienced freshmen.” (Kerkman,
MSHS)
Question: If you use video, what makes for a good
recruiting video?
Question: What is the role of the parent in the recruiting
process?
“A little taste of everything the player offers…but it shouldn’t be over four
minutes.” (Murphy, U of A)
“Minimal. The player should to the recruiting of schools and speak for
themselves.” (Yacinich GVU)
“A good recruiting video should be short (3-4 minutes) and show a few reps
of fielding, throwing, hitting and pitching. It helps when a pitching video
includes the pitches being featured.” (Minuskin, SXU)
“This is simple: be a guide and moral compass for the young lady. It’s about
her.” (Murphy U of A)
“K.I.S.S. They don’t need to be flashy. We can get a very good idea of
fundamentals from video. A little bit of live game action is good too. Just for
us to get an idea of the athlete’s presence at the plate, on the mound, or in
the field. The easier for the video to be accessed, sent, and viewed, the
better.” (Littrell, DC)
“A good video will be brief (probably less than 5 minutes) that will give the
coach an understanding of the abilities of the player...this will include things
like: directional-range, swing/pitching mechanics, and samples of their skills
(different pitches, slapping, etc.)” (McLaren, NWU)
“The player must speak and introduce themselves. Then I want good skill
drills, and ideally some game footage.” (Yacinich, GVU)
“Length should be 5-7 minutes and should focus on playing skills. Do not
include game footage. When it comes to hitting, I like the camera angle that
is looking at the front of the hitter’s shirt: this allows the best look at the
mechanics. I especially like viewing defensive skills. This is the best indicator
of a players’ general athletic ability. Less bunting and running. Edit out all
the extra “bad” stuff added for a “WOW” effect. (Richardson, ONU)
“The parent should only be involved at the “visit” level. I prefer to have all
previous contact with the student-athlete.” (Minuskin, SXU)
“I think the parents should play a critical role in the recruiting process…First
be realistic, push education before the program. Ensure that their player's
educational needs will be met at the prospective schools.” (McLaren, NWU)
“Helping get their daughter’s name out - there are a lot of things that can be
done without recruiting services. So much is done through email/video in
this day and age…It is also important for parents to educate themselves on
the process. Be realistic with your athletes as a parent; don’t feed them
false hope or unrealistic expectations. Help your daughter to develop a best
fit, and seek these colleges out.” (Littrell, DC)
“Certainly the parent can help the athlete organize the process, but it
should be purely supportive. Too many times on college visits – when
coaches are trying to make a connection with the athlete – parents
dominate the conversation and visit.” (Richardson, ONU)
“Coaches are busy so K.I.S.S. on the video. It should be simple, direct, crisp
and professional: player personality, how does the player move, her skill set
and her vitals (grade, GPA/ACT, contact info). It should also be short,
probably not over 5 minutes.” (Ekeler, DA)
“Honestly, some coaches will steer away from what they perceive as
“helicopter parents”, so I warn parents about that. But with contact rules
and coaches often limited on talking directly to athletes, a parent is good to
have. I have also heard college coaches say that a player will treat their
coach like they treat their parents, so that visit to school with mom and dad
is really important as far as parent/child interaction is concerned.”
(Kerkman, MSHS)
“We highlight hitting, of course, and try different angles. For fielding we
want to show fundamentals, agility and throwing motion and accuracy
based on position.” (Kerkman, MSHS)
“To be supportive; provide appropriate guidance without eliminating the
student's own responsibility; allow the student to communicate - don't
speak for the student.” (Kramme, MU)
Question: What are one or two truths about playing
college ball that players don't know/hear?
“You will spend 3-4 hours each day for four years with the players and
coaches of the university you choose. YOU BETTER HAVE A GOOD FEEL FOR
THEM or your college experience will be miserable.” (Richardson, ONU)
“You will practice more than you will play.” (Yacinich, GVU)
“Most players don't really understand the time commitment, and the need
to manage their time well. Also, many come in with misguided perceptions
of who they are as players and lack the ability or willingness to compete on
a daily basis.” (McLaren, NWU)
“The amount of time in practice surprises players. Also, at this level talent is
overrated: everyone is talented but confident players have an impact. Have
a ‘high ceiling and low basement’.” (Ekeler, DA)
“It is very possible that your role on the college team could be significantly
different than it was on your high school or club team. Players represent
their new school, their new team, and themselves at all times.” (Kramme,
MU)
“Players must choose a school based on institutional fit which includes
academics, residence life, location, softball, etc. If a student-athlete selects
a school based solely on the softball program she will probably not be
entirely happy with the college experience. Players don’t often realize that
they are forming lifelong friendships with their teammates.” (Minuskin,
SXU)
“You have to work hard when you get there. Nothing is free; you have to
work to earn a position. We work a lot harder than the average college
student. It is not glamorous. But it can teach you strong life lessons about
the “real world”. It’s not for everyone. Some athletes don’t make it.”
(Littrell, DC)
“We see a lot of high profile recruits who have forgotten that their
teammates helped them obtain success. So I repeat: Softball is a team
sport!” (Murphy, U of A)
Question: What are a few "Don'ts" for potential recruits?
“Softball is a team sport. Don’t do anything that violates that.” (Murphy, U
of A)
“Walking on or off the field and not hustling to 1st base are big ones. I hate
pouting. Basically, players who don’t PLAY HARD are crossed off my list.”
(Yacinich, GVU)
“Don’t think that because you had a bad game/play in front of a coach that
it’s over. Your reaction to failure says more about you as a player than your
successes do.” (Ekeler, DA)
“Don’t expect us to bang down your door, or call you every night. This is not
how it works. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most coaches will be honest
with you.” (Littrell, DC)
“I don't like when players send their stats without having a video (again I
don't necessarily trust the stats that I see)....again, don't limit options too
early...may not fit in this area- but also show a little bit of humility and
willingness to learn and adapt.” (McLaren, NWU)
“DON’T assume that every email you send college coaches will be read.”
(Richardson, ONU)
“Don't rule out a school without learning as much as you can about that
school - don't assume you can't attend a private school; don't have your
parents do all the leg-work for you when researching schools; don't let your
parents be the main point of contact with a coach - take responsibility for
the process yourself.” (Kramme, MU)
“Do not keep looking in the stands to see who is there. Do not be rude and
act entitled when asking your parent for a drink. Do not pout or throw
temper tantrums. Do not draw attention to yourself except through your
play.” (Minuskin, SXU)
Question: What are a few "Do's" for kids who want to play
at the next level?
“Too many times kids don’t think about preparing themselves for college as
high school freshman or sophomores, but often this is where the GPA is
actually established. The other thing I encourage as the player ages is to not
limit who they talk with or send letters to. Sometimes a player will be
convinced they are “going to Nebraska”; when/if it falls through they’ve
often cut ties with all their other options.” (Kerkman, MSHS)
“Do the best you can in the classroom, play multiple sports if possible, be a
well-rounded individual, be a great teammate…” (Minuskin, SXU)
“Really learn time-management skills! Be committed to education! Set
goals, have a plan to reach those goals, and stick to it! Seek out
opportunities to improve in all areas of the game. Finally, learn to be &
practice being a good teammate!” (McLaren, NWU)
“Get good grades! There is a misconception that full rides are waiting out
there – they’re not! You need the academic money. Also, play a lot of
positions against the best competition you can find.” (Murphy, U of A)
“Do work as hard as you can in the classroom! ACT/GPA matter at EVERY
school... Don’t wait until the last minute to work hard. This has such much
to do with what aid you will receive and what level you will play at. Do stay
responsible off the field. It matters how you represent yourself in social
media. It matters’ how you respect your parents’, coaches’, teammates, and
teachers. We want good character kids. Do sell yourself. If you have a good
product (ability/person/student) work to get your name out. Do
act/eat/sleep like an athlete every day... Do educate yourself on the
recruiting process and the realities of playing at the next level. Don’t buy in
to false hope or myths about different levels and scholarship opportunities.
The information is out their educate yourself!” (Littrell, DC)
“DO be as good a student as possible – it’s so much easier to ‘package’ a
good student. DO be realistic about the level of competition that matches
your abilities. DO invest in hard word every day – you get out of this game
what you put into it.” (Richardson, ONU)
“Grades and being involved in many things are huge...” (Yacinich, GVU)
“I wish more kids understood how vital grades and involvement are.
Coaching good players is nice, coaching good people is great.” (Ekeler DA)
“Play because you enjoy the game; work hard in school to earn good grades
- it does make a difference; keep the game in proper perspective - don't
treat every game like a "life or death" situation; be a good teammate.”
(Kramme, MU)
Question: What are a few "Don'ts" for kids who want to
play at the next level?
“Don’t have parent or someone else do the work to recruit the school of
choice.” (Yacinich, GVU)
“Don't put all of your eggs into one basket. Be flexible with the collegiate
level you'd like to play at....Don't shut doors prematurely, and really I think
kids commit to schools way too early in their recruiting process.” (McLaren,
NWU)
“Don’t let anyone else own this decision. I was at a wedding for a former
player and her bridesmaids were all teammates. She was a super talent who
played small college ball, not DI. In my opinion that story says it all: she had
a heck of a career and couldn’t have been happier with her choice because
she played at the right place for the right reasons: her own.” (Ekeler, DA)
“In partial scholarship sports like softball, it is so important to understand
that grades will supplement any athletic scholarship. Secondly, be a team
player. Thirdly, play as many positions as possible and be open to playing
any position in college.” (Kerkman, MSHS)
“DON’T wait until your senior year to initiate the recruiting process.”
(Richardson, ONU)
“Don’t ever ask about money on your first visit to a college.” (Murphy, U of
A)
“Don't play because mom or dad tells you that you should; don't expect to
be successful on the field if you're not willing to practice.” (Kramme, MU)
“Do not limit your options by saying ‘I want to be a DI athlete.’ Do not get
lazy in the classroom, do not appear selfish on the field…” (Minuskin, SXU)
Question: With that in mind, what are a few "Do's" for
potential recruits?
“DO act responsible on any social media you’re involved with. DO research
the school and coaches you are going to contact to avoid awkward mix-ups.
DO treat your parents with respect in front of coaches.” (Richardson, ONU)
“Identify schools that interest you and can meet your academic needs;
research different schools on the internet - both academics and athletics;
Identify what type of school you're interested in attending - JUCO, 4 year,
private, state, etc; produce a ‘short list’ of schools you would like to visit and
then schedule those visits; start visiting in spring of junior year for initial
visits - early fall for follow-up visits.” (Kramme, MU)
“I like having players make initial contact- they need to realize that a coach
can't see everyone so they do need to take initiative! Also, personalize their
contacts -don't send the exact same email to several coaches at the same
time. Call the coach by name, talk about the school they coach at!”
(McLaren, NWU)
“HUSTLE AND PLAY HARD in games/practice! Be sure to wear the uniform
properly. Take care of equipment, and be a good teammate.” (Yacinich,
GVU)
“Schools who win championships lose transfers every year. My point: Know
your priorities! Your next four years should not feel like a prison term, but
they will even if you’re an All-American on a Championship team at a school
that doesn’t fit you. Find your fit with softball being one component of the
big picture.” (Ekeler, DA)
“Do contact us via email/phone. Do visit as many places as you can... Find a
good fit. Do ask as many questions as possible, so you can make a good
decision. Do worry about the present: If you are playing in a game, PLAY in
that game. Don’t worry about coaches around, or what is happening outside
of the diamond. We want to see how you react when things don’t go your
way, and what kind of competitor you are.” (Littrell, DC)
“I prefer that recruits contact me via e-mail showing at least some interest
in our program. The e-mail should include a profile and a skills video.
Academic information is a must. I like to watch a recruit in warm-ups when
she doesn’t know I’m there. Is she getting game ready? How does she
interact with her teammates? How does she treat her parents? I always
prefer that a recruit not know I am present the first time I watch her.”
(Minuskin, SXU)
“Start the process early – emails and camps start by freshman year.”
(Murphy, U of A)
What does it mean to be Driven?
The Driven Academy is the area’s premier training academy for softball
and baseball athletes. With a clientele that reaches from Lincoln into
Omaha, Seward, Crete, and even McCook and North Platte (via our video
analysis capabilities), we train hundreds of athletes using…


5000 square feet of turf with 5 cages and multiple pitching lanes
A full weightroom and explosiveness center with three certified
trainers on staff, as well as a nutrition expert
 The video analysis system of Major League Baseball and National
Pro Fastpitch: RightView Pro
 The Midwest’s finest coaches with experience from youth ball
through the professional level
 A movement specialist to help prevent injuries
 Skills/Recruiting videos
 Memberships, Complete Player Packages, and Team Training are a
few of our services
Opened in July of 2012, four Driven athletes have received college
scholarship offers and over a dozen post-season accolades were earned by
players who train at “The D.A.”
www.thedrivenacademy.com
info@thedrivenacademy.com
402.464.0100
4400 N. 48th Street
Lincoln, NE 68504
Victory favors the Driven athlete.
Are you Driven?