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Happy New Year!
2014, did you ever think? I have to concede that I thought by now we would be flying around in cars like the Jetsons...too much TV as a kid!
As A4A embarks on its 4th year, I have some fun numbers to share with you:
1. We now have athletes at over 60 different colleges and universities.
2. At 9 of those schools we have 2 athletes or more.
3. Our success rate stands at 95%.
4. 97% of our athletes are performing better in the classroom because of our goal setting techniques.
5. Over 150 Bay Area athletes under our guidance.
6. 7 employees and growing...
7. Working with athletes in 14 different sports.
8. 18 is the number of football players we had in the CCS playoffs.
9. CCS players of the Year - 3.
10. Our very first client (1) was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2013 and is now our first professional athlete.
2013 was another banner year for A4A, we expect 2014 to be even better. Very proud of all of our accomplishments! Having fun and making a difference!
If you have or know of any aspiring student athletes please send them our way. We can definitely help! Sincere, honest, fun and rewarding...that's what we are all about!
To a great 2014!
All the Best,
Steve
Steve Britschgi
President
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What We Do
Advocates for Athletes (A4A) is a local, hands-on consulting and coaching business created to help educate and guide student athletes and their families through the college recruiting process, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a college athletic scholarship and/or admittance to a school of their choice because of their sport.
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Where are the A4A Athletes
going to College?
Here is a partial list.
Colleges
The U.S. Naval Academy
Providence University
Princeton University(2)
UCLA
Tulane University
Loyola Marymount University(2)
Lewis and Clark University(2)
Dominican University(2)
Western State College of Colorado
U.C. Berkeley
Texas Christian University
Brown University
University of Utah
Cal Poly Pomona
Claremont Mudd Scripps
Georgetown University(2)
Carroll College
Chaminade University
Kenyon College
U.C. Merced
U.C. Davis
Carnegie Mellon University(2)
Pomona Pitzer University(3)
Duquesne University
Southern Illinois University
Fresno State
University of Redlands (2)
Notre Dame De Namur University
University of San Diego
University of Colorado at Boulder
Colorado College(2)
University of La Verne
Cal State East Bay University
Washington State University
Trinity College (Conn)
Leslie University
Willamette
Rochester Polytechnic Institute
Cal State Dominguez Hills
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From the Desk of: Beatrice Shultz
Westface College Planning
A must read for all parents with college bound student athletes!
It's January. Time for the FAFSA!
FAFSA?
While the majority of parents are overly aware of the FAFSA and its benefits, some are entirely new to the world of preparing for college. So, what is the FAFSA?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) allows parents and students to submit a yearly application that leads to accessing and utilizing student aid money-grants, loans, and work-study, to name a few.
Sounds Good, But What Do I Need?
First decide whether you or your child will file. The application focuses on the student at first, but may require the financial status of the parents in light of their dependency.
If the student answers yes to any of these questions (Were you born before Jan. 1st 1990? Are you married? Etc.) and you're considered independent, but all no's means dependent.
Dependent = You'll need documentation for the student and parents.
Independent = You'll need documentation for the student and their spouse (if married).
In any case, make sure to collect necessary documents that will make answering financial questions a whole lot easier:
- Tax Forms (Federal Income)
- Assets (Business Investments & Bank Statements)
- Personal (SSN & Driver's License)
- Income Proof (Untaxed & Taxable Income)
Is This at FAFSA.gov?
Yes, the entire application channels through the FAFSA.ed.gov website.
Once you determine dependency and pull together all the necessary forms, set aside at least 1-2 hours to apply.
It's a good idea to involve your child in the process, maybe just by sitting them in a chair and pointing out the answers to questions, or even allowing them to fill out the application as you feed appropriate information.
They'll get a good idea to how it works, should they need to renew their FAFSA in the future on their own.
You'll also get a PIN number that's unique to the student and one that is unique to the parent. Keep an electronic and written record of the PIN to reference; they'll ask for it more than once.
So When Can I Start? Now!
The official window to submit an application for the 2014-15 school year begins January 1st 2014 and ends June 30th.
We cannot stress enough the importance of submitting as early as possible. If you let the deadlines slip your mind, your student will not be eligiblefor any federal aid that school year.
They operate on a first-come, first-serve basis for aid, so the earlier, the better!
If We Haven't Convinced You Yet...
Here's a few more reasons:
- Determining your need status is a vital factor for many schools that utilize the FAFSA to award aid.
- Potentially free money toward the student's college career.
The average Cost of Attendance for Cal State is $22,000 and UC is $32,000 per year. Depending upon the school and the student's need, they very well may be eligible for federal-issued funding for anything from tuition to smaller expenses such as parking permits. - It's free! Applying once per year is cost-free and begins the process of obtaining student aid.
To ensure the best possible opportunity for financial aid, prepare accordingly, apply early and afterward, check e-mail frequently for aid award notices.
After reviewing all the prospective benefits, you have to ask yourself: Why not apply?
Westface College Planning can help you prepare for the FAFSA effectively and navigate the financial aid process from start to finish. To learn how we can help you call us at 650-587-1559 or sign up for one of our Tackling the Runaway Costs of College Workshops or Webinars.
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Interesting News From the NCAA
Benefits to college student-athletes: The advantages of competing in college sports are both immediate and lifelong. This list outlines the many benefits student-athletes receive by playing their chosen sport while pursuing a college degree.
1. College Education
A college degree has a direct impact on a person's quality of life. A 2013 study by The College Board shows that the median lifetime earnings of bachelor's degree recipients are 65 percent higher than those of high school graduates. Access to a college education is a great benefit to student-athletes as well. NCAA research shows 15 percent of Division I student-athletes are first-generation college students.
2. Academic Success
The NCAA's most recent data indicate that more than eight out of 10 (82 percent) Division I student-athletes are earning their degrees. Overall, college student-athletes graduate at rates higher than college students in general. As part of the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate, more than 11,500 student-athletes have returned to campus and completed their degrees since 2005.
3. Scholarships
More than 150,000 student-athletes receive $2.4 billion in athletic scholarships each year from NCAA member colleges and universities. The average college student graduates with $35,200 in debt. Athletic scholarships offset these costs for student-athletes. In addition, USA Today determined that a full men's basketball scholarship can be worth at least $120,000 per year, when factoring in goods, services and future earnings. Athletes who do not receive athletic scholarships have a variety of other financial aid available to them, including academic scholarships and federal Pell Grants. Student-athletes' earnings from part-time employment also are exempt from financial aid limits. Moreover, in the last decade NCAA schools have awarded more than $17 billion in athletics scholarships.
4. Student Assistance Fund
Division I student-athletes have access through their campus and conference offices to more than $75 million from the NCAA's Student Assistance Fund. These resources can be used in a variety of ways, from helping student-athletes fly home in the event of a family tragedy to purchasing a winter coat or other needed clothing that they might not be able to afford.
5. Academic and Support Services
Student-athletes receive academic support, such as state-of-the-art technology and tutoring, and have access to athlete-focused academic advisors in addition to traditional academic advisors. The NCAA also provides resources each year to schools as part of the Academic Enhancement Fund.
6. Medical Care
The NCAA takes appropriate steps to modify safety guidelines, playing rules and standards. All student-athletes receive medical care and most are provided medical insurance through their schools. On top of that, the NCAA provides a catastrophic injury program. Furthermore, student-athletes can obtain their own disability insurance based on future earnings potential as professional athletes, which is permitted under NCAA rules.
See more at: http://www.ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/about+the+ncaa/value-of-college-sports#sthash.9blTyzTo.dpuf
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Recruiting Question
of The Month
When is it too early to start Division I recruiting?
The Answer: NEVER
Many experts have pointed out that the majority of recruits separate themselves from their recruiting competition during the freshmen and sophomore years. The recruits that put together a serious game plan ultimately will have more success than those who wait until junior or senior years.
It is all about relationship building with coaches and as we all know relationships take time.
This is a once in a lifetime experience that will affect the rest of a young athletes life......Might as well do it right........Why wait?
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Testimonials
Steve,
Thank you for all your guidance and help in assisting my son find his way on to a college campus with a ball in his and a scholarship in his bank account!!
Your attention to detail and your true desire to help him made the world of difference in his life. While Zayn is a smart, strong, quite young man who is silently confident your guidance and coaching helped him to openly and willingly be confident to speak highly of himself, sell himself, and take ownership of his achievements. These are enhanced skills he will take with him throughout the rest of his life.
Your willingness to meet him near his school and job and accommodate his very busy schedule was appreciated. Also your efforts of continuing to check in and make sure he was on track was one of the keys to his success.
Zayn achieved his dream of transferring to a university that would afford him the academic excellence he demanded as well as be a part of a system were he could be a key contributor.
I have to also thank you for all the talks you had with me and your prompt communication throughout the who process. I was often unsettled and concerned about his future and you never gave off a negative or discouraging message.
Your faith in Zayn and his abilities academically and athletically will never be taken for granted or forgotten.
I am envious of your position to help families and student athletes achieve their dreams because I know there is a demand for this. I am now your advocate! I will do anything I can to help you if you ever need it... and will recommend you to everyone I know going through "the process".
Wishing you continued success,
Susan Kirkendoll
Mother of Zayn, Carroll College, Fall 2013
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Dear Steve,
I am so grateful to you for giving our daughter Rachel the confidence to go after UCLA. She is going down for orientation this week and she is still thrilled with her choice. This last weekend at a swim competition, it was fun to share with another swim parent the value you added to the college search experience. Without your assistance, I don't believe we would have found the complete match in both school and team.
Thank you again,
Alicia Owen,
Mother of Rachel- UCLA, Fall 2013
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Steve:
Conner and I wanted to send you our hearty thank you's for all your help with Conner's college application/positioning, and more importantly, for the enormous role you played in the successful results he had in his process! As you know, he used this process to finalize his choice (he got into his first two; and decided not to apply to any more, with glee), to finalize the size/division of school to go to, to develop relationships with coaches at several division levels, and to narrow down his search to the school that really hit him in all the right places.
The steps you helped him through, as well as your personal involvement, were spot on. Conner may be one of the more stubborn humans on the planet, but he followed through really well on this. He succeeded in the early application process in getting great coach support (along with good grades and exceptional SAT's), and being completely done with the madness of college admissions at about the same time most of his friends were just starting with the frenzy. He is extremely excited about both school and baseball at Lewis & Clark. We recommend anyone thinking about college and athletics, at D1, D2, or D3 levels, to talk with you as we have an extremely high level of trust in you and in the process you took Conner through. It helped in a broader way than just the nightmare of the college application process, and as a parent I have huge appreciation for that.
All the best-I am happy to talk to any perspective clients about the good work you do.
Best, Bob
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"A4A was a godsend to our Student Athlete. Steve provided invaluable guidance on the recruiting process, advice throughout and the all-important ongoing check-ins with our son. We had no idea how long and how difficult the journey of getting recruited to a Division 1 football program would be. Steve and A4A helped us objectively evaluate our son's potential and match his goals to achievable results.
You definitely need an "Advocate" in your corner during the recruiting process - and they don't get any better than Steve and A4A. We can't thank you enough for being there for us day or night, and making it all happen. The end result of all of the hard work is that our son, Shane, committed to play Defensive End at the United States Naval Academy. We are all very happy with this result and highly recommend A4A!"
Steve and Tammy Artim
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"We wanted to take the time and let all of you know how grateful we are to have spent the past year working with A4A.
Steve, never would I have imagined that a word, "Process" would ring so true in regard to helping our daughter navigate the NCAA/Academic institutions.
As a result of A4A's extensive knowledge, patience and understanding, our daughter Lilly will be attending and swimming at a division one school in the fall of 2013!
Your knowledge and guidance created a low stress, less worry atmosphere in our household thus allowing our family to enjoy the college journey. The consistent support and advice you provided to our daughter along the way has made her more confident and smart about her choices. The experience has taught all of us that patience, persistence and following the "Process" pays off in the end.
Thank you for believing in our daughter and for providing such a valuable and knowledgeable service."
All the very best,
Robin and John Nelson
Redwood City, Ca
Parents of Lilly, Duquesne University, Fall 2013
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"Navigating the student athlete college recruiting path can be a daunting and confusing process. We were fortunate to have A4A's services to help with this process for our daughter who plays soccer. Steve was very professional and extremely flexible in working one-on-one directly with our daughter, while keeping us abreast of current activities. Steve was also extremely helpful in the final stages of discussions and negotiations with the top schools on our list. The process was ultimately successful in that we had several options available for our daughter to play soccer in college at both the Division I and Division II level. I would recommend A4A's services for anyone looking to get professional guidance and assistance with the recruiting and college selection process."
~John and Kim Miller
Parents of Lauren- Cal Poly Pomona, Fall 2013
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"Thank you for all your guidance and help throughout this process. We couldn't have done this without you!! "
~Karen Bruneman
Mother of Brooke- Lesley University, Fall 2013
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"Steve, I am a true believer in your program and in A4A and what you have done. If you remember we came to you late in the game. Bemi was a great athlete in football (All-Conference as a junior and senior) but had zero, I repeat zero, interest from any school. More importantly, he had no one helping him or telling him what he needed to do even to have any colleges look at him.
You sat down with us over lunch, laid out a very simple game plan and then you pushed to execute it. From the basics on what to do with ensuring Bemi focus on improving his SAT scores, to making a highlight video and then mapping out the schools that fit a major that he wanted to do with his life. I was impressed by how much 1-1 time you committed to with Bemi, how you coached him on what to do, how to send the emails to the college coaches, how to talk to the coaches, and how to follow-up. More importantly, you stayed on top of everything. You have a "failure is not an option" attitude and its contagious. It is also clear to me that you really care and you work to ensure that the kids you take on are successful and get a chance at a scholarship and more importantly a future education.
As you know we just got back from a weekend trip to Western State College in Colorado where Bemi has received a scholarship offer to play football there. There is no doubt if anyone wants to go to college to be a student athlete, your program is the way to get them that visibility and a chance. I will be happy to recommend your program to anyone. Please send any doubters my way.
Thanks again for all your efforts".
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"When our son decided that he wanted to play sports in college, we weren't sure of how to go about getting information out to college coaches. After countless hours of searching and feeling overwhelmed by the whole process, we decided to seek help, and that is when we contacted Advocates for Athletes (A4A).
After our first session with A4A, we felt like a huge weight had been lifted. A4A gave us so much information that we would have never been able to obtain on our own. With the expert knowledge and information they provided, and the one-on-one help, it made the whole recruiting process a lot easier. A4A gave our son the confidence and tools not only to sell himself to college coaches, but a confidence that he will be able to use throughout his life.
Thanks to the great service they provide, our son has signed with a great college, and is looking forward to being a college athlete. I would recommend A4A to any high school student that is interested in playing sports at the next level. Working with A4A was one of the best things that our family has ever done."
~Mother of a former St. Francis High School football player recruited to University of San Diego who has since transferred to play at Colorado.
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"The A4A program has helped my son tremendously. My son has given a verbal commitment to Fresno State this past summer as a Junior, and has already taken an unofficial visit to the school.
The program that A4A customized for my son utilizing the Advocates for Athletes playbook has been a huge help during this crucial time in his life. If I could summarize the changes that I have noticed in his approach to everyday life, his time management would be number one. The A4A program has really helped him prioritize his day to day activities. I have noticed that he is "goal setting" much more than before and incorporating many of the strategies that Steve and my son worked on.
The program works and Steve's diligence and genuine caring for his student athletes is very apparent."
~Tom Paroubeck
Father of Jordan, the 69th pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.
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"I wanted to share with you our family's appreciation for the service that Advocates for Athletes has provided us. A year ago the task of selecting the right school for our daughter was overwhelming. Frankly, once we met with Steve and learned about the extensive research he had done on this issue and the process he had developed based on his findings we knew we made the right choice. An important side benefit in all of this is that our daughter has taken ownership in what will become her future. It has been a great lesson in learning for our family and his deliberate approach has taken much of the anxiety out of what is an otherwise difficult and complicated process. You can count us among the "advocates" for Advocates for Athletes."
~David Bartoshuk
Father of Megan Bartoshuk. Carnegie Mellon, Fall 2013
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Thank you!
Thank you for taking the time to read our A4A Newsletter. If you have any questions or comments please contact us.
Please forward this Newsletter on to anyone you feel might be in need of our services or interested in the college recruiting process.
Sincerely,
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A4A Resource Partners
*The Riekes Center for Human Enhancement
*Michael Romano, "Mr. Test Prep"
*BAWSI, Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative
*Susan Zaro, LMFT, Sports Health Counseling
*QWERTY Education Services
Westface College Planning
Performance Hoops, John Folonis
The South Bay:
Extreme Fitness&Sports(Campbell)
Crossfit Los Gatos
Tutoring Club(Almaden,Cupertino,Los Gatos and Willow Glen)
For details and contact information on each of our Partners please visit our website @ www.advocates4athletes.com.
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