What are the Next Steps After a College Showcase?
Learn how to make the most of your college showcase experience with Mariia Iordanova's advice
You have just played at a college showcase, now what? Here is everything you need to know for the post-showcase process.
Attending a college showcase is a huge step toward getting a sports scholarship in the US. These events allow athletes to play in front of multiple coaches at once and gain visibility among U.S. universities. Showcases create scholarship opportunities that might otherwise be challenging to secure.
Mariia Iordanova, a tennis player at the University of Louisiana Monroe, took her first steps toward a tennis scholarship through Keystone Sports College Tennis Showcase. In this interview, she shares her experience and advice on the post-showcase process.
How did participating in the college showcase help you in your journey toward playing college sports?
“Participating in the college showcase gave me the opportunity to communicate with coaches, ask them a lot of questions, play tennis against strong players, and enjoy an unforgettable couple of days. Also, after I decided on my university, I had a lot of questions about submitting documents, and the people from Keystone Sports at the showcase helped me resolve them. I am very grateful for that!”
What opportunities came up at/after the showcase? Did you have any specific offers or interest from universities?
“Before, during, and after the tournament, I talked to many coaches. Between matches, three coaches from different universities approach me, each offering a full scholarship with different terms. I decided to choose the first university because I liked the coach and the on campus living conditions. They all gave me some time to think, which really helped me with my decision.”
What was your decision-making process like when choosing the university you wanted to attend?
“For me, the most important thing was securing a full scholarship and finding a good coach. Nowadays a coach plays a huge role not only on the court but beyond it, so I tried to establish a friendly relationship with the coach before arriving in America. It was equally important to find a university with a strong tennis team and with a good reputation.”
Did you reach out to current team members to get a better understanding of the environment in the team and university?
“I contacted a couple of girls from my current team, and I also wrote to girls who decided to transfer to another university. This really helped me understand the team’s atmosphere, the coach’s approach, and what life at the university was really like.”
How did the showcase experience influence your confidence and readiness for the next steps?
“The college showcase experience gave me the confidence I needed for the admission process since I received a lot of information and examples. I learned what to discuss with the coaches, what questions to ask them, what exams are required, and what documents are needed. It provided specific instructions for my next actions and without them, I would not have entered the university. Also, I could personally ask questions that concern me about the admission process, which was very useful.”
What advice would you give to athletes preparing for their next steps after participating in a showcase?
“My advice is to not be nervous, and ask a lot of questions not only to the coach but also to Keystone Sports experts. This will help you have a clear plan of action that will make your admission process much easier.”
Top Tips from Mariia for Next Steps After a College Showcase
1. Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be shy! Use your time at the showcase to ask coaches and Keystone Sports experts every question you have. It’s the best way to get clarity on things like training expectations, scholarship offers, and campus life.
2. Build Relationships Early
Coaches are key to your college experience, both on and off the court. Start building a good relationship with potential coaches right from the showcase—you want to feel comfortable with them.
3. Connect with Current Athletes
Reach out to team members or even recent alumni. Hearing about their day-to-day experiences will help you get a feel for the team’s vibe, campus life, and what you can expect.
4. Prepare for the Admission Process
Knowing what tests, documents, and timelines are required can help you stay ahead. The showcase is a great place to learn what steps to take next and avoid last-minute stress. Reach out to Keystone Sports experts at the showcase for guidance.
If you want to get a sports scholarship in the US, attending a college showcase can be a game-changer. Just like Mariia experienced, a showcase opens direct opportunities to connect with college coaches, get scholarship offers, and figure out the right steps to get closer to your dreams.
Register now for our upcoming college showcases
Are you a soccer player aiming for a scholarship? Don’t miss the Keystone Sports College Soccer Showcase Tour for men’s and women’s soccer, visiting four European cities this December. Check out the cities and dates, register now, and boost your chances of being recruited by top colleges in the USA!
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
Current student-athlete in the United States completing an MBA in Business Analytics. Born in Pamplona, Spain, she decided to continue her soccer career in the US. She played DI soccer at California State University, Fresno, while earning a double degree in Mass Communication and Journalism, and Psychology. She aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.
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