October 4, 2024

Parent Q&A - Navigating High School Sports Recruitment: Where to Begin!

Welcome to Coach’s Corner, where we address questions asked by local student families. If you have a question you’d like us to address, please email us at contact@mystrivepath.com.


Question: Dear StrivePath, my son is a sophomore at Campolindo, and is interested in getting recruited for water polo, but we're not sure where to start?


Answer:
Thank you for reaching out about your son’s interest in water polo recruitment. Sophomore year is a great time to begin preparing for the recruitment process, and there are a few key steps to take right now.



First, it’s important to start with academic planning. Water polo coaches, like those in other NCAA sports, look for athletes who can handle both the demands of the sport and rigorous academics. Your son should work on maintaining a strong GPA, especially in key subjects like math and science. College coaches will begin evaluating academic fit midway through his junior year, so ensuring a solid academic foundation is key.


Next, we recommend he start building a list of potential colleges based on his academic interests, geographic preferences, and water polo programs. Each school varies in terms of competitiveness and what they look for in athletes. Programs on both the West Coast and East Coast, like those at Stanford, USC, and Ivy League schools, are known for their academic and athletic rigor.


It’s also a good time to initiate communication with college coaches. While NCAA rules limit direct responses from coaches before June 15 of his sophomore year, he can still send introductory emails with his water polo achievements and academic profile. Including a highlight video that showcases his skills in game settings is essential. Regularly updating coaches throughout the season helps maintain visibility.


Participation in showcase tournaments like the Junior Olympics or the North-South Tournament can also increase his exposure to coaches. These events offer opportunities for your son to connect with coaches in person, further strengthening his recruitment prospects.


We also wanted to let you know that we’ve recently added Jennifer to our team, who previously recruited and coached water polo players at Pomona College and Brown University. Jennifer’s experience with these highly selective schools gives us deeper insight into the water polo recruitment process, from identifying the right athletic and academic fit to helping athletes navigate the complexity of college sports.


Feel free to reach out with any further questions or if you’d like additional guidance.

Best regards,

StrivePath Team


About StrivePath

StrivePath empowers students and families with personalized academic and college advising, market insights, and community resources, ensuring holistic development and better outcomes. Happier students. Less stressed families. Better admission outcomes.


For more information, visitwww.mystrivepath.com.


April 8, 2025
Why We Are Excited to Deliver Our Services to the Fremont Community We are thrilled to announce the opening of StrivePath’s sixth office in Fremont, a location driven by the demand from local parents who are seeking relief from the stress and noise often associated with college and academic planning. As Fremont is known for its high-pressure environment, our mission is clear: to create a balanced and student-centered approach that focuses on what truly matters—the student’s growth, happiness, and long-term success. At StrivePath, we believe that the journey to college is about much more than just the destination. It’s about who the student becomes along the way. We’re not here to focus solely on admissions to prestigious schools; instead, we aim to foster students’ personal growth, helping them discover their interests, build strong academic habits, and develop the confidence needed to thrive in whatever path they choose. StrivePath’s Student-Centered Approach Our Fremont office reflects this commitment to holistic, personalized guidance. We recognize the complexity of the high school-to-college transition and the increasing stress families feel in the face of competing priorities. By offering in-person support, we aim to alleviate that pressure and give families the clarity they need to make confident academic and career decisions. Meet Maiya, StrivePath’s Fremont Consultant We are excited to introduce Maiya, who will lead our Fremont office with expertise, compassion, and dedication to helping families navigate the college admissions process. A Silicon Valley native, Maiya brings a wealth of experience as both an academic and college counselor. She has worked in both boarding and public schools, gaining a deep understanding of the varied needs of students from all walks of life. Maiya’s approach is rooted in her extensive background, having attended 200+ college tours across the U.S. and Canada. She has a deep understanding of both domestic and international college admissions processes, having reviewed first-year applications for three UC campuses. Her exposure to different academic systems, including International Baccalaureate (IB), makes her uniquely qualified to guide families through a broad range of college options. With a BA in Sociology from Brandeis University, a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning from UC Berkeley Extension, and a MA/MEd in School Counseling from Columbia University, Maiya brings both academic rigor and practical knowledge to her role. Above all, she is driven by a genuine desire to ensure families have the information they need to make the best college and career decisions for their students. “I’m passionate about supporting students and families in their educational journeys. StrivePath’s student-first philosophy truly resonates with me, and I’m excited to help families find peace and clarity during this important process,” Maiya shares. Why Families Choose StrivePath At StrivePath, we aim to reduce the stress that often accompanies academic and college planning. Our approach is designed to: Reduce Stress: We offer a supportive, student-focused environment where families feel heard and seen. Focus on What Matters: Our goal is to foster students’ self-awareness, identify their interests, and nurture their strengths—not just to secure a spot at a prestigious school. Bring Clarity: From academic planning to career exploration, we help families navigate each step of the process with confidence and ease. Through our in-person consultations, we bring local expertise, data-driven insights, and decades of experience to help families make thoughtful decisions and achieve better outcomes. Visit Us in Fremont Our Fremont office is now open and ready to serve the local community. If you’re a parent looking to reduce the stress of the college planning process and would like a more holistic, student-centered approach, we’d love to meet with you. Maiya and the StrivePath team are here to help guide you through this transformative journey. Let’s focus on what truly matters: building your student’s best self. Happier Students. Less Stressed Families. Better Admission Outcomes. Learn more or schedule a consultation at www.mystrivepath.com
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