Tuesday, February 24, 6-8 pm
Hosted by Gunston College Guidance & Washington College Athletics
Join us virtually for an in-depth discussion on the realities of college sports and recruitment. We are pleased to welcome a panel of experts from Washington College, led by Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics, Thad Moore. This program is designed to provide student-athletes and their families with a clear roadmap for the transition from high school to collegiate athletics.
Program Goals & Schedule
The evening is structured to move from foundational knowledge to specific, student-led inquiries.
- Part 1: The Recruitment Landscape (Informational) Members of the Washington College coaching staff will share professional perspectives on the facets of recruitment. Topics include the "Do’s and Don’ts" of student-athlete conduct, timeline expectations for grades 9–12, and how to effectively get on a coach's radar.
- Part 2: Town Hall (Q&A) The second half of the program will transition to an open forum. This is an opportunity for students and parents to ask the panel direct questions regarding their specific sports, interests, or concerns.
Featured Panelists
- Thad Moore, Associate VP and Director of Athletics
- Roy Dunshee, Men’s Head Soccer Coach
- Constantine Ananiadis, Head Women’s Tennis Coach
- Alex Kincaid, Head Men’s Rowing Coach
- James Koval, Head Men’s and Women’s Swimming Coach
Key Discussion Topics
Our panelists will address the practicalities of being a college athlete, including:
- The Recruiting Process: Identifying the differences between Division I, II, and III; understanding athletic scholarships vs. financial aid; and the truth about “walking on.”
- The Student-Athlete Life: Balancing rigorous academic majors (such as Nursing or Engineering) with practice schedules, mandatory study halls, and travel demands.
- Communication & Presence: The role of social media, the impact of club teams vs. high school teams, and how to communicate effectively with college faculty regarding game-day travel.
- The Parent’s Role: Guidance on how parents can best support the process without overstepping.
- Beyond the Field: Insights into study abroad opportunities for athletes, "off-season" training limits, and the possibility of being a multi-sport athlete in college.
This event is highly recommended for all student-athletes in grades 9–12 who are considering competing at the next level.