November 15, 2024

What are the Next Steps After a College Showcase?

Make the Most of Your College Showcase Experience with Advice from Mariia Iordanova

You’ve attended a college showcase—now what? Learn about Mariia Iordanova’s, a Ukrainian tennis player, firsthand experience and the steps she took after the showcase to make her US college dream come true.

You’ve just played at a college showcase, so what comes next? Here’s everything you need to know about the post-showcase process.

Attending a college showcase is a significant step toward securing a sports scholarship in the US. These events allow athletes to perform in front of multiple coaches and gain visibility among American universities, creating scholarship opportunities that might otherwise be difficult to access.

Mariia Iordanova, a tennis player at the University of Louisiana Monroe, took her first steps towards a tennis scholarship through Keystone Sports College Tennis Showcase. In this interview, she shares her experience and advice on what to do after the showcase.

How did participating in the college showcase help you on your journey to 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. After deciding on my university, I had many questions about submitting documents, and the Keystone Sports team 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 spoke to many coaches. Between matches, three coaches from different universities approached me, each offering a full scholarship with different terms. I chose the first university because I liked the coach and the on-campus living conditions. They all gave me time to think, which was very helpful in making 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. These days, a coach plays a huge role not only on the court but beyond it as well, 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 a solid reputation.

Did you reach out to current team members to get a better understanding of the team and university environment?

I contacted a few girls from my current team, and I also reached out 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 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, as I received a lot of information and examples. I learned what to discuss with coaches, what questions to ask, what exams are required, and what documents are needed. The showcase provided specific instructions for my next steps, and without them, I would not have entered the university. I could also personally ask questions I had 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 stay calm and ask lots of questions, not only to the coach but also to Keystone Sports experts. This will help you create a clear plan of action, making the admission process much easier.

Key Tips from Mariia for the Next Steps After a College Showcase

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 gain clarity on things like training expectations, scholarship offers, and campus life.
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.
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 to expect.
Prepare for the Admissions 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.

Register now for our upcoming college showcases

If you want to secure 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, secure scholarship offers, and figure out the right steps to make your dreams a reality.

Don’t miss out on your chance—register now for the next showcase and get noticed by top college programmes!

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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 football career in the US. She played DI football 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.