Aaron Vradenburgh

After making All State as a junior in high school I thought my phone would be ringing off the hook and I would be able to select the college baseball program I wanted.  I soon realized that having good playing credentials were only part of the equation, especially once I had left the borders of my hometown in Fairfield County.  I still needed to understand the recruiting process, how to market myself effectively, and what to look for in a program.  Eventually, I found my way, but only after transferring from a Division I program up north to a Division III program down south, where I became a three-year All-Conference outfielder. 

Upon graduating from college, I began coaching, and as this passion grew and my players came of age, I began advising them and their parents on the recruiting process for college baseball.  A common theme I noticed was that the players and their parents were unsure of how to start the process, how to get noticed by coaches, what programs were a “good fit”, and how to elevate themselves above the competition. 

Baseball has been a passion of mine since I could walk.  As the head coach for Westport/Weston Senior Legion and a professional instructor at I.S.T in Norwalk, I am immersed in baseball and the business of it.  I am in constant contact with college coaches and have a first hand understanding of what they seek in a high school student-athlete.

I feel fortunate that I am able to take my knowledge and experience and apply them in my profession as a strong resource for student-athletes and their parents. 

Sincerely,

Aaron Vradenburgh
203-984-9536
www.collegeathleticadvisement.com
info@collegeathleticadvisement.com

Sara Holland - Softball

My parents were my greatest advocates when I began the athletic recruiting process.  Unfortunately, we hardly knew how to begin, let alone how to navigate all the vital steps required to succeed in this extensive and sometimes confusing process.

Athletically, I had the ability to play at the highest level, and I demonstrated my talents as a member of the state’s premier fastpitch softball team.  Despite my great speed and an outstanding ability to hit, a couple of factors worked against me during the recruiting process.  Standing only 5’3”, I could have been easily overlooked, and being from a small town would naturally limit my exposure.

Through countless hours of research, advice from several sources, and some key contacts, I eventually gained the attention of several schools; in fact, I was ultimately recruited by more than 20 Division I schools.  In the end, I was able to pick where I wanted to attend school and play fastpitch softball.  As mentioned, I had the talent to play anywhere, but it was the self-recruiting I did that helped open doors. 

I have also been on the other side of recruiting.  As an assistant coach at two top Division I schools, I spent part of my time recruiting athletes.  This experience allowed me to learn the process from the coaches’ perspective. I know what coaches seek in a student-athlete, I can make use of a wide network of valuable contacts, and I know how best to put this information to use for you.

This can be a confusing time, full of NCAA Clearinghouse regulations, academic issues, the role of parents in the process, and the “where, when, what, and how” of  recruiting.  I am committed to helping the student-athlete find her way to the collegiate ranks where she can continue to play at her optimum level. 

Sincerely,

Sara Holland

Marc DiGiovanni - Lacrosse

Graduating from high school as a two-time All American gave me the opportunity to fulfill my childhood dream of playing Division I Lacrosse.  My solid work ethic in both academics and athletics opened the door to an athletic scholarship at Johns Hopkins University.  If I stopped there it would appear that my college career was quite successful, especially since I graduated with honors and was a two-time All American.  My college experience was indeed successful, but it took an unexpected turn of events to guide me on my eventual path.  While at Johns Hopkins I incurred injuries requiring two major reconstructive surgeries.  These injuries, which could have meant the end of my lacrosse career, forced me to re-evaluate my outlook on the college experience as a whole, and ultimately led me to Eastern Connecticut State University, where I became a two-time All American and graduated with honors. 

With my playing days in the past, I have focused my passion for lacrosse on helping young players attain their goals both on and off the field.  My devotion to these young men has led me to run clinics, provide private instruction, coach at the high school level, and work with high school players and their parents on the college recruiting process. 

The college recruiting process is complex, and can be overwhelming, even for elite athletes.  My personal experience and my relationships with college coaches provide me with the ability and knowledge to advise student athletes in reaching a decision that is “right” for them.

Sincerely,

Marc DiGiovanni