MY APPROACH
I’ve lived this journey from every angle—as a recruited athlete, as a Division I coach, and as the longest-tenured Head Football Coach at Cornell. I’ve read admitted applications, worked with admissions directors, partnered with financial aid offices, and coached hundreds of athletes through this life-changing process.
Now, I work directly with families who want to approach recruiting and admissions with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Ready to take the guesswork out of the process? Let’s talk about your goals and make a plan.
How it all began…
Coming out of high school, I wanted to play college football at a great school. I wanted football to help me get an education I otherwise would not have been able to get. My final offers came from Hamilton College, the University of Rochester, Lafayette College, Cornell University, and Harvard University. It was a tough decision! Navigating need-based aid, merit aid, and Ivy League admissions was a complex process. Schools like these are looking for applicants who can add a unique skill set to their campus, while also having the academic foundation and leadership potential to make the biggest positive impact. My unique skill set was being a recruited athlete, and I am grateful for all the doors that opened for me. I ultimately chose Cornell, majored in economics, earned a spot on the Dean’s List, became a team captain, and made my best friends for life.
After a two-year stint with Teach For America, I returned to Cornell as an Assistant Coach and quickly worked my way up the ranks — promoted to Recruiting Coordinator, and ultimately, in 2013, named the youngest Head Coach in Division I at the age of 30. While I liked the schematic part of the game of football, I loved the recruiting part the best. I really enjoyed helping families navigate this complex process, knowing it had a life-changing result. During my time as Head Coach, I hired over 40 staff members and designated three different people in charge of recruiting. I trained them all. I was multiplying my impact, and I was able to help provide access to a life-changing degree to so many more deserving students.
To help even more families, I started a prospect camp at Marist College and used my connections across the industry to invite all high-academic schools to work it. I had over 70 coaches representing 35 schools at last year’s camp. In one day, I provided access to the Ivy League, Patriot League, and NESCAC to over 400 families.
In addition to athletic recruitment, I worked with admissions directors and college deans to really understand what elite academic schools were looking for. I read admitted applications and saw firsthand the qualities and characteristics that were valued by the admissions community. I also built strong relationships with the head of financial aid and student employment. I became well-versed in the forms, requirements, and reasoning behind need-based aid.
Reflecting on my next career move, I thought about what I really loved about my job. It was the admissions, financial aid, and recruiting process that had me hooked. To that end, I became a certified executive life coach with over 70 hours of training. I learned how to help people get where they want to go off the field, while keeping their voice in the driver’s seat.
Let’s Work Together
My experience, skills, knowledge, and connections position me to be a strong asset to you and your family. I’d love to hear your story and talk about how I can help you navigate the recruiting and admission process with confidence.