A lot of what we do as coaches provides us with instant gratification; such as a win in a match, a successful training session, or even a coaching point relayed to a player whom we later see act on that advice.  However, when talking about recruiting we always say that the work we put in on the front end will provide rewards on the back end.  The effort we put in to recruit young men to join our program is sometimes fruitless, but on the other hand, we derive great satisfaction from the success stories that we help create and the hope of a bigger and brighter future for our soccer program.  Coach Giannini and I want to share excerpts from a letter that was able to give us that instant gratification in the early stages of the recruiting process with a young man.  It is from a mother whose son attended our Winter Soccer Visit Day on February 8th.  Enjoy!

"...I did not want to delay in thanking you and all the staff and students at Wabash for their generosity to the parents and recruits during the soccer weekend.

     It goes without saying that the facilities at Wabash are outstanding and the opportunities very impressive, but what impressed me the most were the people - from the administrators to the students - and their attitudes towards the place of education and sports in a young man's life.  And it seemed to me that this was not just a fortunate moment, a particularly good graduating class, a well orchestrated presentation, but rather that this is the Wabash tradition and what can be expected year after year.

     Last fall, (my son) and I attended a presentation given by recruiters from one of his top three college choices, a sort of Ivy of the Midwest.  As was to be expected, it was energizing and attractive.  The recruiters talked about the atmosphere of learning, the lovely campus (with the food voted best in the country!), the high academic standards, and the diversity.  And if they used the word 'passion' once they used it fifty times.  'Curiosity' was a close second.  With all that passion and curiosity I would have burned out my first semester.  And I am not sure passion and curiosity are the most important qualities to develop in life.  The people at Wabash talked about 'responsibility', 'commitment', 'priorities', 'becoming a better person', 'banding together to help each other', and ' fun', because it can't all be work.  These are real qualities that foster nobility and dignity that are virtues that make a real difference, not just an educational discipline, but in a life.

     When our first Wabash flyer arrived in the mail I was really taken aback by the fact that it was an all male school.  How anachronistic!  But as I heard more and more positive reports on the school and no negatives by the way, I thought I needed to keep an open mind.  I am convinced, and was so even before the decisive testimonial by one of the soccer players verbalized for me the reason the all male campus is a plus.  He said he felt he could be himself and be so much more open, and when I heard this it suddenly dawned on me how much pressure there is on young men at this time in their lives and how complicating the presence of women can be!  And having seen it the all male environment really makes sense to me and I even think it may be superior in many ways, perhaps in some part of making those qualities above achievable goals.

     You may notice that I have said nary a word about soccer.  Even though soccer is driving this whole search for college outside of Bloomington, it is not the most important element and I appreciate that Wabash doesn't make it feel like it has to be.  I also appreciate that Wabash understands how valuable sports can be in a young man's development.  Believe me, (my son) not only has plenty of energy and drive to be committed to soccer when homework is done, it seems to be a necessity, a passion (there, I did find a place for that word) for him.  He would not let you down because he believes in hard work and commitment and he never gives up.

     Please give a special 'thank you' to Coach Johnson, whose speech was inspiring, LaToshia Everson, who discussed financial aide with me, Professor Mikesell, who entertained me at dinner, to the athletes for their insights, and to all the speakers.  Please also give our condolences to Coach Giannini and tell him we were sorry not to meet him and hope he makes a full recovery soon.

    Thank you again and best of luck in a successful recruiting season."