OA’s Class of 2021 is exceptionally proud to send off its very own Kyle Sarney to Northeastern University next fall. Kyle is attending NU’ for a cross country as well as a track and field scholarship.
When interviewing Kyle he provided a lot of great insight on his scouting process along with tips and advice for students aspiring to be collegiate athletes. After his scouting process began from receiving interest from school he explained that as the year progressed that is when it became more serious.
“You are ready to make the final decision.”
“During track meets in February I was able to see who would actually show enough interest to come and watch me run. That was how I made my initial decisions… From there I spoke with these coaches about once a month over quarantine. About a month later I had two final conversations with these coaches and I made my decision!”
Throughout the rigorous process of college scouting, Kyle has said that for him the toughest part has definitely been the circumstantial position many athletes and just regular students from Class of 2020 and 21 have been put in:
“Forming where I would want to be with online tours and zoom calls with kids on the team when in a regular senior this would all be in-person stuff”. In order to avoid potential regrets, Kyle made sure to “consider every positive and negative about the choices and whatever had a better score would determine where I would want to be.”
Luckily for Kyle, the coronavirus pandemic could not stop him because he “was able to see UMass and Northeastern in person.” As for whether or not Kyle was interested in any other schools he mentioned “Providence College, Connecticut College, and Holy Cross” as well as the previously mentioned Umass Amherst.
One of the seemingly good things COVID-19 has blessed Kyle with was time to make his decision. As of now, Kyle is confident that in regards to how covid may affect his season he “will be able to have what we would call a “normal” season” although he still acknowledges that “people will be more careful with things and we will see some restrictions”.
“Do not rush the process. Now more than ever you have to make sure that you are taking your time with all of this and not rushing towards a decision.”
As for advice on the scouting process for any students interested Kyle stated that the most helpful thing is making yourself different from other candidates
“For me, this was a racing strategy that not many other kids would do. This strategy made me stand out because it was something that you don’t see often.”
Aside from the recruiting process for those considering any college Kyle advises that one should take their time to really consider their options.
“Make sure that you take into consideration all of the school’s positives and negatives. Find a way to see the campus in person. If you have taken all the necessary steps and have made thoughtful decisions about where you want to go and where you don’t want to go you are ready to make the final decision.”