College Selection for Student Athletes and Parents

Pathway to Play

May 3, 2025

Save the date!

Barb speaking to group at Pathway to Play workshop

About the workshop

This 3-hour workshop empowers high school student-athletes and their families with the essential knowledge, tools and resources to successfully navigate the challenging process of securing and maintaining college academics and athletics. By attending, families will gain the insights needed to identify the right college choice that aligns with the student’s athletic and academic goals.

Our mission is to cultivate confidence, self-advocacy, and a strong voice within student-athletes as they pursue opportunities to compete at the college level.

Event Takeaways

We will share stories of successes, challenges and pitfalls in order to help our families understand the best approach and the vast possibilities for navigating an athlete’s dream of playing college sports.

Be prepared for an engaging, powerful, and empowering workshop where you gain valuable insights, tools, resources, and knowledge to tackle this process successfully!

What is the reality of college athletics for me?

Understand the recruiting process and learn proven strategies from expert coaches, advisors, and academic advocates.

How do I go from high school sports to college?

Learn insider strategies on how to market yourself, get on coaches’ radars, and maximize your chance of earning a roster spot.

How can I gain an advantage?

Identify the ideal college program based on your academic and athletic goals.

How do I prepare for college athletics?

Understand the transition from high school to college and equip yourself with the strategies to deal with the pitfalls of that first year.

How do I support my child through emotional challenges and pressures?

Recognize the emotional challenges of transitioning from home to college athletics, and get ready for the upcoming changes.

How can I, as a parent, provide support for my student-athlete?

Discover how parents can help their student athletes navigate the college expectations and engage with confidence.

Who the event is for

This event is tailored for high school student-athletes who aspire to compete at the college level. It provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigate college academics, the athletic recruiting process, and transition into college.

The workshop is also tailored for parents of high school student-athletes, offering a simplified, holistic approach to the breakdown of the college recruiting process, academic success, and the preparedness for stepping onto campus. Equipping parents with this important knowledge enables them to add to their own support system while encouraging their student-athlete through this process.

Registration Fee: $30 per person* which includes:

Event admission (workshop, vendor tables and light snacks)
Swag bag for each attendee
Opportunity to win a FREE coaching package

*Group Pricing Available: Contact hello@findmyteam.com for inquiries on group rates.

Don’t Miss Out: Space is limited for this workshop, so reserve your spot today! Slots will fill up quickly.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

Support-panel-at-Champion-Choices-workshop

Empowering Kickoff

Welcome & Introductions

Hands-On Hustle

Interactive Showcase
Recruiting Realities Revealed

Transition Tactics

Prepping for the Leap
Panel 1: Experts on Advocacy, Nutrition & Admissions

Game-Changing Insights

Interactive Learning Labs
Panel 2: Coaches & Leaders Share Keys to Success

Overtime Excellence

Interactive Drill
Q&A Mastermind

**Doors open at 11:30. Vendor tables available to explore both before and after the workshop.**

Panelists – coming soon

Speakers/Presenters

Seasoned professionals with extensive backgrounds in college athletics, coaching, and educational advocacy have teamed up to provide comprehensive guidance for student-athletes and families navigating the college recruiting process.

Barb Smith

Founder, Find My Team

Willette White

Founder, Next Step with Passion and Purpose

Laurie McDevitt

Founder, Advocacy for the Special Ones

About Find My Team

Find My Team empowers high school student-athletes and their families to successfully navigate the college athletic recruiting journey. Founded by Barb Smith, a former collegiate athlete and 30-year coaching veteran, Find My Team provides transformative guidance through an engaging, personalized approach.

Barb’s extensive background makes her uniquely positioned to mentor aspiring athletes. After competing at The Ohio State University, she spent three decades as a college coach, honing her ability to develop players on and off the field. Her entrepreneurial vision coupled with motivational speaking expertise allows her to truly inspire the next generation.

About Next Step with Passion and Purpose:

Success for athletes goes beyond college acceptance. Next Step with Passion and Purpose recognizes that change can put young people in crisis when stepping foot on a college campus.

Drawing from 36 years as an NCAA Power 5 basketball coach and administrator, Willette White, witnessed firsthand the difficulties surrounding the leap to college athletics. Acknowledging the emotional hurdles during the shift from home to college athletics addresses what a student-athlete is losing and prepares them for the change ahead.

Her passion for serving student-athletes fueled the development of preparatory solutions leveraging her extensive experience. With Willette’s program, families gain strategies to successfully navigate this pivotal time.

About Advocacy for the Special Ones:

For families of children with special needs, Advocacy for the Special Ones is an invaluable resource. Owner Laurie McDevitt utilizes her 30+ years of experience to partner with parents, ensuring their children receive the educational support they deserve.

Laurie’s comprehensive background spans roles as a certified special education teacher, case manager, department lead, and parent advocate. Having viewed IEP meetings from every perspective, she offers unparalleled expertise in facilitating productive collaboration between families and schools. Laurie’s relentless advocacy paves supportive pathways for children with special needs.