Where Recruiting Happens!
Guiding Future Stars (GFS) is a college recruiting company that is helping revolutionize the recruiting process. Our focus is to help our student athletes find the right college experience for them.
THE GFS WAY
GFS is on a mission to revolutionize the journey to higher education and career success for all individuals. We are committed to providing comprehensive guidance that fosters academic excellence, strategic planning, and effective execution, empowering future leaders to thrive in their chosen paths- whether in the classroom, the workplace, or beyond.
GFS PRODUCTS
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OWN YOUR COLLEGE RECRUITING PROCESS
Take Control of the Process and Find Your College Fit
Own Your Recruiting Process Workbook provides high school student-athletes with a game plan to take ownership of their college recruiting process.
By exploring the 7 Phases of the college recruiting process through the Guiding Future Stars approach, student-athletes will discover what it takes to play at the next level, how the college recruiting process works, and how to find the right college fit, academically, athletically, and personally.
"I have learned so much the past four weeks. The biggest thing for me has been the opportunity and motivation to search for colleges, and the ones I aspire to go to. It's also been great to be able to learn how I create my marketing portfolio to grab the attention of college coaches. Although, the most important aspect has been the mission statement. It reminds me to stay focused on the task at hand day in and day out."
Quinn (2023)
"I have learned more in 4 weeks of this course than I would have learned in a year on my own. I have a better understanding of how the process works, what I need to achieve to be recruited, and how to market myself to colleges. It has also acted as a motivator for me to take ownership of the recruiting process and to learn about colleges earlier than I would have just on my own. With every class I become more confident in my ability to market myself to schools, and therefore more confident in my chances to attend and play at my dream school.
Braiden (2023)
Before I started this class, I really didn't know too much about the college recruiting process. But after going through the road map I know everything I need to do and how to do it to find the right fit. There is so much more to the process than i could have ever imagined but the course helped me simplify it and allowed me to create a plan.
Catherine (2022)
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GFS Recruiting Corner
The recruiting landscape for high school student-athletes is on the cusp of a significant transformation. Recent NCAA lawsuits and rulings have far-reaching implications that will change the way colleges recruit, distribute scholarships, and compensate athletes. As the dust settles, here's how these changes will impact the future of recruiting: Employee Status: A Game-Changer The recent ruling that grants employee status to college athletes will revolutionize the recruiting process. Colleges will now need to consider the financial and legal implications of employing student-athletes. This shift will likely lead to: - More emphasis on compensation packages and benefits - Changes in scholarship models and revenue sharing - Increased focus on athlete welfare and support services NCAA Athletes as Employees: Recent Ruling and Implications* A U.S. appeals court in Philadelphia ruled on July 11, 2024, that college athletes whose efforts primarily benefit their schools may qualify as employees deserving of pay under federal wage-and-hour laws ¹. This decision means that a test should be developed to differentiate between students who play college sports for fun and those whose effort "crosses the legal line into work" ¹. - Implications This ruling has significant implications for the NCAA and its long-standing concept of amateurism ¹. If athletes are considered employees, they may be entitled to compensation, benefits, and legal protections ². However, NCAA officials argue that this could harm student-athletes' experiences and create financial burdens for schools ¹. - Ongoing Debate: This issue is part of a broader debate about the rights and compensation of college athletes ². Some argue that athletes should be paid for their labor, while others believe that compensation could undermine the amateur nature of college sports ³. The National Labor Relations Board is also considering whether college athletes should be considered employees under federal labor law ². - Potential Consequences If athletes are classified as employees, schools and the NCAA may face substantial back pay claims from current and former athletes ⁴. This could lead to significant changes in the way college sports are structured and financed ². However, others argue that this could lead to unintended consequences, such as schools only funding profitable sports or detracting from the overall educational experience ². The Impact of New Ruling on Future College Rosters Reduced Roster Sizes Increased Injuries and Mental Health Issues Compensation and Benefits The impact of the new ruling on future college rosters is uncertain, with ongoing debates and discussions among coaches, administrators, and athletes ⁶. The new ruling's impact on future college rosters will likely unfold in the coming months and years. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): A New Recruiting Tool With the introduction of NIL guidelines, colleges can now use an athlete's marketability as a recruiting selling point. This will lead to: - Increased emphasis on social media presence and personal branding - Colleges highlighting their ability to help athletes build their NIL - More creative and lucrative endorsement opportunities Roster Size and Scholarship Implications Reduced roster sizes and changes in scholarship models will impact the number of available spots for incoming recruits. This will lead to: - Increased competition for fewer spots - More emphasis on early recruiting and commitments - Potential for more athletes to consider alternative routes like junior college or NAIA Recruiting Strategies: Adapting to the New Landscape Colleges will need to adapt their recruiting strategies to stay competitive. This may include: - Earlier identification and recruitment of top talent - More personalized and holistic approaches to recruiting - Increased focus on athlete development and support services The Student-Athlete Experience: A New Priority With the emphasis on athlete welfare and support services, colleges will need to prioritize the student-athlete experience. This will lead to: - Increased focus on academic support and resources - More emphasis on mental health and wellness programs - Colleges highlighting their commitment to athlete development and success beyond sports The future of recruiting high school student-athletes will be shaped by the evolving NCAA landscape. As colleges navigate these changes, they'll need to prioritize creative recruiting strategies, athlete welfare, and support services to attract top talent. Student-athletes, in turn, will need to be more proactive in their recruitment, considering factors beyond just athletic development. As the recruiting landscape continues to shift, one thing is certain – the future of college sports will be shaped by these transformative changes. Sources: Appeals court rules NCAA Athletes may qualify as employees - www.insidehighered.com NCAA Student-Athletes as Employees Case is Pandora's Box - news.bloomberglaw.com Are College Athletes "employees" of their school? - www.marketplace.org Pay to Play? Third Circuit Holds NCAA Athletes can be Considered Employees - www.littler.com
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - Lao Tzu
Redefining Success in College Recruiting for Student-Athletes
