Finding the right university can be a daunting task and the decision gets more complicated when student athletes hope to play in college.
But Lake Orion junior Brandon Rusz will have some help making that decision, thanks to a grant from the National Collegiate Scouting Association (NCSA).
The group provides services to high school athletes, including pairing them with the best college.
‘Our founder really wanted to give people a chance to prove they were qualified,? said Sean O’Neill of NCSA public relations. ‘Maybe there are instances where an athlete cannot afford our services but they wanted to be able
to show that they were qualified to play in college. The grant is based on leadership in the community, academics and athletic achievement. We speak to parents, coaches and the people closest to the athlete to determine if they’re qualified.?
The grant represents $1,000 towards a membership in the NCSA, ACT and SAT preparation and a personal coaching session. The organization partners with the NFL Players Association, but offers the grant to athletes in every sport.
Rusz has played soccer since he was seven years old and applied for the grant when he decided to pursue playing the sport in college.
He is considering Saginaw Valley State College, Western Michigan University, Michigan State University and Oakland University. While he’s applying for scholarships to schools across the country, his goal is to stay in the midwest.
‘It’s always been a dream of mine to play in college and get to the highest level possible,? said Rusz. ‘I just like how in soccer you don’t have to the best on the team or the best player. It just takes hard work and dedication. Whoever shows up can win and you can win against a better team. It’s just who wants it more.?