Recruiting Student Athletes

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are curious about the private high school recruiting process for student athletes and how we can get our DC exposure to either a football or baseball program? How do student athletes get identified and is there a higher percentage of acceptance if they are being recruited for sports?

If you are recruited to a WCAC school
It’s 100% acceptance unless you score something crazy low in the HPST…like in the 40s.

We reached out to the baseball coach at SJC and he watched a tournament where my son was playing and my son also did the Summer camp for middle schoolers at SJC.

May I ask what your son’s financial package was?

Zero…there are no athletic scholarships and we are very much full pay.

Financial Aid is based on need.

So they say!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What other private schools does what SJC does with invitations to workouts, tours, and conversations with the coach? What else do coaches look for other than being a talented player (parental involvement, grades, character)??

St. Albans, Landon, Spaulding, Calvert Hall, Georgetown Prep

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are curious about the private high school recruiting process for student athletes and how we can get our DC exposure to either a football or baseball program? How do student athletes get identified and is there a higher percentage of acceptance if they are being recruited for sports?

If you are recruited to a WCAC school
It’s 100% acceptance unless you score something crazy low in the HPST…like in the 40s.

We reached out to the baseball coach at SJC and he watched a tournament where my son was playing and my son also did the Summer camp for middle schoolers at SJC.

May I ask what your son’s financial package was?

Zero…there are no athletic scholarships and we are very much full pay.

Financial Aid is based on need.

So they say!

It is. "We need a quarterback."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

So, first you said he doesn't ever talk to parents one-on-one...now it's 5 times isn't that much. Based on my interactions, he would have spoken to me one-on-one basically as much as I wanted to speak to him one-on-one (within some reason). It's not like I tried to speak with him 50 times but he would only actually speak to me 5 times...that's all I needed to interact with him one-on-one as I preferred for my kid to be taking the lead most of the time.

He gave the hard sell during Fall of 8th grade when the applications were due...again, just like I imagine he gave to all the recruits.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What other private schools does what SJC does with invitations to workouts, tours, and conversations with the coach? What else do coaches look for other than being a talented player (parental involvement, grades, character)??

St. Albans, Landon, Spaulding, Calvert Hall, Georgetown Prep

As a STA parent, one graduated, one still there, I can confirm that the school does very little in terms of recruiting for sports. They tell current parents and students to help find candidates that they think could be an impact player and handle the workload. STA has some great coaches, but they are not hanging out at club sports games and practices, youth football leagues, etc and actively looking for kids.
Now, if a prospective family is interested in STA, the coaches will spend time with them and try to make it work. But the family has to make the first move.
The academics at STA are easily the biggest barrier. Some kids don’t want it so they never apply and some couldn’t handle it, so they don’t get in. The work close to double what the kids at landon and prep have and that’s a well known fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

That's because SJC may or may not be more generous with need-based FA compared to other schools like Gonzaga or Good Counsel or DeMatha or wherever. I can't speak for Georgetown Prep which also probably has a large endowment and can offer lots of aid to families that are even what you might think are UMC.

It's no different from say Princeton that offers free tuition for families earning up to $250k, while even other Ivy schools aren't able to be as generous.

[Anonymous]

If you’re open to boarding schools in the northeast, they absolutely recruit and are extremely generous with aid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

That's because SJC may or may not be more generous with need-based FA compared to other schools like Gonzaga or Good Counsel or DeMatha or wherever. I can't speak for Georgetown Prep which also probably has a large endowment and can offer lots of aid to families that are even what you might think are UMC.

It's no different from say Princeton that offers free tuition for families earning up to $250k, while even other Ivy schools aren't able to be as generous.

You can say what you want. I won't continue to argue with you. I know what the families make, as we've been connected for years; I know what some schools are offering, and I know what they've told their top choices they need in order for their sons to accept. I also know one or two players who were offered 100% to attend SJC, and they didn't qualify at all. One kid is heading to the SEC to play baseball, but they accepted 100% elsewhere. If they end up at SJC, it's more than just need-based. They don't qualify for 100% anywhere.

SJC is pretty generous, probably more so than the kids at Dematha and GC. As you stated, GP has a larger endowment and higher tuition, so I do believe they offer more aid, but percentage-wise, SJC is very competitive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

So, first you said he doesn't ever talk to parents one-on-one...now it's 5 times isn't that much. Based on my interactions, he would have spoken to me one-on-one basically as much as I wanted to speak to him one-on-one (within some reason). It's not like I tried to speak with him 50 times but he would only actually speak to me 5 times...that's all I needed to interact with him one-on-one as I preferred for my kid to be taking the lead most of the time.

He gave the hard sell during Fall of 8th grade when the applications were due...again, just like I imagine he gave to all the recruits.

Maybe I should've stated it differently. Yes, he will answer any questions you have and talk to you to ensure you are comfortable as a parent. No, he isn't calling you or texting you 20+ times to stay engaged like he is with this family. My son is also being recruited, and my experience is similar to yours. I do agree with you that the kid should take the lead. In this case, the kid wants SJC; however, the distance is an issue, and the parents must be convinced and have been upfront about what it will take for their sons to play there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What other private schools does what SJC does with invitations to workouts, tours, and conversations with the coach? What else do coaches look for other than being a talented player (parental involvement, grades, character)??

St. Albans, Landon, Spaulding, Calvert Hall, Georgetown Prep

As a STA parent, one graduated, one still there, I can confirm that the school does very little in terms of recruiting for sports. They tell current parents and students to help find candidates that they think could be an impact player and handle the workload. STA has some great coaches, but they are not hanging out at club sports games and practices, youth football leagues, etc and actively looking for kids.
Now, if a prospective family is interested in STA, the coaches will spend time with them and try to make it work. But the family has to make the first move.
The academics at STA are easily the biggest barrier. Some kids don’t want it so they never apply and some couldn’t handle it, so they don’t get in. The work close to double what the kids at landon and prep have and that’s a well known fact.

What is the workload like in comparison to Sidwell, GDS, or Maret? I know STA has the better baseball team of the aforementioned schools. I thought GP was very similar to STA and Gonzaga.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS has been getting recruited for baseball since 6th grade at many of the top programs in the area, both WCAC and independent. Some started recruiting him after seeing him play at a local tournament. Some started after he attended their summer camp. Most good programs have some sort of recruiting coach who keeps an eye out for top MS talent. The only way to guarantee they see your kid is for them to attend one of the schools prospect camps.

He’s been invited to private workouts, personal
invitations to attend summer camps, private tours given by the coach(es) themselves, invites to recruiting nights at football games, etc. A handful of the same kids who play for top travel programs in the area have been getting this same attention. Coaches who really want your kid and are willing to advocate for them with admissions and FA, and will let you know that. They will guide you along the way of the admissions process, get your kid in front of the right people, make sure you have everything in on time, etc.

This is pretty solid advice. Another way to get noticed is to play for a high-level travel team whose coach has relationships with top schools (WCAC, MIAA, Independent). He can make a phone call to get eyes on your kid, get your kid into specific camps, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DS has been getting recruited for baseball since 6th grade at many of the top programs in the area, both WCAC and independent. Some started recruiting him after seeing him play at a local tournament. Some started after he attended their summer camp. Most good programs have some sort of recruiting coach who keeps an eye out for top MS talent. The only way to guarantee they see your kid is for them to attend one of the schools prospect camps.

He’s been invited to private workouts, personal
invitations to attend summer camps, private tours given by the coach(es) themselves, invites to recruiting nights at football games, etc. A handful of the same kids who play for top travel programs in the area have been getting this same attention. Coaches who really want your kid and are willing to advocate for them with admissions and FA, and will let you know that. They will guide you along the way of the admissions process, get your kid in front of the right people, make sure you have everything in on time, etc.

This is good advice on camps. It’s not like coaches can go out to watch MS players at their travel games with their busy schedule.

I wonder if it makes a difference which travel program the student comes from? Which are considered top for baseball?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I know they are offering a few kids a decent amount for baseball. Not sure who you think their best players are but there are a few 8th graders they are after that are highly ranked and can pick their school.

Again...it's very likely these 8th graders are eligible for significant need-based aid.

My kid played on SJC's best team in recent history (possibly ever), and the aid was not tied to talent. Talent gets basically any kid accepted, and then once accepted, need takes over. They don't allocate need-aid based on your test scores or grades either, but rather your financial situation once accepted (of course the De La Salle program is different and those are merit scholarships for the best students).

Think of it like Ivy league schools. They accept star athletes with far lower grades and scores than the average student, but once accepted, their need-based aid is computed entirely on their financial situation. Any coach looking to recruit them would ask for their financial information, admissions/FA would review and then the coach would be able to tell the student that they are eligible for 100% FA, or 50% FA or 0% FA.

Knowing the families personally. Yes, they are likely eligible for some need but they are also getting offers from schools in the area close to 100% because of their kids talents. Not many 13-14 year olds in the area throwing in the low to mid 80s with ease. They also play for some of the top travel teams. All schools say they are need based but like everything in life, there are exceptions to the rule. I also know the HC has spoken to the parents quite a bit which is uncommon for him. These are not average kids. These kids have the size, strength, speed to start at SJC as freshmen. Whether he would do it or not, I don’t know.

No it’s not…Gibbs spoke to my kid like 5 times (most in person); gave him a personal tour of the school, invited him to intersquads and spent a good 30 minutes with him after, responded quickly to any emails, spoke to us as parents multiple times, etc…like I assume he did with all the players he recruited.

A kid throwing low 80s isn’t going to be a starter as a freshman unless you are claiming he is even better as a position player. Not to say they won’t be great by junior/senior year, but there are many pitchers who peak at like 15 and can’t get to 90+.

Only like one kid (Triantos;
2nd round MLB pick by the Cubs; left SJC after freshman year) started as a freshman for SJC in the last like 15 years and he was part of the group that included James Wood (who was not a starter…not even sure if was on varsity as a freshman…he also left after freshman year). One of the kids from the 2025 class made varsity as a freshman as a pitcher but was not a starter and didn’t get many innings that year.

Again…you admit they qualify for FA…that’s what they are getting.

Yes, it is. Gibbs rarely speaks to the parents, especially one-on-one. He prefers to do so in a group setting so it doesn't appear to be preferential treatment. He's always been like that. Does it mean he doesn't speak with the parents initially? Of course not. He does with all the kids they recruit, as well as Severino. I don't know how many times he's spoken to the kids, but like your kid, they've been given personal tours and invited to intersquads, camps (free), etc. Having been around the game and program for a long time, I find these kids a little different. Does that guarantee success? Absolutely not. However, there aren't many kids in the area or country throwing in the 83-85 range at 13/14, with a full year before entering a high school training program. They may touch 86-88 this year before finishing 8th grade. In addition, they are better position players and true 8th graders, unlike some of the reclass kids SJC has had in prior years.

I believe Devereaux started as a freshman and pitched in the championship game, and had a great year this past season as well. I don't think he was throwing that hard as a freshman, but he was very consistent. He will play freshmen if they are ready. They've also lost a lot of kids from last year's team. They will likely be pretty young this year. Woods transferred to IMG after his sophomore year. Yes, they will qualify for some aid, but if they don't receive nearly 100%, they are likely to attend a school that can meet that demand. There are schools willing to do it. Just like the national/scout teams they currently play on for free. It's not fair, but some kids' athletic ability opens more doors than others. We'll find out in about a month or so, where the kids commit.

Why are you arguing about a lived experience? I spoke to Gibbs probably 5 times one-on-one over the course of like 12 months. Maybe he has changed his routine since 2020, so I don't know...but I doubt my experience at the time was unusual. He clearly has not "always been like that".

Ren was in fact sitting mid-80s and touching high 80s as a freshman. He is now sidelined for his freshman year at Penn State for Tommy John surgery.

I'm not arguing your experience. I'm stating what I believe to be true based on my experience and on the experiences of many others in the program. I've also spoken to him many times about my son and other kids in the area. Five times over 12 months isn't that often, just being honest. He's talked to a lot of parents between DiamondSkills, intrasquad scrimmages, and the indoor camps, just as often, at least the kids he's interested in. He probably hasn't changed much; he's a creature of habit. The kids I'm talking about, he's spoken to their parents multiple times a month, and is still reaching out, with half a year left in 8th grade. Especially with acceptance letters coming out soon.

I'll need to go back and check, but I don't think Ren was touching high 80s as a freshman. I'd bet he was in the mid-80s (83-86 ish). Again, these kids just turned 14 and may or may not see an increase in their velo. They also don't pitch as much because they're at risk of injury, and their bodies aren't strong enough yet. They are better position players but have it all: power, speed, velocity, and IQ. These kids are also garnering Power4 looks through their travel (national/scout) teams, even though they can't directly communicate with them until their Junior year. Colleges know how to communicate with them through their travel teams or USA Baseball. There are many good ballplayers in this area. These kids are different. Will they become pros? I don't know, I've seen some with early accolades fizzle out, and some late bloomers have more success. Again, if they end up at SJC, it will be because they are coming for next to nothing. If not, they likely end up elsewhere.

That's because SJC may or may not be more generous with need-based FA compared to other schools like Gonzaga or Good Counsel or DeMatha or wherever. I can't speak for Georgetown Prep which also probably has a large endowment and can offer lots of aid to families that are even what you might think are UMC.

It's no different from say Princeton that offers free tuition for families earning up to $250k, while even other Ivy schools aren't able to be as generous.

Georgetown Prep does not have a large endowment. The huge amount of spending they have done on facilities and the associated upkeep and staffing has left them needing to be very careful fiscally.