The North Babylon School District thanks Mark Leinweaver, owner and founder of “Perfect Playcement,” for hosting an online webinar on the importance of character and college recruiting.
On Oct. 22, middle and high school student athletes, as well as their parents and coaches, were invited to attend the educational “Character Matters” workshop to gain insider facts and tips for narrowing down the right college, rather than just the right athletic program.
Mr. Leinweaver shared real-life experiences from his time as a former non- scholarship division II baseball player at Stonehill College in Massachusetts to his current position as a Major League Baseball agent.
Additionally, he addressed the dangers of social media, the need for students to volunteer in their community and the importance of anti-bullying—all of which, he said, play a role in the college recruitment process. “It’s not going to be all about your on-field accolades,” he said. “It’s not.”
He explained how finding the right college and athletic program is the student’s responsibility, not their athletic directors, coaches, parents or third parties. He encouraged each of them to take initiative, to reach out directly to college athletic directors and recruiters, and to plan for their futures. “Every single one of you can be doing this right now,” he said.