INDEPENDENT ADVICE FOR KIWI STUDENT-ATHLETES ABOUT USA COLLEGE SPORTS

At Littlejohn Careers and Sports Consulting we offer independent advice and support for families considering whether a sports scholarship to a US University is an option for your young student-athlete. We take you through getting prepared to talk to US colleges, the recruiting process, factors to consider when choosing a university, scholarship advice and ultimately whether life as a student-athlete in the USA is the right fit.

Garth Littlejohn —
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHER & QUALIFIED CAREERS ADVISOR

I am a secondary school teacher of 23 years and qualified careers advisor. My three children attended college in the USA as student-athletes, with one having graduated and two part way through their experience. In order to maintain control over the process and ensure the best possible fit, I committed to many hours of research, enabling us to navigate the process ourselves. This avoided the need for expensive consultancy firms and ensured we were able to select the best possible colleges for our young student-athletes.

Our two daughters and son chose:

Kate Littlejohn Stanford - rowing: 2018 - 2022.
Ben Littlejohn Harvard - swimming: 2021 - 2025
Laura Littlejohn - University of Tennessee - swimming: 2023 to 2027.

Cam Harland, father of Finn.

“We engaged with Garth at the start of the process of talking to US colleges and through the recruitment process. Obviously having had three children that have recently been through the process meant Garth was really knowledgeable about the process, what to look for, what to be aware of and had some great insights about what might work for our son and the family about specific schools, their programs and coaches, travel and scholarship specifics. I am deeply grateful to Garth for his willingness to share and his ongoing support and interest."

Wendy Petrie, mother of Liv.

"Garth was generous with his time and gave us great insight into how the US College recruitment process works. He narrowed our school search down to about 20 Colleges which was super helpful and gave us advice on what to do going forward. Knowing the right questions to ask was really helpful for calls with various coaches."

Ingrid Fawkner, mother of Dom.

"It surprised me how much needed to be considered when looking at an opportunity like this. Garth had put a lot of time and thought into the kind of person my son was, his training habits, culture and personality. Garth’s knowledge of the coaches at all universities allowed him to pick out the ones that my son would suit my son in all those aspects along with consideration of climate and travel time which we also never thought about.

I can only imagine the number of hours / years that Garth has spent studying these universities as his knowledge of every single university, including their coaching staff and current, past and future athletes is incredible.

It’s not something my son ended up pursuing, but I definitely think it’s important to go down this road and make sure you have considered all opportunities as it is surprising what is available out there, I had no idea of the amazing opportunities until we met with Garth. It was a really great experience."

Parmindar, mother of Jyoti.

"Garth offered actionable knowledge and steps for us as a family navigating the US college recruitment process for student-athletes. Our discussion emphasised taking control of the process, researching potential colleges, reaching out to coaches, creating a sports resume, preparing for interviews and visits, understanding NCAA rules, building relationships with coaches, and considering academic fit. Garth empowered us as a family to make an informed decision throughout the college selection process."

Consultations may cover topics such as:

Is it the right decision?
Key factors to consider
The recruiting process and timelines
Types of colleges
Different scholarships available
How to get noticed
How to research colleges and sports programmes
Online interview tips and tricks
Official and Unofficial Visits
Verbal commitments and National Letters of Intent (NLI’s)
Academic requirements/ The SAT and ACT
Academic considerations of US colleges
Starting early at the end of NZ/Aus high school year
Sport specifics for rowing and swimming

Harvard Mens Swim and Dive Ivy Champs 2023

Laura in the 4x200 free final at 2022 World Champs

There are many positives of this experience which can include:

Access to outstanding all round support for academics and athletics.
Meeting like-minded people from all over the world.
Being part of a large group of young athletes with similar goals.
Earning a degree as well as competing for your college.
Getting your overseas experience (OE) done at the same time.
Traveling all over the USA and the world to compete.
Potentially having your degree largely paid for.

Ben and friends from Harvard Mens Swimming

How the Process Works

First Consultation

A first consultation could take anywhere between 45 minutes to 90 minutes and the content covered will depend on what stage the student-athlete and family are at in the process. A summary of the content discussed and an action plan for the family to work on will be sent out. The cost of the first consultation will be $250 NZD.

Further Consultations

Further consulations will be largely driven by what the student-athlete and family want to cover. Interviews with student-athletes with experience of the USA system can be arranged. Updated action plans will be sent out. The cost of these consultations is $250 NZD on a pro rata basis.

Contact

GET IN TOUCH

Contact me to make an appointment or ask any questions.

Ben and Harvard class of 2025 ice sculpture