Canterbury Academy International Skills Camp
Elevating Basketball Talent in the Canary Islands
Welcome to Canterbury Academy, a renowned basketball institution nestled in the stunning Canary Islands. Get ready for an exciting skills camp happening this summer from July 3rd to 14th. Led by esteemed coaches, this camp promises an exceptional learning experience for young basketball enthusiasts.
Let’s explore the rich history and impressive achievements of Canterbury Academy, recognized as the premier non-ACB team in Spain.
Canterbury Academy boasts a legacy of excellence, participating in esteemed Spanish national tournaments year after year. Their commitment to player development and outstanding coaching has produced numerous Division 1 players, solidifying their reputation as a premier basketball institution.
The academy’s exceptional U18 program has garnered acclaim as one of the finest in Europe. Focusing on technical proficiency, tactical acumen, and physical conditioning, this program equips young athletes with the necessary skills to excel in the sport, laying a strong foundation for their basketball careers.
The skills camp is led by esteemed coaches who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the training environment. With their unique ability to connect with players on a personal level, they create a nurturing atmosphere where growth, learning, and enjoyment thrive.
Santi Aldama stands as a testament to Canterbury Academy’s success. Having spent 13 transformative years at the academy before progressing to a prestigious U.S. college and subsequently the NBA, Aldama exemplifies the caliber of players that emerge from Canterbury Academy. His remarkable journey showcases the academy’s unwavering dedication to nurturing young athletes into world-class basketball talents.
The Canterbury Academy Skills Camp presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring basketball players to receive top-tier coaching, refine their skills, and immerse themselves in the vibrant basketball culture of the Canary Islands. With a legacy of excellence, a proven track record of producing Division 1 players, and a U18 program revered as one of Europe’s finest, Canterbury Academy continues to elevate the sport and pave the way to success for ambitious athletes.
Join us this summer from July 3rd to 14th and embark on a transformative basketball journey with Canterbury Academy.
Athlete Plus Summer Prep | Complete Summer Basketball Experience
Experience the Best Basketball Coaching from Around the World with Athlete Plus Summer Prep Program
Are you a basketball enthusiast aged between 13 to 21 looking for a unique summer basketball program? Look no further than Athlete Plus Summer Prep basketball program, coming to Veszprem, Hungary from July 9 to 23. This program is designed for both male and female athletes, and offers an unparalleled experience of the best basketball coaching from around the world.
Led by coaches from NBA, USA Basketball, Euroleague, and ACB League, including the legendary Mike Wells, Javier Carrasco, Alexander Geddes, and many others, you will be able to learn from the very best in the business. This program offers a chance to immerse yourself in the unique approaches to basketball that each coach brings from their respective backgrounds.
What’s more, this program offers an unforgettable experience of real boarding school lifestyle, where you will be able to hone your skills and play games among camp teams, as well as against other programs in the region. Get ready to test your skills against other talented players and gain valuable experience.
But that’s not all! This program also offers English language and SAT prep classes, as well as workshops on various topics such as mental preparation, nutrition, and more. You will come out of this program a more well-rounded athlete, both on and off the court.
Veszprem, Hungary is a great location for this program, with its status as the 2023 European capital of culture. So not only will you get the opportunity to improve your basketball skills, but you will also get to experience the city’s cultural events and take in the beautiful scenery around Lake Balaton, the biggest lake in that part of Europe. It’s the perfect vacation destination for families too!
With limited spots available for this program, it’s essential to register early to secure your spot. Whether you opt for the 7, 10, or 14-day program, you can tailor it to suit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and join us for the basketball experience of a lifetime!
We can’t wait to see you at Athlete Plus Summer Prep basketball program!
Winning the Race for College Rowing Scholarships
College rowing
… is a highly competitive sport that attracts athletes from all over the world. If you’re an international athlete interested in pursuing rowing at the college level, there are a few things you need to know in order to put yourself in the best position to be recruited and succeed on the college level.
While most college sports, including women’s rowing, are overseen by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), men’s rowing has its own organization, the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA)which is considered “D1” for men’s rowing, as well as The American Collegiate Rowing Association that manages and organizes club rowing, as the IRA disaffiliated with club rowing as it grew in size and recognition.
The reason men’s rowing is not affiliated with the NCAA comes down to the Title IX. In 1972, Title IX was passed, requiring federally funded programs to provide equal opportunities and resources to men and women. While this was a positive step forward for gender equality in college athletics, it had a negative impact on men’s rowing.
Large and popular men’s sports, such as football, take up a lot of university resources. To offset this, many universities instituted women’s rowing teams to offer more opportunities for women. However, this offer was not extended to men’s rowing as universities chose to allocate resources to more popular men’s sports.
With that being said, it’s important to understand the college rowing landscape in the United States. Most competitive schools, with top rowing teams usually come from high academic institutions such as Ivy League lead by Harvard, Yale, Princeton, etc., consistently ranking among the best in the country.
No matter if you want to compete in NCAA or any other type of college rowing, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at a participating institution and meet certain academic requirements. These requirements vary depending on the division and the school, but generally include maintaining a minimum GPA and completing a certain number of credits per semester.
Now, let’s talk about what you can do as an international athlete to put yourself in a position to be recruited and succeed at the college level.
- Research the schools and programs that interest you.
Before you start contacting coaches or attending recruitment events, it’s important to do your research and identify the schools and programs that are a good fit for you. Look for schools with strong rowing programs, but also consider factors like academic reputation, location, and campus culture. Make a list of schools that interest you and start gathering information about their rowing programs.
- Build a strong rowing resume.
College coaches want to see evidence of your rowing ability and potential. This means building a strong rowing resume that includes your best times, your rowing experience (including any national or international competitions you’ve competed in), and any awards or honors you’ve received. You should also include your height, weight, and other physical measurements, as these can be important factors in rowing recruitment.
- Start reaching out to coaches.
Once you’ve identified the schools and programs that interest you, it’s time to start reaching out to coaches. You can do this by emailing them directly, filling out recruitment questionnaires on their websites, or attending recruitment events like camps and clinics. Be sure to include your rowing resume and any other relevant information in your initial communication.
- Consider working with a recruiting agency.
If you’re serious about pursuing rowing at the college level, you may want to consider working with a recruiting agency. Athlete Plus specializes in helping student-athletes navigate the recruitment process and can provide valuable guidance and support.
- Stay focused on academics.
Remember, rowing is a college sport, which means that academic eligibility is just as important as athletic ability. As an international athlete, you may face additional challenges when it comes to navigating the US college system, so it’s important to stay focused on your academics and work closely with your academic advisors to ensure that you’re meeting all the necessary requirements.
In conclusion, pursuing rowing at the college level as an international athlete can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By doing your research, building a strong rowing resume, reaching out to coaches, and staying focused on academics, you can put yourself in the best position to succeed both on the water and in the classroom.
Navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal: Finding Your Next School
The NCAA transfer portal
has revolutionized the way college athletes transfer between schools, giving them more control over their own futures. This online database allows athletes to enter their names and contact information for other schools to see, which means coaches and recruiters from other schools can easily reach out to express their interest in having them transfer to their program. However, with more athletes in the transfer portal, there’s increased competition for spots on rosters at other schools. Athletes need to have strong profiles and stand out in order to be noticed. This is where Athlete Plus comes in. As an agency that specializes in helping athletes find new schools, Athlete Plus provides personalized support and guidance to help athletes navigate the transfer process and find the right fit for them.
The NCAA transfer portal has been a hot topic in the world of college athletics in recent years. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the NCAA transfer portal and how it’s changing the game for student-athletes.
Benefits of the NCAA Transfer Portal:
- More control for student-athletes: The transfer portal gives athletes more power to control their own career paths. They can explore opportunities at other schools without facing restrictions or limitations from their current coach or program.
- Increased opportunities: By being able to connect with coaches and recruiters from other schools more easily, athletes have access to a wider range of opportunities to continue their athletic careers and pursue their academic goals.
- More transparency: The transfer portal also provides more transparency in the transfer process. Coaches and athletes can see who’s interested in who, and schools must provide written permission to contact athletes in the portal, which helps prevent tampering and unethical recruiting practices.
Challenges of the NCAA Transfer Portal:
- Increased competition: With more athletes in the transfer portal, there’s more competition for spots on rosters at other schools. This means that athletes need to have strong profiles and stand out in order to be noticed.
- Limited spots: While the portal does provide more opportunities, there are still limited spots available on rosters. This means that athletes may not be able to find the right fit or opportunities they’re looking for.
- Transfer rules and eligibility: There are still rules and eligibility requirements that athletes must follow in order to transfer, such as academic requirements and NCAA transfer rules. Athletes need to make sure they’re meeting these requirements before pursuing transfers.
The transfer process can be stressful and overwhelming for athletes. In order to maximize each athlete’s potential, to understand their unique needs and preferences, and help them find the best opportunities to continue their academic and athletic careers, from initial evaluation to final decision-making, personalized support and guidance plays a pivotal role.
In addition to profile optimization, Athlete Plus provides a wide range of services to support athletes throughout the transfer process. This includes helping athletes identify their goals and priorities, evaluating potential schools and programs, and providing guidance on eligibility and transfer rules. Athlete Plus takes pride in supporting athletes and communicating with coaches and recruiters in helping negotiate scholarship offers and other benefits.
By working with Athlete Plus, athletes can maximize their chances of finding the right transfer opportunity and achieving success in the world of college athletics. With their expertise in optimizing athlete profiles for the NCAA transfer portal and providing personalized support and guidance, Athlete Plus is a valuable resource for any athlete considering a transfer.
Discovering the World of Volleyball Scholarships in the US: Tips, Requirements, and Resources
The Ultimate Guide to Volleyball Scholarships in the US: High School and College Programs Explained
Volleyball is a popular sport in the United States, with millions of participants across the country at both the high school and college levels. The sport is characterized by fast-paced action, physical demands, and a strong emphasis on teamwork, making it a thrilling and challenging game for athletes of all ages.
High School Volleyball
High school volleyball provides a great introduction to the sport and gives young athletes the opportunity to develop their skills and compete with their peers. At the high school level, games are typically played between schools within a local league, with the best teams advancing to the state championships. High school volleyball programs are focused on teaching the fundamentals of the game and helping players develop their skills, including hitting, blocking, serving, passing, and digging.
College Volleyball
College volleyball takes the sport to a new level of competition, with teams competing at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels. At the college level, volleyball is faster-paced, more physically demanding, and requires a higher level of skill and athleticism. College volleyball teams play regular-season games, as well as conference tournaments and national championships. To be successful at the college level, players must have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the game, as well as the ability to perform at a high level under pressure.
Most Common Qualities Volleyball Coaches Look For
Coaches at both the high school and college levels are looking for athletes who possess a combination of physical and mental attributes that make them stand out from their peers. Some of the most common qualities coaches look for include:
Athleticism
Volleyball is a physically demanding sport that requires a combination of speed, agility, jumping ability, and coordination. Coaches are looking for athletes who have a natural athleticism and can move quickly and effectively on the court.
Teamwork
Volleyball is a team sport that requires players to work together to achieve success. Coaches are looking for athletes who have strong interpersonal skills, are able to communicate effectively with their teammates, and are willing to put the team's success ahead of their individual goals.
Coachability
Coaches are looking for athletes who are willing to learn and grow, who are able to take constructive criticism, and who are willing to put in the work to improve their game.
Competitiveness
Volleyball is a sport that requires players to be competitive and have the drive to win. Coaches are looking for athletes who are able to perform at a high level under pressure, who are able to handle the ups and downs of a game, and who are willing to give their all on every play.
Volleyball Scholarship Requirements
In order to earn a volleyball scholarship, athletes must meet both athletic and academic requirements. On the athletic side, coaches are looking for players who possess the physical attributes and skills necessary to play the sport at a high level. On the academic side, coaches are looking for athletes who have a solid GPA and a strong academic record, as well as the ability to balance their schoolwork with their athletic commitments.
What Percentage of High School Volleyball Players Get College Scholarships?
According to data from the NCAA, only a small percentage of high school volleyball players go on to play at the college level and even fewer earn scholarships. The exact percentage varies depending on the year and the level of competition, but it's estimated that anywhere from 1-5% of high school volleyball players earn scholarships to play in college.
Athlete Plus, a scholarship consulting agency, can help volleyball athletes find scholarships at all levels. The agency provides a range of services to help athletes find scholarships, including profile creation, scholarship search, communication and negotiation, and application and document preparation. With its personalized support and guidance, Athlete Plus can help volleyball athletes overcome the challenges of finding scholarships and reach their goals. Whether you're a high school or college player, consider reaching out to Athlete Plus for help in your scholarship search.
Did you know?
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a physical education teacher in Massachusetts.
The first college volleyball game was played in Ohio in 1922, and the first NCAA Volleyball Championship was held in 1970.
High school volleyball has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more than 1 million high school students participating in the sport in the United States.
The first Olympic volleyball tournament was held in 1964, and volleyball has been an Olympic sport ever since.
Challanges of a college Athlete
WEBINAR WITH COACH TOPPERT AND COACH MCDONALD
It’s probably every high school basketball player’s dream to play for the NBA and participate in major basketball events, and NCAA Division 1 is usually a path to it. But, transferring from high school to college is a change few are fully prepared for. Therefore it is critical to learn what it takes to enter the race for the best basketball scholarships. After all, college basketball is a serious commitment that requires your undivided attention. It carries many challenges, and the most successful are the ones who understand how to handle them and use them to their advantage.
Given our mission, we organized a webinar with two renowned coaches, Cody Toppert and Ken McDonald. The two discussed the difference between the lifestyle of a college athlete and a high school athlete, the reasons for numerous annual transfers, and why students struggle to get Division 1 scholarship offers. It was an honor having the two with us on the webinar, as their expertise and experience can be of great help to young athletes at the beginning of their college basketball career.
Coach Toppert built a prolific career at the college and professional levels. He worked for Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, University of Memphis, and he’s currently a coach for LSU (Louisiana State University).
Coach McDonald is a former NCAA Division 1 Head Coach. He worked for the University of Texas, the University of Tennessee, and Western Kentucky. He was also the coach of the Spurs and US National Team.
College recruiting is a true emotional rollercoaster for a young athlete, regardless of his confidence. Of course, everyone aims for the best college scholarships, but numerous factors can determine the outcome. For that reason, coach Toppert shared one of the best recruiting tips anyone could give you:
‘’As you are evaluating your recruiting, go where you are wanted because that’s where there will be a plan for your success. If you have to beg your way to get onto the team, then more than likely you’re probably their last option, and that could negatively impact your development,’’ advises coach Toppert.
Coaches Toppert and McDonald also shared what it is like working with NBA players and what makes individuals, such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, such great athletes. Finally, the two gave valuable advice to young players looking to build a basketball career from high school to college.
If you find this topic interesting, keep reading or check out the entire webinar below.
What Is the Biggest Difference Between the USA Game and International Game Young Players Should Know?
‘’When people think of the US, that’s where basketball has been king. There are teams that go into the Olympics and usually win the Olympic gold medal without any problem. That is all changing because international players are every bit as good and gaining each year on American players.
America just had such a great head start in the game of basketball. But if you look at what’s happening in the NBA or college basketball, international players are making a huge impact on the game.
International players come with size, great fundamentals, and very good skills. And if you think about it, who are the best players in the NBA this year? Several of them are international players.’’
Must International Players Work on Their Defence to Have Easier Adjustments in the USA?
‘’Everything defensively starts with competitiveness. If you allow your opponent to score easily, that’s a real knock on your competitive spirit. So you have the feeling that when you get out on the court, you’re gonna make it as difficult as possible for your opponent to score.
The second part of the defence is being able to get yourself into a good, solid defensive stance. Without a good stance, you are not ready to react; you are not ready to move.
And then, anticipation. A lot of people say, ‘Well, you know, that guy is just a step slow defensively.’ Sometimes he is a step slow, but sometimes he is not able to anticipate what the next movement of his opponent is going to be.
You might be deficient in guarding a quick guy with a ball who can change speeds and directions very well. That’s difficult for any athlete. But there are a lot of things, regardless of your athleticism, that you are completely in control of defensively.’’
How Would You Describe a Typical High School/College Coach?
”Many times, a college coach or scout is looking for length and athleticism, and sometimes they get too focused on that and not enough on fundamentals, skills, competitiveness, and individual character.
But, they are looking for talent; they want to win. And how do you win? You get five really good basketball players on the floor; you teach them the fundamentals, to communicate, and play together.’’
What Does a Typical Day at DME Sports Academy Look Like for High School Athletes?
‘’You wake up from the dormitory, have breakfast, and come to the classroom. And you are in class for two hours. Maybe from 8 am to 10 am. You come out of the classroom, and you’ve got strength and conditioning, and our strength and conditioning guys are working with you on speed and agility.
You may go from there to the gym, and you have an individual skill development session in the gym. When you finish that, it’s time for lunch. After lunch, you are back in the classroom from 1 pm to 3 pm. At 3 pm, it’s time for your team practice. You are on the practice floor for the next two hours.
By the end of that time, you probably need half an hour after practice to go back to your room, shower, and relax before dinner. You have your dinner, and then we have a little study time for you so you can catch up on your studies.’’
How Tough Is It to Get Basketball Scholarships?
‘’I would take a step back from that and say: How tough is it to make a college team with or without a scholarship? There are four levels; there is a lot of scholarship and financial aid, and everybody wants it.
It’s not just Americans fighting for these scholarships; there are people from around the world. So you have to have yourself together as a player, as a person, but it can be done.’’
It was a pleasure having coach Panaggio on the webinar as he shared valuable insights from his fruitful career, which includes winning two championships with the Lakers. Coach Panaggio is also the owner and director of DME Sports Academy. Asked about what differentiates DME from other basketball academies, he says: ‘’If you want me to narrow it down to one thing, our kids have fun! When they come to DME Academy and spend a couple of years here, it’s the time of their life. They are meeting not only the athletes from the United States but they are meeting athletes and students from all around the world.
We’ve got kids from Asia, Europe, South America, and kids from the US. You are making friends and learning things about other cultures that you can bring with you the rest of your life.’’
We know how overwhelming it can be for high-school athletes to work on their play and look for the best colleges and sports scholarships. That’s why we launched Athlete+, a program designed to help you improve your skills and go through the college recruiting process as smoothly as possible.
Don’t give up your dreams! Athlete+ team is here to guide you in shaping them into goals you’ll successfully reach, finding basketball and academic programs (in the USA and abroad) that best fit you. Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) to see us in action.
Difference Between International & USA Game
If you think about what makes a good basketball player, three things come to mind: physical predisposition, talent, and devotion. But basketball is a team sport, and working on individual growth for a young player includes mastering the art of teamwork. Therefore, it is every coach’s job to develop a culture of communication within their team because, as our guest, coach Dan Panaggio, says: ‘’Communication is the glue that pulls five guys into one unit at the defensive end of the floor.’’
Coach Panaggio and our host, Momir Gajic, also discussed the differences between the US and international games. In addition, they touched upon defense as a critical aspect on which players must focus and what young international athletes can expect from coming to study and play in the USA, specifically, joining prep academies such as DME Sports Academy.
You can check out the entire webinar below.
What Is the Biggest Difference Between the USA Game and International Game Young Players Should Know?
‘’When people think of the US, that’s where basketball has been king. There are teams that go into the Olympics and usually win the Olympic gold medal without any problem. That is all changing because international players are every bit as good and gaining each year on American players.
America just had such a great head start in the game of basketball. But if you look at what’s happening in the NBA or college basketball, international players are making a huge impact on the game.
International players come with size, great fundamentals, and very good skills. And if you think about it, who are the best players in the NBA this year? Several of them are international players.’’
Must International Players Work on Their Defence to Have Easier Adjustments in the USA?
‘’Everything defensively starts with competitiveness. If you allow your opponent to score easily, that’s a real knock on your competitive spirit. So you have the feeling that when you get out on the court, you’re gonna make it as difficult as possible for your opponent to score.
The second part of the defence is being able to get yourself into a good, solid defensive stance. Without a good stance, you are not ready to react; you are not ready to move.
And then, anticipation. A lot of people say, ‘Well, you know, that guy is just a step slow defensively.’ Sometimes he is a step slow, but sometimes he is not able to anticipate what the next movement of his opponent is going to be.
You might be deficient in guarding a quick guy with a ball who can change speeds and directions very well. That’s difficult for any athlete. But there are a lot of things, regardless of your athleticism, that you are completely in control of defensively.’’
How Would You Describe a Typical High School/College Coach?
”Many times, a college coach or scout is looking for length and athleticism, and sometimes they get too focused on that and not enough on fundamentals, skills, competitiveness, and individual character.
But, they are looking for talent; they want to win. And how do you win? You get five really good basketball players on the floor; you teach them the fundamentals, to communicate, and play together.’’
What Does a Typical Day at DME Sports Academy Look Like for High School Athletes?
‘’You wake up from the dormitory, have breakfast, and come to the classroom. And you are in class for two hours. Maybe from 8 am to 10 am. You come out of the classroom, and you’ve got strength and conditioning, and our strength and conditioning guys are working with you on speed and agility.
You may go from there to the gym, and you have an individual skill development session in the gym. When you finish that, it’s time for lunch. After lunch, you are back in the classroom from 1 pm to 3 pm. At 3 pm, it’s time for your team practice. You are on the practice floor for the next two hours.
By the end of that time, you probably need half an hour after practice to go back to your room, shower, and relax before dinner. You have your dinner, and then we have a little study time for you so you can catch up on your studies.’’
How Tough Is It to Get Basketball Scholarships?
‘’I would take a step back from that and say: How tough is it to make a college team with or without a scholarship? There are four levels; there is a lot of scholarship and financial aid, and everybody wants it.
It’s not just Americans fighting for these scholarships; there are people from around the world. So you have to have yourself together as a player, as a person, but it can be done.’’
It was a pleasure having coach Panaggio on the webinar as he shared valuable insights from his fruitful career, which includes winning two championships with the Lakers. Coach Panaggio is also the owner and director of DME Sports Academy. Asked about what differentiates DME from other basketball academies, he says: ‘’If you want me to narrow it down to one thing, our kids have fun! When they come to DME Academy and spend a couple of years here, it’s the time of their life. They are meeting not only the athletes from the United States but they are meeting athletes and students from all around the world.
We’ve got kids from Asia, Europe, South America, and kids from the US. You are making friends and learning things about other cultures that you can bring with you the rest of your life.’’
We know how overwhelming it can be for high-school athletes to work on their play and look for the best colleges and sports scholarships. That’s why we launched Athlete+, a program designed to help you improve your skills and go through the college recruiting process as smoothly as possible.
Don’t give up your dreams! Athlete+ team is here to guide you in shaping them into goals you’ll successfully reach, finding basketball and academic programs (in the USA and abroad) that best fit you. Subscribe to our channel and follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) to see us in action.