Wayne Mazzoni Teaches Wantagh Student Athletes How to "Get Recruited"

Wayne Mazzoni, assistant baseball coach at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield Conn. and author of "Get Recruited," brought his workshop for high school athletes and their parents to on Nov. 22.

Mazzoni was a graduate of Northport High School and went on to play both football and baseball at Gettysburg College in Pennsylavania. It was during his own recruiting process as a coach that he got the inspiration to share his experiences with other student athletes to help them navigate the choppy waters between high school and college.

"In a six year span, I was on all sides (of the recruiting process)," said Mazzoni. "It made me realize when I was a coach doing the recruiting how lost I was in high school. The parents and kids care the most about their situation. But they don't have the knowledge. So the idea was to write a book and let them understand the process… so they could help themselves."

Mazzoni is an enthusiastic and engaging public speaker. One of the keys to delivering his message is to make it straight and to the point, but without glossing over important details. He's been able to boil his philosophy down to three major aspects.

"First thing is you have to be talented," said Mazzoni. "Understand what your talent is and how it compares at the college level. Secondly, figure out what you want out of your college experience, not just sports. After that, understand what you have to do get evaluated by a college coach. There are three ways: be seen playing live, be seen on video or get a recommendation."

 Sophomore Taylor Corwin and junior Katie Marsman played softball together for Wantagh High School. Marsman moved on to prep school, but she and Corwin still share the same goals and aspirations to play softball at the college level. They saw Mazzoni's presentation as an opportunity to get a leg up on the process.

"We're here to learn how to get recruited," said Corwin.

Marsman came to the presentation with an open mind and the understanding that she needs to bring certain basics to the table before even thinking about being recruited.

"Work hard at everything you do," said Marsman. "And get good grades."