Terek Maddox knows a thing or two about the athletics business. After all, he trains Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller.
He also teaches exercise science and strength and conditioning at his firm, ESPA Training, Inc., where a number of his clients are high school athletes with good prospects for college athletic scholarships.
But those scholarships are hardly guaranteed. If you’re a player in high school eying one, Maddox offered some advice on a recent show for improving your chances.
First, he said, don’t wait to be discovered. Take the initiative. Contact coaches and keep them updated. List positions that you’ve played and your awards. Create Youtube videos. Market yourself.
“You don’t want to wait around. Only about 2% of high school student athletes get Division I or Division II college scholarships. There are ways to increase your odds,” he said.
But keep in mind that coaches cannot contact you before Sept. 1 of your junior year in high school.
Second, stay healthy. Make sure you’re injury-free. Don’t over-train, and certainly don’t abuse creatine or turn to steroids. Eat whole foods whenever you can, but it doesn’t have to be at every meal if cost is an issue.
And watch your social life, he said. Surround yourself with good people who will help you stay on a positive track.
“You are who you hang around with,” he said.
Click here to listen to the full interview with Terek Maddox of ESPA Training, Inc.