Coach Michael "Mac" McBride Phone: 216.373.5419
Email: MMcBride@ndc.edu

Organizing your college search can often seem like a daunting task. While college for some will be a few years away, for others it is your time to shine. When I was asked to provide some college planning advise as one of the Educational Advisers, I wanted to focus student-athletes and families on a couple of areas that I think are critical and offer a balance.

*Grades* - while some students meet minimum requirements, as a college coach, I believe students should challenge themselves to be the best student they can be. For a college coach, we are looking for the brightest and the best student-athlete to recruit. *Athletics* - there are varying levels of athletics at the collegiate level. The best advise I can give you would be to evaluate each opportunity and choose a program that best fits your goals and objectives. I encourage kids and families to go watch games at all levels and get a feel for the team, the coach and most of all the school and their philosophy - for me, I want my student-athletes to be well-rounded with a focus on your education.

I encourage students and their families to visit our school and athletic programs and learn as much as they can about any prospective college or university program so they make a clear and concise choice, a choice they will be glad they made for years to come. *About the Falcon's Program:* NDC Men's Soccer has an 102-48-12 record; their .667 winning percentage is the highest among Notre Dame's 18 active athletic programs. NDC has proven academics is key with 9 NAIA All-Americans, 10 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 17 First Team All-AMC performers. In addition, two players, Tim Finklea and Josh Neimeyer, have proceeded to play at the professional level. Over 10 players also compete in the Premier Development League for elite college players. As of December 2008 - NDC had a record of Overall: 19-2-1 Conf: 11-0-0 Home: 8-1-1 Away: 9-0-0

To learn more about Notre Dame College Athletics- visit: www.notredamefalcons.com