Each year, North Park’s Athletic Department begins identifying talented athletes by attending high school and club games, going to showcases, and reaching out to contacts within the industry. Often, the recruiting starts in a student-athlete’s junior year or even earlier, says John Born, Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Sports Management.
During campus tours, coaches get to know the recruits as they learn about the campus. It’s an important relationship, Born says, because one-third of the undergraduate student population is student athletes.
“We let them know that they are valued and want them to join the North Park family,” Born says of the campus visits. “The prospect, as well as his or her parents, are looking for a relationship with the coach that extends beyond the field. The North Park coaching staff is committed to success in competition, in the classroom, and in life. We know this will ensure us victory on the recruiting path.”
CITLALLI GONZALEZ
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Biology, Class of ’23
Recruited by:
Rowing Coach Libby Scarlatos, whom she met because her organization, the Chicago Rowing Foundation, shares a boat house with North Park.
Why she chose North Park:
The campus, which is surrounded by great food and culture, plus easy access to the CTA.
RYAN MORITSUGU
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Major/Grad year: Business, Class of ’22
Recruited by:
Baseball Coach Luke Johnson, who scouted him at a showcase in Arizona.
Why he chose North Park:
The size, the location, and small class sizes.
JACOB REINHARDT
Hometown: Princeton, Illinois
Major: Biochemistry, Class of ’20
Recruited by:
Coach Johnson and Coach Jake Upwood at a summer baseball game.
Why he chose North Park:
Originally, he chose North Park for its nursing program, but ended up switching to biochemistry to satisfy his love of science; several of his former teammates also chose North Park, which made it easier for him to come here.