Fran Grembowicz is the Head Field Hockey Coach at St. Lawrence University, she also holds the positions of Associate Athletic Director and Coordinator of Academic Programs. Grembowicz has been the Head Field Hockey Coach going on 24 years at St. Lawrence tying the program record with 14 wins while bringing her team to both the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association tournament title and the ECAC Mid-Atlantic field hockey championship in 2000. She has led the Saints to NCAA regional finals in 2001 and was the Liberty League regular season co-champions in 2006, 2008 and 2009.
Coach Grembowicz is known around campus for producing highly respectable student athletes and continuing to grow the Field Hockey program. We had the opportunity to set up an interview with Grembowicz to get her perspective on the recruiting process.
Q: Where do you usually find players? Do they reach out to you or do you find them yourself, if so where?
A: It's a combo of both Grembowicz says. Some players reach out as early as freshman year, while some are in their senior spring and decide they just can't live without playing. She expressed that no matter the grade they are in, she is always willing to take a look at them. In terms of finding players Grembowcis believes she has been successful finding players on the east coast and in the mid-atlantic region. This is particularly due to St. Lawrence's location in Canton, NY. She also takes advantage of reaching out to coaches she knows, alums, and networking to find potential new players which has been successful for her.
Q: If players email you what do you look for in those interactions? Any Do's and Don'ts when emailing coaches?
A: Grembowicz expressed how important emailing can be when trying to get recruited. She recommends providing as much information about yourself as possible. It also really resonates with her when players make the effort to express interest in the school or program itself and it can definitely give you an edge when talking to coaches. On the flip side, Grembowicz has received emails in the past addressed to different coaches or mention other universities, so she encourages you to double check your emails. If you are able to even send video footage that is also a huge plus to get a sense of how you are as a player.
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Q: What would you say is the hardest part about finding recruits?
A: She explains that due to St. Lawrence's location, it can sometimes be difficult to get students interested if they have never heard of the university. However, it is also hard to get to games or tournaments to watch recruits since the closest high school programs are about two hours from here, this is why sending game footage is so important to her.
Q: When do you usually start talking to a player?
A: Grembowicz shared that she usually begins talking to recruits at the end of their sophomore year and junior year, but there is really no set year. She explains how if a freshman reaches out she has no problem responding and following their career a bit.
Q: Are there certain characteristics that you look for in a player? Characteristics you try to avoid?
A: Immediately passion became the focus of the conversation with Grembowicz. She went on to explain how passion for the sport is what she looks for from the start. Playing a college sport is much different from high school. You have to put in the time in college and that requires a high level of passion for the game. In terms of what Grembowicz observes when meeting with recruits, she explains how she pays attention to the way a player interacts with their parents and current teammates. She's looking past the initial meeting when people tend to be more shy and focuses on the respect they exude to others.
Related: Rate St. Lawrence University
Q: How much of an impact do a player's academics have when you are recruiting them?
Q: Grembowicz says she puts a good amount of pressure on academics. She went on to discuss that she understands that every student is different but it's about striving to improve and work your hardest. “If you are a 2.0 student, strive for that 2.25,” said Grembowicz, who emphasized that being a college athlete is all about improving on and off the field.
Q: Do you have any tips for someone trying to play college field hockey?
A: “Don't be afraid to reach out, but do it in a respectful way and with as much information as you can,” Grembowicz said. She also discussed showing personalized interest in the coaches you are talking to and encouraged recruits to share footage even “if it's just your parents filming on their phone up and down the field.”
Overall, Coach Grembowicz gave some insightful information when it comes to recruiting and the importance of reaching out in a respectful manner. She also touched on passion and academics which are two crucial aspects when attempting to become a college athlete.
Image Credit: St. Lawrence Athletics
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* Originally published on October 24, 2022, by Casey Chizmazia
