DME Academy Sarasota hosted an insightful and motivational webinar for its young athletes, featuring Gary Crompton, the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Bentley University. The session provided invaluable advice for aspiring student-athletes looking to balance their academic and athletic pursuits while navigating the college recruitment process. The event, which focused on how to approach the college soccer journey and the steps needed to make the right choice, was a HUGE success and resonated deeply with both athletes and their families.

Key Takeaways from Coach Crompton

One of the standout pieces of advice from Gary Crompton was the importance of taking ownership of the recruitment process. He emphasized that young athletes should not rely solely on their parents to drive the process, but instead, take responsibility for their own path. “It’s your journey,” Crompton explained. “You’re the one who’s going to be living it, so it’s important to take charge.”

Throughout the session, Crompton outlined a clear and structured approach to the recruiting process, particularly for students in their sophomore to senior years. He highlighted how athletes should focus on fine-tuning their school of choice during these years by strategically planning visits, reaching out to coaches, and honing their athletic and academic profiles. The emphasis was on starting early, understanding what schools align with personal and academic goals, and being proactive.

The Importance of Attending ID Camps & Academic Focus

Crompton also stressed the value of attending ID (Identification) camps at the schools athletes are interested in. These camps provide an opportunity for players to be seen by coaches and help them stand out in a competitive recruiting landscape. Being persistent in reaching out to coaches via email is also key, as it keeps an athlete on a coach’s radar and showcases their commitment.

Another important aspect Crompton discussed was the crucial role academics play in the college decision process. Bentley University, where Crompton coaches, is not only recognized for its competitive soccer program but also for its prestigious academic standing. Ranked among the top business schools in the country and located just outside the picturesque city of Boston, Bentley offers student-athletes the chance to excel both on the field and in the classroom. Crompton noted that athletes should remember that academics are just as, if not more, important as soccer performance, especially at a school like Bentley.

Competing at the Highest Level

Bentley plays in the NE-10 conference, which is home to top Division II programs like Franklin Pierce, a two-time national champion, and Southern New Hampshire University, also a National Champion. Crompton shared that Bentley regularly competes against high-caliber D2 teams and even scrimmages against Division I schools such as Harvard, UConn, Providence College, and Boston College. This level of competition allows Bentley athletes to hone their skills while also gaining exposure to some of the best teams in the country.

Character Over Talent: The Key to Success

However, the most powerful advice of the session came when Crompton discussed what truly sets a player apart: character. While being a good player is important, it is the athlete’s character that ultimately determines their success, both in soccer and life. “You can be a talented player, but if you don’t have the right character, it’s going to be difficult to succeed at a high level,” Crompton said. “Being a good person, showing respect, and being a team player are just as important as technical skills.”

A Personal Connection to Bentley

For DME Academy, Sarasota’s Owner and General Manager, Jared Antista, this webinar hit particularly close to home. As a former Bentley soccer player himself, Antista shared his personal experience with the group, reflecting on his time at the university. “I just loved my time at Bentley. What I try to instill in our boys is that while everyone wants to play pro soccer, finding your fit at a top collegiate school, building relationships with teammates, and getting a degree from a leader in business, sets you up for life,” Antista said. He believes that Bentley offers not just an excellent soccer experience, but a chance to build lifelong connections with teammates who go on to be successful in their careers.

Inspiration for the Future

This webinar served as an inspiring reminder for DME Academy athletes that the road to success is paved with hard work, commitment, and character. While the dream of playing professional soccer is a motivating factor for many, Crompton and Antista both emphasized that the college experience, particularly at a school like Bentley, offers much more—academic excellence, lifelong friendships, and a strong foundation for future success in any career path.

The session has left DME Academy’s athletes with a clear roadmap for navigating the college soccer journey, and the message that success comes from being not just a great player, but a great person.

For more information on DME Academy Sarasota’s programs, or to learn about upcoming events and webinars, be sure to follow us on social media or visit their website.  Stay tuned for more insights and opportunities to learn from top-tier professionals like Coach Gary Crompton and if you are interested in attending Bentley ID Clinics, go here to learn more!