COLLEGE CORNER
College Advisor - Nicole Salazar
Nicole Salazar is a dedicated educator, mentor, and college director with a deep passion for helping students achieve academic and personal success. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California (USC). Nicole began her academic journey at Mt. San Antonio College before transferring to the University of California, San Diego, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Communications.
​
After graduation, Nicole gained valuable experience in the entertainment industry, working as an entertainment publicist and later as a Public Relations Account Executive at a multicultural marketing and advertising agency. During this time, she partnered with high-profile brands including the LA Dodgers, Caesars Entertainment, and Lexus.
​
Although her career in public relations was rewarding, Nicole ultimately chose to follow her true passion—education. Returning to USC to complete her graduate studies fulfilled her lifelong dream and solidified her commitment to teaching and student development.
​
Today, Nicole serves as an Adjunct Professor at Mt. San Antonio College, the very institution where she began her educational journey. She teaches courses that equip students with the skills, confidence, and habits needed for college success.
​
As the College Director at Sporting California USA, Nicole continues her mission to empower youth both on and off the field. She collaborates with coaches, directors, and staff to provide comprehensive college preparation services, organize educational workshops and events, and create meaningful opportunities that help student-athletes reach their full potential in academics, athletics, and life.
Helpful Hints
Whether you decide to play NCAA (Div I, II, III) or NAIA, your future is bright and the choice all depends on what your end goal is. Not everyone will take the same path, it is important to do your research and weigh all of your options...
​
NCAA - National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA.org
Picking next year’s classes:
Each student needs to speak with their high school counselor about being A-G compliant (to allow you to play for a Cal State or UC school) and that you also want to be NCAA eligible. There are specific courses and types of courses that the NCAA requires. It is important that you are aware of these things and plan from your freshman through senior year.
​
2024-25 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/CBSA.pdf
​
Also, this worksheet is provided to assist you in monitoring your progress in meeting NCAA initial- eligibility standards. The NCAA Eligibility Center will determine your academic status after you graduate. Remember to check your high school’s list of NCAA- approved core courses for the classes you have taken or plan to take. http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/DI_and_DII_Worksheet.pdf
​
Another resource is the NCAA Eligibility Center. Freshman and Sophomores can and should create a
free profile page, giving them their initial NCAA ID number. When or if a player decides to play collegiate soccer, you will need to create an account whereby your eligibility will be verified. You can get more information and begin the process here: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/.
​
We all come from so many different school districts, so graduation requirements vary. It is important to communicate regularly with your high school counselor to ensure that you are on track for graduation, for A-G and for NCAA eligibility.
​
NAIA - National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes NAIA.org
If you goal is to attend a smaller private college or university, playing NAIA may be for you. https://www.naia.org/findyourpath/highschool/index. There are tons of benefits to attending an NAIA school. Find what suits you.
​