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COLLEGE CORNER
College Advisor - Nicole Salazar
Nicole Salazar graduated from Mt. San Antonio College and transferred to the University of
California, San Diego to pursue a degree in Communications. Upon graduating, she spent several
years interning in the entertainment industry as an entertainment publicist. She later worked as a Public
Relations Account Executive at a multicultural marketing and advertising agency, working with high profile brands including the LA Dodgers, Caesars Entertainment, Lexus and more. After working many years in the industry, Nicole decided to leave it all behind to pursue a career in education. She went on to receive her Masters in Teaching from the University of Southern California, accomplishing her lifelong goal of graduating from her dream school, where her passion in education flourished.
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Currently, Nicole works as a tutor and academic coach, helping students from 4th-8th grade level in areas of mathematics, conducting group sessions that have led students that are struggling to become confident and fluent in their understanding of mathematical concepts. In addition, she holds a position as a Professor for Mt. San Antonio College, teaching a course that aides students in developing successful skills for college by emphasizing effective practices for academic success.
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As the newly appointed College Coordinator at Sporting California USA, Nicole will continue to provide services in helping youth achieve their fullest potential on and off the field by collaborating with coaches, directors and staff. She will provide opportunities for club players and parents to prepare for the transition to college by hosting events, seminars and workshops that will create a club experience designed to set our players up for success.
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Nicole can be reached at collegeadvisor@sportingca.us
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...
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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.
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2023-24 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:
http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/eligibility_center/Student_Resources/CBSA.pdf
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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
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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/.
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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.
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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.
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