When it comes to collegiate athletic-recruiting, Jack Renkens has seen it all. From his days as a high school coach, administrator and teacher, through his time as a coach and athletic director at an award-winning NCAA Division II school, Jack has witnessed the recruiting game from all sides.
But it wasn't until his own daughter became a nationally recruited basketball player that he discovered not only how little most student-athletes and their families knew about the recruiting process, but also how many myths existed.
As a result, Jack founded Recruiting Realities, an organization dedicated to exploding the myths and presenting the realities of athletic recruiting to student-athletes, their families, coaches and school counselors. Jack's highly sought-after program has been featured at over a thousand schools across the United States, on numerous television programs and at sports camps from coast to coast.
Accomplishments:
- 7 "Coach of the Year" honors
- 30+ High School, Junior and Senior College Championships
- 3 NCAA National Tournament Berths
- NJCAA National Tournament Berth
- NCAA Congressman
- 4 Consecutive Arizona Divisional Basketball Championships
- Keys to the City and Proclamations of Excellence for Winslow, AZ and Worcester, MA
- 2 Illinois District Pride Awards
- 2 Kansas Basketball Coaches' Association Career Achievement Awards
- Recruited and signed student-athletes from 42 states and two foreign countries
- 100% college graduation rate
- Assumption College Presidential Citation for Excellence
- Keynote Speaker at the Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island Athletic Directors' Conferences
- Nike A.D. of the Year Conference-Jacksonville, FL and Nike Coaches Clinic, Dallas, TX.
Lucy Cohen
Vice-President
Scheduling Coordinator
Lucy has brought Recruiting Realities to a level not achieved over the past ten years. With her extensive background in banking and customer service, she has elevated the awareness and need for the educational message Recruiting Realties provides. Since joining the team, Lucy has recruited outstanding associate speakers and continues to manage the day to day operations.
When scheduling your Recruiting Realities presentation, you will find Lucy knowledgeable, enthusiastic and a true pleasure to work with.
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Former Notre Dame and Michigan football recruiting coordinator Bob Chmiel has joined the Recruiting Realities team! Bob brings more than 20 years of experience in the recruiting, coaching and personal development under famed coaches Lou Holtz, Bo Schembechler and Lee Corso. Bob spent seven years as Notre Dame’s Director of Football Operations and Recruiting Coordinator/Assistant Coach. Prior to that, Bob was the University of Michigan’s Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Coach. After completing his coaching career, Chmiel worked as a college football analyst for ESPN and has also provided commentary for Comcast Sports. He currently writes for Blue and Gold publications and hosts “Sports Talk” on WSBT Radio in South Bend, IN.
Former Cincinnati Reds player, Don Mitchell, has joined the Recruiting Realities national speaking bureau. After his playing days, Don became the Regional Scouting Supervisor for the Cleveland Indians and his most notable draftee was Jim Thome. He then went on as a Scouting Supervisor for the Atlanta Braves and was presented a World Series Ring in 1995. This propelled him to the position of Director of Scouting for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was responsible for the day to day operations supervising 35 people with an annual budget of over $8 million. He is currently Founder & President of Global Athletes Advisors & Management Endorsement Services.
Recruiting Realities is thrilled to add a professional with Don’s extensive background and knowledge to present their message.