official visit photoshoot

Media Center 11/30/2023 12:01:00 PM Greg Johnson

DI football oversight committees adopt legislation for recruiting visits, photo shoots during unofficial visits

Di council will review proposed changes in january.

This week, the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision Oversight Committees adopted legislation to increase the number of official recruiting visits a school can host from 56 to 70 each academic year.

Meeting virtually on Wednesday, FBS committee members also adopted legislation to specify that during an unofficial visit, schools may not arrange for photographs or photograph a prospective student-athlete or those accompanying the prospective student-athlete.

Before becoming final, the Division I Council has an opportunity to review these proposals during its in-person meeting at the NCAA Convention in January. The council has the authority to allow the proposals to remain as adopted, amend them or defeat them.

Committee members voted to increase official school recruiting visits to promote responsible recruiting practices. Additionally, recent legislative changes to the one-time transfer exception, notification-of-transfer windows and the annual signing and initial counter limits legislation required an increase in the annual number of official visits a school may provide.

To promote responsible recruiting practices, this legislation also eliminates exceptions that provided a school additional visits if the institution doesn't use all its visits during the previous year or in certain circumstances when there is a head coaching change.

The FBSOC has discussed issues surrounding photo and video shoots that occur during unofficial visits several times this year. 

The committee members believe this legislation will eliminate the distraction of photo and video shoots during unofficial visits and reduce the time staff and prospective student-athletes spend on such activities. The rule change will give schools and prospective student-athletes more opportunities to focus on activities that assist the prospective student-athlete in making an informed recruiting decision, such as meeting with coaches and academic officials.

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NCAA photoshoot ban creates new challenges for creatives 

As the ncaa implements a rule banning photoshoots on unofficial visits of prospective student-athletes, college staffers will have to get creative..

On March 1, the NCAA officially implemented a rule banning photoshoots on unofficial visits of prospective student-athletes. This rule change can alter the college recruiting landscape and how colleges convince prospective student-athletes to enroll in the school. 

Schools use their sports creative departments to create unique ideas that grab the attention of these high school students. Without access to photos, college staffers will have to get creative to catch the eyes of parents and students.

According to NCSA Sports , the crucial difference between official and unofficial visits is payment and number of visits. Schools are not allowed to pay for the expenses of the trip on an unofficial visit. The student or their parents must pay for transportation, food and any other expense, which is otherwise covered by the school on official visits. Additionally, athletes are limited to one official visit per school. For unofficial visits, students can visit schools as many times as they would like.

While this ruling will affect all Division I sports, its biggest impact will be felt in football recruiting. Each D-I program has upwards of 100 players on an active roster, with 85 of them able to be on a scholarship at one time.

With hundreds of prospects coming to visit, schools do their best to stand out and grab the attention of recruits through its creative department.

Creating unique ways to recruit gives opportunities for sports creatives like Zachery Kelly , assistant director of creative design for Ohio State University athletics .

“The main reason I was hired was for recruiting designs and photoshoots,” Kelly said. 

Kelly believes the biggest impact of the rule change will be an increase in graphic design usage in recruiting. 

“Things are gonna be a lot more graphics-based, without the photoshoots,” he said.  

In addition, this rule will cut down the amount of unofficial visits colleges see, as some students value photoshoots over visiting school facilities.

“We’re gonna see who really wants to be here, that’s gonna weed out a lot of people,” Kelly said. “You can tell when somebody is there for a photoshoot only, and you can tell the people who really want to be there.” 

While Kelly has spent years working his way to the top, Syracuse University football creative intern Kevin McGurn is just getting started in the space. 

McGurn is a sophomore at Syracuse and began his work with the football program in fall of 2023. While he is not paid for this internship, McGurn believes that with the right motivation and skillset, pay is unimportant to creativity. 

“I think it depends from team to team. I don’t think budget has a lot to do with it,” McGurn said. “If you have a really good creative on a Division III squad, you’re gonna get a better photo than a poor creative at a big school like Michigan or Georgia.”

Denver Broncos digital designer Parker Albin is now on the outside looking in, but he believes there will be an unrealistic amount of stress put on college creative departments. 

Albin used to be a student graphic designer at Colorado State University and is preparing for the worst in terms of staff expectations. 

“Coaches are going to want full-on jersey swaps and we’re going to have to figure out ways to do that super efficiently,” Albin said. “Doing one for like 100 kids a week is probably exhausting. I don’t know how that’s going to be sustainable.” 

He added that a lot of this work falls on the shoulders of college athletics interns, who are usually unpaid.

Jersey swaps are exactly what they sound like: when a graphic designer changes an athlete’s jersey. To make the swap realistic, designers can take a long time working on details to perfect their design.

McGurn compared the time commitment of swapping jerseys versus doing a photoshoot. 

“I know a lot of people that automatically edit all of their photos in one click. So obviously, that’s a lot easier than a jersey swap,” McGurn said. “When I did a jersey swap over winter break, it took me an entire day to find the right pieces…It’s a bit of a pain for sure.”

With more reliance on graphic designers, larger schools with higher budgets for creative employees will be better set to compete than smaller schools like Colorado State, Albin said. 

“There’s usually one, maybe two unpaid interns doing these edits (jersey swaps),” he added. “At big schools like Alabama or Ohio State, they probably have the money to hire outside workers to help them or pay their full-time workers. So it’ll just be a lot of work and pressure on this one guy.” 

All the discussion is focused on the student-athletes and trying to do what they want to recruit them to your school. The strategy depends on the player, so creative concepts can evolve as the rules and players’ wants evolve.

“It’s up to you as a designer to have the high school kid super excited to commit,” Albin added. 

McGurn spoke about what it was like to cover an afternoon when many students had committed to Syracuse.

“It was very hands-on. The coaches took a more personable approach and then we reflected that in the creative team,” he said. 

Kelly knows he must adapt to the rules but thinks the change won’t last. 

“I think the rule will revert back after a couple of years, if not immediately. I think there will be a lot of complaints, mostly from parents. The parents love photos of their kids,” Kelly said. 

With the rule implemented, it remains to be seen if any red flags are raised when the rule takes effect. 

is a contributor for The NewsHouse.

NCAA bans photoshoots for recruits on unofficial visits

Photoshoots have become a big part of recruiting visits. Prospects like to take photos in the team uniform (sometimes in various combos) and share the photos to engage with fans on social media. The NCAA is now putting a limit on photoshoots.

A new NCAA rule bans unofficial visitors from taking professional photoshoots while on a campus visit. Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic points out that nothing will stop parents or relatives from snapping a few photos on their own devices.

I’ve been told this would not prohibit a mom from taking a photo on their phone of her son on his visit, of course. It’s just, like, banning the use of professional photographers and coordinated photoshoots. — Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) October 4, 2023

While the new rule may sound like the NCAA acting as the fun police, Auerbach and some of her media peers have shared that the professional photoshoots have become a strain on coaching staffs.

I know everybody is making fun of this, but this idea didn’t just come out of thin air. Coaches and recruiting staffers HATE doing these photoshoots and have complained about the administrative strain that comes from them https://t.co/wr6WsE0aFx — Matt Brown (@MattBrownEP) October 4, 2023

Prospects are unofficial visitors when the school is not paying for the prospect’s transportation, lodging and dining. Schools can host a prospect on an official visit one time, except in cases of coaching changes. A program can host 56 official visitors per year. Earlier this year, the NCAA removed the limit for the number of total official visits a prospect can take before signing.

Featured image via DJ Lagway on Instagram @djlawgway

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Michigan State football brought live goats to recruiting photoshoot

By connor muldowney | jun 25, 2022.

Michigan State football brought out some goats to the June 24 official visit weekend photoshoot — literally. Mel Tucker is opening some eyes.

The term “goat” in sports has a significant meaning. The term (which means “greatest of all time”) is used loosely at times, but it’s something that resonates with younger athletes.

Michigan State football took full advantage of the adoration of the term “goat” on Friday night as the coaching staff brought live goats to the official visit recruit photoshoot at Spartan Stadium. Yes, live goats. That is not a typo.

#MichiganState has actual goats on the field for today’s Official Visit photoshoot. My O/U for how many recruits will take pics with two goats & caption it as “3 goats” is tentatively set at 3.5. Will the Over hit? pic.twitter.com/VVUlv6oBgA — Justin Thind (@JustinThind) June 25, 2022

This may seem odd to the casual fan, but this is something that recruits are going to love, and they’re going to jump at any chance to post a picture of themselves with a goat with a caption of “a couple of goats.” This is just another thing that sets Michigan State apart during the recruiting process as Mel Tucker and Co. continue to make waves.

Tucker knows how to gain traction in the recruiting landscape, connect with these blue-chip recruits, and he’s just more “with the times” than Mark Dantonio was.

Michigan State is joining the ranks of the big boys in college football in terms of relentless recruiting and eye-opening tactics to get all eyes on East Lansing.

Is the live goat photoshoot different? Yes, absolutely, but you just know recruits are going to love this and they will say they’ve never had an experience quite like this during their recruitment.

Mel is going to mess around and become a “goat” himself.

Next. Top 5 MSU football teams since 2000. dark

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Your Guide to Unofficial Visits

Unofficial visits are a great way for student-athletes to get a feel for different college campuses.

What is an unofficial visit?

Unofficial visits are college visits which are not paid for by the school. These visits are entirely financed by the recruit’s family. Unofficial visits are unlimited, but some rules do apply.

Athletes in most sports and their families are not allowed to arrange unofficial visits with a school’s athletic department (including the coach) until August 1 of the athlete’s junior year.

Families can still go on unofficial visits before August 1 before junior year, but they aren’t allowed to have any recruiting conversations with the coach while on campus. Stay current with the NCAA recruiting calendar .

Insider Tip : Check the school calendar and steer clear of homecoming weekend and other busy dates to avoid paying premium hotel rates.

A key reason to go on unofficial visits is to evaluate if a college is the right fit for you, especially if you’re not yet a junior in high school. Get a campus tour, check out the dorms and get a feel for if you could live there for four years. The best part: Unofficial visits are unlimited and can be taken at any age and at most times throughout the year.

Quick Links

Unofficial visits will be a little different based on your age, desired division level and recruiting journey.

There’s a lot to consider  before you start planning your unofficial visits. How you plan your unofficial visits will be different depending on your goals for the visit, your age and the division level of the school. If you’re visiting DII, DIII and NAIA schools, you won’t be impacted by recent NCAA recruiting rule changes—they are only applicable for DI schools. This means that, no matter your age, you can arrange the unofficial visit with the athletic department or coach, and you can speak with the coach while you’re on campus.

If you’re interested in visiting DI schools, you can’t arrange the visit with the athletic department—or talk about recruiting with the coach while you’re there—until August 1 of your junior year of high school. Men’s hockey can begin scheduling unofficial visits as early as January 1 of sophomore year.

If you’re an upperclassman visiting D1 schools, or a recruit visiting schools at the other division levels, you can use your unofficial visit as a chance to advance your recruiting with the coach at that school. To do so, you need to make sure that the schools you’re visiting offer real recruiting opportunities. Ask yourself each of the following questions before you set up the visit:

• Have you already been communicating with the coach?
• Has the coach approached you or your high school/club coach about setting up an unofficial visit?
• Has the coach reviewed your academic information?
• Has the coach seen your highlight video?
• Have you reviewed the school’s information and determined that it might be the right fit for you?

If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you’re in a great position. Most importantly, you want to ensure that you have been in communication with the college coach. You don’t want to waste your time visiting a school that may not be a realistic recruiting opportunity for you. To set up your visit, call the coach and let them know you’re interested in seeing the campus. Ask them what dates they would be available to meet you and your family. Some recruits lean heavily on their high school or club coach to help them set up unofficial visits with college coaches.

If you’re an underclassman interested in D1 schools, there are a few different routes you can go. First, you can take unofficial visits to those D1 schools as if you were a regular student. Tour the library and the campus at large. Check out the town. Ask questions, take notes and determine what you like about the campus. This can help you better understand what you’re looking for in a school, so you can refine your target list. Don’t forget to check out some DII, DIII and NAIA schools—you never know what your best fit will be until you explore the different options available!

Insider Tip : There are a few different ways unofficial visits can “pay for themselves.” First, schedule back-to-back visits with schools that are located close to each other. Second, set up visits with schools in cities you’re already visiting. For example, if you have a tournament in the Kansas City area, consider visiting the University of Kansas in Lawrence if you have been in communication with that coach.

Read more: How to Maximize Your Summer Visits

What happens on an unofficial visit

While every school is a little bit different, most coaches will take some time to speak with you and your parents/guardians about the school and their athletic program. Come prepared with questions for the coach and use this opportunity to get them answered. Then, the coach may take you on a tour of the athletic facilities. The rest of the time will be up to you to arrange a tour of the campus and possibly meet with an academic adviser. You and your family may also be invited to attend a home sporting event.

While unofficial visits are a great way to get to know a coach and the athletic program better, they also give you a chance to really experience the college campus. Can you picture yourself living there for four years? Here are a few ways to familiarize yourself with the college campus during your visit:

• Check out the library and sit in on a class.
• Visit the different housing options, both on and off campus.
• Meet your future training staff.
• Eat in the school cafeteria or food court.
• Set up a meeting with an academic adviser.
• Hang out on the campus grounds.

As you’re checking each of these spots off your list, take a couple minutes to write down your thoughts. It might seem trivial in the moment, but as you visit schools throughout the year, they can all start to blend to together. You can always refer to your notes later on when you’re working on narrowing down your target list of schools.

How to schedule unofficial visits

To schedule unofficial visits, you will want to choose which campuses you would like to visit most, pick out free days to make your visits, and then contact coaches directly to schedule your unofficial visits.

Below we expand on our tips for how to schedule unofficial visits with college coaches: 

• Brainstorm which campuses you would like to visit most. Most athletes cannot afford to go on multiple unofficial visits across the country. Therefore, think about 2-3 campuses that you would like to visit that are either within driving distance or a quick flight away. 
• Look at your calendar and pick out some free days. Once you have picked out some free days that you and your guardian(s) are able to go on unofficial visits, try to pair visits together. For example, if you are going to visit the University of San Francisco, then it is also wise to pair that visit with the University of California, Berkeley and see both campuses in one day or in the same weekend. 
• Contact the coaches and schedule unofficial visits. If NCAA rules prohibit coaches from emailing you back or calling you back, then it is time to pick up the phone. Call coaches on the phone and speak to them directly about scheduling an unofficial visit. Remember, if they do not pick up then keep calling back! Notify coaches that you will be near the campus on XYZ dates (the dates you have already picked out) and would like to visit then. Once you have locked down a time to visit one campus, you can move onto the next campus and see if you can schedule two campuses for the same day or for the same weekend. 

Although the recruiting process becomes more serious for juniors and seniors in high school, it is never too early to tour campuses and meet coaches in person.

The more unofficial visits you take, the more likely you will be able to get a sense of the school, team, and coaches. Unofficial visits are a free pass to gain insight into how you feel about coaches and their program as well as how coaches feel about you. View this video to learn more about how to schedule your visits. 

What are the NCAA unofficial visit rules?

According to the NCAA unofficial visit rules, you are allowed to stay on campus with an enrolled student, but there are some specific rules the institution must follow based on its division level. For DI and DII schools, recruits can stay in an enrolled student’s dorm; however, the athlete must pay the regular institutional rate for that lodging. DIII recruits can stay with currently enrolled students in their dorm if that housing option is available to all students who visit the school, athletes and non-athletes alike. DIII schools can also pay for a student-athlete’s housing during an unofficial visit if they provide housing for every prospective student. Your parents/guardians will still need to find their own accommodations.

Questions to ask the coach during your unofficial visit

When you go on your unofficial visit, one of your top priorities should be to ask the coach any questions you have about the school and the program. Before you go, write down your questions and keep adding to the list throughout your visit. When it’s time to talk to the coach, you’ll have your list ready to go, rather than trying to come up with questions on the spot. Here some examples of questions you might want to ask:

• What are the athletic and academic requirements?  You’re probably well-versed in eligibility requirements—if not, read more about  NCAA eligibility requirements . But each coach will have slightly different criteria that they look for in their athletes.
• What kind of academic support does the athletic program offer?  Being a successful student is the most important part of your college career. Make sure that you’ll be set up with the tools you need.
• What commitments do you expect from athletes in the off-season or during holidays?  If going home over the holidays and for summer break is important to you, then you need to know what commitment level is expected during these times.
• What is your coaching and training style?  By this point, you’ve probably played for a few different coaches with various coaching styles. And you probably know what kind of approach works best for you. Remember: The coach has to want you on their team, but you also can choose a team that best fits what you’re looking for.
• Will I be able to meet any current athletes?  It’s important to see the team dynamics, if possible. Do they joke around or are they more serious? Do they hang out on the weekend or do they have separate friend groups?
• What are the training facilities like?  To stay healthy and in shape throughout your tenure as a college athlete, you’ll need access to the right facilities and people.
• What are you looking for in a recruit?  This is your opportunity to find out what spots the coach is trying to fill and ultimately who they want on their team to fill these positions.

What to wear on an unofficial visit

A lot of recruits ask us what to wear, and our best piece of advice is to err on the side of overdressing, rather than underdressing. You want to look neat and clean throughout your entire trip. For men, bring a collared shirt with nice jeans or khakis. For women, skirt, dress, nice slacks or jeans are acceptable. Avoid wearing sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, flip flops and ripped jeans.

Bring athletic clothes and shoes in case you get invited to work out with the team. For all D1 sports—minus men’s basketball—athletes are not allowed to try out for a team during a visit; however, the team captain can organize a team workout, which recruits can join if the coach is not present. Similarly, at DIII schools, recruits can join in an unofficial team workout. For Division I men’s basketball and all DII sports, recruits can take part in tryouts during visits.

After your unofficial visit: The coach follow-up

When you get home, write the coach a “thank you” note. Tell the coach what you liked about the school and thank them for their time. You can also include a brief list of where you’ll be playing next so they can watch you in person. Not only does this show the coach that you are a thoughtful, courteous athlete, but it will keep you top-of-mind as the coach works on creating their roster.

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NCAA seeking end to photo shoots on unofficial recruiting visits

HBCU Gameday Newswire

October 05, 2023

Special to HBCU Gameday by Kobe Scales

On October 4th, 2023 the NCAA Division I Football Oversight Committee proposed legislation to eliminate photoshoots for student-athletes recruits during unofficial visits. The statement by the NCAA reads:

“The Football Bowl Subdivision Oversight Committee introduced legislation into the pilot legislative process to prohibit, during a football prospective student-athlete unofficial visits, institutional involvement in arranging photographs or photographing the prospective student-athlete and those accompanying the prospective student-athlete.”

If this legislative effort by the NCAA pushes through, student-athletes on non-official visits will no longer be allowed to participate in photoshoots that have “institutional involvement in arranging photographs or photographing the prospective student-athlete or those accompanying the student-athlete.”

The NCAA is also tackling the important stuff: Getting rid of photoshoots for recruits!! pic.twitter.com/AxFyR2aOxn — Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) October 4, 2023

The rule change should have no true effect on the way that schools and recruits handle the business of “official” visits. Subsequently, players will still go on the unofficial visits but the often time-consuming aspect of photoshoots and professional photographers for players without offers will no longer be in play until the official visit.

Nonetheless, this does not stop the recruits and families from taking their own photos. Since the boom of social media student athletes of all levels of play have partaken in these photoshoots. However, the photoshoots have proven to be a burden for the school media teams and cause these visits to lose focus on traditional aspects of an unofficial visit like meeting the coaches and touring the campus.

In HBCU football, schools like Jackson State and FAMU have top-quality media teams that often produce pictures that go viral for both the athlete and the school’s social media pages.

Hue Jackson, head coach of Grambling State used several luxury cars in a viral recruiting moments as well.

? pic.twitter.com/ZbGThDEOIx — Lawrence Nalls III (@lmnloading) January 21, 2023

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Official vs Unofficial Visits: Official Visits Explained

Taking a college visit is an important part of the recruiting process. Understanding the differences between official and unofficial visits can help you plan your recruitment efficiently. An official visit is an opportunity for a college to pay for a recruit’s transportation, food, and accommodations, while an unofficial visit requires the recruit to pay for those expenses. Both visits allow the school to purchase tickets to a home sporting event for the recruit. In this article, we will explain the details of an official visit.

WHAT IS AN OFFICIAL VISIT?

A college campus visit that has any part financed by the school is considered an official visit. College coaches typically save official visit invitations for their top recruits, and players they believe could deserve a scholarship offer. To be invited on an official visit is a great opportunity for your recruiting process.

Official college visit rules vary, depending on the level a school is regulated. NCAA Division I has the most strict regulations, listed below are the rules you will need to follow:

Only 5 visits to Division I schools. There is no limit of official visits to Division II & Division III schools, but all NCAA official visits are limited to one per school.

Schools can pay expenses for you and your family. The school can pay for transportation to and from the campus, accommodation during your visit, three meals per day, and three tickets to a home sporting event for you and two of your family members (most schools require parents or guardians specifically).

Schools can only provide transportation to and from the campus for family members if they travel in the same car as the recruit. Flights, or separate bus/train tickets can’t be purchased for family members.

Official visits can last up to 48 hours, or the duration of one weekend.

Official visits for Division I sports are allowed on August 1, before a recruit’s junior year of high school. This rule excludes Division I Men’s & Women’s Basketball.

Men’s Division I basketball recruits can begin taking official visits January 1 of their junior year of high school.

Women’s Division I basketball recruits can begin taking official visits in April of their junior year of high school, the Thursday after the Women’s Final Four tournament.

Official visits are not allowed during recruiting dead periods .

WHAT ARE NCAA DIVISIONS?

NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)

NAIA rules are not as specific as the NCAA. You will need to communicate with your coach about the details involving the costs and activities of your visit.

There is no limit to the number of NAIA schools a recruit can visit, but they are limited to one per school.

Expenses covered or reimbursed for recruits is at the discretion of the school. Expenses can include transportation, accommodation, and/or meals.

School funded attendance at ID camps or individual evaluation sessions are considered official visits.

NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

Junior College rules vary, depending on the regions and institutions. Here are a some of the most common rules to follow:

There is no limit to the number of NJCAA schools a recruit can visit, but they are limited to one per school.

Expenses covered or reimbursed for recruits is at the discretion of the school. Expenses can include transportation, accommodation, and meals.

Schools are NOT ALLOWED to pay expenses for a recruit’s parents/guardians or family members that join them on their visit.

A recruit must have completed their junior year of high school to be eligible for an official visit to a NJCAA school.

WHY TAKE A VISIT?

If a coach invites you on an official visit, you should consider it a good sign that the program is serious about your recruitment.An official visit is an additional opportunity for coaches to evaluate recruits. Throughout the visit coaches will be trying to get a better understanding of your personality & character. They will try to determine if you are a good fit for their team and school.

Additional Evaluation

Coaches will pay close attention to how a recruit interacts with their parents/guardians, to help better determine an athlete’s general demeanor. Does the recruit act respectfully, courteously, and kindly to their parents & family? Or does the recruit respond rudely?

Coaches will also use the recruit’s answers to questions to gather a better understanding of a player. Does the recruit give thoughtful answers, or quick one word responses? Does the recruit ask questions in response, or just expect to only give answers during conversations?

BE PREPARED

Official visits require prep work from recruits before the visit takes place. Here are a few tasks to be completed when taking an official visit.

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

To take an official visit, the coach needs to know that you are eligible to compete at their school. To visit Division I and Division II schools, a Certification Accoun t is needed. The NCAA Eligibility Center will issue you a NCAA ID number upon registration. Coaches will ask you for the NCAA ID number before your official visit.

Be added to the Institutional Request List

Ask the coach to add you to the Institutional Request List , which wil l fast track your NCAA Eligibility Center application process. Because of the large number of requests received by the NCAA Eligibility Center , the IRL makes sure that athletes can be cleared quickly due to time constraints.

Send the admissions office your transcript

The school should be able to access your transcript and test scores through the NCAA Eligibility Center , but you should send your transcript and scores to the admissions office to ensure that you meet the academic criteria of that school. The NCAA Eligibility Center only ensures that athletes meet the academic requirements needed to compete in college sports.

COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Be ready to respond to an offer

An official invite does not guarantee an offer, but you should definitely be prepared for the best case scenario. If you have additional visits scheduled, it might make sense to ask the coach when the offer will expire and if it's possible to take some time to think about your answer. If you have no more visits scheduled and are offered by your top choice, saying yes as soon as possible could be the right choice. No matter the decision made, you should be prepared for that conversation on your visit.

Have questions for the coach

At some point during an official visit, you will be able to ask questions of the coaches. This is one of the major advantages of taking an official visit, and the opportunity should not be wasted. You should create a detailed list of questions to ask the coach, and bring the list with you on the visit. The list will ensure all your questions are answered, as well as impress the coach with your high level of preparedness.

PARENTS’ ROLE

Parents & family members have an important role during an official visit - Ensure the recruit is the focus of the experience. Family members should allow the athlete to ask questions and direct the conversations. The recruit should be able to hold open & honest conversations with the coach throughout the visit. Family members can allow the athlete to make their own opinions about the school, before adding perspective. Once the conversation makes its way to finances, school costs, and scholarship opportunities, the family members are expected to jump in and contribute to the conversations.

WHAT HAPPENS ON A VISIT?

Every official visit will be different, but there are some similarities that can be counted on.

Campus Tour

Sit in on a class

Visit the housing options (on & off campus)

Meet the training staff

Eat in the school dining hall, food court, or cafeteria

Meet with an athletic-specific academic advisor

Meet team members (sometimes the entire team)

EXPECTED COACHES QUESTIONS

You will have an opportunity to speak with coaches one-on-one at some point during the visit. As previously stated, having questions ready for the coach is helpful, but you will also need to be ready for the type of questions coaches will ask. Here are a few examples that can be expected from a coach during a visit.

What other schools are recruiting you?

What other colleges are you visiting?

When can you commit?

What is the most important aspect of your decision?

What do you enjoy most about our program?

Why do you think you would be a good fit at our school?

Will you accept our offer for an athletic scholarship?

THE FOLLOW UP

After each visit, be sure to follow up with coaches. Send them a “thank you” note, or message, thanking them for their time & effort, as well as explaining what were your favorite parts of the visit. The follow up shows coaches that you are a thoughtful person & keeps you in their mind during the recruiting process.

Now that you understand official visits, you should Schedule a Free Assessment to begin your recruiting process.

If you have already begun the recruiting process, be sure to increase your efforts through our Recruitment Services .

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Interesting read on official vs. unofficial visits! When you’re traveling or planning any official trips, it’s good to know how these visits differ. If you need assistance with your vehicle during your travels, do reach out to our NYC towing company for support.

Great article! The breakdown of official visits is really helpful for anyone navigating the college recruitment process. On a different note, if you’re looking for something unique to drive around campus or to your visits, check out https://www.autobidmaster.com/en/search/salvage-cars/hummer/ . They have a great selection of salvage Hummers that could make a standout vehicle for a college student. Plus, the process of buying a car through them is pretty straightforward, much like the tips provided here for planning your college visits.

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California Prep Dons UNC Basketball Threads During Visit

Matt giles | 13 hours ago.

• North Carolina Tar Heels

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and his crew welcomed Harvard-Westlake School (Calif.) senior Nikolas Khamenia to Chapel Hill this weekend. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward, a four-star stretch-four who ranks No. 29 overall and No. 9 among power forwards on the 247Sports 2025 Composite, was on hand for his official visit with the Tar Heels.

ALSO READ:  UNC Completes In-Home Visit With 2025 Five-Star Caleb Wilson

And on Sunday evening, the following pictures from his UNC basketball photoshoot — including shots of him in home and away Tar Heel jerseys alongside his family and Hubert Davis in front of the program's famous Air Jordan Wall outside the Tar Heels' locker room — surfaced on social media:

Four-star power forward Nikolas Khamenia on his official visit to @UNC_Basketball . #UNC https://t.co/94B37y2VFG pic.twitter.com/rEEpBGrG19 — Sam Lance (@slancehoops) September 8, 2024

In August, Khamenia revealed a top five in his recruitment. Those remaining contenders, in no particular order, are UNC, Duke, Arizona, Gonzaga, and UCLA.

Last weekend, the advanced all-around talent took an official visit to Arizona. Next weekend, Khamenia will be back on Tobacco Road for his official visit with UNC's archrival, Duke.

Nikolas Khamenia, a UNC basketball offer holder since late May and now a priority target for the Heels, plans to choose a winner at some point in October.

Meanwhile, it's worth noting that Davis and his cohorts, still on the hunt for their first win in the 2025 cycle, also hosted a four-star guard in Gonzaga College High School (D.C.) senior Derek Dixon this weekend.

More UNC Basketball News

• UNC Product Armando Bacot Snags Exhibit 10 Deal
• Tar Heels Spotlight Rookie Forward From Hickory

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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The Daily Illini

• Men's Sports

Illinois football’s first official visit weekend sees major wins for Bielema, staff

Cameron Krasucki

Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema enters the field at Memorial Stadium before the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. The team was able to secure four commitments during their 2023 recruiting class.

By Jonathan Alday , Assistant Sports Editor June 9, 2022

June started off with a bang for Bret Bielema and the Illinois football coaching staff as they were able to secure four commitments after a successful first official weekend for the 2023 recruiting class. Alongside these four commitments were a mixture of highly sought after players and already committed in-state products who would help build camaraderie within the group and serve as another group of leaders for Bielema and his staff.

The recruiting class connected with players, coaches, toured the facilities and posed for photos. Offensive linemen posed with pancakes, Kankakee’s Jyaire Suga Hill cradled bags of sugar, all in front of a graffiti style wall with ‘Illinois’ bolded overhead and ‘FamILLy’, Illinois’ main recruiting theme, sharing space on the vibrant artwork.

Each visitor flooded to social media to share their photoshoot results, highlighting Illinois’ hospitality and commitment to a family environment.

Here are the players which attended this first weekend, the battle for their commitment and their fit at Illinois.

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Kaden Feagin

Kaden Feagin on Twitter: “110% Committed‼️ @IlliniFootball @Coach_CPatt @BretBielema @ALAHFootball #FamILLy23 #DHBG pic.twitter.com/Chv0MLQPS8 / Twitter” 110% Committed‼️ @IlliniFootball @Coach_CPatt @BretBielema @ALAHFootball #FamILLy23 #DHBG pic.twitter.com/Chv0MLQPS8

The first class of 2023 commit served as a kickstarter for Bielema’s recruiting efforts. Feagin committed in late March as a four-star recruit out of Arthur, Ill., further exemplifying Bielema’s promise to fight hard for in-state recruits. Feagin received 12 other Power Five offers from schools like Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa and Miami. However, the thing that helped Illinois gain the edge was the fact that Illinois was his first offer, giving the coaching staff ample time to push their pitch hard way before Feagin’s recruiting blew up in the summer of 2021. The 6-foot-3-inch, 221-pound played running back and free safety for Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond High School and received an All-State Honorable mention in the 2021–2022 season. Feagin was recruited as a true athlete due to his versatility on the football field. As Bielema begins to put his stamp on the team composition, he was very quick to emphasize the need for bigger bodies and increased physicality on the team. Feagin’s film shows exactly that, towering over most players on the field and leaving a trail of players on the ground after feeble attempts at tackling him. His recruitment and commitment also continues the variety of running backs that Bielema seems to be looking for, with the first two running backs he added to the roster in the class of 2022, Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson, providing a contrast of speedy elusiveness (Laughery) and ground and pound running (Anderson) style, which Bielema is well known for. With both junior Chase Brown and sophomore Josh McCray still leading the Illini running game, it gives time for Feagin to develop into the role that will benefit the team the best.

Elzy has been one of Illinois’ top targets this recruiting season. The 6-foot-3-inch wide receiver out of Chicago, Ill., is highly sought after with Illinois competing heavily with Cincinnati. Besides Illinois and Cincinnati, Elzy holds 24 Division I offers from programs across the country. The four-star wide out would immediately improve the position outlook for Illinois. Although Bielema addressed the position in his 2022 recruiting class, it is unclear how immediate of an impact both freshmen Shawn Miller and Eian Pugh will bring. Adding a compliment to junior Casey Washington and sophomore Isaiah Williams and eventual successor is on the top of Bielema’s list and it’s apparent in his staff’s relentless pursuit of the coveted wide receiver. His film shows strong route running and an ability to get physical and open against opposing defensive backs. Ranked the fourth best recruit of the state by 247Sports, he has heavily considered staying in state and is appreciative of Illinois’ plan for him being on the team. Cincinnati is his next stop in his official visit trail and it may take some time for the rising senior out of Simeon Career Academy to make his decision.

Jyaire Hill

Another top prospect for Bielema’s 2023 recruiting class is Jyaire Hill out of Kankakee, Ill. The 6-foot-1-inch, 170-pound defensive back helped the Kankakee Kays to a 14-1 record and a 5A state championship appearance, losing to Fenwick (Oak Park). Hill earned a First-Team All-State honor and only is projected to continue improving. Hill was seen in a variety of roles including running back, kick return and defensive back, collecting almost 500-yards rushing, 56 tackles and 7 interceptions in his junior season. In addition to football, Hill also is a major contributor to Kankakee track and field, placing first at the IHSA 2A state final for the 4×100 relay. Hill is another highly recruited player out of Illinois, ranking 5th in the state by 247Sports as a four-star recruit with a total of 24 Division I offers and is being heavily recruited by Michigan and other programs. Hill would provide some future stability to the Illinois defensive back room, with senior safety Sydney Brown’s eligibility decreasing and the defensive back rotation bound to see major changes this upcoming season with departures of Tony Adams and Kerby Joseph, locking up a major in-state talent would help stabilize the position group for Bielema, defensive coordinator Ryan Walters and defensive backs coach Aaron Henry.

Deakon Tonielli

Tonielli has been one of the more quiet top recruits in Illinois. While he has gotten a lot of Power Five offers, the 6-foot-6-inch, 225-pound tight end out of Oswego, Ill., has kept his opinions and thoughts on recruiting to a minimal level. For Illinois, securing another top in-state recruit would go leaps and bounds for the program. Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. will use their history of sending tight ends to the NFL along with the opportunity to become a hometown hero to entice Tonielli to commit to Illinois. Toniell shows some deceiving speed for someone who stands at 6 feet 6 inches tall, his obvious size advantage over most defenders allows him to get physical and fight for highly contested passes. Tonielli would fill in the gap of senior Luke Ford, who is soon to leave the program due to eligibility. With freshman Owen Anderson and sophomore Tip Reiman’s role on the team not yet determined, an addition like Tonielli would give him enough time to adapt to the speed of college football and improve as a blocker, something that Bielema often requires of his tight ends.

Saboor Karriem

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Karriem is a three-star cornerback out of West Orange, N.J., with 21 offers and a visit to Duke scheduled for June 24. Karriem is 6 feet 3 inches tall and follows Bielema’s overall goal of increasing the size of the team to better fit the Big Ten physicality. His willingness to use his first of his five official visits with the Illini shows a mutual interest in joining the program. Nicknamed ‘Prime Time,’ Karriem recorded 23 tackles and five interceptions during their junior season which, with the help of a growth spurt, pushed him to the next level. His size, athleticism and football instinct play a major role in his ability to read the quarterback and make plays against opposing receivers. It’ll take some time for the New Jersey product to make his decision, telling All Syracuse Fan Nation that it’ll most likely go into his senior year, but Illinois putting him on that priority list should put them in greater consideration when the time comes.

Fredrick Moore

https://twitter.com/FredrickMoore6_/status/1533608222778589184

Depth at wide receiver has been a major target for Illinois this recruiting season. While not completely in-state, the St. Louis area has been a hotbed for collegiate talent. One of those talented players is Fredrick Moore, a four-star wideout from Cardinal Ritter College Prep who’s put Illinois in a recruiting battle against Michigan, Michigan State and other top Division I schools for the 6-foot-1-inch, 159-pound playmaker. Moore started off his official visit season with Illinois, connecting with familiar faces and coaches who he’s comfortable with — receivers coach George McDonald, who’s played an active role in recruiting him, and running backs coach Cory Patterson, who spent a considerable amount of time coaching in the St. Louis area before joining the Illinois coaching staff. Moore’s strength lies in his speed and elusiveness, allowing him to gain massive amounts of yards after the catch as a wide receiver and returner. Paired alongside a high vertical jump and great ball tracking abilities, it is clear that Moore could make an immediate impact for Illinois. All that’s left to see is if Bielema and his staff can close the deal on a very talented player.

TJ McMillen

McMillen committed to Illinois shortly before his official visit weekend, adding another recruiter to the rising senior group. McMillen held 32 Division I offers before choosing Illinois over Duke, Nebraska, Purdue, Penn State and many others. McMillen held down the St. Francis (Wheaton, Ill.) offensive line at center, being voted 3x unanimous All-Conference since his freshman year on varsity. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches and 270 pounds, McMillen often leaves the opposing defensive linemen either flat on the ground or 10+ yards away from the play. McMillen plays through the whistle and with further development has the potential to become a quality center for Illinois, adding onto an already menacing offensive line. He is also one of three committed offensive linemen in this class (as of the publication date), providing further players for offensive line coach Bart Miller to develop and continue the legacy of NFL draft quality linemen.

Jamarrion Harkless

https://twitter.com/JamarrionHarkl2/status/1533616411918143488

One of the biggest surprises to come out of Illinois’ first official visit weekend was the immediate commitment of three-star Jamarrion Harkless out of Lexington, Ky. The 6-foot-4-inch, 290-pound defensive lineman had received major offers from Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss and Michigan, but upon the conclusion of his first official visit, Harkless committed to Bielema and the Illini over these programs. Defensive line is one of the biggest question marks for Bret Bielema heading into the 2022 season. While they have some pieces in place, the need for further add to the rotation heading into the future was a pressing issue. With Big Ten offensive lines being notoriously tall, strong and physical, adding a player like Harkless who is so highly sought after is a major win in both the team’s future performance and in recruiting. And it’s easy to see on film why he was recruited by top college football programs such as Georgia, he’s quick to get off the line and with such a massive frame, he easily disrupts any offensive linemen who dares to get in his way, even in the face of double or triple teams, Harkless finds a way to make his presence felt on the field.

Pat Farrell

Chicago Catholic League is one of the most competitive conferences in the state of Illinois, each year producing Division I talent. Defensive edge rusher Pat Farrell joins the Illini from that conference, after suiting up for St. Rita and imposing his will on opposing offenses. At 6 feet 5 inches tall and 220 pounds, it is easy for the rising senior to breeze past offensive lines, shown by his 40 tackles in his junior season. He adds great length and athleticism to the Illinois defensive line and will have some time to develop and build even more in size. Farrell marks the fourth in-state commitment, furthering Bret Bielema’s goal of building from within the state.

Zachary Aamland

Zachary Aamland on Twitter: “Thank you for an awesome OV! Had a great time bonding with my future coaches & teammates. The atmosphere is exciting! Too many to tag but thank you everyone for a great time! @BretBielema @Coach_BMiller @UofIllinoisABuh @BarryLunneyJr @Coacher_King @CoachKleffner @Red_Zone75 pic.twitter.com/63LA7wNUkz / Twitter” Thank you for an awesome OV! Had a great time bonding with my future coaches & teammates. The atmosphere is exciting! Too many to tag but thank you everyone for a great time! @BretBielema @Coach_BMiller @UofIllinoisABuh @BarryLunneyJr @Coacher_King @CoachKleffner @Red_Zone75 pic.twitter.com/63LA7wNUkz

Aamland marks another recruit from the Hun School (Princeton, N.J.), an increasingly popular pot of players for Bielema, having taken freshman tight end Owen Anderson and kicker Will McManus in last year’s recruiting class. While Aamland had two other official visits scheduled, Pittsburgh and West Virginia, he jumped on with the Illini ahead of his own official visit to Champaign. The three-star offensive tackle specializes in pancakes, using his 6-foot-6-inch, 290-pound frame, to engage with opponents and keep his quarterback clean. Aamland has experience at both guard and tackle, a trait that Miller and Bielema both value greatly when evaluating linemen. With a lot of talented upperclassmen ahead of him it may take some time before he sees any time on the field, but with the right coaching he has the potential to help continue anchoring the Illinois line. 

Rico Jackson

The 6-foot-6-inch, 300-pound offensive lineman from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is another big body built for Big Ten football. Despite holding offers from Michigan, Syracuse, Miami and Cincinnati, Jackson wasted no time in committing to the Illinois football program. Jackson is a very anchored blocker who has every intuition to play through the whistle and like many of the other committed offensive linemen in this recruiting class, creates moments similar to those from ‘The Blind Side’ on every down. Given time and development, Jackson’s upside provides great stability for the future of the Illinois offensive line.

Cal Swanson

https://twitter.com/_calswanson_/status/1533856368821772288

Swanson is the first quarterback who Lunney Jr. has offered a scholarship to during his time at Illinois, traveling down to Oklahoma to scout the player and eventually closed the deal with a fishing trip during Swanson’s official visit. Shortly after picking up an offer from Illinois, Swanson scheduled his visit with his first and only Power Five offer. Swanson has great pocket awareness, a decent arm and great ability to stay in the pocket and withstand pressure, scrambling if need be, using his feet as a failsafe. The sheer speed of the evaluation and commitment process shows that Illinois found something in Swanson that they felt like they needed to secure as quickly as possible, before other schools found him. Swanson has plenty of time to develop into the system that Lunney Jr. wants to run, with a few years behind other quarterbacks in the locker room, it should give him enough time to mature his game and it gives enough time for Illinois to evaluate him further.

Brandon Henderson

https://twitter.com/B_Henderson77/status/1533934669095489537

Adding Henderson to the list of commitments for Illinois would probably put the icing on the cake for the Class of 2023 offensive line. Henderson comes from a great program in the state and the opportunity to break into the East St. Louis talent pool and picking up a great talent with mass amounts of upside would be huge for Illinois heading into the future. Henderson massively helped East St. Louis return to the State Championship game, holding down the left tackle spot throughout the season.

@JonathanAlday7

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Professional Photoshoot 101: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Posted on August 2nd, 2023.

So, you decided to book a professional photoshoot! Congratulations! Whether it's for a special occasion, personal branding, or just to capture beautiful memories, you're in for a fun and fantastic experience.

Now, you might be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for your photoshoot. Don't worry; you're covered! Let's dive into the world of professional photography and discover everything you need to know.

What is a Photoshoot?

First things first, let's break it down for those who might be new to the world of professional photography. A photoshoot is a creative session where a skilled photographer captures your moments, emotions, and essence through the lens of their camera. It's like freezing time and creating a beautiful visual story that reflects your personality, style, and emotions. Each photoshoot is unique and tailored to your specific needs and desires.

Types of Photoshoots

When it comes to professional photography, there is a wide array of photoshoot style, each catering to different needs and preferences. Let's explore some of the most common:

a. Portrait Photoshoot

Portrait photoshoots are all about capturing the essence and personality of an individual or a group. These sessions focus on the subject, highlighting their expressions, emotions, and features. Portrait photoshoots can be done in studios with controlled lighting or in outdoor settings for a more natural and dynamic feel.

b. Family Photoshoot

A family photoshoot is a wonderful way to preserve the bond and love shared among family members. It's an opportunity to gather everyone together and create lasting memories. Family photoshoots often take place in outdoor locations, such as parks or gardens, where the whole family can interact and have fun while the photographer captures candid and heartwarming moments.

c. Engagement and Couples Photoshoot

Engagement and couples photoshoots celebrate love and the journey of a couple together. These sessions are all about capturing the affection, chemistry, and joy shared between partners. Whether it's a romantic stroll on the beach or a cozy moment at home, engagement and couples photoshoots freeze those special moments that mark the beginning of a lifelong commitment.

d. Maternity Photoshoot

A maternity photoshoot beautifully captures the glow and excitement of an expectant mother as she awaits the arrival of her little one. These sessions focus on the beauty of pregnancy and the bond between the mother and her unborn child. Maternity photoshoots can be done in studios with elegant backdrops or in serene outdoor settings to create a serene and magical ambiance.

e. Newborn and Baby Photoshoot

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a magical and fleeting moment that deserves to be captured in all its adorable glory. Newborn and baby photoshoots capture the innocence, sweetness, and tender moments of a newborn baby. These sessions typically take place in a warm and comfortable studio environment, ensuring the baby's safety and comfort.

f. Fashion and Model Photoshoot:

For aspiring models or those in the fashion industry, a fashion and model photoshoot is essential for building a standout portfolio. These sessions focus on showcasing the model's versatility, style, and unique features. Fashion and model photoshoots can be done in studios with professional lighting setups or in outdoor locations, depending on the desired theme and look.

g. Event Photoshoot

Event photoshoots are all about capturing the highlights and emotions of a special occasion or corporate event. Whether it's a wedding, birthday party, corporate conference, or charity event, event photographers work discreetly to document the moments that matter most.

No matter the type of photoshoot you choose, a skilled photographer will work closely with you to understand your vision and ensure that the final images exceed your expectations. Each type of photoshoot offers a unique and memorable experience, preserving cherished moments for years to come.

What’s the Photography Process?

Behind every stunning photograph lies a meticulous process that brings the image to life. At Sky Creation Photos, I follow a structured approach to ensure that your photoshoot experience is seamless and the final images are nothing short of perfection. Let's take a closer look at the three key stages of the photography process: set-up, shooting, and post-production.

The photography process starts with careful planning and preparation. Before the shooting begins, I will meet with you (via Zoom or in person) and discuss the vision and goals of the photoshoot. I've found the more we talk, the easier the shoot goes. We'll also consider the type of shoot, location, lighting, and any props or equipment needed. The set-up might involve setting up studio lighting, backdrops, and any necessary equipment to create the desired atmosphere and mood. 

2. Shooting

With the set-up in place, it's time for the magic to happen! During the shooting phase, I will guide you through poses, expressions, and angles to ensure that every shot is visually captivating. I'll collaborate closely with the model to bring out their personality and style, capturing a diverse range of looks. Throughout the shoot, I will create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, helping everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. The best photographs come from genuine moments, and my goal is to capture your authentic self.

3. Post-Production Editing

Once the shooting is complete, the post-production editing process begins. This stage is where the raw images are carefully selected and retouched (if necessary) to enhance their quality further. I will apply adjustments to lighting, color, and contrast, ensuring that each photograph is polished and visually appealing. Additional retouching might be done to perfect the model's appearance, including smoothing skin tones, removing blemishes, or enhancing certain features as per the client's preferences.

How to Prepare for Your Photoshoot?

Now that you know what to expect and the various types of photoshoots available, it's time to get ready for your big day! Here are some essential tips to help you prepare:

a. Wardrobe and Styling

We recommend bringing a variety of outfits that reflect your personal style and match the mood you want to convey. Think about both casual and formal options, as well as anything that showcases your unique personality. Don't forget accessories like hats, scarves, and jewelry, as they can add a special touch to your look.

b. Hair and Makeup (Sky Creation Photos does not provide this service)

Grooming is essential for any photoshoot. For models, hiring a professional makeup artist and hairstylist can elevate your appearance and give you that flawless, camera-ready look. If you're doing a family or individual shoot, a more natural and polished look might be perfect.

c. Location and Props

If you've chosen an on-site photography session, consider the location and any props you might want to include. Incorporating items that are meaningful to you or represent your interests can add a personal touch to the photos.

I hope this blog post has given you valuable insights into what to expect and how to prepare for a professional photoshoot. Remember, it's a collaborative experience, and I'm dedicated to making you look and feel incredible.

So, are you ready to book your photoshoot? Don't hesitate to get in touch with me at ( 918)344-8324 or via email at [email protected] . I'm looking forward to embarking on this creative journey with you and capture the magic together!

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How a 1937 Chevy Coupe made its way into Washington's recruiting photo shoots

Wes holden, a 2006 uw graduate, rescued his uncle's old car from storage and spent the last 5 years sprucing it up..

Bill Sporich bought the car some time in the 1960s, in Goldendale, Wash., some 70 miles south of Yakima. He drove that used 1937 Chevrolet Coupe on his first date with a young woman named Anne Coleman. 

They married in 1968. 

Bill was in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii and later shipped to Vietnam. The car stayed at his parents’ house.

It sat there. 

It did a lot of that over the next 50 years.

Bill returned from war. The couple eventually moved to Ballard. Wes Holden, Bill’s nephew, remembers catching a glimpse of the coupe in his uncle’s garage. He’d have loved to get his hands on it. 

His uncle said no, reasoning: “I think you’re gonna turn it into a hot rod.”

Bill and Anne moved to Tacoma in the early 2000s. The car moved, too, but remained unused, this time stored inside a boat shed. It still had license-plate tabs from 1968. Its paint, originally olive green but coated over with red boat paint, was fading. Blankets covered the car. Boxes and garbage bags surrounded it. 

“He was really good at starting projects,” Wes said of his uncle. “He had 50 different things he had started doing. I think the car was on that list of, ‘eventually, I’m going to work on this.’”

It wasn’t to be. Bill’s health had declined, and he died on Jan. 19, 2019, at 73. A few months prior, he had finally handed the car over to Wes, knowing a restoration was in order, and asking that his nephew maintain as many original features as possible.

The Chevy is purple now. Shiny, too. You can’t miss the white-wall tires. The bumpers, door handles and hood hinges are spray-painted gold (re-chroming was prohibitively expensive). Wes hasn’t added it all up, but he figures he’s put $10,000 into it, and he isn’t finished.

It was the original engine and drivetrain, though, powering the car into the Dempsey Indoor on Friday morning, Wes behind the wheel, five years’ worth of refurbishment parked on the Huskies’ indoor track.

“Surreal,” Wes said.

Wes is a civil engineer. He lives in Seattle, and works for a private firm designing airports. He’s also a 2006 UW graduate and a Tyee football season-ticket holder, and he regularly attends the program’s annual signing-day event in February. This year, Wes flagged down Courtney Morgan, UW’s director of player personnel, and showed him a photo of the old Chevy. It immediately got Morgan thinking. He called over Kasey Byers, the program’s senior director of creative services — and the mastermind behind all those slick social-media videos — and he had the same thought: “We want to do something with this.”

They got back in touch a couple months ago, and Byers called with the idea to use the car as a prop for photoshoots with recruits on campus for UW’s big official visit weekend. 

The official-visit photoshoot has become a crucial component of the recruiting process. Each school takes pains to make theirs unique. Oregon State sometimes uses a chainsaw. Oklahoma State put a kid on a horse , and Louisville brought out a Rolls Royce. It’s a whole production: prospects dress in full uniform and pose for several different shots, professional lighting and all.

For this weekend’s photos, UW brought its gold throne to midfield at Husky Stadium. Sometimes, there is an umbrella involved. They also take some shots in front of a purple backdrop. And thanks to Wes, prospects also made a stop at the Dempsey, posing in front of Uncle Bill’s gleaming Chevy.

Wes got to hang out as the photographers went to work. He’d never seen the car beneath that type of lighting before.

“I’m looking at it as the one who painted it, like, ‘oh, yeah, I didn’t quite get that buffed out, did I? There’s some scratches right there.’ I’m seeing all the imperfections,” he said with a laugh. “But everyone else seems to like it.”

The photos rolled out across social media this week. Dermaricus Davis, a three-star quarterback prospect, posed sitting in the passenger seat . Deshawn Warner, a three-star edge rusher, posed with his family . Omar Khan, a three-star defensive tackle ,, included a photo with the Chevy in his commitment announcement on Monday. The recruits were pretty into it, Wes said, and he enjoyed swapping car stories with some of the parents.

JaMarcus Shephard, Washington’s receivers coach, told Wes: “I’m gonna drive this car in front of the team bus.”

Wes mostly works on the car at his buddy’s shop in Monroe, which also is where he stores it. He says they are the only two who have driven it in the last 50-plus years. It’s not easy. The car has a manual transmission, of course, plus a starter pedal and a high-beam pedal and a choke knob.

The speedometer doesn’t work, Wes says, but he figures top speed is about 55 miles per hour, though it gets a little noisy. “At that point, it’s kind of like sitting on a couch that’s yelling at you,” Wes said. Slower speeds make for fun cruising, though. Last season, he drove and displayed the car at a tailgate prior to Washington’s game against Michigan State. The previous summer, he took it to a car show in Arlington. 

Wes realized along the way: “This is an awesome tailgate car.” So he’s considering a special touch for the trunk. “Maybe like a table that slides out,” he said. “I’m working on that with my buddy.”

It was easier to get the straight-six engine running than he anticipated. He installed a new fuel pump and carburetor, tuned it up and soaked the cylinders in oil. “She fired right up,” he said. Wes recorded the moment of first ignition, chuckling in amazement. 

He stripped the car down to metal, pulled the fenders off and redid the brake system. His dad was a mechanic, so Wes already knew some of the basics. He also learned from YouTube: how to strip the paint, how to apply primer. (The new paint color, he said, is actually called Purple Rain.) His focus recently has been on the interior, tearing out old insulation, installing carpet, seats, a headliner and sound-deadening material. He re-wired everything, too, adding taillights and turn signals.

“It’s been mostly body work,” Wes said, describing the mechanical aspects as “shockingly decent.” Progress is documented via photos posted to the car’s Instagram page, aptly handled @UncleBillsChevy .

His uncle, he says, “would be super stoked.” Bill got to see some of the early progress, but never saw it painted, and it’s probably fair to assume he never imagined that UW football recruits might some day pose for photos beside it. He did attend UW for two years before his military service, and then in 1974 for a time.

“I think he was just super excited to see me working on it,” Wes said.

The drive from Monroe to Husky Stadium and back covered about 70 miles. It went smoothly. Maybe some day, Wes says, if he can muster the confidence, he’ll drive the Chevy back down to Tacoma.

He’d like to pick up his aunt and take her to lunch.

— Christian Caple, On Montlake

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Deepika Padukone's green banarasi saree is replica of century-old weave, and a gift

Deepika padukone paid a holy visit to siddhivinayak temple in mumbai. she wore a green banarasi saree which was gifted to her by her stylist friend, anaita shroff adajania..

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• Deepika Padukone visited Siddhivinayak temple with family
• The saree she wore was a vintage revival by Banaras Baithak
• Ranveer Singh joined her in traditional attire

Deepika Padukone recently visited Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple with her entire family. The actor wore a green Banarasi saree for her holy visit, which was a gift from her friend and stylist, Anaita Shroff Adajania. The actor looked lovely in the saree as she sought blessings from Bappa ahead of giving birth to her first child with husband Ranveer Singh.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BANARASI BAITHAK (@banarasi_baithak)