The recruiting journey can be complex, and having guidance from someone who has experienced the process firsthand can make all the difference. At OPSM, our collegiate advisors use their own playing and recruiting experiences to mentor the next generation of athletes, helping them navigate important decisions about their academic and athletic futures.
In this feature, we introduce Nana Nnuro, a collegiate advisor whose path through NCAA Division I soccer gives him a unique perspective on the recruiting process. Having competed at Eastern Illinois University, Gardner-Webb University, and Central Connecticut State University, Nana experienced multiple stages of recruitment and the transfer portal throughout his career. Those experiences shaped his understanding of what athletes need most during this journey, and he now uses that insight to guide players as they pursue opportunities at the collegiate level.
What inspired you to become a collegiate advisor?
Many of my teammates and close friends entered the transfer portal at some point in their careers, and I consistently felt there was a better, more strategic way to navigate the recruitment process. I saw firsthand how overwhelming and uncertain it could be without the right guidance. That experience inspired me to become a collegiate advisor and to provide athletes with clarity, structure, and support so they can make confident, informed decisions about their futures.
What is your history in collegiate sports and/or at the professional level?
I had the privilege of competing at three NCAA Division I institutions, (Eastern Illinois Uni., Gardner-Webb University, and Central Connecticut State Uni.) gaining invaluable experience both on and off the pitch. Most recently, I completed my graduate year at CCSU, where I also served as team captain. Throughout my collegiate career, I developed not only as a player but as a leader and mentor. I am currently a professional free agent and excited about where the game will take me next.
What was your recruiting journey as a player like?
I entered the transfer portal twice, which meant I essentially experienced the recruiting journey three separate times. Each phase came with its own challenges and adapting to new coaching staffs, understanding different program cultures, and evaluating academic and athletic fit. Those experiences gave me a unique perspective and resilience. They also equipped me with firsthand knowledge of what athletes truly need during the recruitment process.
What is your process when trying to find a school that fits an athlete?
My process begins with understanding the athlete as a whole person and not just their performance on the field. I take into consideration their academic goals, long-term career aspirations, preferred campus environment, coaching style, team culture, and level of competition. From there, I target programs that align with both their athletic abilities and personal values. The goal is to ensure the athlete thrives in all aspects of their life.
What does a day in the life of a collegiate advisor look like?
A typical day involves communicating with athletes and families, evaluating film, researching potential programs, and building relationships with college coaches. It also includes guiding athletes on personal branding, academic positioning, and recruitment timelines. Every day is centered around advocacy and making sure each athlete is prepared for the best possible opportunity.
What is one moment of your career that you are proud of?
Being named team captain during my graduate year stands out as one of my proudest achievements. Wearing the armband is more than a title and it represents trust, accountability, and leadership. Knowing that my coaches and teammates believed in me to represent them on and off the pitch is something I will always value. It was a reflection of my character.
With experience competing across multiple NCAA Division I programs and navigating the recruiting process several times himself, Nana brings valuable perspective and empathy to the athletes he mentors. His journey as a player and team captain at Central Connecticut State University reflects the leadership, resilience, and adaptability required to succeed at the collegiate level.
As part of the OPSM collegiate advising team, Nana is committed to helping athletes approach recruitment with clarity and confidence. By combining his firsthand experience with a passion for mentorship, he works closely with players and families to ensure they find programs where they can grow both athletically and academically.
Athletes and families interested in working with Nana can learn more and get started by connecting with OPSM’s collegiate advising team here.