Collegiate advisors at OPSM or more than just people behind a screen connecting athletes with schools, they’re athletes themselves who have been through the recruitment process and have first-hand experience. This experience not only makes their jobs easier, it also makes the lives of our clients easier as they navigate the recruitment process themselves.
Diving deeper into what it means to be a collegiate advisor at OPSM, we talked with former collegiate athlete Jessie Bryson. Using her experience and knowledge gained throughout her career, she knows exactly what it takes to get to where you want to go and looks to help young athletes through the process
What inspired you to become a collegiate advisor?
“Having gone through the recruitment process myself as an athlete, I understand how overwhelming and challenging it can be. Working with OPSM made my journey so much easier than if I had tried to navigate it on my own. Now being able to provide that same support to other athletes like connecting them with teams and guiding them through the same process I once experienced is incredibly fulfilling. That journey is what inspired me to give back and help others achieve their goals, just like I did.”
Knowing the challenges that come with the recruitment process, Jessie is eager to help young athletes navigate the early stages of their career as best she can. As a young athlete in need of guidance herself, she now looks to be the guidance that she once had for others. Her goal of making the process as simple as possible is exactly what OPSM is here for and why we do what we do.
What is your history in collegiate sports and/or at the professional level?
“I played four years of collegiate soccer at Campbellsville University, competing in the NAIA’s highly competitive Mid-South Conference, widely regarded as the top women’s soccer conference in the NAIA. Throughout my time there, I participated in multiple NAIA and NCCAA national tournaments. In my senior year, my team made history by winning the program’s first ever Mid-South Conference Championship, defeating three top 10 nationally ranked teams along the way. During my career, I was honoured with multiple All-Conference recognitions. I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Campbellsville, the experiences I gained, and the lifelong friendships I built on and off the field.”
Jessie’s time at Campbellsville came with great achievements and history-making moments. Competing in the top women’s conference in the NAIA is an achievement in and of itself, but managing to take home the Mid-South Conference takes her success to the next level. Her path to victory wasn’t easy, going head-to-head with three top 10 ranked clubs along the way, but Jessie and the Tigers showed incredible resilience as they fought their way to the top. Knowing how it feels to achieve your dreams is fuel for Jessie to hand that down to future athletes as she guides them in the right direction in their careers.
What was your recruiting journey as a player like?
“My recruitment journey had its challenges. I wasn’t sure where to start, or how to present myself properly. I started by myself using recruitment sites to try to get my name out to coaches but the process can be difficult and frustrating at times. I then met Godwin and Jeff when they first started OPSM and they helped me work through my recruitment process. They guided me, connected me with the right schools, and gave me the confidence to take that leap. It’s a big decision, and having support made all the difference.”
The recruiting journey is never easy, it’s a new process with tons of question marks for many. The process was no different for Jessie, luckily she teamed up with OPSM to get her name out there and make the recruitment process as smooth as possible. With a strong supporting cast around her, she made it through the process and found herself a home at Campbellsville University.
What is your process when trying to find a school that fits an athlete?
“The first step is always getting to know the player not just their level on the field, but also their personality, goals, academic interests, and what kind of environment they’ll thrive in. From there, I help match them with schools that suit them both athletically and academically. I make sure they understand the options, how each program works, and what steps they need to take to stand out to coaches.”
Just like our other collegiate advisors, Jessie’s first order of business is to get to know each player first and understand exactly what they’re looking for in a school. She understands what each school has to offer and where each athlete will thrive. She focuses not only on the athletics side of the school, but also on the academic side. Finding a balance between the two is extremely important, because at the end of the day, student athletes are students first. Maintaining clear communication between both the schools and the athletes, she can ensure that the school knows what to expect from the athlete and vice versa. Jessie makes sure to check all the boxes to guarantee each athlete is happy with their choices, and they propel their career in the right direction.
What does a day in the life of a collegiate advisor look like?
“No two days are exactly the same, but most include a mix of player calls, video reviews, updating profiles, and speaking with college coaches. I also spend time educating athletes and their families about the recruitment process, eligibility, scholarships, and how to communicate with programs.”
Educating athletes on the process is a large chunk of a day in the life of a collegiate advisor. Communicating with both athletes and schools is just as important. Allowing the athletes to navigate the recruitment process blindly would be a massive misstep, that’s why Jessie makes sure each athlete is well-versed and understands what steps they should take and how to take them. For many athletes the process is a family affair, educating the entire family is a key step in Jessie’s process to guarantee that everyone involved knows exactly what to expect.
What is one moment of your career that you are proud of?
“As a new advisor, I may not have many standout moments just yet but I’ve found it incredibly fulfilling to see how my support has helped ease the stress many of my clients feel during the recruitment process. It’s common for clients to express anxiety about the recruitment process and being able to reassure them and make them feel more confident has been really meaningful to me.
Hearing that my guidance has made a positive difference so far has reinforced why I’m passionate about this role. I’m looking forward to the moment when my first player commits. Not only will it be a major milestone in my career, but more importantly it marks a huge step in their athletic journey. Even if my role is just a small part of their journey, it means a lot to know I’ve contributed in some way.”
Knowing that she’s contributed in some way in an athlete’s success is why Jessie keeps on helping young athletes. Seeing an athlete get through the recruitment process with her guidance is something she’s proud of, and rightfully so. As she knows from experience, the process and be a bumpy road full of anxiety and uncertainty. Watching an athlete achieve their dreams of collegiate soccer is exactly why she continues to help.
From NAIA champion to collegiate advisor with OPSM, Jessie looks to pass on her knowledge, experience, and dedication to success on to other athletes. Helping young athletes navigate the process with OPSM, she looks to prepare and increase the confidence of her clients as they chase their dreams.
To learn more about OPSM Collegiate Recruitment, click here.
