MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The joint Shelby County Schools/AutoZone Liberty Bowl high school football showcase, announced Wednesday, is just one of five showcases being offered over the next month.
SCS is also hosting showcases for cross country, golf, girls' soccer and volleyball. The events are one of several ways local athletes are hoping to gain the attention of college coaches.
"They're not disappointed anymore," Central High School volleyball coach Zina Johnson said. "They're looking for that next level."
Even without games, her seniors still have goals to play in college. Johnson says her team is fortunate to have game film from either the 2019 season or from club circuits that she can send to recruiters. Many SCS athletes are not as lucky.
"I can only imagine for the other coaches, how difficult it would be to have a player and not have footage to show," Johnson said.
Due to COVID-19, college coaches are not travelling to recruit. Rhodes College head golf coach and former athletic director Mike Clary recommends that recruits contact coaches directly.
"I just encourage any athlete who wants to get their name out there," he said. "They need to be proactive in reaching out to coaches, and the good coaches will get back in touch with them."
The volleyball showcase will be held Nov. 7. Johnson says the opportunity is appreciated, though worries some athletes may be rusty after so much time away from the game.
"That is a rough opportunity for some, but for others, it will be good," she said. "It's good for them to have something for sure."