NAIA Using Social Media To Expand Brand

The NAIA, to many, doesn’t have the same ring as the NCAA, but when it comes down to it, the majority of us are not top-caliber talent, weren’t recruited by the Floridas, Kentuckys or Notre Dames of the world. Although we have talent, we may not be what a lot of Division I schools are looking for. 

The NAIA is another option for those looking to play collegiate sports. An option I took myself. Of course, there are those who will think it’s a step down and you can’t get noticed by scouts or whatnot. 

That is not the case. 

Take a look at the associations demographic highlights (courtesy of the NAIA website):

• Nearly 300 member colleges and universities 

• 23 national championships 

• 900,000 students 

• 70-year history of innovation with colleges 

• Approximately 5 million alumni around the world 

• First to include black colleges and students in championships 

• First to include women in national championships 

• First to develop system-wide character initiative with substantive programming 

• During the 2007-2008 championship season, over 200,000 people attended NAIA National Championships. 

The NAIA is a gateway to realize your dream. 

If you read a previous “Development Insider” you can gauge by the amount of players drafted, and quality of play, that the NAIA is on par on most levels despite the size of enrollment.

When is comes down to it, if your goal is to play, the NAIA is the home for you. It was for me, and was one of the best life decisions I have ever made. 

A skinny Canadian going down to York, Nebraska to start the first game of the season is exactly what I accomplished. I highly doubt I would have had that opportunity if I went anywhere else. 

In saying that, if anyone is looking for assistance in choosing the proper school or is looking for someone to evaluate talent, send me an email at [e-mail]. 

Choosing the right school is a major decision; whether it's Canadian universities, junior college, NAIA or NCAA, one needs to look very closely at his own abilities, realistic expectations and a future after school is complete has to be factored into the decision. 

I was recently on the NAIA website and was pleasantly surprised to see social media used to its fullest. 

The NAIA “Game on” program, according to the NAIA's Marketing Resource Center, “tells the story of the NAIA through a variety of communications tools. The campaign brings together the facts of who the NAIA is, both today and yesterday, and tells the story through our student-athletes.

"It’s not just about the history of the NAIA, but about how our students, members and conferences feel about the organization and what makes it unique. There is a confidence present in the stories of our student-athletes and their love of the game. The NAIA helps keep student-athlete dreams alive and within reach.”

If you want to become part of something bigger than yourself, something that transcends athletics and strengthens you not only as a player but a person then watch this.

For more information on the NAIA, visit their website here.

Devon is the founder of The GM’s Perspective

Devon is a former professional baseball player with the River City Rascals and Gateway Grizzlies, and is now an independent scout. 

You can follow The GM's Perspective on Twitter and Facebook and can be reached at [e-mail].