College Resource Center

College Planning & Placement Counselors

Whether you aspire to an NCAA Division I, II or III school, an NAIA school, or any other college or university, we believe there’s a path for everyone to attain their goals. At SPIRE, we are committed to helping you find your best possible college fit based on your personal goals, your prowess in your specialty passion and your academic proficiency.

Dr. Zac Bruback

Director of Mindset Development

Dr. Zac Bruback

Director of Mindset Development

Zac has a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of sports and considerable experience in various modalities, Zac is committed to helping individuals, coaches, and teams achieve their top level of performance. He has worked extensively with elite athletes from the high school to professional level with an eye towards helping these individuals balance their athletic, academic, career, and life demands.

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Kimberly Smith

Associate Director of College and School Counseling

Kimberly Smith

Associate Director of College and School Counseling

With over a decade of experience in counseling and mental/behavioral health, Kimberly Smith is dedicated to guiding high school and college students through their academic and athletic journeys. As a former Division I collegiate track and field athlete, Kimberly brings a unique perspective to her role.

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Arin Franklin

Lead Associate Director

Arin Franklin

Lead Associate Director

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Navigating Athletic College Admissions

Athletic Scholarships 101

Navigating athletic scholarships can be complex, but understanding the details and requirements can set you on the right path.

Whether you aspire to an NCAA Division I, II or III school, an NAIA school, or any other college or university, SPIRE Academy believes starting the college planning and placement process early is critical to your success. However, because there are so many misconceptions about how scholarship offers work, it makes sense to start by exploring some basic information about how the process and awards work.

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Scholarships by Sport

If you play high school sports and want to compete at the college level, you probably already know you’ll face stiff competition for both a spot on the roster and scholarship money. We’re here to help. This webpage is a resource for you to use during your college planning and placement process that will help you get noticed, meet deadlines and achieve your goal.

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Grants and Financial Breakdown

Understanding the cost of higher education can be a daunting task for many families. With tuition rates rising and the financial landscape becoming increasingly complex, navigating the world of need-based grants and financial aid is crucial. At SPIRE Academy, our College Resource Center is dedicated to helping students and their families manage these financial challenges effectively. Below, we explore the essentials of need-based grants, provide a clear breakdown of college costs, and illustrate how SPIRE Academy can support you through this process.

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Recruitment Prep for College by Year

Preparing for college is a significant step for both students and parents. At SPIRE Academy, we aim to provide clear and practical guidance to help you navigate this process effectively. These tips cover essential tasks such as attending college fairs, finalizing applications, exploring financial aid options and staying organized with deadlines. Remember, your SPIRE College Counselor is available for support and assistance whenever needed.

Test Scores, Grades and Curriculum

As the college admissions landscape becomes increasingly competitive, understanding the key factors that colleges consider can help SPIRE Academy students and their families better prepare for the application process. Let’s break down what you need to know to strengthen your college application from test scores to average grades and curriculum highlights.

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Academics, GPA, Honor Roll and Dean’s List

At SPIRE Academy, we believe true excellence emerges when academics and athletics go hand in hand. As you chart your path to college, understanding how to balance and leverage your academic performance is crucial. Here’s how SPIRE Academy’s values and resources can guide you through this important phase of your college placement journey.

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General Resources

Here are some other resources very important in your approach to planning a succeful Athletic Collegiate future.

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