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The Daily OrangeMSOC | International affair: Syracuse spans globe in search for fresh soccer talent
By Didier Morais
Posted: 10/21/08, 3:32 AM EST Section: Sports
For Zawislan, the recruiting process has been time-consuming, especially as he expands his search overseas. He sorts through an abundance of recruit mail sent from aspiring collegiate soccer players around the world each year. After narrowing down his choices, he usually requests each player's video and resume. If both look promising, he eventually scouts the player.
In addition to recruiting via mail, Zawislan - who played professionally in North America and Europe after graduating from Clemson in 1993 - also uses his own sources to recruit international talent. He relies on former teammates, colleagues and coaches for player referrals.
"In the soccer circles you get to know enough people that it usually becomes your recruiting network," Zawislan said. "You develop it over the years, and you trust the coaches input and that they will be straightforward with you."
In December, Zawislan contacted a former teammate who now coached in Germany. The coach brought up Meister, his star midfielder.
"I was interested in going to the U.S., so my coach spoke with Jaro," Meister said. "He came one week to Germany, watched me play two games, came to some practices. A few days later he called me with an opportunity, and that's really the story."
Despite a deluge of European connections, Zawislan tends to rely on his Canadian referrals more often because of the country's close proximity to Syracuse. During his free time in the fall and spring, he travels across the border to scout the best high school players playing in the country's most noteworthy tournaments.
In 2004, Zawislan visited Toronto to watch one of the country's most prestigious club tournaments. In the championship game, he noticed the stellar play of Ottawa Fury midfielder Kenny Caceros, then a junior in high school.
A year later, the two met again, and Zawislan offered Caceros a spot on the team. Caceros missed the Syracuse application deadline, and ultimately enrolled at Maine. The school wasn't a good fit, he left the team and called Zawislan, pleading for an opportunity to play at Syracuse. Zawislan obliged, advised him through the application process and reclaimed his former prized recruit.
In addition to recruiting via mail, Zawislan - who played professionally in North America and Europe after graduating from Clemson in 1993 - also uses his own sources to recruit international talent. He relies on former teammates, colleagues and coaches for player referrals.
"In the soccer circles you get to know enough people that it usually becomes your recruiting network," Zawislan said. "You develop it over the years, and you trust the coaches input and that they will be straightforward with you."
In December, Zawislan contacted a former teammate who now coached in Germany. The coach brought up Meister, his star midfielder.
"I was interested in going to the U.S., so my coach spoke with Jaro," Meister said. "He came one week to Germany, watched me play two games, came to some practices. A few days later he called me with an opportunity, and that's really the story."
Despite a deluge of European connections, Zawislan tends to rely on his Canadian referrals more often because of the country's close proximity to Syracuse. During his free time in the fall and spring, he travels across the border to scout the best high school players playing in the country's most noteworthy tournaments.
In 2004, Zawislan visited Toronto to watch one of the country's most prestigious club tournaments. In the championship game, he noticed the stellar play of Ottawa Fury midfielder Kenny Caceros, then a junior in high school.
A year later, the two met again, and Zawislan offered Caceros a spot on the team. Caceros missed the Syracuse application deadline, and ultimately enrolled at Maine. The school wasn't a good fit, he left the team and called Zawislan, pleading for an opportunity to play at Syracuse. Zawislan obliged, advised him through the application process and reclaimed his former prized recruit.
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