Dream Big, Dream Often - Fall 2007

Now is the time more than ever for you, homeschoolers to pursue your dreams. Our cover features a Homeschool graduate who dreamed of playing college football at Florida while watching Danny Wuerffel and the Gators play in the ’90’s. Now he is at the top of the Heisman Trophy race and one of the most successful college football players in the country. This is a great example how focussing on your dream, believing in yourself and working extremely hard has turned a dream into a reality, a mark. As more and more homeschoolers graduate from high school and college and begin to make their mark on society, more and more recognition and respect will follow. And believe me we should pursue our dreams and make our mark. What will your mark be? That’s where dreams play a huge part in our lives. Everything begins with a dream, a vision, a deep love. If this foundation is in place, the journey will begin. And I want to emphasize the importance of the journey because this is what you will remember forever. In this era of winning at all costs, cheating and off the field incidents, we should realize this point more than ever. So dream big, believe in yourself and work harder than everyone else — but do it all with integrity, honesty and most of all respect. This will make your journey a success.

LM

A Road Paved By Courage - Winter 2008

In 2000 I enrolled at Drake University to play basketball on a full scholarship. Along with the pre-season basketball work outs, the strength and conditioning training and the manditory 3 hours a day in study hall I could only imagine the added stress I would have felt if I was having trouble with the NCAA Clearinghouse. As a homeschool graduate, I benefited from the courage and strength of Jason Taylor who had his college scholarship revoked in 1997 just because he was the first homeschool graduate the Clearinghouse had ever seen. But Taylor didn’t quit or give in to the NCAA; he fought for his scholarship and won it back. Since then, hundreds of homeschoolers have been cleared without any problem; and in 2004, the NCAA streamlined the application process even further so that homeschoolers could be cleared with the same requirements as public or private school graduates.

When I think of the impact that Jason Taylor has had on the sports world, it makes me proud to be a fellow homeschool graduate. Not only because of the 8 pro bowls or the 2006 defensive player of the year— don’t get me wrong those awards are extremely difficult to receive and they had a lot to do with the decision to feature him on the cover; but more importantly, because of the character that he has shown off the field. He founded the Jason Taylor Foundation in south Florida which helps children in need by focusing on improved health care, education and quality of life. He was also nominated for the 2007 Walter Peyton NFL Man of the Year award, which recognizes a player for his community service activities as well as his excellence on the field.

I can’t think of a better role model especially in a day with not a lot of role models left. Throughout his career Jason Taylor has exemplified courage— and probably needed it a few times too. One of Winston Churchill’s most famous speeches was during World War II and it included these words:
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“Never, never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”
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Churchill and his people were in danger of being bombed out and overrun by the German military when he said that. You might not be experiencing this kind of blitz, but you can still apply those words of courage as well as the example of Jason Taylor to your daily life. And who knows, maybe you will make it to the cover one day.

LM

Signs From The Subway - Spring 2008

Did you hear?” A colleague of mine asked one morning in May. “No,” I answered. “What happened?” Subway has banned homeschoolers from participating in their contest because the grand prize is $5,000 worth of sports equipment (donated to the winning parties’ local school athletic department). My initial thought was to shake it off and just chalk it up to basic ignorance about homeschool sports - no harm no foul. But after a while I started to really change my mind. “This isn’t acceptable.” I said to myself. I could imagine myself in their board meeting - “SPORTS?!... HOMESCHOOLERS?!... NO WAY!” Not knowing just how competitive homeschoolers have become in athletics. Nearly 400 homeschool graduates were cleared by the NCAA last year to compete in intercollegiate athletics. That number has been growing each year. Finally, after a number of letters and speaking with various representatives at Subway (as so many other families and homeschool organizations did) an official apology was released from the Subway corporate marketing office.

I can’t say that I’m really mad at Subway. They really just didn’t know any better. It’s exactly what happened in an essay contest ran by none other than Oprah Winfrey in 2006. She offered her apologies much the same way that Subway did after a borage of complaints and genuine concern from our homeschool community. So in my opinion, it’s really a win-win for homeschoolers. Just like in the Oprah case, Subway has created more awareness not only to just how legitimate homeschooling is, but specifically to the hundreds of sports organizations across the country who are producing college-bound athletes.

I may receive some hate mail from public school administrators for this next comment but homeschoolers have always been more prepared for college than any other group of incoming freshmen. The college GPA stats prove this year after year; and what is really impressive now is that homeschoolers are becoming more competitive athletically. This is something that should not only be recognized but celebrated. This is the focus behind the launch of our new website just for homeschoolers preparing for college - HSNATION.com. The official website of The Homeschool Nation. From the site, you can post your profile, contact other homeschoolers across the country, and search colleges who are actively recruiting homeschoolers. So drop by and sign up; you may also qualify for a free copy of the 2008 College Directory & Preparation Guide For Homeschoolers out this fall.

LM

Olympic Success - Summer 2008

Katie Hoff didn’t win a gold medal in this year’s Olympic games in Beijing. Some have said it was disapointing for her even though she won two bronze medals and one silver medal. I couldn’t disagree more. On several occasions, I saw Katie doing an interview and couldn’t have been more professional and courteous. In fact, Matt Lauer from NBC’s Today Show, specifically thanked Katie for being so helpful and “good” to them throughout the Olympic games. In a world where success is judged only in black and white, I think we should consider a deeper meaning of success. I always had a poster in my room as a teenager growing up. It said, “Success is not to be judged by the position one has obtained, but by the obstacles that were overcome in order to get there...” I was reminded about this quote throughout the Olympics. Who knows how many athletes overcame unbelievable obstacles just to be able to compete. Even though their national anthem wasn’t playing as a gold medal was placed around their neck, many will still take the memory of their success with them for the rest of their life.

LM

College- Big Choice - Fall 2008

As a homeschool graduate, I have experienced the transition from high school to college. This can be an extremely challenging time in your life, but should also be some of the most memorable and fulfilling years as well. The quality of education you receive, the life-long friends you make, and the mentors who will help direct you all make college a fun, exciting time and if planned for correctly, will add a huge advantage to your life for many years to come.

The cover feature of this issue is my brother, Joel. When graduating from high school, he had various opportunities to play basketball at larger Division I schools. The opportunities and playing time looked to be very competitive and difficult. Instead he opted to attend the Division III Concordia University at Austin. You may be thinking this was a mistake. However, by choosing the ‘smaller’ school, he was able to compete and start as a freshman, and now has cemented himself as a cornerstone of the basketball program as well the university. He will graduate next year and will have made many opportunites for himself on and off the court just by making the best decision for himself. So when making your college choice, try not to think about what you think you should do, or what you think others want you to do. Rather, make sure you understand what it is you truly want. And go get it.

LM

Winter 2009

In this issue we have the honor to hear from an excellent basketball coach and teacher, Bob Hoffman, head men’s basketball coach at Mercer University. Anytime you get the opportunity to gain valuable insight from someone who has experienced success, you have to listen. Coach Hoffman is among the top twenty active collegiate coaches in winning percentage; and has also coached at the professional level. I am extremely excited to have coach Hoffman be a part of this issue. He has been pro-homeschool for many years and was instrumental in recruiting several homeschoolers to play basketball for him. Enjoy his insight and take it to heart.

LM

Spring/Summer 2009

Our cover feature in this farewell issue of HSI is Whitney Williams of the Iowa State women’s basketball team. I had the opportunity to see Whitney play in four NCHBC tournaments; and even as a freshmen, I told several people that I had seen the best girls basketball player that I had ever seen. Beyond basketball, Whitney has embodied the spirit of what HSI and homeschoolers across the country stand for.. hard work, dedication, and respect. I am proud to feature such an incredible athlete, but even more important, a person of great character.

Luke McDonald is the Founder & Publisher of Homeschool Sports Insider and the www.HSNATION.com College Preparation Guide for Homeschoolers.

You can find free information and help on planning and preparing for college at www.HSNATION.com. Sign up today for the 2009 College Preparation Guide for Homeschoolers. Free to homeschoolers in high school.. while supplies last.