Victory Collegiate Consulting Testimonials
 
Mission
Affiliates
 

"Reaching for Excellence"
Testimonials

Here is what people are saying

"I have known Tom Kovic for the past six years. I have spoken on sport psychology nationwide, and have worked with elite athletes at the college, Olympic, and professional levels, and I regard Tom as one of the best coaches I have met. His integrity is at the highest level. He has an exceptional understanding of today's athlete. He is a true professional in every sense of the word."

Joel H. Fish, Ph.D.
Director
The Center For Sport Psychology

"It is my honor to call Tom a friend. Having known him for 15 years I can say he is one of the finest in the USA gymnastics community. He is respected throughout the country not only for his athletic achievements but for his integrity and friendliness. He is not just a coach, he is a leader and teacher. He is very intelligent yet humble. Tom is very disciplined as he strives for excellence in all that he does. I can recommend him with enthusiasm and great confidence. Anyone who engages him will be very well served!"

Kenneth "Doc" Miller
President Sport Education and Consulting
Adjunct Professor Montgomery County College

"Integrity; leadership; credibility...these are the qualities that a student-athlete and parents should consider when looking for a college counselor. In the six years I have known Tom Kovic he has demonstrated these qualities and has shown the compassion as a coach, mentor and educator"

Gil Aronson
Parent of 2006 University of Pennsylvania graduate Becca Aronson

"Tom Kovic, through his vast experience, expertise and caring,  is offering  a much needed professional service.  He is dedicated  to  college bound athletes and their families. "   

 Jacquelyn Bier
Philadelphia Gymnastics Center

"He is sincerely interested in the well-being of the student athlete, knows the business on both the academic and athletic sides   inside and out, and is a responsible, ethical and honest mentor.  Our family received a lot from Tom Kovic and we would recommend others use this exceptional professional service and his knowledge and skills to guide their son or daughter through the student-athlete processes."

Kit and Tom Gunn
Parents of 1998 University of Pennsylvania graduate Kathleen Gunn

 "Tom's presentation was extremely enlighting to all of my gymnasts. The informal presentation and question and answer period were well recieved and very informative. It provides a good starting point to any gymnast interested in continuing their gymnastics at the college level."

Tom Ford
Central Bucks Gymnastics Club

"Tom was one of the biggest influences in my decision to attend Penn.  His strong communication skills and personable nature allowed him to build trusting relationships with my parents and me.  I consider him more than my former coach – I consider him a dear friend."

Kathleen Gunn-Saeed
Wharton '98

Dear Tom Kovic,

Your Presentation "College Preparation Seminar" should not be missed by any athlete or their Parents thinking of continuing athletic competition after high school.  My parents were astounded at the wealth of knowledge and the professional presentation you provided as an athlete, athletic college coach, parent and educator! The information applies to all sports and I look forward to your help in providing my athletes the advantage of your experiences and understanding of the system.

 

Thanks again,

Earl Metzler

Metzler's Gymnastics

Celebrating 30 Years


"Tom Kovic's presentation is valuable information for students, parents, teachers, and coaches. I highly recommend his services to any student-athlete looking to progress to the collegiate level. His experience in collegiate coaching brings clarity to the often confusing and overwhelming recruiting process."

Greg Mitchell
Counselor/Assistant Football Coach
Concord High School, Wilmington, DE

Tom Kovic did a spectacular job speaking to our eager group of counselors. He captured our group's attention--even at an early hour! - with his professional, interactive, and even occasionally humorous presentation. I think this group of counselors went away with a tremendous insight into the workings of the athletic recruiting process and the challenges that face college coaches and students. Most of all, we are now armed with the tools we need to better advise our kids in this important aspect of their transition to college.

Tom McManus
Director of College Counseling
The Tatnall School


Thanks so much for your excellent presentation to the Delaware college counselors' association a few weeks ago. I really appreciated your insights into the recruiting process, and how students and their parents should think about approaching this exciting but difficult wrinkle to finding the right school. Good luck with your work going forward!

Terence Gilheany
Director of College Counseling
St. Andrew's School, Middletown DE

"Thanks Tom I had numerous parents thank me for organizing the seminar Thursday night. I thought it went extremely well, and I would be happy to assist you in any way I can. Again, I really appreciate you driving all the way to Oxford, and I wish you all the success in your business goals.  Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

Sean Harvey
Athletic Director Boys Basketball Coach
Oxford Area High School

Tom Kovic provided our Plymouth Whitemarsh school community with his keen insights on the College Recruiting Process. Those present left the session "armed" with valuable information to better support their child in this very important process.

M.J. Gourke
Guidance Officer
Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School

I think that the talk that you gave our parents was wonderful. Very informative on the Collegiate process. What it takes and ideas on how to start the ball rolling.

Mike Vanim
Owner/Director
Berks East Gymnastics Academy

Dear Mr. Kovic:

My family and I would like to thank you for walking us through a very confusing and difficult process. We had no idea how time consuming and frustrating college recruitment is. After meeting with you, and you providing our family with so much assistance, the process became very easy. We were not even aware that there were so many deadlines that we had to meet. If it were not for you guiding us through this, we would have missed many deadlines. We appreciate so much that you guided us through this whole process, and explained in detail what steps we needed to take. You also have such a way with teenagers! We guess that comes naturally after 20 years of coaching! The knowledge that you have obtained after 20 years of coaching is invaluable. We have enjoyed working with you so much, and we are so grateful to you for everything you have done for us.

Sincerely,
MAP and family

 Your knowledge of collegiate sports coupled with your own stellar professional reputation and personal insight of the various coaches was invaluable.  We especially appreciate your personal approach and your constant follow up with us. We are 100% certain that your involvement helped us secure the wonderful opportunity for Allison’s collegiate career.

 Joanie, Jack and Allison Baldwin (Atlanta, GA)

 

 "Thanks for participating in our "Meet the college representative" program. The information shared about athletic recruiting is extremely helpful to our athletes as they begin the college search process."

 

Rich Marta- Director of Guidance- Lower Moreland High School (PA)

  

 "Tom Kovic's presentation at Perkiomen Valley was excellent and well
received by our parents and student-athletes. He possesses a wealth of
knowledge and experience and the unique ability to present information
clearly and concisely. I feel very comfortable recommending Tom to
anyone seeking to better understand the college recruiting process".

Larry Glanski
Athletic Director 

Perkiomen Valley HS

 

 "Tom, Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom with our students and their parents last evening. The parent comments last night and today were very positive; many indicated how much they learned from your program and how helpful it was. I appreciate you sharing your expertise and time with WFS. Best wishes for a great end of summer. We'll look forward to coordinating more programs with you throughout the year."

 

Kathleen Martin  Director of College Guidance  The Wilmington Friends School

 

 

  "I met Tom in August, and within days of working with him, my daughter's personal profile was complete.  He looks at each athlete as an individual, and his ability to capture my daughter's personality and athletic ability helped make her approach to recruiting unique.  By the middle of September, my daughter had visited 3 of her top choice colleges, and by the first week of October, she received a verbal commitment from her top choice.

We owe this to Tom's team approach. Having been a college coach, he knows how college athletics works.    He is an effective team leader for the athlete's "team" of parents, coaches, and high school counselor."

 

Theresa Klass

Bakersfield, CA

 

 

  "The college recruiting process is no small task, every parent with a student/athlete will benefit from Tom's experience, knowledge and help.  We are lucky and proud to have Tom on our team!"

 

Howard Laguna Director Victory Gymnastics Newbury Park, CA

 

 "I just wanted to say thanks for all your help these past few years. You are a real gentleman in all aspects. I know you have the athletes best interests when they come to you and as we talked, that is hard to find in people these days."

John Feeney New York, New York

 

 

 "The one hour presentation was very helpful. My daughter has a goal of playing at a division I school and after your informative meeting we will start planning this weekend." Joan Weinstein Seattle, WA 

"We are proud parents of an athlete who is being recruited by Division I colleges to play lacrosse. Having never been through the recruitment process before, we had many questions. Tom Kovic's webinar had the answers we needed.  We now feel like we have a handle on getting organized, talking with coaches, NCAA rules regarding recruitment, scholarships, etc. Thanks , Tom!" Linda Fiona Houston, Texas

 

 

"Thanks very much for last night's presentation. I know, speaking personally, that we will approach our college visits a lot differently with the information we received." Tom Healey West Windsor Twp, NJ

 

 

"Thanks so much for a very clear, concise seminar. You practice what you preach."   Colleen Marsh West Windsor Twp, NJ

 

 

"As parents of a high school baseball player who has dreamed of playing college baseball, the support, encouragement, guidance and knowledge you've given us this past year has been invaluable. Through your insights, we've learned a great deal, not only about the recruiting process, but about our son. More importantly, Micah learned some things about himself and after being recruited by Division I, II and III schools, with your help, was able to pick the school that was best for him, both academically and athletically. We couldn't have asked for more." Dan and Marge Winterstein Philadelphia, PA

“I must tell you, everything you said was true!   Using your great advice, and all the interview skills you practiced w/Ben, we met some amazing coaches who were interested in Ben as a potential team member, and a student in general!”

Anne Karim Longmeadow, Mass

“Thank you for coming to Dallas and doing your presentation on the college recruiting process.
I have had numerous talks with parents since the event and they all say that going to your presentation before the Texas Top 99 recruiting camp was so helpful.

Your style and approach really helped the parents understand that it is a process and it is not easy to go it alone. We are looking forward to you coming back and doing it again next year.”

Rashad Devoe M.P.H
Devoe Human Performance

Dear Tom Kovic,

“Thank you so much for helping me this year. I would not be going to Fullerton without your help! Thank you for giving me the confidence to get over my fears and succeed this season. You have been a great inspiration.”

Vanessa Klass Bakersfield, CA

"Tom Kovic has the experience, skills, and insights to provide pinpoint guidance to student-athletes and their parents. His checklist and milestones assure that critical actions and deadlines are achieved. Tom's team approach in supporting and adjusting to each family's unique situation is invaluable. His persistence and determination gave our daughter the confidence she needed to accomplish her goals during the entire recruiting process.

Tom achieves results, and our daughter is a proud member of the UCLA Gymnastics Team."

Jayne Anderer West Windsor, NJ

“Just wanted to send a word of thanks.  My son and I followed the advice in your book to put together a letter, resume and game film (he's a lacrosse payer).  He's now getting calls and letters from coaches at the top of his list, expressing their interest in him.

This whole process was a complete mystery to us before I stumbled on your website.  Thanks so much for making your expertise available.”  Barbara Roberts

"I read the quote at the top of your homepage about the next 4 years shaping your life. I have told parents and recruits that (in different words of course), for my entire 10 year coaching career.  I was very happy to see that someone else thinks the same way. 

I always tell kids that most likely their spouse, place they raise their family, career and general view on life will be determined by the school they choose, and I firmly believe that.  I also tell them that this choice is much too important to be determined by a baseball team.They need to choose a school for the right reasons, not a coach, field, locker rooms or school colors.

I wanted to tell you that it's nice to hear of someone helping kids make good college choices and not just shipping them off to any school that will listen.  Dave Yorke Head Baseball Coach City College of New York

"Thanks Mr. Kovic for everything over this long seemingly never ending journey. i got your email and i will definitely use the suggested tools in my early going at college. You really helped me in this proccess of finding what was right for me. Thanks again for everything." Micah Winterstein Freshman Varsity Baseball Player Guilford College.

“Let me begin by thanking you for your great book on recruiting which I purchased last spring.  It has been so helpful! I've recommended it to a number of parents who have also purchased it.”
Mary Ellen Lorio Bedford, New Hampshire

“I wanted to thank you again for the presentation that I attended last night at Victory.  Your presentation was full of the right information, articulate, personable and I am so glad that you came and I was able to hear you speak.  You answered all the questions I could think of in your presentation.” Michelle Ruffing Newbury Park, California

“I thought that your program at the IECA Convention was excellent.  I only wish you'd had time to cover the rest of the topics on the outline!”
Marcia Libes Simon
College Planning Service, LLC
Potomoc, Maryland

“First off I would like to thank you for your very informative and lively seminar, this past Tuesday. I attended a sales seminar yesterday and was immediately 'turned off' by the speaker, as was almost every other person attending. You spoke 'with' us, not 'at' us. After yesterday's seminar a few of the guests gathered to talk about the issues that were discussed. I was able to use a phrase that you made during your seminar and everyone appreciated this; "Push but don't be pushy". You were applying this phrase when approaching a coach, but this also applies to speakers and was greatly appreciated by all.”
Christy Aprato Santa Ana, California

Tom I just want to thank you for your guidance and inspiration. Afton really needed to get her self confidence back and your calls and e-mails really helped her get back on her game. She is signing with IU tomorrow and Afton is over the moon!

Gail R Omaha, Nebraska

Tom, Thank you for giving one of the clearest, most practical presentations (ECA Convention) I have heard about college admissions for the athlete."
Lucia Tyler Independent College Admissions Consultant

" I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you for assisting my daughter Amelia and our family in navigating and obtaining her scholarship from Utah State in gymnastics. It would have been very difficult with out your help and prompt attentiveness."

Angel Montoya

"Cheryl and I enjoyed meeting you at the Adidas Tournament.  Our son, David, signed his NLI with Wagner College and can't wait to start his college career.  We appreciate the advice you gave us and wish you the best in the future." David and Cheryl Szilezy

"I want to thank you for fabulous night at Foothill!"

Patience Vega Participant at November 2008 presentation at Foothill High School Santa Ana, California

Dear Mr. Kovic,

I wanted to inform you that I received my acceptance letter to West Chester today. Thank you so much for everything!

Devon Green Bethlehem, PA

“We heard last night that Robbie was accepted to Brown. We appreciated your help. You were able to provide an important "third" party voice in our discussion as well as a wealth of knowledge about the entire process.”

Robert Norton Newtown Square, PA

“Coach Kovic, I wanted to thank you for all of the great advice you gave me over the past two years. You were always there when I needed to talk to someone about my options and guide me to the next steps. This was not an easy road to travel especially being a 16 year old talking to coaches twice my age. By the way I’m walking on cloud 9. I guess it won’t hit me until I see my uniform hanging in the locker room and report to practice the first day. I’m glad it’s over and I can concentrate on my senior year.  What was really cool was as soon as I arrived back home in Seattle the Lafayette lacrosse team had invited me to join them on Facebook. I knew I had made it.”

Victoria Maxon Midfielder - Lafayette ‘13

Bothell, WA

"We greatly appreciate Tom Kovic’s work with our son, Ben, on helping him through the lacrosse recruiting process.  Since we are located in Texas, and he was looking at schools on the east coast, Tom gave us the experience and insight on helping Ben sort out his selection considering we were many miles away.  Also, Tom always made himself available when we had questions or concerns – night or day."  Jake Krocheski Plano, Texas

"Tom Kovic has proven to be the reliable and knowledgeable resource we needed in the college recruiting process. He has an extremely organized approach, guiding both the student and parent every step of the way.  He was able to offer reassurance in a process that was totally unfamiliar to us. He was always accessible and efficient in his response to any questions we had. We are grateful for Tom’s work and commitment to athletic recruiting." Sharon Peters Lansdale, Pa.

"An injury during her junior year kept our daughter from being the “blue chip” prospect the top division one schools look for. Tom took the time to get to know our daughter as a student, an athlete and as a person and helped us sort thru the options available to her. Tom showed us how to best showcase our daughter’s strengths and how to interpret what we heard back from college coaches. Tom was always there for our daughter, coaching her, guiding her and rooting for her during a very stressful time and we are very grateful for all his support." Jeff Nichols Schnecksville, PA

 

"The search for a University can be overwhelming to the player and parents.  Partnering with her coaches, Tom provided an approach that covered all aspects of the recruitment process including identification of schools, a "How to" for introducing our daughter to the coaches and guidance on the selection process.  His even mannered approach, prior experience as a coach and one-on-one support allowed our daughter to navigate the process and find the right match." Ed Salvitti West Chester, PA

"Tom's recruiting manual, "Reaching for Excellence," provides the student-athlete and his or her parents a succinct information overview of what they need to know to get started on the recruiting process. He recommends that the recruit be very organized in their recruiting efforts, and he practices what he preaches by presenting a very organized breakdown of timelines, templates for letters and resumes, and coach questions. Most importantly, Tom infuses the manual with pragmatic advice that reflects his philosophy about making informed decisions that are appropriate for the needs of the specific athlete. In everyone's rush to get scholarship money, choosing a good fit isn't always the first priority—Tom makes sure to keep his reader focused there."

Laurie Richter

Author Put Me In Coach

Dear Tom, Thank you for coming to speak to parents at Foxboro High School on May 21st.You are a wonderful presenter and speaker. You greatly informed and inspired us with what you shared. Melyssa Beimler Foxboro, MA

"When I was faced with the daunting task of finding the right school for my son who was seeking a top level college which was strong in the sciences with his strong desire to continue to play soccer at the next level, I turned to Tom Kovic for guidance. He provided my son and I with all of the information and actions necessary to provide him with the best possible opportunities to meet his academic and athletic goals. Innumerable helpful discussions allowed both of us to have a comfort level with this process that we otherwise never would have found!"John Goldblum Beachwood, Ohio

“Victory Collegiate Consulting was the key to making our dream become a reality. Thanks Tom for being there from start to finish!” Michael Roy/ Titi (George Washington University '13)

"How can you thank a person enough who has spent so much time and energy to make your son happy? 
       
Tom is just an all-around great person.  He is very knowledgeable, very organized and a great confidence booster.  If we had a questing or problem to discuss with him, you could always count on reaching him on the phone.  No matter where he was or what he was doing, he always took time to make you feel that your son was his number one priority.
          
Our problems and concerns became his. He took my son through the many emotions that the whole college process can produce. My son came out of the ordeal confident and ready to meet the challenges of a student/athlete. Tom is just a wonderful person."

Lynn Packer, Proud mother of a future gymnast at UC Berkeley

“Our family had the pleasure of meeting Tom Kovic in the fall of our son’s Junior year. From the time of the first meeting to the culmination of the verbal commitment (to a D-1 program) in July of the following year Tom has directed the recruiting process every step of the way. As avid sports fans and crazed parents pushing their kids dreams we were in no way prepared to navigate the recruiting process. Tom not only developed an efficient process for our son, he prepared our son with many life lessons. He taught him valuable planning lessons, how to be prepared to talk with coaches who only had a few minutes, and how to handle rejection and not get discouraged. The recruiting process is certainly not a sprint, and preparation is the key. There are so many quality athletes searching for spots. Hope is not a strategy if you desire one of those spots. Tom Kovic prepared our son and under his leadership our son is able to realize his dream of playing Division 1 lacrosse.”

 

Scott Davis Brentwood, TN

 

Thanks Tom,

Couldn't have done this without your guidance, Alli is thrilled! We hope to keep in touch and keep you updated on Alli's gymnastics. Best wishes to you and your family.

Maggie and Rick Antenucci Plymouth meeting, PA