WELCOME

Aware Athletics was founded to support athletes in taking their talents to the next level. Our mission is to share our expertise to ensure that athletes can fully capitalize on every opportunity.

Joshua Ware

Over the years, I have worked professionally with athletes in various roles, including as a mentor, coach, college admissions counselor, and collegiate academic advisor. I have seen athletes being misguided and missing out on opportunities, and that drives my passion to ensure that no athlete gets overlooked. I am dedicated to providing the guidance and support that I wished I had as an athlete, helping others seize every opportunity for success.

Education

Master of Science in Communications, Grand Valley State University

Through my research on communication strategies in recruitment and enrollment at higher education institutions, I developed a strong understanding of how to effectively market programs and attract talent. Additionally, my capstone project evaluating the Sport Management curriculum and proposing changes to increase skill acquisition and marketability of graduates has given me insights into what skills are most desirable in today's competitive landscape. This combination of marketing expertise, talent acquisition knowledge, and awareness of enrollment trends allows me to guide student-athletes in navigate their academic and athletic journeys, ensuring they are well-prepared for future opportunities.

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, Grand Valley State University

The foundation of knowledge in both business management and movement science, are crucial for understanding the dynamics of the sports industry. This program equipped me with essentials skills in areas of marketing, event management, and sports law, allowing me to navigate the complexities of sports organizations effectively. My focus on movement science has deepened my understanding of athlete performance and wellness, further enhancing my ability to support and advise students.

Associates Degree of Arts, Grand Rapids Community College

My experience at a community college allows me to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that students face in this transitional stage of their education. I gained insights into diverse learning styles and the importance of personalized support, which are crucial when guiding students through their academic and athletic pursuits. This background equips me to relate to their experiences and help them navigate the complexities of balancing academic commitments with their athletic aspirations.

Experience

Assistant Football Coach, Ferris State University & Davenport University

Monitored student-athlete academic performance and coordinated student development activities that included team bonding and study programs in support of academic progress and the graduation of student-athletes
Recruited academically and athletically qualified, full-time student-athletes to participate in the program
Planned, organized, and facilitated the ongoing development of practices, competitions, and athletic activities to build a cohesive and competitive program
Coordinated film to assess players’ skills, monitor players during competition and practice and keep the head coach informed of the athletic performance of students
Assessed and analyzed performance statistics of prospective athletes by comparing prospective athletes to those on potential opposing teams to give reports and recommendations to the coach, manager, or owner of the team for which they're scouting
Instructed players about the rules, regulations, equipment, and techniques of the sport to prioritize player safety
Performed support tasks such as distributing and maintaining eligibility forms, emergency data cards, and other related student records
Coordinated travel arrangements to assure student transportation procedures were followed

Athletic Academic Advisor, Grand Valley State University

Provided academic support, learning assistance, and academic coaching to student-athletes
Assisted in coordinating academic success programming for LAKER Center including but not limited to: Life Skills Program, Early Alert Program, Academic Success Programming, Supervised Study and Tutoring, and Faculty Mentoring Program
Worked in partnership with overall university advising initiatives to support First-Year Advising & Registration, Transfer Student Advising & Registration, student success initiatives
Participated in a recruitment plan that focused on counseling prospective qualified student-athletes
Provided appropriate referrals to academic departments, student support programs, and other university resources as necessary to help students achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals
Supervised graduate and undergraduate student staff

Admissions Counselor, Grand Valley State University

Counseled and supported prospective applicants on the admissions process and opportunities at the university through one-on-one appointments, group presentations, campus visitation days, and high school visits
Represented Grand Valley State University both on- and off-campus to prospective students, parents, secondary school counselors, and other individuals or organizations involved in the college selection process
Review materials submitted by applicants to make admissions decisions that comply with university standards
Provided appropriate referrals to student support services and other university resources as necessary to help students make an informed decision about their college selection
Managed assigned recruitment territory through prospect relationship management, leveraging partnerships, relationships, and admission and enrollment data to maintain consistent recruitment activity, to increase prospective student interaction, and influence admission yield
Participated and coordinated in additional recruitment projects and events such as the Postcard Writing Campaign, high school workshops, athletic recruitment events, pipeline programs, and decision days