Laureates.

Imagine turbo-Charging your Student Athlete Child’s life and impacting those around you. Would you like to standout as a Student Athlete Parent who is leading edge? Let’s learn proven methods to lay the foundation for your child to become the Student Athlete that every Coach will be proud to have as part of his outperforming team.

I will reveal the secret. It is “Athlete Scholarship Challenge”.

What will happen if you could enable your Student Athlete child to showcase his potential to prospective college coaches every single day consistently for 30 Days.
• What if you could learn tools that take you to the path of success.
• That would just solve all your problems, right?
• Well, that’s exactly what I’m about to offer you…
• A solution to all of those problems that, up until now, have kept you stuck.
You will become As Skilled As Possible As Soon As Possible laying the foundation with Athlete Scholarship Challenge in 30 Days by just spending an hour of your time every day.

How is it possible to just do it in 30 Days, when people have been spending months and years just researching?
Well,
This is where most of the aspiring Student Athlete Parents are mistaken.
They spent months and years researching and researching, and ultimately what they realized is, somebody else encashed the opportunity and made it happen.
You need to understand that, you do not need to come up with something extraordinary,
Your unique positioning will make it seem extraordinary.

I call it "Student Athlete Project".
Would you like to be a part of the Student Athlete Project? Type "$AP Hour" in the comments.
I will let you know how to be part of this project.
Kavita "$APHour" Ranjan

“How Mantra”
There is a scene in the movie "Chak De India" where Coach Kabir of Indian Hockey team exhibits his wits and persistence when he confronts the girls Komal Chautala and Preeti Sabharwal on the eve of finals against Australia. He tells them categorically to mend their ways and clear their differences otherwise, if the need arises the rest of the Indian Hockey team will play not only against the Australian team but also against them.

And some "How" he manages to get the message across and the girls sense it. Next day, the girls put aside their personal biases during the match and Team India wins the hockey finals against Australia.

I found out the code to success that Coach Kabir used which helps him to get out of the most complex situations with his indomitable spirit every single time.
And, this code is what makes people achieve success or resigned to failure.

Without further delay here is the Code - It's just 3 letters - "How".
See, the reason most people don't achieve success is that they're focusing on "Why?" Questions.
Questions like:-
Why will people read my post?
Why will students enrol in my course?
Why should anybody care?

But, the code to Success as I learned from Coach Kabir is this - Moving from "Why" to "How" faster than anyone else in the planet.
Ask Questions like:-
How to make impossible, possible?
How to acquire the skills that will turn a challenge into an opportunity?
How to dream big and define the goal?
How to be determined in the face of opposition?

No matter what the situation is, Coach Kabir is never stuck at the "Why". He displays leadership traits and mindset to bring in unity in diversity, uses strategies to turn around the team dynamics and the game.
That's why we love the Coach Kabir Character.

That's how you achieve success as well.
So, will you move from "Why" to "How" fast like Coach Kabir does in your life?
Type "How" in the comments if you want to understand the “How Mantra” to success.
Kavita " How Mantra" Ranjan

Heads Up, Athlete Parents and Student athletes.

The Rumours are true! College coaches are looking for recruits and your child could be next!
(or if you are student athlete reading this post, you could be next)
Right now College coaches have shifted to digital recruiting, searching for and connecting with more athletes online. (as guided by NCSA)

With the current Coronavirus scenario, the entire sports community has been forced to make difficult decisions so there's a drop in certain scholarship programs because of the economic climate out there. While at the same time, because of the lockdown all coaches are online. It’s now more imperative than ever for student-athletes to maximize your online presence and to be proactive in starting recruiting conversations with coaches.

So, how can you tap into this sudden shift of Supply & Demand ?

While your practice sessions have gone down, you also have to understand that your number of scholarship offers will also be reduced than before as recruiting budgets have been regulated during these times.
There is still great chance that your recruiting process already has begun.

Remember, as prospective student athletes are being evaluated, coaches are now paying attention to how they are adjusting and conquering COVID-19 obstacles, too. Adaptability is hallmark of Champions!!!!

Here's how you can tap into this massive opportunity: Initiate, Connect & Position.

You need to establish your positioning and make them understand that you're right now willing to connect and interact with them to do the most important things that will secure your future despite what's happening right now.

Only after you can initiate, connect, position, can you ask for a scholarship.
Kavita "Initiate, Connect and Position" Ranjan.

The A$AP Rule

If I ask you what A$AP is, you will answer "As Soon As Possible". But, if you stay with me till the end of the post, you won't anymore.

After being a Student athlete parent for 10+ years now, I can confidently say that the only difference between success and failure in achieving your goals is the A$AP Rule.
There's a reason only a small percentage of Student and Student Athletes that receive US scholarship offers while others just contemplate and live in mediocrity.

And, I have found out the reason why - It's the A$AP Rule.
It's because they didn't become As $killed As Possible As $oon As Possible.
Let's say you want to receive scholarship for Fall 2021 and right now you're are uncertain, doubtful.

Until you have clarity of thought, you are not going to think through.
Until you have unflinching focus, you are not going to see it happen.
Until you walk through the steps, you are not going to get the path.
Until you understand the process, you will not make sense out of it.
Until you learn the Mindset, Strategy, Knowledge and Tools and practice it fast enough to get the skills in the next 11 months, you're not going to hit your Fall 2021 goal.

But, if you somehow find a way to get the skill in the next 11 months, you will get to your goals faster and seize the opportunity.
This applies to every area of business and not just Sports and athletes.
The faster you acquire the skills, the faster you hit your goals.
Notice the $ symbol with the words "Skilled" & "Soon"?
It’s because the scholarship money is not just in the Skill, it’s in how Soon you can acquire it before someone else does.
That's the A$AP Rule and you can use it to grow any area of your life faster.

Will you be an action seeker or action taker?
Will you want to survive or thrive?
Will you commit to the A$AP Rule?

I have committed to the A$AP Rule this year.
If you're too, type A$AP followed by your name in the comments.
For you to get As $killed As Possible, As $oon As Possible
“A$AP ” Kavita

Answers to Prayers

2012 – My elder daughter entered ninth grade. Yes, this was a phase where she enjoyed playing the game ......yet developed cold feet on hearing the word “tournament”. I got her to talk it out and told her that either she can quit or continues to play tennis for fitness and forget tournaments. She did exactly that for almost nine months and when she saw her younger sister winning 7 championships in a row, she had an epiphany. She declared even I want to play and win. Just imagine .... Next year we saw her winning her maiden title in under 16, winning first women’s title and then second and then third and the saga continued... she continued replicating this feat, even when she was in her 12th grade – Yessss!!! You don’t have to leave sports to pursue academics.

The reason she was able to do so because she started playing tennis at an early age and that’s where the magic sauce lies – “Start playing sports early.... sports activates brain and active brain stimulates brilliance in academics. No wonder she was able to score high 90s in her 10th and 12th grade... and that too with science dream. They were labelled nerds and what not....will share later.

As parents, you have the greatest treasure as your child and greatest responsibility because of which you ensure your child gets every opportunity available.

If there is one problem that all student athlete parents face that is continue to play sports and study as well. So you go all out to support, yet there are certain hard decisions that you as parents take when your athlete child reaches secondary school.

I receive calls from so many student athlete parents regarding balancing sports and study because they are in a dilemma. The players abandon their dreams and leave the sport for studies when they are in their primary form, and it doesn’t have to be that way.Since it is your and your child’s dream, you can change this trend and more importantly because it is your passion for your talented child’s dream.

In order to change this, you need to master it if you want to be in this game for long. The way to do this is pretty simple. You need to understand that your child can balance studies and sports when he has a system in place that adds value and brings in certainty. There are three main steps:

A) Step 1 – Clarity and Vision
B) Step 2 – Essential Skills
C) Step3 – Action Plan

When you follow the system your prayers will be answered. If you are ready for answers, Type Answers in the comments section below.

Kavita “ Answers to Prayers” Ranjan

AAAP and AAAP ( As Academic As Possible and As Athletic As Possible)

People always asked me, “Do your daughters have what it takes to compete at the collegiate level in US and receive an athletic scholarship?” “Why do you need to put in such efforts in Scholarship process personally, when there are many Consultants out there and Internet is loaded with information.”

My response... Well .... Toyota Way was created by the founder of Toyota, Sakichi Toyoda, his son Kiichiro Toyoda, and the engineer Taiichi Ohno and has been there for last 4+ decades – How many companies have become Toyota?
Just imagine... there is room for those who bring in uniqueness again and again.

As a mother, I first enabled my daughters to be as Academic as possible and as Athletic as possible..... Why ...Because US colleges look for Student Athletes and not Athlete Students‪. In rder to do so, I spent 4 years, countless sleepless nights, missed 60 family gatherings replete with rich menu and 25 social events to solve the problem as a parent. I understood the system and thereafter began guiding and sending other student athletes. That’s how my journey as ‬Student Athlete Scholarship Specialist started.

I enabled them to choose a College where they were able to take their academics to a whole new level while simultaneously influencing the dynamics of their sports team and not where there is no growth.

In the process I found that more than 17,000 of the 490,000 athletes competing, come from outside the United States. What that means is your College scholarships offer is there for number of high potential athletes like you?

I have created a system to :
a) Make you, self-reliant.
b) Take away your stress in this decision.
c) Provide you guidance and stability in making the right choice
d) Provide a roadmap for you to follow so you never have any regrets in this “once in a lifetime” recruiting experience.

Now, I am on a mission to create 100,000 Champion mindset for athletes to score great scholarship offers and create opportunities to excel in life.

If you were to tap the tremendous opportunities out there. Will it be worth it?
If you were to elicit academic excellence and athletic pursuits and challenge your child to do their best and evolve on a daily basis – Will it be worth it?

Are you ready for my “Athletic Scholarship Blueprint? Type 'AAAP and AAAP' in the comment section below if you want to know more about this novel concept!

Kavita "AAAP or AAAP" Ranjan

Ace The Race

“Just do it” .... moment you see it, brings Nike to the fore front.... as do the swoosh logo and athlete endorsements.

‘Bill” Bowerman, co-founder of Nike was an American track and field Coach.He didn’t just make shoes he believed in the benefits of jogging and turned to Nike shoes to run faster. His quote "If you have a body, you are an athlete" – very well propounded by legends such as Ilie Năstase, Steve Prefontaine Carl Lewis Phil Knight just to name a few...

"Oh! It doesn't work. What should I do to motivate my daughters?

Schools, acquaintances, friends and relatives always reminded them on importance of academics over athletics. There was personal conflict and catch 22 situation.

1. Constant struggle with the institutions whether at primary school ,middle school or high school.
2. Support for sports was not forthcoming from the school.
3. Peer pressure to stay focused on their goal ,whatever their passion.
4. How to help them overcome humiliation faced despite having performed in academics?
5. How to wipe those tears when comparison drawn between marks scored by academic oriented students versus academic and athletic oriented students?
6. How to put a full stop to their stifling productivity and crippling creativity?
7. How to let them not suffer by being upset ,being sad ?
8. How to bring them out from stage of dilemma to path of certainty?

Those questions popped out when I looked at their state. My elder one had joined engineering by then. She represented Inter engineering college Championship which she won not before getting two cents from her professor “Either play tennis or pursue engineering. As a mother I had my anxieties, fears, palpitations, panic attacks when she came home utterly depressed.

I felt lost. I didn't know what to fix.

We spoke to school authorities and ... didn't work! ❌
We discussed with acquaintances and experts... didn't work! ❌
We met overseas education advisers... didn't work! ❌

Instead of asking of"What's wrong? Where's the problem?" I just had a CRAZY AMAZING idea... 👇Then I did the following... I asked myself...
1) Does it fit with my girls’ goal?
2) Does it directly help them reach their goal?
3) What the heck even is my goal (it pays to consistently remind yourself)
4) How much time will this BIG idea take to execute?
5) Will they be able to manage time juggling between sports and academics?
6) Will they be able to excel at their passion and complete their degree simultaneously?
7) How will they be far away from nay sayers who trigger self doubt?

Ultimately... Do I have the capacity for this right NOW without it infringing on me achieving my goals? You see... too many people run after the ‘shiny object’ but that’s pretty much like getting blown left and right by the wind...

Success appeared near when I chose that big goal.
Found someone who was doing it better than I imagined and modelled them. I remained focused and accomplished the task of sending them off where they could pursue their passion and complete their education.

This is the secret behind all the Student athletes from India the likes of Mahesh Bhupathi, Som Dev Barman, Tejaswini Shankar to name a few.

Will you use my secrets to send your child to pursue his dream? Type “Yes” to connect with me on messenger.

Kavita “ Ace the Race” Ranjan

The 5 Obsessions of a World Class Student Athlete and Champion Lifestyle :

During the course of nurturing my own daughters and outperforming athletes from various nationalities and different sporting fraternities, I observed that the following 5 skills when mastered, not only makes a successful Student Athlete but a Champion lifestyle too.

1.Sustain and Maintain Consistency

My elder daughter being the obedient and meticulous one, always used to be ready to go for tennis lessons . On the other hand the younger one ,the tom boyish character that she is came up with her own reasons like “my right is arm is paining” as an escape to play. Pat came my response, Ok you stay at home, I will take “Didi”. The moment we stepped onto the threshold to leave for the academy, she would turn up ready with her kit, with that innocent expression, if Didi is going, I will come too. Did this tact work skilfully? Of course yes!! Those were initial days.

As they started loving the process, yielding results became a pattern. Gradually this pattern gave birth to unwavering determination to go all out. Girls persevered in those testing times. The habit of sustaining and maintaining two-fold path was possible due to flexibility of the school teachers and parental support. It’s no big deal now, because it’s become a consistent habit. Guess what, it makes you feel good!! Without a doubt, the biggest way to cultivate..... Success..... is to create consistency by making tiny sustainable changes.... yielding remarkable results. requirements. Inspired by their nutritionist, as 10 and 12 year olds they went to the extremes of putting on their study table “I have no taste buds,” and “How hard do you play when no one’s watching you”. They stopped quaffing aerated beverages and devouring burgers.

2. Believe in Being THE One, Rather than being the None

Come what may, successful athletes are always hungry for improvement. It’s like squeezing last bit of juice out of the lemon. Just when you think it’s done, you squeeze out just a little more. However, in order to do so you must first believe in your inherent ability and then go all out. At times you need to master a different strategy and technique or learn a new skill altogether. You may require a fresh perspective as your habits and behaviour are not cast in stone. For instance, playing another sport or having healthy diet may actually improve your athletic competence. In order to so, though, you must believe that you can.

3. Bond With Good Fishes in the Pond
Quoting Roy T. Benett “Surround yourself with people who support your dreams.” My daughters and my clients did exactly that. My daughter became captain of the tennis team at her University. One of my clients from being a shy girl to a having a You-Tube channel. Student athletes surround themselves with athletes and people who are successful and full of positive vibes. Find and mingle with those student athletes, who walk the talk, carry the thoughts of a student athlete, as you are what you think about. You’d be happier and a more affirmed individual. You must feel the desired outcome. You are as good as the five people closest to you. Choose them carefully.

4. Time and Tide wait for None
Stepping stone of accountability commences with Time Management. For my daughters it was quiet a routine to strike a balance between school and tennis – there were varied thoughts of chaos, confusion, uncertainty that kept us on our feet. Writing their own fitness log books, completing class assignments, being at par with their peers in school taught them effective time management. This is what it takes to be a successful student athlete.

5. Realistic with Goals since Excuses are Useless and Results are Priceless

The strategy that helped my daughter achieve her outcome goals...... it took hard work, planning, logistics and ex*****on.......We had set a goal to play back-to-back tournaments in two junior categories that helped her performance peak and paved the way to earn 7 championships in a span of 3 months. She excelled by being methodical and working by the clock. Student athletes commit to their realistic goals even when life throws curveballs and detours. Because the journey is extended and laborious, they have to have patience, persistence and resilience in their arsenal. Your confidence grows, when you focus on a goal and inch closer and closer.

What skills do you want to master before the end of 2020? Comment below.
Kavita “5 Obsessions” Ranjan

The dots always connect...
I am going to take you through the journey of How I became the Tennis Mom to a Student athlete Scholarship Specialist.
Many people here ask me "when" did I get into this journey and "how" I am able to get such great results for my daughters and my clients.
Well, it's a long story that goes back to 2003. I was an entrepreneur then working at my own pace.
We had relocated to this newly built beautiful locality in Gurgaon with great amenities like club house and tennis court.
The news spread that a Coach had been appointed to teach tennis in society. I approached my next door neighbour who was working in Planet sports to get me a racquet. This was to keep my elder one busy, who was just about 5 then.
Racquet in sight, but coach nowhere in sight, so dust and grime began gathering. By the time we could think of something, we packed our bags and were off to Bengaluru.
I come from a non sporting background and none of my parents or grandparents were into sports. I had no interest in sports, though I use to watch tennis once in a while. This was on insistence of my father on the pretext of raising my awareness level which was dumb, then..
As we got preoccupied with settling in a completely new environment, other priorities took over.
The unconsciously deleted thought resurfaced when my daughter returned from school and announced that a National level Tennis Champion has been appointed to teach them tennis in one corner of the school field. I jumped into action and like a fairy’s magic wand appeared with the racquet in no time...
Next day, excited she took her new toy to school with gleam on her face and returned home with a grin as she got to hit only once in a class of 40 students and 45 minutes of time period. It did not last long and their under bed demanded it’s custody to join dust and grime.
In June 2005 we relocated to Navi Mumbai and underwent the rigmarole of settling down. In no time we fell in love with the city that never sleeps. I had taken up vocationally, as a Speech and drama teacher visiting schools and training students.
Genesis meanders its own course.... Come 2007 French Open Quarter Finals..... they were fighting their grandparents .... to get hold of TV remote and be glued to their favourite cartoon network. Grandparents had different intent ... to watch the Quarter finals... they for a change did not relent to demands of their granddaughters and instead convinced them... Metaphor used by their grandparents was .... “watch these two greats”. Imagine .... how destiny unfolds.... Because out of the blue my daughters expressed keen desire to play the sport while watching tennis match of Serena Williams versus Justin Henin with their grandparents who are sports buffs .... that was the trigger... a trigger that was to later become a sustained drive to excel..... The bug caught me again, to put them into a physical activity. By then I had made friends with a couple whose son played tennis and they shared the address of the tennis facility.
I began taking them to tennis academy for one hour of coaching in the evening. Within two months of training the coach asked us to take her for a tournament. Without having perception about the tournament and competition we went and returned with lesson learnt. I really didn't understand why did the coach guide us in this fashion. Greatness however, was in store for us.... as it was giving rise to sheer grit and perseverance.... Grace in defeat... Humility in victory... Split second decision making.... dealing with pressure on their own.... More of it later....
I changed the academy. Even at this juncture, had no perception about the technicalities of the game.
After two years of trial and error and support from my husband and in-laws and encouragement from parents and coaches, to prepare them for competitive sporting as they showed an inclination and promise........... And what a promise it was!! February 2009..... I took an informed decision and left my job and started taking my girls religiously for two hours of training, daily.
April, 2009- Annual vacation time.....We went to seek permission from the coach and returned with ......wisdom received "Either to roam around or make your girls tennis players". Loads of gratitude to the coach for making us aware...... as..... we thought things through and that was the turning point of our journey. A journey that has endeared now for almost a decade. The 10 years that I spent travelling with them with literally “life in a suitcase style” is where I was exposed to thousands of athletes and parents grinding it out together to make a mark.
The reason I wanted to share this story is this:- When your "Why" and "What" is clear, your "How" and "When" will take care of themselves.
The metamorphosis I have experienced has been phenomenal.
The dots always connect even if it doesn't seem so right now. I am a living example.
Let me know what do you think of my story.
Kavita "Dots Always Connect" Ranjan
47

Throwback to the journey that began more as a physical fitness regimen . Had not imagined in the wildest of the dreams that it will culminate into such beautiful memoirs........ a complete transformation.

Will unfold the path bit by bit, till then you enjoy this one...
January 2014, still fresh in my memory as my younger daughter had reached career high ranking of 20 and was raring to go. She had jumped this position from being 163 to top 40 and then 20 in a span of 3 months winning 7 titles in a row. Was it by chance or was there a method to the madness?!! Will share about the tacit strategy later ....

Coming back.... This milestone brought her into the category of top 50 super athletes who were chosen to sweat it out , first in qualifying round followed by the qualifiers competing in Masters, thereafter finalists off ...to cruise their pathway... on Road to Wimbledon, an initiative by AITA(All India tennis Association) and Wimbledon foundation.... With gleam of dreams in the eyes, determination and grit in mind and action plan focused on mission – Countdown to ex*****on had commenced.

Her mission of “Road to Wimbledon” hinged on clearing competition which was clashing with her academic exams. And there was dilemma “a galore” – for us as parents and for my daughter who was experiencing it all through.... She had momentum on her side, which student athletes will be able to relate to.

While tournament schedule could not be changed, we took a chance and approached the school at a designated time.

When my daughter sought permission to reschedule or postpone her exams so she could participate, she was categorically given only two options – Either play tennis or write her examinations – absolute binary... We were mere spectators when this intimidating conversation happened between the principal and my daughter.

We came out more determined to do something else. And we indeed did something else. As they say man proposes, god disposes. Was destiny having some other plans for her? In consultation and discussion with my daughter, we collectively took a decision. Our pearls of wisdom echoed, “it’s better to have a choice than no choice”.

She appeared for her examinations and continued her playing spree, undeterred. In hindsight, today has become a greater purpose than the outcome we were looking at. Lo and behold here we are living up to the purpose.

Is your purpose greater than the outcome? Which one will you choose?