Q: Should an athlete select an agent for representation?

A: Yes, but keep in mind an athlete needs to be at a particular level or
project a certain skill set before an athlete rep. would be beneficial. A
good agent will bridge the gap between the athlete and events, potential
sponsors, and also provide a layer of support regardless of whether or not
an athlete is earning income at that time. Take Ciaran O'Lionaird for
example. Based on his NCAA performance alone, I'm sure he fell off the
radar, but when I went back and looked at his credentials, what he did as a
junior, and his performance at the ACC meet, I knew this was someone I would
be interested in working with at the time, and his discipline range was a
good fit for Total Sports.

Q: What should an athlete look for in searching for an agent?

A: I think a companies list of clients tells the story - credibility,
relationships/network and experience. Find out how much turnover a company
has seen in the last few years.

Q: What can the agent do for the athlete?

A: Our primary role is to plan and orchestrate an athlete's schedule and
secure sponsorship opportunities, but on a daily basis it's much more. For
example, you might find us organizing travel, doing event entries, helping
families plan trips, arranging PR, invoicing events or working on visas.

Q: As an agent, what do you look for when recruiting college athletes?


A: A skill set that tells me this is someone that can breakthrough at the
next level. This athlete doesn't have to be the NCAA Champion, and there are
indicators along the way I find important. If you look at both Super Bowl
rosters, they aren't filled with 5 star recruits out of high school, you'll
find plenty of 2 and 3 stars. Track and field is the same way, but as an
agency, you have to be careful with your decisions.

Q: How much does indoor track and field weigh on receiving a professional
contract?

A: I don't believe it's as important as outdoors, but again, it can be one
of the variables helping an athlete rep. decide if he/she is going to work
with someone. Last season we were fortunate enough to sign Aisha Praught.
Aisha didn't have a stellar outdoor season, but her indoor performance,
along with other factors, helped us decide she was someone we wanted to work
with after NCAA's.