Head Coach Craig Cotter of the University of Michigan-Dearborn was kind enough to share recruits a look into his recruiting process. He also shared a few tips and advice for players entering the recruiting process and narrowing down their schools of interest.
The Wolverines compete in the NAIA and are a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.
“Grades are of the utmost importance.”
– Coach Cotter, UNiversity of Michigan-Dearborn
Quick Facts
| School: | University of Michigan-Dearborn |
| Division: | NAIA |
| Conference: | Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference |
| Location: | Dearborn, MI |
| Student Population: | 8,500 |
| Website: | athletics.umdearborn.edu |
| Twitter: | @UMDearbornBSB |
| Questionnaire: | Recruit Form |
Recruiting Q&A – with Head Coach Craig Cotter
What are your typical scouting methods?
Summer Ball and showcases.
How do you recommend players contact you if they are interested in your program?
Email or text.
If a player contacts you, what are you most interested in?
GPA and SAT/ACT Scores. Videos of Live Action (HS or Travel), Showcase Videos, and Verified Measurables.
Any general advice for players that want to play college baseball?
1. Grades are of the utmost importance. Regardless of your HS GPA, A College curriculum will more than likely change your GPA up to .4 to .5 less than what you had in HS 2. Go to School where they have what you are looking to study. If you want to be an Engineer go to a school that has a reputable Engineering Program. (Don’t try and put a square peg in a round hole) 3. See if the school has a JV program, it may take a couple of years to get to Varsity, and it’s not a guarantee. You are investing 4 years of your life, to have success in life, not just baseball, choose wisely. 4.Look at the Roster, how many players play your position? Do these players Start? How many years do they have left? 5.Be willing to learn different positions if you have your eye on a particular school and the person ahead of you on the depth chart is only a sophomore. Best place to try new positions is on your HS and travel teams.
Any other comments about your program that you’d like to share?
We Offer the World Renown Block “M” degree at an affordable price which will get you a seat at the table in most job interviews. We also do not have a JV program and can only carry a max of 32 players. Much more of an opportunity to get playing time than at most programs.
>> Read more: Recruiting Q&As from college coaches <<
Program Overview – Wolverine Baseball
The University of Michigan-Dearborn Wolverines are a relatively new collegiate baseball program. The school’s first season was in the 2017-2018 school year. As a member of the NAIA, the Wolverines compete in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.
Entering the 2023 season, Coach Cotter is in his second year as head coach of the program. Prior to that, Coach Cotter spent three years as an assistant coach at UM-Dearborn, and several years before that as a successful high school and summer travel ball coach across different organizations.
The UM-Dearborn Wolverines play many of their home games at Ray Fisher Stadium, home of the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Wolverines.
School Overview – University of Michigan-Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn (UM-Dearborn) is a public university located in the city of Dearborn, Michigan, USA. It was founded in 1959 as the Dearborn Center of the University of Michigan and became an independent institution in 1971. The university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and education, as well as its commitment to research and community engagement.
Academics: UM-Dearborn offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, education, social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. The university has four colleges: the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters; the College of Business; the College of Education, Health, and Human Services; and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The university also offers a range of online programs and courses for distance learners.
Rankings and Accreditations: UM-Dearborn has been ranked among the top universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, and is recognized for its academic excellence by various organizations. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and many of its programs have additional accreditations from specialized organizations.
Campus: The UM-Dearborn campus is located on 200 acres in the west Dearborn area, just minutes away from downtown Detroit. The campus features modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and classrooms. The university is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Student Life: UM-Dearborn has a diverse student body of approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers over 150 student organizations, clubs, and societies, as well as a range of athletic programs and intramural sports. The university also has a strong commitment to community service and encourages students to get involved in volunteer work and civic engagement.
Research: UM-Dearborn is a leading research institution and is home to several research centers and institutes, including the Center for Arab American Studies, the Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems, and the Institute for Social Research. The university is also a member of the University Research Corridor, a collaborative effort with the University of Michigan and Michigan State University to promote research and economic development in Michigan.
Faculty: UM-Dearborn has a talented and diverse faculty of over 400 full-time and part-time professors, many of whom are experts in their fields and have received numerous awards and accolades. The university also has a strong commitment to teaching excellence and has implemented various programs to support faculty development.
Alumni: UM-Dearborn has over 70,000 alumni, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in their careers and make a positive impact in their communities. The university is proud of its alumni and maintains strong relationships with them through various events, programs, and initiatives.
Students who are interested in learning more about the area, academic programs, admission requirements, and student life at the University of Michigan-Dearborn are invited to visit umdearborn.edu for more information.
Closing Remarks
We would like to thank Coach Cotter for taking time out of his day to offer advice to college recruits. He offers a unique perspective on choosing potential schools and navigating the recruiting process. We wish the best of luck to the Wolverines in their upcoming season!
