Rich Dastice, VP of Recruiting

Elmhurst College

[email protected]

(312) 205-7556

I was the only one in my immediate family who ever showed a desire to be a college student-athlete. Because of that, my parents didn’t even know a recruiting process existed let alone know where to start. After having 3 different varsity coaches in 3 consecutive seasons, it started to feel as if I was never going to get that chance to move on and play at the next level. Luckily, through a few calls coming to the household from local small colleges late after my senior football season, I landed at Elmhurst College.  As a Bluejay, I was a four-year letter winner at the safety position, was awarded the 2010 Special Teams Player of the Year, earned three-time Academic All-Conference, and was named a 2011 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honors Society selection. I know for a fact I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for my experience being a college student-athlete. Even though I wouldn’t trade my time at Elmhurst for anything, there always is apart of me that wonders if there was potentially an even better college fit out there for me and how that might have changed the landscape of my future. Knowing how difficult the process can be and seeing how rewarding it is at the same time, I strive to ensure that high school student-athletes out there who have a true commitment to play at the collegiate level can use athletics as a positive driver into their personal and professional future. I have had the opportunity at NCSA to educate families.