Blair O’Hara is Director of National Scouting Report Australia. He is one of Australia’s leading experts in US college sport recruiting and excels at implementing effective strategies to maximise recruiting opportunities. He deals with the needs of Australian kids going through the college recruiting process EVERY DAY! Not only that, but he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his position as a former college student-athlete and resident of the USA for almost 10 years. He has travelled extensively throughout the entire USA, visiting 35 out of 50 States, as well as over 150 college campuses! Blair takes great pride in doing whatever it takes to ensure each prospect begins their college life at a college that is best suited to them based on their requirements and abilities. Blair is very positive, motivated, and keen to help the next generation of Australian kids looking to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities in the US college system.
EXPERIENCE IN THE USA
1995-1997: Weber State University – NCAA Division 1 Men’s Tennis Team.
Fall 1996: Achieved a high ranking of #14 in singles - Western Region, NCAA Division 1.
1996-1997: Weber State University Athletic Honors for Outstanding Achievement in Academics and Distinctive Performance in Athletics.
Spring 1997: Big Sky Conference First Tennis All-Conference Team Selection.
1998-2000: San Diego State University – NCAA Division 1 Men’s Tennis Team.
Fall 1998: SDSU Scholar-Athlete Award.
1998-1999: Western Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference Award.
Fall 2000: SDSU Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars Award – Delta Chapter.
Spring 2000: SDSU achieved all time high team ranking of 39th in NCAA Division 1.
Spring 2000: SDSU team qualified for NCAA National Tournament (Final 16) in Athens, Georgia.
Spring 2000: SDSU Scholar-Athlete Award.
Spring 2000: Mountain West Conference Academic All-Conference Award.
May 2001: Graduated Bachelor of Science Degree with Distinction; majoring in Television, Film, and New Media Production.
Nov 2001: Won Best International Short Film at Brussels International Film Festival, Belgium.
2002: United States Professional Tennis Association – Professional 1 Coaching Certification (highest level)
2002-2005: Head Tennis Professional at Roxbury Swim and Tennis Club in Stamford, Connecticut.
“My college experience was fantastic. With the support of my family, I journeyed to the USA hoping to make the most of the tennis scholarship I was offered. I was so impressed with the great facilities, organisation, and professionalism of college sport. The level of competition challenged all the hard work I’d put in as a junior in Australia and I took my game as far as it could go. The college education provided me with a solid, well-rounded tertiary education, as well as allowing me to choose a degree program I was passionate about, and I ended up graduating with distinction. All in all, college provided me with priceless experiences, great achievement, and life-long friends. In truth, I would be happy to do it all again! I want to offer a similar opportunity to aspiring Australian student-athletes and allow each of them to fulfill their unique potential.”
Feel free to contact me at:
Ph: (03) 9018-7825
Ph: (03) 9863-9640
Fax: (03) 9863-9642
Mob: 0433-025-063
Marco Maisano was an elite junior and senior soccer player in his own right and spent several years playing as a professional for clubs in Holland, Scotland, and Australia. He understands the level of technical and creative ability, mental toughness, and dedication required to progress from a good junior player to a great senior player. He also believes that being a good student off the field, often makes a good student on the field. Marco brings a keen eye for talent, a wealth of international experience as a player and coach, a positive attitude, and a good sense of humour to NSR Australia.
Marco says: “After spending so many years away from Australia trying to make it as a professional soccer player, I found myself worrying that there was no safety net if I fail to achieve my goals. For that reason, I always admired the American college system. I often met players in the professional ranks who had gone through this unique system. Not only had they maximized their soccer playing potential, but they also had a tertiary degree to fall back on once their soccer career was over.”
Marco Maisano has joined the team at National Scouting Report Australia as Director of Soccer. He worked previously for First Point USA.
“Marco’s experience as Managing Director of First Point USA, his high standing in the soccer community, and his natural ability to identify talented soccer players for the next level will be a tremendous asset to NSR Australia, as we strive to maintain our reputation as the world’s leading college recruiting authority.” Blair O’Hara - Director of NSR Australia
Scott Burriss was an outstanding track and field athlete in his younger days. He is the Australian and NSW record holder for decathlon in the U/18 and U/20 age bracket. He represented Australia at the Commonwealth Youth Games and the World Junior Qualifier in Decathlon. He has won numerous Australian titles and medals in the decathlon, 800m, pole vault, javelin, and relays. Scott has a bachelor's degree in Sport and Exercise Science and is a certified Level 2 Track and Field Coach.
Recently going into early retirement through injuries have redirected Scott's focus to developing junior athletes in all sports through physical preparation programs. His first love is track and field but still has a keen interest and understanding in most sports. Scott is currently involved in programs with Australian team representatives and formerly worked in the AFL. Scott says "I’m joining the NSR Australia team because I want to give boys and girls the opportunity to make the most of their sporting abilities by providing them access to the most advanced college sports program in the world."
Colin Carnachan has been a professional sports coach and mentor for over 20 years working with a range of athletes from professional level to amateur. He has a background in elite competition in sailing, where he placed second in the 1984 Olympic trial sailing Soling class. He was in the back up crew for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and also part of the America's Cup crew for 2 years.
Colin employs his background in elite competition to assist athletes of today achieve the same success and experience Colin has had. Through his coaching and mentoring Colin has achieved further success including being 6 times PSA Champions Swim Director of Guildford Grammar School (1996-2002), 1st Winning coach at Guildford Grammar School in Water polo 1998, and 2 Times Aboriginal Winning Football coach in 2005/6, Perth, WA. As a professional mentor for Winning Edge, Colin provides athletes with the support, guidance, motivation and the “how to” in achieving their goals. Colin has mentored a wide range of athletes in many sports including, tennis, swimming, basketball, rugby, soccer, rodeo, equestrian, and Australian rules football.
The college system in America provides athletes the opportunity to pursue a successful sports career and earn a tertiary degree. As a scout for NSR Australia, Colin is able to provide athletes with the opportunity to launch successful careers of their own and reach their full potential.
