There is no set path to college sports, but by following these top tips, you’ll get a head start in recruiting.
1. BE PROACTIVE
College coaches are limited in when and how often they can contact recruits. Players, however, can contact coaches at any time. It can help to let a school know that you are interested with a reminder of where they can see you play.
2. BE STUDIOUS
The better your grades and standardized test scores, the more options you will have. You don’t want to
narrow your field further because your marks aren’t up to par.
3. BE AWARE OF ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Two key elements are part of determining a student-athlete’s NCAA eligibility: their academic achievement and their amateur status. Review the requirements at eligibilitycenter.org to understand what classes and standardized test you need to take.
4. BE A CHARACTER PLAYER
Coaches constantly have to make tough recruiting decisions between equally talented players. What often breaks the tie is what they can see of a players’ character in a game. Is he a good teammate? How does he respond to a bad shot, or bad call, etc? Always assume that someone’s watching you- they probably are.
5. BE COMMITTED TO IMPROVING
Many young players get wrapped up in playing every showcase event they can. Coaches recognize, however, that development comes in practice, not games. Instead of signing up for every showcase, spend time working on a part of your game that has room for improvement – then show off those skills when you are back in the spotlight.
6. BE CONSISTENT
Colleges have only so many coaches each who can watch recruits. Therefore, they can’t be at every game and they may see you on an off night. Do your best to give a consistent effort and rest assured, they see recruits multiple times before making any decisions
7. BE OUR GUEST
The best way to find out whether a school is right for you is to take what’s called an unofficial visit (official visits are paid for by the school and only available once you are in 12th grade). An unofficial visit can allow you to see the campus, tour the facilities and even take in a game. Reach out to the coaching staff before you go and let them know you’ll be on campus.
8. BE INQUISITVE
As much as coaches want to find the right fits for their programs, they want to be sure their recruits are comfortable where they end up as well. They want to hear recruits asking questions – insightful questions – of the coaching staff, players, professors and others around their program.
9. BE A SUPPORTIVE PARENT
Never forgotten in this process are the parents and their significant role. It shouldn’t be too significant, however. Your son should be the one writing letters and reaching out to coaches. Coaches want to know that it’s the player’s ambition, not their parents’. Be supportive but not overbearing – coaches have to be sure they want you in their program for four years as well.
10. BE PATIENT The last – and often hardest – piece of advice is to be patient. The recruiting process takes time. Don’t get frustrated if you aren’t one of those select right away.