“Keep away from people who belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” – Mark Twain
The recruiting process, like athletics, is multifaceted and competitive, and there are several key players that should help you along the way. It is important that you are familiar with these roles because it is ultimately up to you to manage the process. If someone isn’t doing their job, you are armed with the information and knowledge to step in and fill the gap. Your recruiting team should be a support system that works alongside you to reach your goal. You are the captain charged with leading the team to success.
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You are the star of this recruiting team and no one should work harder during the process then you!
Right now you should be...
- Deciding what role athletics will play in your college selection process
- Deciding what level of commitment are you willing (and able) to make to a program
- Thinking about what kind of experience you want playing collegiate athletics
- Understanding what is critical to your college experience
- Academically
- Socially
- Financially
- Preparing your recruiting tools.
Supporting you along the way are guidance counselors, high school and club coaches, and your family and friends.
A good school counselor will...
- Make you aware of the GPA, test scores and core course requirements for the various levels of intercollegiate athletics and institutions.
- Encourage you to challenge yourself academically and stress the importance of quality academic performance.
- Process information release forms and any GPA, class rank or unofficial transcript information, as requested by you..
A coach should...
- Provide guidance by listening to your academic and athletic desires and provide information that will allow you to make a selection that fits your families needs.
- Be familiar with the recruiting rules associated with the programs that interest you..
- Be open to contact from college coaches concerning your abilities.
- Be honest about your ability to contribute and be able to evaluate your current status as a recruit.
- Encourage participation in camps, showcases, combines, etc that can showcase your talent..
- Help you develop the skills necessary to competing at the next level.
Your team recruiting team manager will typically be a parent. As a manager, they will typically be the biggest source of advice and one of the financial machines behind your journey. Their role maybe be critical in many ways to a successful recruiting process.
A quality manager will...
- Be involved in every stage of the process.
- Provide guidance and aid you in making a selection that fits your needs and goals.
- Become familiar with the recruiting rules associated with the programs that interest you, and the programs that are interested in you.
- Define to other parties what their role is and clarify expectations to ensure a quality recruiting experience.
- Most importantly, a quality manager will be an advocate for you by preparing you to advocate for yourself.
We never said this process would be easy but if you can build the right team and stay on task, you will create the greatest opportunity to find the right collegiate program.