As a coach now, a large percentage of my job is recruiting. At times it is quite difficult to come to terms with the fact that a large portion of my success weighs heavily on the decision of a 17 to 18 year old person. This is the reality of the situation.
After being an athlete at both DIII and DI institutions, and currently a coach, my perspective on recruiting has become more clear. I understand the decision process of young athletes and their families. The pros and cons that they are weighing, and the desire to make the best and most informed decision possible.
With age often comes wisdom, and with hindsight, comes clarity. So in the spirit of this exciting day for so many talented high school athletes across the nation I thought it would be fun to highlight some of the things I wish I had known as a college recruit.
Compile a list of as many questions as you can think of to ask the coaches who are recruiting you. Questions about the school, financial aid/scholarship, athletics, current athletes, etc... Keep careful notes so that you can look back on them when decision time approaches. This is your one chance to get a better understanding of what you would be doing as a student athlete in their program.
2.) How you are recruited is likely how you will be coached.
If a coach calls often, listens carefully, asks meaningful questions, and appears to care about you as a person and not just an athlete, you can be sure that this is how they will treat you as a member of their team.
If a coach calls sporadically, only asks about races and times, is difficult to speak with, asks questions they've asked before, you can likely deduce that they aren't putting the amount of thought or time into you as you would hope for.
3.) Ask for a timeline.
Ask the coach who is recruiting you for the vision they see of you during your collegiate career. Where do they see you progressing? What events do they think you'll run? Who will you train with? What do they think are your greatest strengths? What are your weaknesses and how will they be improved?
4.) Start visiting schools ASAP.
It is never too early to visit a college or university. Sure, you might not be able to go on an official visit 'til your senior year, but there is still a lot to benefit from getting on a campus early and seeing how things work. Picking a couple of schools to visit early and get a feel for campus life and resources is a good way to establish a baseline measure that you can later use against schools you have become more seriously interested in. It's also a good idea to visit schools of varying sizes and locations to get a feel for what you like best.
5.) Sign up for recruit databases.
Unless you are the best of the best of the best, being recruited is not something that just happens to you. Even being wanted takes some work. So do your best to sign up for the numerous recruit databases that are out there. Some of my favorites are BeRecruited.com and NCSA. Also be sure to sign up through the NCAA clearing house.
It's also a good idea to start reaching out to coaches at schools you are interested in. If they have recruiting materials you can fill out, do so. If it means sending an e-mail to the head coach, do that too!
6.) Be open and honest.
Be open to the experience of being recruited. Listen to what the coach has to say, and do research on your own to verify the facts. If a coach calls you from a school that you'd never thought you'd attend, give them a phone call or two to at least hear what they have to say about the institution. Try to put peer pressure aside, and honestly ask yourself:
- What are the things that make me happy?
-What are the resources I need to succeed?
- Will this person (and school) give me the support, or find me the support I need to be happy and to succeed?
Later in the process, be sure to be upfront and honest with the coach recruiting you. If you are having hesitations about certain aspects of the institution or the program, then express them. If you are certain that it is not the place for you, let them know. There is nothing worse for the coach or the recruit then a full voicemail.
7.) Talk to people who are on, or were on the team.
Talk to people who are currently on, or are alumni of the collegiate team. You can get the best feel for a place by the people who go there. If you click well with the people on the team, then it will likely be a fun and worthwhile experience. If not, well it's probably not the place you want to spend every day for the next four years.
Ask them lots of questions, about the school, the program, the coaches, and the opportunities they are given. They will shed the most honest light on what really goes on there.
8.) Take your time.
Any coach that is pushy or insensitive to your need to think over your decision is not the type of coach you want. This is a big decision that will not only affect your next four years, but your next forty years. For most young student athletes school needs to be about reaching their potential both in the classroom and on the track. A very very small percent of athletes go professional after college, so pick a place that can support you in whichever path you may go down. And don't be a afraid to take your time. Think it over with your family. Ask for more information. Make the most informed decision you possibly can.
9.) Ask about their policy regarding study abroad.
Study abroad is a popular option for college students in the U.S. If this is something you know you want to do in college, it is best to ask coaches upfront what their policy is on study abroad. Some coaches will not allow you to study abroad, others will be more open to the idea. This can be an extremely valued experience to many people, so it's best to know if it will be able to fit into your life as a collegiate athlete at that specific institution, or not.
10.) Be Grateful.
Enjoy the process of being recruited. There's no better feeling than having people believe in you and be excited about the opportunities and successes ahead of you. Be grateful to the coaches who reach out to you. Be polite in every situation. Don't be afraid to stick your ground on a decision you've made, but do so with confidence and kindness. You never know what situation might arise in the future, or whether or not you may want to transfer, so it is always a good idea to leave a good impression.