A Simple Guide for Athletes and Parents
College recruiting can feel overwhelming. Between practices, tournaments, schoolwork, emails, camps, and highlight videos, it’s easy for student-athletes and parents to lose track of what matters.
The key? Create a recruiting system and stick with it.
1. Build Your College List
Start by identifying what matters most to the athlete—not just the “biggest” or most recognizable schools.
Consider athletic level, academics, location, campus size, coaching style, playing opportunity, and cost.
Create a list of schools that are your top choices, strong fits, and additional options. Your list will change as you learn more about each program, and that’s completely normal.
2. Keep Everything in One Place
Don’t let recruiting information live across your inbox, phone, and social media.
Create a simple recruiting tracker with:
- School and division
- Coach and contact information
- Date you contacted the program
- Coach responses
- Follow-up dates
- Camps and events
- Recruiting status
- Notes about the program
Using a spreadsheet, the goal is simple: know where you stand with every school.
3. Keep Your Recruiting Profile Updated
Think of your recruiting profile as your athletic résumé.
Include your graduation year, position, height, academics, transcripts, statistics, accomplishments, highlight video, events attending, and contact information.
Update it throughout the year as your schedule, statistics, video, and accomplishments change.
4. Let the Athlete Lead
Parents are an important part of recruiting, but coaches ultimately want to hear from the student-athlete.
Parents can help research schools, organize information, proofread emails, and provide guidance. However, let your athlete send the email, make the call, and build the relationship whenever possible.
Recruiting is also an opportunity for athletes to develop confidence, communication, and professional skills.
5. Personalize Your Communication
Avoid sending the exact same message to every coach.
Tell coaches who you are, why you’re interested in their program, where they can see you play, and how they can learn more about you.
And remember: one message doesn’t create a relationship. Follow up professionally with new information such as an upcoming event, updated video, or recent accomplishment.
6. Be Strategic With Camps and Events
Don’t choose an event simply because it advertises a long list of college programs.
Research which coaches will actually be there and whether they fit your recruiting goals. Then contact coaches before the event and follow up afterward.
Make the event part of your recruiting strategy—not the entire strategy.
Most Importantly: Find the Right Fit
Recruiting isn’t about getting every college to want you.
It’s about finding the right college for you.
Stay organized, communicate consistently, and let the athlete take ownership of the process. Parents can provide the support and guidance, while athletes build the relationships that can ultimately lead to the right opportunity.
Start organized. Stay consistent. Be yourself.
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