A Guide to Self-Advocacy in College Sports Recruitment
For high school athletes with dreams of playing sports at the collegiate level, the journey to securing a spot on a college team can be both exciting and challenging. While coaches and scouts play a significant role in recruitment, athletes themselves have the power to shape their destiny through self-advocacy.
In this blog post, we'll explore effective strategies that high school athletes can employ to advocate for themselves and increase their chances of getting recruited to play college sports. How to get recruited for college sports can be a difficult process to navigate with no guidance.
Research
The journey to college sports recruitment begins well before your senior year. It's important to establish clear goals for your athletic and academic aspirations. Research programs that align with your goals, both athletically and academically. Start compiling a list of schools that interest you. Keep in mind your athletic talent, academic record, and school preferences. Make a list of 13-15 schools that match your academic and athletic ability.
Take some time to learn about the teams and coaches at the colleges you are considering. Look at the team’s records in previous years, and the current roster, and find out which athletes are graduating. Try to see whether there will be a need for your events or for the position you play. Make sure to write down current coaches (including assistant coaches and head coaches) and their contact information, which can usually be found on the school’s athletic staff directory page. It would also be important to determine how many upperclassmen remain on the team for 3-4 years, that is a sign that they are happy and are being coached well.
Craft a Compelling Athletic Resume
Your athletic resume serves as a snapshot of your achievements and skills. Include key information such as your academic record, sports accomplishments, relevant statistics, leadership roles, and community involvement. Tailor your resume to highlight your potential contribution to a college team and demonstrate your commitment to both athletics and academics. We have created a sample athletic resume template that you can use.
Build an Impressive Online Presence
Create an online profile with your athletic achievements, statistics, highlight videos, and contact information. Check with your club or high school coach to see which platforms college coaches in your sport use most consistently. Platforms like NCSA and CaptainU can help you create a professional online presence.
In the digital age, your online presence can be a game-changer in the recruitment process. Maintain active and professional social media profiles, and share highlights, training videos, and achievements to showcase your dedication and progress. Consider creating a personal sports website or blog to demonstrate your passion for the game and provide valuable insights into your journey.
Engage in Proactive Outreach
Don't wait for coaches to discover you—take the initiative to reach out to them. Specifically target colleges and universities with sports programs that align with your interests and abilities.
Contact coaches through emails, phone calls, or attending their recruitment events. Express your interest in their program, and provide them with relevant information about yourself.
Personalize your communication to show that you have done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their team. Here is a sample letter you can use.
Attend Showcases and Camps
Attending sports showcases, camps, national meets, and tournaments provides a fantastic opportunity to display your skills in front of college coaches. These events often attract recruiters seeking new talent.
Use these platforms to demonstrate your capabilities, work ethic, and determination. When appropriate, engage with coaches and ask questions about their program to show your genuine interest. It is also a terrific time for you to check out their facilities, eat in the dining hall, and sometimes experience dorm life.
Leverage Your Network
Connections within the sports community can be invaluable. Reach out to your high school coaches, trainers, and mentors for guidance and recommendations. They may have insights into the recruitment process and can connect you with coaches from their networks. Networking not only provides guidance but can also open doors to opportunities you might not have found on your own.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
If you're considering NCAA Division I or II, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This process ensures you meet the academic and amateurism requirements for college sports participation.
Be Proactive and Persistent
The recruitment process can be competitive and challenging. Be prepared for setbacks and rejections, but don't let them deter you. Stay proactive, continue honing your skills, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the journey.
Demonstrate Academic Excellence: While athletic ability is crucial, academic performance is equally important in college sports recruitment. Coaches are looking for athletes with the academic skills to succeed at their colleges. Maintain good grades and strive for academic excellence. Being a well-rounded student-athlete demonstrates your commitment to both your sport and your education, making you a more attractive prospect for college programs.
Make Informed Decisions
When the offers start coming in, carefully evaluate your options. Consider factors like playing time, coaching staff, team culture, academic programs, and location. Choose a program that aligns with both your athletic and academic aspirations.
The path to navigating the college sports recruitment process is a multifaceted journey that requires dedication, self-assessment, and proactive efforts. High school athletes can significantly enhance their prospects by advocating for themselves effectively.
By knowing their strengths, creating a strong online presence, crafting impressive resumes, reaching out to coaches, attending events, leveraging their network, and maintaining academic excellence, athletes can increase their visibility and create opportunities to shine on the collegiate stage. Remember, self-advocacy is about taking control of your destiny and making your dreams of playing college sports a reality.
