The USA TODAY High School Sports Recruiting Tips are provided by our recruiting partner, Playced.com
Here’s a typical first conversation between a student-athlete and his or her coach about recruiting:
Athlete: “I really want to play in college.”
Coach: “Do you have any ideas about where you want to play?”
Athlete: “Not really. I just want to keep playing.”
Coach: “How are your grades?”
Athlete: “Pretty good.”
Coach: “What are your standardized test scores?”
Athlete: “I don’t remember.”
Coach: “Do you know what you want to study?”
Athlete: “No, but I’m pretty good in math.”
Coach: “Do you want to stay close to home? Does the size of the school matter to you?”
Athlete: “I don’t care. I just want to play.”
What in the world is a coach going to do with that information?
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Most coaches are willing to help their athletes make it to the next level, but you have to help them help you. They need direction and guidance in reaching out to programs that are a match for your abilities.
If your coach is willing to help, make sure they agree with the schools you have targeted. Also, be mindful that their time is precious; therefore, arm him or her with an easily executable game plan and the information colleges will want. Provide the recruiting coordinator’s contact information for your top 3 to 5 college choices along with your athletic and academic resumes so your coach has all the information he or she needs when making the first contact.
