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Navigating Recruiting Myths, Pitfalls, and Pet Peeves
Christopher J. Stack • Feb 04, 2024
Making the wrong step or misstep in the college recruiting process can be compared to navigating the treacherous obstacles in the classic Atari game Pitfall. In both scenarios, a single misjudgment can lead to costly consequences and setbacks.
Just as in Pitfall, where the player must carefully navigate hazards like quicksand, rolling logs, and crocodile-infested waters, prospective college athletes must navigate a complex and competitive recruitment landscape. Taking the wrong step, such as choosing the wrong college to pursue or neglecting academic requirements, can have significant repercussions.
"Pitfall Harry once wisely remarked, 'In the perilous journey of life, be it through treacherous jungles or the college recruiting maze, success lies in anticipating and avoiding the dangers ahead. Take each step with purpose, for a misstep can cost more than just progress—it can cost the opportunity of a lifetime.'"
In Pitfall, falling into a pit or colliding with an obstacle means losing valuable time and progress. Similarly, in the college recruiting process, a misstep may result in missed opportunities, such as not being recruited by preferred colleges or losing out on potential scholarship opportunities. Timing is crucial in both scenarios. Just as the player in Pitfall needs to time their jumps and swings perfectly to avoid dangers, student-athletes must be strategic in their approach to college recruitment. Waiting too long to start the process or making decisions impulsively can lead to missed opportunities and regrettable outcomes.
In both Pitfall and the college recruiting process, there is often a limited window of opportunity. Missing deadlines, underestimating the importance of standardized tests, or failing to maintain academic eligibility can close doors for prospective student-athletes.
Ultimately, the comparison highlights the importance of careful planning, strategic decision-making, and precise execution in both navigating Pitfall's hazards and successfully maneuvering through the college recruiting process. Just as in the game, where a misstep can lead to setbacks, in the college recruitment journey, a well-thought-out approach is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and secure a successful outcome.
The recruiting process can be a daunting journey for athletes and their families as they strive to find the right fit for their academic and athletic future. However, navigating through the myths, pitfalls, and pet peeves that often accompany the recruiting process can significantly impact the outcome. Understanding what makes coaches tick, while avoiding common misconceptions and missteps, is crucial for making the most of your recruiting experience. In this article, we'll explore some prevalent myths, pitfalls to avoid, and strategies for optimizing your recruiting journey.
Recruiting Myths
- "Only Division I Schools Offer Athletic Scholarships": Contrary to this belief, all three NCAA divisions, as well as NAIA and junior colleges, can offer athletic scholarships. Student-athletes should explore a variety of institutions that align with their academic and athletic goals.
- "Recruiters Will Find Me if I'm Talented Enough": While exceptional talent is crucial, relying solely on natural abilities can be a pitfall. Proactive self-promotion, engagement with coaches, and participating in recruiting events are essential for increasing visibility.
- "Athletic Performance Trumps Academic Achievements": Balancing academics and athletics is crucial for student-athletes. College recruiters often seek well-rounded individuals who can excel both on the field and in the classroom.
- "Full Scholarships are Common for All Athletes": Full athletic scholarships are rare, especially outside of high-profile sports. Many student-athletes receive a combination of athletic, academic, and need-based aid. Understanding the nuances of financial packages is crucial.
- "Only the Superstars Get Recruited": College recruiters often look for athletes who demonstrate potential, commitment, and a good fit for their program. Many successful student-athletes may not be widely known but still make valuable contributions to college teams.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Navigating the college recruiting process as a student-athlete can be complex and competitive. To ensure a smoother journey, it's essential to be aware of potential pitfalls. Here are the top five pitfalls to avoid in the college recruiting process for student-athletes:
- Procrastination in Starting the Process:
- Pitfall: Waiting until the last minute to initiate the recruiting process can limit opportunities and scholarship options.
- Solution: Begin early by researching colleges, creating a comprehensive athletic and academic profile, and reaching out to coaches during your high school years.
2. Overlooking Academic Preparation:
- Pitfall: Focusing solely on athletic development and neglecting academics can hinder eligibility for college sports and limit scholarship opportunities.
- Solution: Maintain a strong academic record, take required standardized tests seriously, and ensure eligibility by understanding and meeting academic requirements for college athletics.
3. Ignoring Fit for the Sake of Prestige:
- Pitfall: Choosing a college solely based on its athletic program's prestige or reputation, without considering the overall fit academically, socially, and culturally.
- Solution: Evaluate colleges holistically, considering academic programs, campus culture, and location in addition to the athletic program. Seek a balance that aligns with both academic and athletic goals.
4. Neglecting Communication Skills:
- Pitfall: Poor communication with college coaches, including delayed responses, lack of initiative, or unprofessionalism, can create a negative impression.
- Solution: Be proactive in reaching out to coaches, respond promptly to inquiries, and maintain clear and professional communication throughout the recruitment process.
5. Relying Solely on Highlight Reels:
- Pitfall: Depending solely on highlight reels without providing context or additional information about skills, character, and work ethic.
- Solution: Supplement highlight reels with detailed athletic resumes, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters. Showcase not just skills but also your commitment to teamwork and personal development.
By avoiding these pitfalls, student-athletes can enhance their chances of finding the right college fit both athletically and academically. It's crucial to approach the recruiting process with diligence, proactivity, and a well-rounded understanding of what each college can offer in terms of both sports and academics.
College Recruiting Coaches Pet Peeves
College coaches play a crucial role in the recruitment process, and certain behaviors can be perceived as pet peeves that may frustrate them. To ensure a positive and effective interaction, student-athletes should be mindful of the following potential pet peeves:
- Lack of Communication:
- Pet Peeve: Coaches may be frustrated by student-athletes who fail to respond to emails, phone calls, or other communication promptly.
- Solution: Maintain open lines of communication, respond promptly to inquiries, and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions.
2. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information:
- Pet Peeve: Coaches may be annoyed by incomplete or inaccurate athletic profiles, transcripts, or other essential documents.
- Solution: Provide coaches with accurate and comprehensive information, including academic transcripts, athletic achievements, and relevant personal details.
3. Unrealistic Expectations:
- Pet Peeve: Coaches may be frustrated by student-athletes who have unrealistic expectations about scholarship offers, playing time, or the recruiting process in general.
- Solution: Approach the process with realistic expectations, understanding that opportunities may vary, and be open to discussions with coaches about the potential fit for both parties.
4. Lack of Initiative:
- Pet Peeve: Coaches may be irked by student-athletes who do not take the initiative in expressing genuine interest in the program or demonstrating a proactive approach to the recruitment process.
- Solution: Show genuine interest in the program by attending showcases, visiting campuses, and reaching out to coaches with thoughtful questions.
5. Inconsistent Performance or Behavior:
- Pet Peeve: Coaches may be concerned by inconsistencies in a student-athlete's performance, behavior, or commitment to both academics and athletics.
- Solution: Demonstrate consistency in both performance and behavior on and off the field. Coaches value student-athletes who are reliable and committed to maintaining high standards.
By avoiding these pet peeves, student-athletes can build positive relationships with college coaches and increase their chances of a successful recruitment process. It's essential to approach interactions with coaches with professionalism, honesty, and a genuine interest in the program.
Strategies to Maximize Your College Recruiting Process
Maximizing the college recruiting process as a student-athlete involves a proactive and strategic approach. Here are key strategies to optimize your chances of finding the right fit:
- Start Early
- Begin the process early in high school. Research colleges, identify potential programs, and understand their athletic and academic requirements.
2. Build a Strong Athletic and Academic Profile:
- Create a comprehensive athletic resume that includes key achievements, statistics, and highlight videos. Maintain a strong academic record to appeal to coaches and meet eligibility requirements.
3. Attend Showcases, Tournaments, Camps, and Clinics:
- Participate in showcases, tournaments, and events where college coaches may be present. This provides an opportunity for coaches to see you in action and allows you to showcase your skills.
4. Proactive Communication:
- Take the initiative to reach out to college coaches. Craft personalized emails expressing genuine interest in their program. Share your athletic achievements, academic goals, and reasons for wanting to join their team.
5. Create a Recruiting Video:
- Develop a high-quality recruiting video showcasing your skills, versatility, and overall athleticism. Keep it concise and include relevant game footage, skills demonstrations, and highlights.
6. Utilize Online Recruiting Platforms:
- Create profiles on online recruiting platforms where coaches actively search for potential recruits. Ensure your profiles are up-to-date with accurate information, including academic and athletic achievements.
7. Research and Evaluate Programs:
- Research potential colleges thoroughly. Consider factors such as the coach's coaching style, team culture, academic offerings, and campus environment. Evaluate how well these align with your goals and preferences.
8. Attend College Camps and Visits:
- Attend college camps or visit campuses to get a firsthand experience of the program and interact with the coaching staff. This demonstrates your genuine interest and allows coaches to assess your compatibility with the team.
9. Seek Guidance from Coaches:
- Your coaches can be valuable resources in the recruiting process. Seek their guidance, ask for recommendations, and leverage their network to connect with college coaches.
10. Maintain a Professional Online Presence:
- Ensure your social media profiles present you in a positive light. Coaches often check online presence as part of their evaluation process. Remove any content that may be perceived negatively.
11. Be Open-Minded and Flexible:
- Be open to exploring various opportunities and consider programs that may not be widely known but align with your goals. Be flexible in adapting to different coaching styles and team dynamics.
By combining these strategies with dedication, perseverance, and a positive attitude, you can maximize your college recruiting process and increase the likelihood of finding the right collegiate athletic and academic fit.
Redefining Success in College Recruiting for Student-Athletes
If you've ever envisioned athletic scholarships being handed out as generously as Oprah's famous cars, it's time for a reality check. The journey to securing an athletic scholarship is far from the straightforward giveaway many imagine.
Start building your powerful recruiting team!
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES, ARE YOU READY TO RISE TO THE OCCASION?
The Journey of Self Discovery
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How to Stay Top of College Coach's Mind
Wouldn't it be great if we could jump into our Delorean and go back in time to when the college decision was made by seniors. Believe it or not, 20 years ago High School senior student-athletes used to make their college decision. And then over time, it was juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and even some 8th graders who were verbally committing to a college. Crazy right? And then a few years ago, a couple sport specific coaching groups pleaded to the NCAA to try and slow it down by tightening restrictions on college coaches and their programs. And they complied, working together they adopted rules that would restrict any contact, incoming and or outgoing between prospective student-athletes and coaches prior to junior year, which in essence would prevent early commitments. But today, we are in a different world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many states have shut down youth sports, college seasons were cancelled, college programs cut, and recruiting as we know it came to a screeching halt. And for the classes of 2021 and 2022 that was a devastating blow. These student-athletes have had limited opportunities to be evaluated, visit college campuses, and have face to face interactions with college coaches. The 3 most important things to do in order to be recruited. There are actually high school seniors who have committed to schools without ever meeting their coach in person, only over a screen via face times and zoom meetings. But the hit that these two classes are taking might bring the recruiting cycle back to how it should be, when a senior, typically a 17 or 18 year old student will be making the biggest decision of their young adult life, rather than a 15-16 year old. I believe those two years make a world of difference. The responsibility a senior carries is much more than that of a sophomore. They might have a job and have their license. It only makes sense that a 17 or 18 year old is more equipped to make a decision about college than a 15 or 16 year old. In no way I am saying that the pandemic arriving and shutting down recruiting is a good thing for anyone but it just might relieve the pressure of the current 2023, 2024, and 2025’s who have aspirations of playing their sport at the next level. I am a proponent that high school freshmen should not have to start worrying about college and what they want to study, etc. They are just beginning to make the transition of adolescence to young adulthood. They should have some time for that adjustment. This is a time to enjoy getting to this part of their life, making new friends and experiencing new things and ideas. There will be many life lessons along the way that will prepare them for making this big decision in a couple of years. But not now! In their first couple years of high school they will begin to be molded into the person they are to become. They will begin to discover their interests academically, athletically, and socially. The kids don’t need the added pressure of thinking about college before they barely get their feet wet in high school. With all of that said, I am for student-athletes to be educated about the recruiting process before they jump right in. There are so many factors and aspects to consider. It is important to understand the intricacies of academic eligibility, the recruiting rules, what coaches are looking for, how to market yourself, and then how to stand out from the crowd. And these are things that can be taught and learned prior to starting the process. From a college perspective, being able to primarily focus on Juniors and Seniors might relieve some of the added stress and pressures a coach might face in the world of recruiting. The recruiting cycle is never ending for a college coach and his/her staff. They are inundated with hundreds, if not thousands of emails and videos to watch of potential prospects across a variety of recruiting classes. I can only imagine how relieved a coach might be if they didn’t have to focus on identifying freshmen and sophomores who aren’t fully matured yet, physically or mentally and could just focus on identifying and evaluating juniors and making final decisions on the seniors on their list. I bet life would be grand! In an ideal world what would my recruiting cycle or timeline look like for a prospective student-athlete. Spring of Sophomore Year Begin Recruiting Education Process Summer prior to Junior year Attend ID Events, Showcases, Camps, and Clinics Fall/Winter of Junior Year Build a List of Schools (20-30 minimum) Research School and Programs Contact College Coaches Attend College ID Events (Showcases, Camps, and Clinics, etc) Winter/Spring of Junior year Begin prioritizing communications with college coaches Narrow List of Schools (8-10 schools) Start setting up unofficial visits to top choices Attend ID Events Summer prior to Senior Year Narrow list of schools (4-5 schools) Attend college specific camps and clinics Make Verbal Commitment Fall of Senior Year (If not committed) Set up Official Visits Begin Weighing options The Decision We obviously do not live in an ideal world but there would be huge benefits to the next generation if the recruiting cycle returned to the way it was 20 years ago. Benefits of the Recruiting Cycle Returning to the 2000’s Relieve the amount of pressure on freshman and sophomores to perform at high levels to impress college coaches. Freshman and Sophomores can focus on learning ,loving their sport, and improving. Limit the burnout rate of elite level student-athletes. Allows more equipped young adults to make a life altering decision. Save parents time and money invested into the college process Allow college coaches to focus on 2 recruiting classes , not 4. College coaches will be able to identify and evaluate more physically mature athletes, rather than projecting where a student-athlete might be in 2 years. In the end, we need to do it for the mental health of the student-athletes. There are so many challenges academically, athletically, personally, and socially they need to deal with. We don't need to pile on the added pressure of college talk at 14-15 years old. It is hard enough just being a kid and making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. They are not equipped to begin thinking about college and the rest of their lives. Let’s give the decision back to Seniors!
Do you want to continue your academic and athletic career in college? Do you think you have what it takes to be a college student-athlete? Playing in college goes well beyond your athletic abilities. Do you rest on your talents or are you willing to put in the time, effort, and energy to be the best you possibly can? Would you consider yourself lazy? Do you prioritize your academics? What kind of character do you have? Being recruited is about being a well-rounded individual. Taking the words from Shaquille O’Neal who borrowed them from Aristotle, “Excellence is not a singular act but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do.” Leaving athletic abilities and skills aside, what are the habits of a highly recruitable student-athlete? Stephen Covey, the world renown author developed the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I have created my own 7 Habits of Highly Recruitable Student-Athletes: Habit #1: Identify Goals We also call this habit “Discovering Your Why.” This is very similar to Stephen Covey’s habit, “Begin with the End in Mind.” Before you start the college recruiting/college search process, you need to establish your motives and goals not only for playing college sports but attending college in general. What do you want to get out of your college experience, academically, athletically, and personally? Your answers to these questions will define your why. By developing this foundation you will have a much clearer picture of what you are looking for and how to find it. Habit #2: Self-Confidence Being a college student-athlete, you need to be confident in who you are as a student, an athlete, and a person. If playing your sport is important to you, then there is place out there for you. No matter what level you think you are capable of playing at, possessing self-confidence is an important habit. You need to be able to express to a college coach what value you can provide to their program both on and off the field. The only way you can do that is be confident in who you are. Having self-confidence mixed in with a little self-awareness will take you a long way through the college recruiting process. Habit #3: Prioritize Your Preferences What is important to you? When looking for schools that fit your academic, athletic, and personal needs, you need to figure what factors are most important to you in your college search. Mount St. Mary’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Jamion Christian, says that every recruit should write down five things that are important to them in their college experience and stick to the game plan when navigating through the process. Here are some of the factors you need to consider: Location (Distance from home, part of the country, climate) Size Academic Programs Athletic Program Level of Play Playing Time Program Success Habit #4: Understand the Process What do you know about the recruiting process? It’s important to have a grasp of how the process works: What are the differences between the various levels of play (DI, DII, DIII, and NAIA)? What do you know about athletic scholarships? When can you contact a college coach? When can a college coach contact you? How to use Social Media to enhance your personal brand? What are the best ways to communicate with college coaches? How do coaches identify and evaluate prospective student-athletes? Having the answers to these questions will help you navigate through the communication and exposure phase successfully. Habit #5: Be Proactive Nobody will accomplish anything by sitting on the sidelines and watching. If you want something bad enough, you have to take action. The recruiting process is no different. If you are part of the other 98% of high school student-athletes who are not being courted by a big time Division I school, program, or coach you need to do the work to be recruited. Practicing the previous four habits are useless if you aren’t willing to put yourself out there and be proactive. Being Proactive refers to more than the recruiting process but how you approach things in your life. In school, are you willing to go the extra mile to get a better grade on that final exam? Will you spend extra time on the court working on that 20 foot jumper, or more time in the pool to work on that flip turn? You cannot sit idly by and expect you will just magically improve those skills, and in the recruiting process, you cannot wait for college coaches to discover you. You need to contact college coaches directly via email, phone, or even social media. In order to be evaluated by a college coach you need to attend college showcase events or college ID camps/clinics. Being proactive is the habit of implementing and executing action items to achieve specific goals. Habit #6: Appreciate the Journey The opportunity to go through the college recruiting process is the pinnacle of all of the time, effort, energy, and commitment you have made to your sport. It is important that you not only enjoy the experience but appreciate the journey and where you are going. There have been many people who have supported you over the years and have helped you get to this point in your life make sure you appreciate what they have done for you. The coaches who have helped you refine your craft, the teammates you have played alongside, and of course your parents who have sacrificed so much for you to achieve your goals. You should be grateful for the opportunity you have been given. Never take anything for granted. Be thankful for every letter, email, text, social media message you receive from a college coach. There is no better feeling than being wanted and loved by a college coach no matter what division it may be. Coach Christian says, ” go to the place where you are not only loved but wanted and needed. I’ve seen it too many times where student-athletes choose a school where they don’t really want to go but do because of the level. Happiness cannot be measured if you have a burning desire to play. ” You need to keep the big picture in mind, playing college sports is an opportunity to play a sport you love while building an educational foundation for your future. Habit #7: Refine Your Craft Don’t ever be content on where you are with your overall development as a student, an athlete, and as a person. Refining your craft means more than just working on your game, it means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have–you. In order to be the best version of yourself by the time you step on campus for the first time, you need to create a balanced program for self development in all aspects your life: physical, social, mental, and spiritual.
Many high school student-athletes are convinced that Division I is the best and only option when it comes to playing in college. So, when they finally get to to the recruiting process their main focus is playing Division I and not finding the school that fits their academic, athletic, and personal needs. This is what we call the DI Blinders. I have heard "I have to play Division I" more times than I would like to admit. We need more student-athletes to "Take the Blinders Off." I believe this is the biggest pitfall kids make navigating through the college recruiting process. There is nothing wrong with keeping an open mind early on in the recruiting process. Student-Athletes should not overlook any opportunities that are presented to them, whether it is DI, DII, or DIII. The experience alone visiting schools and meeting with college coaches will provide enormous value as the recruiting process continues. As you look at what each opportunity or experience can offer you , you will start to gt a better idea of what will be the right fit. Most students believe that the best teams and best players are at the Division I level. For the most part that is an accurate statement but that does not run true across the board. I know plenty of Division III student-athletes who were good enough to compete at the Division I level but wanted to a more balanced college experience, and there is nothing wrong with that. And I also know student-athletes who chose Division I but probably would have been a better fit athletically for DIII but were caught up in the DI ..... There are over 1,100 NCAA Institutions that offer varsity intercollegiate athletics. In addition, another 1,000 schools or so in other athletic associations like NAIA, NJCAA, NCCAA, USCAA, and others. There are schools that can offer you an incredible athletic experience while providing you with a excellent education to prepare you for your next stage in life. If you want to play in college than there is a program out there for you, you just need to find it. Case Study A female soccer player who had aspirations of playing at the highest level of college soccer. A very talented player who possessed strong academics built a list of some of the best Division I soccer programs on the East Coast. She began sending emails to the coaches to express interest in their programs. She attended a number of ID Showcases and Clinics over the course of the year. But didn't feel like she was receiving much interest from some of the coaches. My Recommendation (Summer prior to Junior Year) To expand her list of schools and start adding some DII and DIII schools to the list. I provided a list of 10-15 DII and DIII schools where I thought she would be a good fit both academically and athletically. When September 1 of junior year arrived her communication with many of the DI programs was very limited but she still wanted to pursue those opportunities. Some of those DI programs offered her a walk-on spot but she was not getting much interest as a scholarship player. Cost was not an issue for the family but she still wanted to play at the highest level. She continued attending Division I ID Clinics during the fall of her junior year and still wasn't receiving much love from the coaches. It wasn't until December that she started to receive some interest but more from DII and DIII schools which were on her updated list. So, finally she changed her tune and started looking at some DII and DIII scchools. She began emailing with coaches, attending their ID Clinics, and arranging campus visits. In January she visited one of the DIII schools and just fell in love with the place. And after her visit, time spent with the coaching staff, and their ID Clinic. She knew it was the place for her. In early spring of her junior year after she made more campus visits she finally committed to that DIII program she visited in January. She has been a two year starter and loving life at her school. She ultimately ended up at a school that was the right fit for her. But there were many months where she was stressed out because of the process. She had feelings of doubt about her abilities. I believe she could have alleviated some of those stressful moments, if at the beginning she was looking at the DII and DIII opportunities as well as the DI programs. Scenario If you were a high school student-athlete who was maybe deciding between some smaller DI programs and Top Rated DIII programs do you know which you would choose? Maybe you were offered a walk-on opportunity at the Division I level and at the DIII program you could contribute immediately as well as compete for conference and national championships. Which direction would you go? These are questions that prospective student-athletes need to address. It shouldn't be as cut and dry as DI, DII, or DIII but for many it is the allure of Division I that draws them in. My P.S.A to those student-athletes about to embark on the college recruiting process. Keep an Open Mind Explore all of your opportunities Don't close the door too early on any school, program, or coach Don't burn any bridges Be open, honest, and upfront with all coaches
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