Recruiting is a 2 Way Street
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There are many kids who dream of playing college sports around the country. Those same kids have visions of that big time signing day with the fan fare and press. Those events are very real. But for most high school student athletes the decision and opportunity to play in college is a daunting and confusing task.
HERE IS THE TRUTH
Recruiting is just as much the responsibility of the student-athlete as it is on the athletic program. Coaches cannot possibly identify every athlete no matter how many events they attend, no matter how many camps they attend, and no matter how many programs they sign up for to guarantee recruitment. Simply put, athletes and programs need to find each other.
College Recruiting is a 2 Way street. As much as college coaches are recruiting student-athletes, the student-athlete has to recruit the coach and the program. The athlete will do most of the work, but for something as incredible as playing college sports they should work for it. That includes on the field, in the classroom, as well as the preparation process and the research of schools, programs, and coaches.
RECRUITING A PROGRAM
We all know what a college coach recruiting a student-athletes entails but how does a Student-Athlete recruit a program or coach? From a coaches perspective It is important to look at what the student-athlete can bring to the program but what might be overlooked in the “process” is what can the program do for the student-athlete.
Here are some tips to help you Recruit a Program
ESTABLISH YOUR GOALS
The first step is establishing your goals and determine what you are looking for in terms of your student-athlete experience. What do you want to get out of your college experience? You want to find a school that will help you develop academically, athletically, and personally. So, answering that question will help paint a much clearer picture in the decision making process.
2. RESEARCH -
Gathering as much information about the school, the program, and coach will be high on the priority list as you begin the process. I recommend to begin with the school and make sure it fits your academic and personal preferences, size, setting, location, social atmosphere, extracurriculars, etc. Next, to turn your attention to the program. Is it the level of play you are looking for? How many players are they looking for in your recruiting class? What positions? How many players on the roster at your position are contributing on the field? Is there an All-Conference or even All-American you would have to compete with for a couple of years. Look deeper into the stats, where is the program lacking and where do you think you can add value? Once you discover that info you need to sell yourself to the coach so the coach realizes they need you just as much as you need them. A student-athlete who has confidence in who they are both on and off the field and can show that to a college coach will be extremely coveted.
Another piece that might be overlooked is you need to get out and watch college games. If you have the opportunity, watch different levels of play so you can compare the speed, intensity, and skill level to your own.
Lastly, look at the coach. What is his/her coaching style or philosophy. Do they align with your core values and playing style? What do other players say about the coach? This might be harder info to track down but there are resources you can utilize. Visit www.lrt-sports.com to check out the college coach ratings and see what their current and former players are saying about the coach.
3. SEND QUALITY NOT QUANTITY
As much as college recruiting is a numbers game, quality is far more important than quantity. Write a personalized letter to each coach and program you are interested in rather than sending a generic email to 50 schools. Send 20-30 personalized letters explaining why you are interested in that program and what value you can add both on and off the field.
4. VISIT CAMPUS
There is no substitute for visiting a college and getting a feel of what campus life is like. The campus visit is an integral part of the recruiting component. Consider it a fact finding mission. You want to discover as much about the school, program, and coach While on campus. You want to do and see as much as possible. A campus visit is typically the first time you will have face to face interaction with a college coach so you want to make a good first impression. On your visit come prepared with lots of questions for everyone you will interact with including admissions staff, academics personnel, Athletics administration, coaching staff, and if possible current players.
Don’t be a spectator in your recruiting process! Get off the sidelines and engage in your future. Be proactive! Attend Showcases, tournaments, and camps. Contact College Coaches. Visit colleges. Want to learn more about the college recruiting process visit www.GuidingFutureStars.com
and grab your copy of the Designing Your Pathway to College Sports workbook to get started on your journey to play college sports.
Turning Your Athletic Profile into a Must-Read Narrative In the crowded world of digital recruiting, stats are just noise—your unique strengths are the signal that makes a coach stop scrolling and start watching.
Believing You Belong at the Next Level
Playing With Intention, Not Just Ambition
The Mindset That Separates Competitors from Contenders
Why Great Athletes Learn to Love the Journey
Building Your Identity as a Student-Athlete
Developing the Right Mindset for Your Recruiting Journey
Are you prepared for the Recruiting Race? It's a marathon not a sprint.
💡 What It Means to Be a SMART Recruit If you're a high school student-athlete with dreams of playing at the college level, you’ve probably heard how competitive and confusing the recruiting process can be. It’s true—navigating the world of college athletics, eligibility rules, academic requirements, communication with coaches, and scholarship opportunities can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through it blindly. Being a SMART Recruit means more than just athletic talent. It means you’re Educated , Empowered , Engaged , and Inspired . You take ownership of your journey by staying informed , organized , and committed to your future—both on and off the field. Let’s break it down. 🎓 Educated: Know the Landscape Smart Recruits take the time to understand the recruiting process. They know the rules, eligibility requirements, timelines, and what college coaches are looking for. They research the differences between NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and NJCAA, and they understand how academics, athletics, and personal fit all play a role in finding the right school. Knowledge is power. When you're educated, you're able to avoid common mistakes, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions. 💪 Empowered: Own Your Journey Smart Recruits don’t wait for opportunity—they create it. They know that recruiting isn’t something that “just happens” to them. They take control by reaching out to coaches, attending the right events, and building a strong recruiting profile that reflects who they are as a student-athlete and a person. They recognize that no one will work harder for their future than they will . That sense of empowerment fuels their actions and keeps them moving forward—even when the journey gets tough. 🧠 Engaged: Be Proactive and Present The recruiting process is not passive—it requires you to stay active and engaged. Smart Recruits use tools like communication trackers, college lists, and visit checklists to stay on top of their outreach and deadlines. They’re not afraid to follow up, ask questions, and stay consistent. Being engaged means showing up: in your inbox, in the classroom, on the field, and in your mindset. Consistency beats luck every time. 🌟 Inspired: Stay Motivated by Your "Why" Every successful recruiting journey starts with a clear sense of purpose. Smart Recruits know why they’re pursuing college athletics, what they hope to achieve, and who they want to become in the process. That vision fuels their daily habits and decisions. Whether it's waking up early to train, studying late for a test, or rewriting an email to a coach—they’re motivated by a bigger goal and inspired to keep going, even when it’s hard. 🧭 Stay Informed. Stay Organized. Stay Ahead. Being a SMART Recruit also means staying informed about deadlines, program updates, and coach responses—and staying organized enough to manage it all. Whether you're managing communication, video links, or academic transcripts, having a system in place is crucial. That’s why tools like The Smart Recruit Tool Kit exist—to help you streamline the process, stay accountable, and make progress every week. 🎉 Coming Soon: The Smart Recruit Toolkit Get ready to take control of your college recruiting journey! The Smart Recruit —a comprehensive DIY toolkit designed to help student-athletes become educated, empowered, engaged, and inspired—will be launching soon. Packed with worksheets, templates, and expert guidance, this resource is your ultimate playbook to navigate the recruiting process with confidence and clarity. Stay tuned for the official launch! 🔚 Final Thought: Be the Recruit Coaches Want to Coach College coaches are looking for more than just athletic ability. They want students who are driven, self-aware, academically committed, and coachable. When you approach the process like a SMART Recruit , you show coaches you’re ready—not just to play at the next level, but to thrive there. ✅ Educated. ✅ Empowered. ✅ Engaged. ✅ Inspired. ✅ Informed & Organized. That’s what it means to be a SMART Recruit.
Discover Your Why, Define Your Way
