Catching the Attention of College Coaches

Hey, I'm a high school athlete looking to play my sport in college. How can I get noticed by college coaches and ultimately get recruited to play for their teams?

To increase your chances of getting noticed by college coaches and getting recruited to play for their teams, follow these steps:

1. Excel academically: While your athletic skills are essential, coaches often give preference to student-athletes who also do well academically. Strong grades and test scores not only make you a more attractive candidate for college athletics, but they also demonstrate that you can balance both sports and academic commitments.

2. Hone your athletic skills: Make sure you're continually developing your skills in your sport. Attend camps, clinics, and workshops related to your sport to improve your techniques and showcase your abilities to coaches who may be present.

3. Create an athletic resume: Prepare a comprehensive resume that highlights your achievements, stats, tournament or game performances, and any accolades you have received in your sport. Include your GPA and standardized test scores to demonstrate your academic ability as well. You can also include a cover letter that explains your goals and desire to play at the college level.

4. Record your games: Develop a highlight video of your recent games or performances to showcase your skills. Be sure to include a mix of game and practice footage, as well as clips that demonstrate your teamwork and leadership abilities. Don't forget to include your contact information and other pertinent details in the video.

5. Research colleges and their athletic programs: Identify your top college choices based on your academic and athletic preferences. Carefully review each program's requirements and expectations for recruits, taking note of how you fit into that school's program and what you can contribute to their team.

6. Connect with coaches: Reach out to coaches at the colleges you’re interested in through email or social media. Introduce yourself, share your athletic resume, and indicate your interest in their program. Include a link to your highlight video, as well as any upcoming tournament or event dates where they may watch you compete.

7. Attend showcases and recruiting events: Participate in athletic showcases, tournaments, and camps where college coaches will be scouting for talent. These events provide a platform for you to demonstrate your skills in person, and they can potentially lead to direct connections and communication with coaches.

8. Keep coaches updated: Once you establish contact with college coaches, continue to keep them updated on your athletic and academic achievements. Share any significant milestones, accomplishments, or updated highlight videos with the coaches to maintain their interest in you as a prospective student-athlete.

9. Seek guidance from your high school coach: Your high school coach can be a valuable resource in the recruiting process. They may have connections with college coaches, direct knowledge about the recruiting process, and advice on how to improve your chances of getting noticed.

10. Be persistent and proactive: The college recruiting process can be competitive, so it’s essential to stay proactive and work diligently to improve your chances. Keep refining your skills, building your athletic resume, and staying in touch with college coaches throughout your high school career.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to catching the attention of college coaches and increasing your chances of being recruited to play for a college team. Best of luck!