Being recruited is an honor, so don’t let it turn into a grind or a heartache. Approach the process with the right preparation and mindset and you will minimize the downsides and be more likely to get the offers you really want! Here are some tips:

• Begin researching and targeting colleges and athletic programs as early as possible
• Be proactive – reach out to coaches at your target schools instead of waiting and hoping for them to come to you
• Keep track of deadlines, communication with coaches, and required documents

• Strong grades and test scores can open more opportunities, while weak grades can hurt eligibility and recruitment
• Many programs value student-athletes who excel both on and off the field; coaches like bright players who seek out challenges
• Take full advantage of tutoring and other helpful resources as needed

• Highlight key achievements, statistics, awards, and leadership roles
• Include academic accomplishments to show well-roundedness
• Do research or get help to understand what metrics and benchmarks coaches look at, and highlight how your performance compares

• Start your video with a bang – a stellar, attention-grabbing play – and then sequence your clips to build to a strong close
• Show well-rounded ability by including highlights of you away from the ball – a strong block, a solid pick, covering for a teammate
• Keep it short and sweet to capture coaches’ attention – remember and respect that they get videos from dozens of prospects

• Emails to coaches should be personalized, positive and professional; express genuine enthusiasm, avoid slang and profanity – and have it proofread for grammar and spelling!
• Your communications should be about them as well as about you; research each team’s needs and emphasize how you can help them succeed
• Smile and stay confident, coachable and tenacious at camps, showcases, and networking events; seek feedback and outwork everyone – even picking up litter on the field or court!

• Share highlights and achievements to increase visibility
• Maintain a professional online presence that reflects your dedication
• Interact visibly and positively with fellow athletes; be a positive teammate (especially with your competition)

• Understand that recruiting takes time, and rejection is part of the journey
• Follow up on every recruiting event with a note thanking the coaching staff
• Keep working on continuous self-improvement – in your workouts, in the classroom and in your mindset