Those college prospects who are not considered blue-chip need to work strategically harder to get the attention of college coaches. Furthermore, student-athletes need to separate themselves from the high volume of college prospects that are competing for roster spots.
Below are simple suggestions to maximize your recruiting effort and maximize your chances of gaining admission to your top college choice.
Begin With a Dream
Every goal requires a starting point. Never deny yourself the opportunity to reach high, with the college search.
Furthermore, maintaining a grounded approach when lining up potential college options is equally important. Identify three groups of colleges for your recruiting plan: Reach, Likely and Back-Up.
Define Long-Term Goals
Envision the “end game” and work backward to help define specific goals. The initial phase of the college search might appear a bit daunting but begin big, and then chisel away at the plan to simplify the process.
Look long-term when defining your goals. For instance, the athletic component will likely be rewarding during your four-year college experience. Equally important, ask yourself where you see yourself in 40 years.
You owe it to yourself to keep the academic component in the vanguard of the overall college experience. This will position you for a lifetime of success beyond college.
Use a Team Approach
A team approach will maximize efficiency and minimizes individual pressure and stress. Form a group of trustworthy individuals who assume specific roles during the college recruiting process. This will increase your chance in reaching your college goals. The team should include:
- Prospect
- Parents
- Club/High School Coach
- Guidance Counselor/College Advisor
- Personal Mentor/Advisor
In addition, the responsibility for shaping your recruiting plan should be distributed among the various team members. All assignments should be spelled out, and communication among team members should be frequent and consistent. This will help streamline the plan and avoid misdirection that may lead to unclear thinking and poor choices.
Establish Timelines
Now that you have envisioned your dream and defined your goals, establish specific timelines that you will remain committed in executing your plan.
Without strict adherence to timelines, you reduce your chances of hitting your targets. Moreover, missed deadlines can raise stress levels exponentially. Begin broadly and develop a long-term to-do list. Moreover, you can breakdown your timelines into more detailed weekly and monthly targets.
Express Desire
Unless you are a blue-chip athlete that every college coach wants, you will need a recruiting plan that helps you rise above your competition. Character components can assist in your effort, but one that stands above the rest is desire.
College recruiters always look beyond the athletic and academic achievements when evaluating prospects. Subsequently, the successful college coach looks for self-aware, independent prospects who bring strong leadership potential to the table.
Recruiting success depends on several factors. Embrace a dream, define your goals, form a team, establish timelines and show your deep desire to play your sport. This will separate you from the pack of college prospects.
Tom Kovic is a former D-1 college coach. He is the Founder/Principal of Victory Collegiate Consulting, where he provides individual advisement to prospects and families in navigating the college recruiting process. For further information visit: https://victoryrecruiting.com
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