For most student-athlete the school year is finally over. The first thing most students want to do is to relax and take a break. But if you’re an athlete with the goal of playing at the next level coasting is not the best thing to do. So instead of taking your foot off the gas and coasting down the recruiting highway, rev up the engine and cover some serious ground!
Photo by Evgeni Tcherkasski on Unsplash
Taking time off can put you behind in recruiting. Plus, athletes can get in a funk where one day off turns into to two, then four, then a week or even a month. Be cautious not to fall behind. Remember, you only have a small window of opportunity to get seen, scouted, and recruited.
Next, how do you know that your recruiting is on course? Follow these tips as a guideline to gauge where you are with your recruiting. College coaches start recruiting athletes early, so this outline will help reach your destination.
Freshmen- Day 1 of Freshman year, the very first day you step on high school campus, college coaches can begin to communicate with athletes. Get any early start before the school year begins because recruiting really starts the day you graduate 8th grade.
Sophomores that are starting to show up on the recruiting radar of college coaches should be getting letters, emails and camp invites. This is a pivotal year for most prospective athletes and the best time to get noticed. Most D1 college identify prospects by the end of sophomore year.
Juniors can tell that they are on pace recruiting by receiving emails, texts, prospect camp invites. Actual conversations with college coaches is a very good sign. Additionally, Junior year is a great time to take the ACT and SAT tests.
Seniors, by now, should have regular communication with college coaches the summer before their senior year. Ideally, seniors want to be in a position to narrow down college choices instead of hoping that a college coach will show interest.
Follow these tips and you’ll be heading towards the home stretch.
One other piece of advice. If you find that your recruiting isn’t going according to plan, you should get some help to get you up to speed. I’m willing to help. Just contact me via twitter (@michaelwoosley) or the email below for a free recruiting evaluation.
Good luck!
Coach Mike
Elite Athletes Recruiting 