In our previous articles, we focused on physical preparation for college camps—making sure you arrive in shape, familiar with the drills, and mentally ready to compete. But preparing for a camp goes beyond physical readiness. If your goal is to be recruited, you also need to prepare from a communication and recruiting strategy standpoint. The athletes who get noticed are often the ones who make themselves known before the camp even begins.
One smart step is to try to schedule a phone call with the coach who initially contacted you or with the program’s recruiting coordinator. A short conversation can help you learn more about the program while also putting your name on their radar before the event. If a phone call isn’t possible, communication through email or other recruiting channels can still help establish that connection.
About two weeks before the camp, send an email to the position coach introducing yourself and letting them know you will be attending the event. In that message, include key information such as your name, graduation year, position, high school, and a link to your recruiting profile and highlight video. This simple step helps the coaching staff know who you are and increases the chances that they will look for you during the camp.
Social media can also be a useful communication tool. Sending a short direct message to the program’s account or the position coach—sharing the same information you sent in your email—can reinforce your interest and make sure your message is seen. The goal of these communications is simple: you want to be on the list of athletes coaches plan to evaluate during the camp.
Preparation should also include what you do after the event. Once the camp is over, take a few minutes to write down the names of the coaches you met or spoke with. If you attended a camp that included multiple schools, make sure you note the coach’s name and the college they represent. This will help you stay organized when following up later.
Within two or three days after the camp, reach out to any coaches you interacted with. Sending a follow-up email or direct message shows appreciation and genuine interest in their program. It’s helpful to have a draft message prepared in advance so you can send it quickly after the event. In your message, thank the coach for the opportunity to attend the camp and briefly mention something you learned or enjoyed about the experience. This reinforces the positive impression you made during the event.
College camps can be valuable opportunities, but the athletes who maximize them are the ones who combine strong performance with strong communication. By reaching out before the camp, engaging confidently during the event, and following up afterward, you give yourself a much better chance of staying on a coach’s radar long after the camp ends.
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