So you wanna get recruited? Part 2.
Getting recruited by a College Coach sounds great. Unfortunately, there are some misunderstandings about how difficult it is to even get recruited. Due to the Youth Sports Circus caring more about taking money from sports parents then informing them, a lot of High School Athletes are left in the dark.
If you are lucky and talented, you might become part of the 7% of High School Athletes playing varsity Sports in College. In ‘So you wanna get recruited?’ you will find helpful tips that might help you get recruited. I hope this will help you get a better feel for how sports recruiting works and what is expected from you as an Athlete.
In case you wonder why the tips are numbered 6 till 10, this post is Part 2 of the series ‘So you wanna get recruited?’.
Tip # 6.
Take Social Media exposure serious
So you wanna get recruited?
TIP #6. Take Social Media exposure serious
This might seem like a no-brainer, but let me start off by sharing that your ‘fun’ social account should not be your Athletic account. You would not be the first Athlete being ignored by Coaches because of disturbing stories or a spam account name! If you want to get recruited, take social media serious!
Using the right Social Media accounts can be a perfect way to show who you are as an Athlete. You can showcase your highlights, your stats and can start building meaningful connections. College Coaches (or their assistants) will check out your socials if they are interested in your Athletic skills.
Besides thinking about what you should post (an empty IG account, used just to message is not helpful!!) also think about who to follow. If you can start getting more Coaches, program directors and professional photographers and videographers among your followers, you are on the right track. Just remember; Less is better. What really counts are the people that will help you spread your name!
Find more helpful tips in my post ‘What’s the right way to get exposure?‘
For Athletes, it is important to present yourself well on social media. ‘What is the right way to get exposure?’, shows how to set up a successful Twitter/X profile. It also explains how to stand out in the crowd and what pitfalls to avoid.
Tip # 7.
Value the help your parents offer
So you wanna get recruited?
TIP #7. Value the help your parents offer
I know it was probably tempting to scroll right over this one, but I am glad you did not! Being a parent, I know how easily we are seen as being annoying and non-understanding. Most teenage Athletes think that the role of a parent is mainly supporting them (translation: dropping off – feeding – washing – paying- picking up – repeat). And that is where most of our energy goes. But….
There really are a lot of us parents, especially the ones with a sports background, who know a thing or two… And who can provide you with a lot of help when it comes to trying to get recruited. Think about this next time they would like to help you. Instead of ignoring their advice or shutting them down, be open and listen to what they share. They are on your side and want nothing more than for you to be successful!
Tip # 8.
Waste less time on your phone
So you wanna get recruited?
TIP #8. Waste less time on your phone
I already know that this tip will be voted as least popular. The last thing you would like to read here, is probably the advice you have heard way too many times. But maybe there is some truth to it… And maybe, just maybe is wasting time on your phone, keeping you from getting better at your sport!
If you think that statement is exaggerated, track your cell phone use daily, for a week. Write down how much time you spend on the apps you use. Now calculate how much time you spend at school, at practice and to sleep. If the outcome of your cell phone use is five till ten hours a day, what does that say?
If you are serious about getting recruited, consider limiting all the time you waste on your phone. Because all that time you could be spending improving your basic Sports skills!
Social Media Profile Picture
REPPIN HOOPERS designs Personalized Profile Drawings repping you in your favorite sport. You can use these drawings as a profile on your Social Media outlets and get more attention. Make your profile stand out from the pack!
Tip # 9.
Explore your interests besides Sports
So you wanna get recruited?
TIP #9. Explore your Interests besides Sports
Even though you would love to play Sports in College, not every High School Athlete will be so lucky. And that is an understatement… Unfortunately, only 1 out of 13 High School Athletes playing varsity is going to play Sports in College. So even though you wanna get recruited, it is also important to have a plan B. in place. Try to find out what other interests you have besides playing your Sport.
The High School years are the perfect time to explore other talents. Even if you are lucky enough to get recruited on an Athletic scholarship, you still need to choose your academic career. If sports is still the environment you would like to stay involved in, look into the possibilities a Career in Sports can offer you.
To give you some ideas, check out the post ‘Extend your Career in Sports‘
Only 7% of all High School Athletes will play varsity Sports in College. Now if you really love Sports but don’t get recruited, you can’t have a career in Sports? Read ‘Extend your Career in Sports’ and explore more options!
Tip # 10.
Use Criticism to your benefit
So you wanna get recruited?
TIP #10. Use Criticism to your benefit
No one likes to be told what they do wrong. And seeing criticism as helpful, asks for maturity. What I mean by this is as a High School Athlete, you are still young. Even though you might have strong opinions about things, that doesn’t mean you have life completely figured out yet. As an Athlete, the most criticism you receive comes from Coaches, Parents and sometimes teammates.
If you wanna get recruited, keep in mind that a College Coach is not only interested in your sports skills. How you deal with criticism (if you are coachable) is very important. If you know that is one of your weaknesses, make sure to start working on it! Recognizing you don’t respond to criticism well, is the first step to change. You can try this at home, or at practice. Next time you feel criticized, instead of feeling down, look at it as a learning point. Using criticism as something positive, will help you grow and get better. In Sports and in life!
So you wanna get recruited?
I hope that I have succeeded in showing you how to improve your chances to get recruited. Take all these tips to heart and if your goals are to play Sports in College, start working on your journey today!
If reading my post has you doubt how to get you recruitied, please reach out! I have been helping many Athletes and their parents and I am also here for you. My 30 mins Mini Sessions are a great way to start!
If you have missed the first part of ‘So you wanna get recruited?’ you can find it by clicking the link HERE.
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