Common Mistakes Parents And Students Make

Parents frequently overestimate their child’s athletic abilities. Let us provide some statistical context to illustrate this point. Unless your child is a highly sought-after recruit (blue chip), college coaches are unlikely to discover them on their own. Currently, approximately 8 million high school student-athletes participate in sports. Only 6.5% will go on to play sports in college, and of those, under 2% will be actively recruited. The remaining students must dedicate significant effort to securing a roster spot. This is why it’s imperative for students to be proactive in contacting coaches, who welcome communication from potential recruits.

We will share strategies that have proven successful. You’ll hear directly from current and former college student-athletes (along with their parents and college coaches) at highly selective universities. Our goal is to enhance your chances of achieving your desired outcome.

COMMON MISTAKES PARENTS AND STUDENTS WE INTERVIEWED MADE IN THE RECRUITING PROCESS

Some of the most obvious:

Student-athletes frequently overestimate their abilities and tend to believe they possess superior skills compared to their actual capabilities. Therefore, it is crucial to select an educational institution that aligns with your strengths and abilities, rather than relying on excessive self-assessment.
Student-athletes often underestimate their potential and believe they lack the necessary skills to secure a scholarship. However, it is important to recognize that scholarships are not always the sole objective. Being a recruited athlete places you in a difficult admissions process/pool. It is crucial to prioritize selecting an institution that aligns with your academic, personal, and athletic goals. Choose a school that offers the best combination of academic excellence, a supportive environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
Students-athletes, coaches want kids who love (insert sport)not student athletes who love being recruited.
Parents and student-athletes see other athletes get recruited. Don’t compare yourself to others, you never know the full story or what’s real.
Start early, being late/rushed limits options. Start your sophomore year, reach out to coaches. Attend camps where coaches from schools you like will be in attendance.
Parents and student-athletes need to understand Ivies(and other highly selective universities) don’t give athletic scholarships. A grant and/or aid package from these universities are often generous.
Student-athletes need to understand the difference between being evaluated and being recruited. A form letter in the mail is not being recruited. A coach responds to an emails regarding a camp or showcase, you are not being recruited. A coach asks for transcripts, you are not being recruited.
Student-athletes and parents should arrive at camps and showcases prepared. Focus on controllable aspects such as arriving early, thoroughly inspecting your equipment, and locating the nearest sporting goods store. Additionally, ensure that your transcripts, tests scores and class schedules are readily accessible on your mobile devices.
Student-athletes and parents stay away from rat poison; avoid advice from people who DON’T have your best interest in mind. Most high school coaches and guidance counselor are not helpful. Travel, club, elite and AAU coaches may be more helpful. Players equal revenue to travel coaches; it’s a conflict of interest. Revenue changes everything. Take everything with a grain of salt. Avoid being a pawn, avoid being used.
Student-athletes pick your friends carefully. Surround yourself with likeminded people.
Student-athletes going to a college for a specific coach is a terrible decision. Coaches leave, coaches get fired, coaches do what’s best for themselves.
Student-athletes if a college recruiter asks you about more than one teammate, proceed with caution.
Every campus you step on, image NOT playing your sport. Would you be happy as a a student.
Student-athletes, please prepare thoroughly. Be prepared to articulate your reasons for choosing this university, your academic aspirations, and your aspirations for success be authentic. Conduct research, share your vision, and ensure that you emphasize your desire to win a championship.
Student-athletes take AP courses early(sophomore year). College coaches at highly selective universities will demand these classes. Some high schools let any student enroll in an AP course as long as the student has taken the recommended prerequisite courses. Other high schools have additional rules—for example, you might have to pass a placement test to enroll in an AP course. Ask your counselor about the process.
Student-athletes and parents, it is imperative that you develop effective time management skills. Begin by creating a comprehensive schedule during your high school years and diligently adhere to it. Effective time management becomes crucial during your college years.
Student-athletes sit in a coaches seat for a minute. Image receiving 40-50 emails a day from high school students/coaches looking to get recruited. Coaches don’t care you played since 2nd grade. Coaches don’t care about your stats. Coaches will not read a email six paragraphs long. Coaches will likely delete a template/automated email. Transcript and film, film and transcripts. Share pertinent information, short to the point.
Student-athletes share a quality video. The hype music is a waste of effort, coaches watch with the sound off. Coaches recruit with their eyes, not ears. Put your best highlights first, if the first 30 seconds are not compelling, it’s on to the next prospect.
Student-athletes character is important. College coaches will not only ask your high school coaches about your character. Many college coaches may call/email a teacher for a character reference. Be consistent, be good company and work hard away your primary sport and the classroom.
Student-athletes are accustomed to taking calculated risks. If a coach is unresponsive, consider taking the initiative and visiting their office.
Student-athletes, when participating in a Zoom meeting with a coach, please ensure that you are appropriately dressed and in a location with adequate Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, it is advisable to refrain from consuming food during the call. Stay fully engaged, avoid text while on the call.
Student to-athletes coaches will watch discreetly, from a distance. How do you interact with your family, how to treat your teammates do you stay engaged when on the sidelines.
The recruiting process is not a straight line. Be prepared for ups and downs. More importantly, keep at it, don’t get discouraged.
Student-athletes and parents should develop a success plan. Be prepared—when your child is accepted into a highly selective university over classmates with better grades, test scores, and class rank, you may face envy, resentment, and jealousy from peers, parents, and school staff.
Create a separate open social media account(s). Post positive sports/friends related content.

Pathway to College Athletics

Navigating the path to college athletics is complex and competitive. We empower high school student-athletes and their families by providing expert guidance from current and former college athletes at highly selective universities.