Collegiate athletics (and its athletes) are extremely competitive. These days, it seems like every athlete has their own tips and tricks (and a really great highlight reel) to give them that competitive edge.
But for every modern-day tip or trick in the book, getting recruited will always return to the fundamentals: skills, personality, and an impressive athletic resume.
Why Your Athletic Resume Matters
Your athletic resume can be the most important first step into collegiate sports. It serves as your personal introduction to college coaches and recruiters, often before they see you play. It highlights not only your athletic skills and achievements but also your academic qualifications, leadership roles, and character.
A well-crafted resume should showcase your potential to contribute both on and off the field as a member of the student body and should showcase:
○ Key athletic achievements
○ Academic Eligibility
○ Who you are off the field
○ Professionalism and investment in the recruitment process
Key Components of Your Athletic Resume
So, how do you make sure your athletic resume hits all the right notes? Our Sports Management and Recruitment team thinks you should follow the formula:
Contact Information
Always start with your contact information at the top of the resume (and actually be contactable):
- Full Name: Clearly display your full name for easy identification.
- Address: Your home address, city, and state.
- Phone Number: Use a number you check regularly and ensure your voicemail is professional.
- Email Address: A professional email address is a must, so if you’re using something like “soccerstar123@email.com,” now’s the time to upgrade!
Personal Information
Recruiters will need basic personal details to understand your background and potential eligibility for their program. This includes:
- Date of Birth: Helps coaches understand your age and eligibility.
- Height and Weight: Important for sports where physical attributes matter, like football or basketball.
- Position(s): Be sure to include your primary and secondary positions.
Academic Information
Your academic performance is equally important and can be the difference between eligibility – and not:
- High School Name and Location: the full name and location of your high school.
- Graduation Year: Coaches need to know your anticipated graduation year to plan recruitment timelines.
- GPA: Your current GPA is an indicator of your academic abilities.
- Test Scores: If you’ve taken the SAT or ACT, include your scores, especially if they are strong.
Athletic Information
This section is the heart of your resume, so make sure it shines. Include:
- Sport(s): Clearly state the sport or sports you play.
- Position(s): Reiterate your positions, particularly if they differ between high school and club teams.
- Stats: Include key performance statistics. Think about what sets you apart, whether it’s your goals, points per game, or times in track.
- Achievements: Don’t forget to highlight any awards, championships, or personal records you’ve set.
- Teams: List all relevant teams, such as high school, club, or any other competitive teams you’ve played for.
- Coaches’ Contacts: Include contact information for your current and past coaches. Coaches are often contacted for references (so build good relationships).
Athletic Achievements
Your resume should feature a section dedicated to your major (and minor) athletic achievements. This is where you list any awards, records, or memorable moments:
- Highlights: Provide details of significant accomplishments, like being named MVP, setting school records, or leading your team to championships.
- Camps and Showcases: Mention any camps, combines, or showcases you’ve attended, which could further highlight your experience and exposure to high-level competition.
Extracurricular Activities
Highlight any extracurricular activities outside of sports. A well-rounded resume will give recruiters a sense of your character and interests beyond the playing field, including:
- Community Service: Coaches value athletes who give back to their community.
- Leadership Roles: Positions like team captain, student council member, or club leader show leadership and responsibility.
References
Finally, include a list of references. These should be people who can speak to your abilities, work ethic, and character, like:
- Coaches: Current and former coaches are great options.
- Trainers: Athletic trainers can vouch for your physical capabilities.
- Teachers: A teacher reference can speak to your academic performance and personal qualities.
5 Tips for Creating the Best Athletic Resume
With the basics locked in, here are some practical tips for creating a resume that can be used a template for years to come:
1. Keep It Concise
Your resume should be easy to read and no more than one page. While you want to include as much relevant information as possible, it’s important to be selective and concise. Make your information easy to digest by using bullet points.
2. Highlight Key Stats
Your athletic stats are one of the main things recruiters will look for. Be sure to highlight the most impressive numbers, whether it’s your scoring average, times, or other key metrics. Think about what makes you stand out compared to other athletes.
3. Proofread (twice)
A resume with spelling or grammar errors can ruin your chances of making a good impression. Take the time to thoroughly proofread your resume, and better yet, have someone else take a second look.
4. Include a Photo
While it’s not mandatory, including a professional-looking headshot can add a personal touch to your resume. Just make sure it’s appropriate and high-quality.
5. Customize Each and Every Submission
Not all college programs are the same, so it’s smart to tailor your resume to each one. For example, you might highlight different stats or achievements depending on what that particular program values.
Creating an impressive athletic resume is one of the most important steps you can take to get noticed. Showcasing your accomplishments (as an athlete AND as a person) you’ll increase your chances of standing out.
Just like your training, your resume deserves 100% –
