Every year (since 2022, at least), around 520,000 kids participate in NCAA competitive sports across the USA – with the key word being competitive.
But competitive or not, there are still half a million spots available to future talent every year, with positions across D1, D2, and D3, NAIA, and JUCO divisions. So, if you find your kid isn’t making the cut, it might be time to sharpen your skills off the playing field as much as on.
And here is how:
The Fundamentals of Getting Recruited
Getting recruited for competitive sports in the USA requires a unique mix of athletic and non-athletic skills, with recruiters looking for a mix of athletic skills, academic performance, leadership, and character development:
- Fundamentally, athletes need strong performance in their sport, demonstrating skill, dedication, and a high level of competition.
- Academic excellence is equally important, with a growing number of colleges prioritizing well-rounded student-athletes with solid grades.
- Effective communication skills are essential for contacting coaches and maintaining professional interactions.
- Leadership and teamwork also play vital roles, showcasing the athlete’s ability to contribute positively to team dynamics.
Top 8 Reasons Your Kid Hasn’t Been Recruited … Yet
The fundamentals are really a baseline for getting noticed by top coaches, and outside of that, there are several reasons why your kid might have missed the mark so far. The good news is – that can change by looking at a few key areas for development:
1. Limited Athletic Development
Raw talent is the crux of success, but so is a lifetime of athletic development. If your athlete isn’t constantly improving their skills, they will fall behind. Investing in skill development is essential to staying competitive and on the recruiter’s radar.
Look for:
- Specialized Coaching: to improve specific skills, get 1-on-1 attention, and understand weaknesses.
- Strength and Conditioning: strength and conditioning continually improve physical attributes like speed, strength, and endurance.
- Consistent Practice: Practice, practice, practice consistently and with strong players.
2. Below Average Academic Performance
Too many athletes lose out on opportunities because their grades don’t meet the standards set by college programs in the recruiting process. Balancing sports and academics is challenging but makes for more attractive candidates for college programs overall:
- Be Prepared: Focus on the importance of good grades and standardized test scores. If possible, consider tutoring or prep courses.
- Balance Sports and Studies: Think about time management skills to balance your kids athletic commitments with academic responsibilities in harmony.
- Maintain Eligibility: Understand the academic requirements needed to maintain eligibility for college sports and MAINTAIN THEM!
3. Lack of Exposure
College coaches can’t recruit players they don’t know about, and many talented athletes slip through the cracks simply because they aren’t seen by the right people. Increase your athlete’s visibility by playing an active parental role in appropriate social media:
- Participate in Camps and Showcases: Enroll your kid in high-profile camps and showcases where college coaches scout talent. These events give direct exposure to recruiters.
- Create and Share Highlight Videos: Develop high-quality highlight reels that showcase your kid’s best performances. Share these videos on platforms like Hudl, YouTube, and NCSA.
- Use Social Media: Maintain active, professional social media profiles where you can share their achievements, highlight videos, and training updates.
4. Poor Communication Skills
Poor communication skills can significantly influence recruitment prospects even if your athlete is a standout. Effective communication can set your kid apart from other recruits and show coaches that they are serious about their athletic and academic future.
- Personalized Emails: Teach your child to send personalized emails to coaches, expressing genuine interest in their programs and including links to highlight videos and academic records.
- Regular Updates: Encourage regular updates to coaches on their progress.
- Professionalism: Ensure all communication is respectful, timely, and well-crafted.
5. Lack of Leadership and Teamwork Skills
Leadership and teamwork are vital skills that coaches look for in recruits. Athletes who demonstrate these qualities are often favored. Look to develop leadership through:
- Leadership Opportunities: Encourage your kid to take on leadership roles within their team, like being a captain or organizing team activities.
- Team Dynamics: Teach the importance of being a team player, supporting teammates, and being favorable to the team’s dynamic.
- Community Involvement: Get involved in community sports or activities where leadership and teamwork are essential.
6. Inappropriate Social Media Presence
Social media presence matters. Inappropriate content can derail prospects (and fast), so a clean and professional online presence can reflect maturity and responsibility, which are attractive qualities to recruiters:
- Clean Up Profiles: Make sure your child’s social media profiles are free from inappropriate content.
- Positive Engagement: Use social media to positively engage with coaches and programs, sharing relevant updates and game wins.
- Privacy Settings: Manage privacy settings to control who can see your child’s posts and personal information.
7. Limited Networking
The right connections can open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Building a strong network can significantly boost recruitment prospects by introducing your child to valuable connections and new opportunities:
- Coach Recommendations: Use high school and club coaches to advocate for your child to provide recommendations and introductions to college coaches.
- Recruitment Services: Consider professional recruitment services that can offer personalized assistance and access to a broader network of coaches.
- Attend Networking Events: Encourage your child to attend sports networking events, seminars, and meet-and-greets with college coaches.
8. Unrealistic Expectations
Many parents have unrealistic expectations about the recruitment process. They might only aim for top-tier programs, overlooking opportunities at smaller schools (D3). Setting achievable goals can improve recruitment chances and can help athletes properly prepare mentally.
- Understand the Competition: Educate your athlete on the competitive nature of college sports and the level of talent required.
- Target a Range of Schools: Encourage your child to consider a variety of programs, including smaller schools where they might have better opportunities.
- Seek Honest Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from coaches and mentors to understand where your child stands and what areas need improvement.
Looking for support, guidance, or some recruitment expertise? StellaPop Sports Management has got you!
