As a high school athlete, you may have already considered playing your sport in college. Although the recruitment process can be challenging and competitive, you can increase your prospects of getting recruited with the right approach. Here is a five-step plan that committed Choate student-athletes have suggested to improve your chances:
Learn and research
With over a thousand different programs to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find your collegiate match. Hence, it is essential to start researching colleges early to understand what each program offers. When choosing schools, consider what you want out of your college experience: What level do you want to play at? What kind of academic education are you looking for?
With a passion for both football and finance, Choate’s Varsity Football Co-Captain Michael Zack ’23 chose to pursue his athletic career at the University of Pennsylvania so that he can work towards a business degree from The Wharton School simultaneously.
Reach out, gain exposure
After finding the colleges you are interested in, it’s time to reach out to coaches and gain exposure. Alex Krusko ’24, who has committed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for lacrosse, found great success using the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) and various other recruitment websites.
While the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has regulations that prevent college coaches from reaching out to student-athletes before a specific date, student-athletes are allowed and encouraged to introduce themselves. College coaches receive hundreds of emails from potential recruits every day, so be sure to stand out by sending a personal, attention-grabbing email that includes a two to three minute highlight reel. Choate Girls’ Varsity Basketball Co-Captain and Cornell University commit Kameryn Perry ’23 stressed the importance of showing coaches your versatility as a player by displaying skills such as hustling and diving for loose balls. “It’s not just scoring the basketball, but the ways that you’re contributing and being a good teammate,” she said.
Attend college camps and showcases
The next step is to attend college camps and showcases to demonstrate your dedication and commitment to your sport. These events offer a unique opportunity to show your skills in-person and further cultivate meaningful relationships with coaches. Other benefits include meeting current players on teams and getting a feel for the campus culture.
Remember, coaches are looking for talented athletes who will fit their team dynamic. After meeting and playing for them, keeping in touch with coaches throughout the recruitment process is imperative. Keep your name at the top of their inbox by updating them on your progress throughout the season.
Receive offers
Receiving offers is an exciting period for prospective high school athletes. However, it is important to approach the process cautiously and consider multiple factors before making your final decision. The offers you receive may come with different levels of scholarship, academic support, and athletic opportunities. For Boys’ Varsity Soccer Co-Captain and Wesleyan University commit Dylan Clack ’23, “The deciding factor between Wesleyan and the other comparable academic and athletic schools was the coach having [his] best interests at heart.” Take ample time to research the programs to ensure that you find the one that most aligns with your personal and athletic goals.
Apply for admission
Once you’ve received offers, it’s time to apply for admission. Although recruitment is extremely beneficial to a student-athlete’s admissions process, it does not guarantee acceptance to the school. Colleges will still consider your GPA, test results, and other factors to ascertain whether you are academically qualified and fit the mission of the institution.
Keep in mind that getting recruited to play sports in college requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and patience. “Your work ethic has to separate you. Be very active in your recruitment,” added Zack.
With proper research, exposure, camp attendance, and attitude, you can increase your chances of finding the right college for you. Work hard, be strategic and proactive, and make your dreams of playing college sports a reality.
