If you are a high school athlete starting to enter the recruiting process, there are a few things that will separate you from the rest of potential recruits as you begin to sit down and interview with coaches. Notice I use the word interview and not meet, or speak. It would be beneficial to start thinking in these terms if you are going to be meeting with coaches. Here are some tips you can use right away to make these meetings a success.
1. Overdress. Will it make a difference to a coach if you show up in jeans and a polo shirt versus khakis, jacket, and tie? Maybe, but why risk it. If you show up dressed well, a coach will know that you are taking this opportunity seriously.
2. Eye Contact. As you sit across a desk from a potential college coach, make sure you maintain eye contact and be confident. They are making judgements about you even when you aren't speaking.
3. Ask Questions. Show up to each recruiting trip with 15 questions to ask the coach. You may not get to all of the questions but it gives you a good number to start with. Write them on a sheet of paper and take some notes as the coach answers your question. He will be blown away by this. Good question: Can you describe the style of play that I will encounter in your league? Bad Question: Are there a lot of hot girls on campus?
4. Figure out exactly where you stand. If this were an interview for a job you wanted, you would close the meeting by asking for the job. So ask for the job. Ask the coach where you fit in with his plans for your recruiting class.
5. Repeat this process on all of your recruiting trips. If you use the same 15 questions at each meeting, you now have 3-6 sheets of notes on your questions from each school that you can use for reference when you make your final decision.
1 comment:
T,
Extremely valuable information!!!!
This one really hits home with me. Mainly the part about asking questions! A few years back I was in this position and certainly could have used your advice! I ended up deciding on a program that was not a good fit for me. I got caught up in all the hoopla of a fun recruiting trip and empty promises. Ultimately I ended up at a place I did not belong. Not to put a lot of pressure on the athletes reading this, but choosing a college program/system that suits you is a decision that will shape your life. Additionally, more importantly, choosing a college atmosphere that gives you the opportunity to succeed both academically and athletically is key. If your objective is to play your given sport professionally then make sure you are in a situation that best gives you that opportunity, but remember that there are many variables that come into play along the path from high school to the pro ranks. If for some reason your dreams change along the way or something prevents you from reaching that goal; you want to have a degree from a University that can help you succeed in Life!
Great Stuff!
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