Tufts University track and field coach Kristen Morwick is no stranger to success–since taking over the program in June 2000, she's been named New England Coach of the Year seven times. During her tenure, Coach Morwick has also coached many DIII national champions, top-ten finishers, and regional and national qualifiers.
Want to run for Coach Morwick? Here are her tips for a winning recruiting process.
What is the most important quality you look for in a recruit?
Commitment to the sport (we want to know they will work hard to improve and stay with it for four years in college).
Related: 6 Recruiting Questions With Retired Luther College Track & Field Coach Jeff Wettach
What is the best way for a recruit to get on your radar?
Email us.
When should an athlete contact you, and what is the best way?
Email some time during junior year. Provide the following details: name, high school, GPA, testing scores, events, and performances.
What are your expectations for incoming players in the classroom, in the weight room, and on the track?
We expect academics are their first priority and dedication to our weight training program to do it properly and take it seriously. We expect athletes to respect our training program on the track and in the field and to be coachable.
Related: Stay on Track: 3 Tips for Track and Field Success
What are the do's and don'ts of being recruited?
We prefer to communicate with students rather than parents, schedule meetings with coaches, do not just show up unannounced. Follow up quickly when asked for information and be honest about your intentions.
What is the best advice you can offer a recruit?
Contact the coach, set up a meeting, return for an overnight visit, follow up with paperwork, and be honest about your intentions.
What really jumps out to you when reviewing a recruit's highlight tape?
Knowing clearly what athlete I'm supposed to be looking at.
What are the main do's and don'ts for a recruit's highlight tape?
Do make sure we know which athlete you are….don't send a tape with a ton of cheering and talking in the background.
Related: 5 Quick Tips for Success For Track and Field Athletes
When do you recommend recruits put together and share their highlight reels? Is it best to make their highlight reel during the offseason, in the middle of season, or after each game?
It's not as crucial for us, but for technique events it helps…
How big a factor is social media when recruiting players? What advice do you have for athletes regarding social media?
Follow any team that you're interested in on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]
Image Credit: Tufts Athletics
* Originally published on March 1, 2023, by Katie Lever, Ph. D
